If you're like me, you love spoiling your furry friend with homemade treats. These tasty goodies can be a great way to reward good behavior, celebrate special occasions, or simply give your pup a healthy snack. However, you might be wondering how long these treats will last.
Freshly baked homemade dog treats can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days when stored properly. This timeframe is crucial to ensure your pup's safety and the treats' quality.
To extend the shelf life of your homemade dog treats, it's essential to store them in airtight containers. This will help keep the treats fresh by preventing moisture and air from getting in.
Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade dog treats fresh for a longer period.
Storing Homemade Dog Treats
Storing homemade dog treats is a crucial step to ensure they remain fresh and safe for your furry friend to enjoy. Homemade dog treats are free of preservatives, but their shelf life is shorter than store-bought treats.
To extend the shelf life, store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store them in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Cooling your treats completely before storing is essential. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the treats damp and spoil them quickly. Allow your treats to cool on a wire cooling rack for at least 3 hours, or longer for large or thick treats.
The best place to store homemade dog treats is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh for longer and eliminates worries about spoiled treats. For longer-term storage, the freezer is a great option, but make sure to wrap them tightly in foil or use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
You can also use a vacuum sealer to extend the storage life of your dog treats. Vacuum-sealed bags filled with treats can keep them fresh for up to a year. Just remember to defrost them completely before serving to your dog, or give them to them frozen if they're thin and crunchy.
Here's a quick storage guide:
Remember to always double-wrap uncooked dough before freezing it and defrost it thoroughly in the refrigerator before using.
Types of Homemade Dog Treats
Homemade dog treats come in a variety of types, each with its own shelf life.
Biscuit-style treats, made with ingredients like peanut butter and oats, can last up to 2 weeks when stored properly.
Freeze-dried treats, on the other hand, can retain their nutritional value for up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container.
Homemade jerky treats, made with ingredients like chicken and sweet potatoes, can last up to 3 months when stored in a sealed container.
Baked
Baked dog treats have a long shelf life, especially when they're dry and crunchy. They can be stored in an airtight container in the larder for up to a week, and in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
The crispier and crunchier your baked treats are, the longer they'll stay fresh. This is because dry treats tend to store better than soft ones.
If your baked treats contain meat, fish, or cheese, it's best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer, regardless of how crunchy they are. They'll be good for around five days in the refrigerator.
Soft, baked homemade dog treats store relatively well, generally staying fresh for up to five days in the refrigerator.
For another approach, see: How to Dry Chicken for Dog Treats
Gummy
Gummy dog treats are a fun and tasty option for your furry friend. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
If you want to keep them longer than that, you'll need to freeze them. Frozen gummy treats will stay fresh for several months.
We've found that feeding frozen gummy treats is a great way to go, as they don't defrost very well.
Discover more: Frozen Pumpkin Puree Dog Treats
Shelf Life and Spoilage
Homemade dog treats have a shorter shelf life than store-bought treats, but there are ways to extend their freshness.
Storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature can keep them fresh for up to 7 days. In the refrigerator, they'll last up to 3 weeks, and in the freezer, they'll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
To prevent mold and spoilage, it's essential to store homemade dog treats properly. You can store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag, but make sure to check on them regularly for any signs of spoilage.
Broaden your view: 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Dog Treats
Here's a quick guide to help you store your homemade dog treats:
Decorated treats, on the other hand, can grow mold if not stored properly. To prevent this, make sure to let the icing or frosting completely air dry before sealing them in packaging. If you do store them in the refrigerator or freezer, be sure to remove the packaging and let them air dry again before serving to your pup.
Sources
- https://therecipecritic.com/homemade-dog-treats/
- https://www.wiggleworthy.com/store-homemade-dog-treats.html
- http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/how-do-i-extend-the-shelf-life-of-homemade-dog-treats.html
- https://www.pastries4pet.com/blogs/news/how-long-do-homemade-dog-treats-last
- https://www.pookspantry.com/homemade-dog-treat-recipes/
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