When it comes to choosing dog treats, there are a few different types to consider. Dry or crunchy treats are usually labeled as biscuits, chews, and jerky.
These are long-lasting and usually do not require any refrigeration. Wet treats usually come in cans and require refrigeration after opening. There are homemade dog treats which can provide a variety of flavors and ingredients. Whatever type of treat you choose, make sure to check expiration dates and store them correctly for optimal safety and flavor for your pup.
Dry or Crunchy Dog Treats
Dry or crunchy dog treats are a great option for a snack or reward for your pup. The shelf life of this type of dog treat is generally a bit longer than other types of treats due to their low moisture content. To get the most out of your dry or crunchy dog treats, you’ll want to store them properly.
Storing the treats in a cool, dry place, away from any sources of direct sunlight and high humidity is the best way to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible. An airtight container or resealable plastic bag can help keep the treats fresher for longer. When in doubt, check the expiration date on the package and don’t feed treats that are past their prime!
Homemade Dog Treats
Homemade dog treats can be a great way to bring variety to your pup’s diet and show them a little extra love. They are also good for those dogs with specific dietary needs and can be tailored to fit their individual needs. It is important to keep in mind that homemade treats can easily spoil if not stored and handled properly.
Before you whip up a batch of your pup’s favorite treats, here are a few things to keep in mind.
When preparing homemade treats, use the freshest, highest quality ingredients you can find, and store them promptly in the refrigerator or freezer. If the treats are stored too long in a warm area, bacteria can quickly grow, which can lead to food-borne illnesses. If you are using eggs or dairy, you should use those items within a week or two of purchase.
If your treats contain rawhide, don’t forget to check to ensure it is soft and pliable, as hard, brittle rawhide can be a choking hazard.
When it comes to serving your homemade dog treats, you should also be aware of the size of the treats. If the treats are too large, they can be a choking hazard, so you will want to cut them down to a size that your pup can manage. Remember to keep your pet hydrated since treats can be a bit dry. Be creative – the possibilities for flavors and ingredients are endless and you can come up with some great combinations for your pup’s palate.
When storing treats for your fur baby, it’s important to consider the temperature, humidity, and air to make sure they stay fresh. Depending on the type of treat, they may last longer when they’re kept cool. If you’re storing crunchy treats, keep them in an airtight container.
Wet treats should be kept in the fridge and wrapped well. Make sure the container you’re using for homemade treats is also airtight.
When it comes to expiration dates, take a close look at what they mean. The dates refer to the freshness of the treat and not its safety.
If you’re in doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry – if a treat is past its expiration date, it’s best to throw it away. If it’s stored properly, you can be sure your pup will enjoy it for longer!
At the end of the day, it’s important to be mindful of how you’re storing doggy treats. Humidity, and air are key components in making sure your pup has a tasty, fresh treat every time. If you’re not sure, always err on the side of caution and replace the treat with a fresh one.
Temperature
It is important to store your dog treats in a cool, dry environment. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or near a source of heat, as this can reduce the shelf-life of the treats.
The optimum temperature for storing dog treats is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the treats are stored in a warm or humid environment, they can start to go bad quicker. You can also extend the shelf-life of dog treats by storing them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
This helps to keep out humidity and heat, as well as pests, which can cause the treats to become moldy or stale.
Keeping them in an airtight container also helps to maintain the flavor, texture, and smell of the treats. It is important to check the expiration date on the packaging before feeding your pup their treats. If the expiration date has passed, the treats may no longer be safe to eat and should be discarded. Although some treats may still be safe to consume after the date has passed, it is always best to double-check before feeding them to your pup!
Humidity
Humidity is an important factor when storing dog treats. High humidity can cause the treats to spoil quickly but too low of humidity can create an environment where mold can grow.
You’ll want to make sure that the treats are stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to ensure they stay fresh longer. If you’re in a humid climate, you may want to consider investing in an airtight container to keep the treats from getting damp. You should make sure the treats are kept away from any heat sources like radiators, ovens, and even direct sunlight. Not only will this help keep the treats fresh and edible, but it will also ensure that your furry friend is safe when eating them.
It’s important to keep the air fresh and dry around your dog treats. If they’re left out in the open, exposure to moisture, heat, light, and air can cause them to go bad quickly. A good rule of thumb is to store them in an airtight container and out of direct light.
This will help preserve their freshness and safety for your pup.
Humidity can also affect the shelf life of dog treats. If the air is too humid, the treats may start to spoil or go stale more quickly.
If you live in a humid climate, consider storing the treats in a cool, dry place such as the refrigerator or a dark cupboard. When it comes to air, it’s important to keep your pup’s treats away from dust and other airborne particles. You can use a vacuum or dust and wipe down the treats and their containers regularly to ensure they stay clean. This will help ensure your pup’s treats are as safe and tasty as possible.
Expiration Dates
Expiration dates can be a bit confusing. Knowing when your dog treats expire is incredibly important as feeding your pup expired treats can make them sick. To avoid any potential problems, check the expiration date on the package of the treats and make sure that it is still within the safe timeframe.
If you have opened the package and lost the label, you can typically tell that the treats have gone bad if the colour, smell, or taste of the treats have changed drastically. When it comes to a safe storage environment, try to keep your dog treats away from direct sunlight or heat, as this can damage the treats and make them spoil quickly (see also “Best Blue Buffalo Dog Treats“).
If you store treats in the fridge, make sure that the temperature is appropriate and that the treats are sealed in an airtight container.
If the treats are stored in a pantry, make sure to keep them in a closed container, as the humidity and dust can affect the quality of the treats. It is important to understand the shelf life of the treats you are feeding your pup and make sure that you are not giving them expired treats. While it may not be possible to tell when exactly your treats expire, keeping an eye on the expiration date and the appearance of the treats can help ensure that your pup is getting the safest treats available.
What Do the Dates Mean?
Expiration dates on dog treats are an important indicator of the shelf life of the treat. It is important to know how to read the date correctly, as labels vary from one brand to the next. The date will be indicated by a month and a year, or a month, day, and year.
If a “best by” date is present, it is best to use the treat before that date. After this date, the treat may not have its original flavor, texture, or nutrients.
If the treat is past its expiration date, it is best to discard it altogether.
When purchasing dog treats, it is important to check the expiration date on the package. If the treat is close to its expiration date, it is best to choose another one.
If the treat has already expired, it is best to avoid the product altogether. It is also important to store the treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and to always keep the treats away from high heat sources. Following these steps will help ensure your pup only eats the freshest and safest treats.
Is It Safe to Feed a Dog Treat After the Expiration Date?
It is always important to keep an eye on the expiration date of any treat you give to your dog. While it’s not necessarily dangerous to feed your pup a treat that has passed its expiration date, it could become hazardous if the treat has been stored improperly or has come into contact with moisture, pests, or other contaminants.
Treats that have expired may not contain the same nutritional value they had when they were fresh. If you can’t find an expiration date on the package, check for any signs of spoilage and toss out treats that have become moldy, discolored, or smell bad. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to feeding your pup treats, so always make sure to read the labels and store treats properly to ensure their safety and freshness.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
