When it comes to storing dog treats, pet owners often wonder if an airtight container is necessary. The short answer is that it depends on the type of treat. Some treats are more prone to going stale or soft when exposed to air and humidity. An airtight container can help maximize freshness and prevent treats from spoiling as quickly. However, other treats are shelf-stable and don’t require special storage. Understanding the different factors that affect treat freshness can help you decide if an airtight container is needed.
Soft treats
Soft treats like jerky strips and meat rolls are among the most sensitive to humidity and air exposure. Without an airtight container, these treats can quickly grow mold, become stale, and dry out. The main culprit is moisture – soft treats have a high moisture content that makes them vulnerable. If humidity seeps in, it provides the perfect breeding ground for mold. And if moisture escapes, the treats lose their soft, chewy texture.
An airtight container creates a protective barrier that locks out humidity and prevents moisture loss. Oxygen absorption packets can be added to help soak up any remaining moisture. With this protection, soft treats can maintain optimal freshness and texture for weeks or months past the best by date. They are less likely to grow fungus or become rock hard when properly stored.
Recommended storage for soft treats:
- Airtight plastic containers or resealable bags
- Add oxygen absorption packets (optional)
- Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and sun
Hard treats
Hard treats like biscuits, dental chews, and bully sticks tend to have lower moisture content and be less prone to humidity issues. Without moisture, mold growth is far less likely. However, staleness and texture changes can still occur over time. Though not always necessary, airtight storage can still have benefits for maximizing freshness.
The main factors are the fat and oil content of the treats. Even hard treats contain some level of fat or oil to improve palatability. Exposure to oxygen causes these oils to go rancid faster. An airtight container provides some insulation from oxygen, potentially extending freshness. Hard treats also gradually lose moisture to evaporation, causing them to dry out or become stale tasting. Proper storage retains moisture better.
For very low-fat treats like plain biscuits, airtight storage is less critical. But it can still keep them fresher for longer. Bully sticks, dental chews, and other oily treats fare better in sealed storage.
Recommended storage for hard treats:
- Plastic containers, resealable bags, or zipper bags
- Add oxygen absorbers if treats are high in fat (optional)
- Cool, dry storage ideal but not always necessary
Freeze-dried treats
Freeze-dried treats like chicken jerky and liver cubes are very porous and absorbent. They tend to act similarly to soft treats when it comes to storage needs. The freeze drying process removes nearly all moisture, leaving a crispy, delicate texture. Any humidity exposure causes them to reabsorb moisture and lose their signature crunch.
Likewise, any remaining oils can still go rancid with oxygen exposure. So an airtight container provides protection on two fronts – preserving crispness and preventing oxidation. Unsealed, these treats become limp and potentially foul-smelling within days. With proper storage, they keep their texture and scent much longer.
Recommended storage for freeze-dried treats:
- Airtight container or resealable bag
- Oxygen absorption packet recommended
- Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture
Training treats
Small training treats come in various forms like crunchy biscuits, chewy cubes, and soft morsels. Their storage needs depend on their specific ingredients and manufacturing process. Soft, chewy varieties should be stored like soft treats to prevent staleness. Crunchy biscuit types can be stored like hard treats.
Due to their small size, keeping them in resealable plastic bags or airtight jars is recommended. This prevents broken pieces from going stale. Only take out a small portion at a time for training sessions. Some owners even divide treats into separate daily portions to limit air exposure.
Recommended storage for training treats:
- Airtight container, jar, or resealable bag
- Only open container when dispensing treats for training
- Separating into daily portions optional
Natural treats
Natural treats like pig ears, hooves, and bones have different storage needs than manufactured treats. Since they come straight from the source, there’s greater risk of spoilage from contamination. Moisture also impacts shelf life.
Because of this, dry ambient temperature storage is ideal. An airtight container provides additional protection and prevents reabsorption of moisture. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life for some natural treats as well. Keeping them chilled prevents growth of bacteria and mold.
Recommended storage for natural treats:
- Airtight container ideal, zipper bag also sufficient
- Refrigerate for added safety and longevity
- If storing at room temperature, a dry location is best
Sweet treats
Treats containing sugars or syrups like peanut butter cookies, carob snacks, and fruit chews are susceptible to crystallization, stickiness, and general staleness if left unsealed. The sugars and humectants attract moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold if humidity seeps in.
An airtight container prevents moisture migration and helps prolong fresh texture and flavor. Allowing air exchange exposes them to humidity as well. So sealing them off from air does wonders for maximizing shelf life.
Recommended storage for sweet treats:
- Airtight plastic container or resealable bag
- Oxygen absorption packet can help
- Store in a cool, dry place away from heat
Treats with fillings or toppings
Treats topped or filled with yogurt, cheese, peanut butter, or other moist ingredients require more diligent storage. The higher moisture content makes them prone to rapid staleness, texture changes, and spoilage.
An airtight container is highly recommended to prevent water migration and seal out humidity. Refrigeration can also help these treats maintain freshness longer. The cold environment slows mold growth and other deterioration.
Recommended storage for treats with fillings:
- Airtight container or resealable bag
- Refrigerate after opening for best results
- Freeze for long-term storage if needed
Homemade treats
Homemade dog treats tend to have higher moisture content and shorter shelf lives than commercial treats. Similar to treats with fillings, homemade goodies are prone to faster spoilage from staleness, mold, and bacteria.
Airtight containers or bags provide protection against humidity and moisture migration. Refrigerating homemade treats is also recommended. The cold prolongs freshness and prevents bacterial overgrowth. Freezing is another good option for long-term storage.
Recommended storage for homemade treats:
- Airtight container or resealable freezer bag
- Refrigerate or freeze for optimal longevity
- Use within 1-2 weeks for best quality
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the storage needs for dog treats depends on the specific type and ingredients. Softer, moister treats tend to benefit most from airtight containers. Crunchy, hard treats often don’t require as much protection. But sealing any treat optimizes freshness and prevents premature staleness in most cases.
Here are some general tips for getting the longest life out of treats:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from heat, sun, and humidity
- Use airtight plastic containers or resealable bags
- Add oxygen absorbers to help remove oxygen and moisture
- Refrigerate or freeze perishable homemade and filled treats
- Seal the container tightly after each use
- Dispense small portions into training treat bags
- Follow package instructions for storage guidance
With the right storage methods, most treats can be kept fresh for extended periods past the labeled expiry date. So break out the airtight containers and keep those treats locked in freshness for dogs to enjoy. Just be sure to follow any guidelines from the manufacturer and use common sense based on the treat ingredients.