Updated on May 25, 2023
When training a dog, rewards are a must. Can these dog treats be stored for an extended period of time? When dog treats go bad, what happens to Fido?
Do Dog Treats Expire
Training your dog or wanting to be able to reward your dog requires dog treats. Dog treats can be found in packages ranging from very little to very large.
In case you’ve bought more dog treats than you need, you may be wondering whether or not they expire and, if so, when. So that you may feel confident that your pet is always eating safely, we’ll be delving into the topic of dog treat expiration dates.
How Long Do Dog Treats Last Once Open?
Each bag of dog treats has a “best by” date, so this has always been a bit of a conundrum. Pet owners often wonder how long a bag of goodies will last once they’ve started feeding it to their dogs, given that opening the packaging reduces the product’s freshness and shelf life. There is no simple solution to this question, as there are many varieties of dog treats on the market.
Up to two months after opening is within the broad range for freshness.
As long as the packaging has not been opened, it will remain good until the expiration date (be sure to mark this date). If you know you’re going to need dog treats but aren’t sure how long it will be until you run out, you can save money by buying in bulk and storing them in the freezer, then taking out what you need as needed. Despite the fact that the best-by date remains in effect, frozen dog treats have a much longer shelf life than those kept at room temperature.
How Do You Increase the Shelf Life of Dog Treats?
It’s inevitable that if you have multiple dogs at home, you’ll resort to buying or making dog treats in mass quantities. However, the shelf life of dog treats is limited, and no pet parent enjoys having to put out stale treats. By adhering to these guidelines, you can lengthen the time that dog treats last in storage.
Commercial dog treats
Store commercial dog treats in a cool, dark place once they have been opened.
The main enemy of edibles is moisture. The presence of moisture promotes decay. Therefore, whether the dog treats are sealed or not, the addition of dehumidifiers to the cabinet will assist maintain their freshness.
Do not leave dog treats in a hot car or on a window sill. Don’t leave the bag in direct sunlight, and keep the dog treats out of the kitchen, which is usually the hottest room in the house. Put those dog treats away in the coolest area in the home.
Opened dog treats should be stored in the freezer in the airtightest container you have. Eight months of survival time is what you should expect from this. You should only defrost what you will use at that moment.
To avoid freezer burn, store dog treats in the fridge in an airtight container. Assuming that your fridge is in good functioning order and isn’t overcrowded, the cooling should be just fine. If you store dog treats in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for an extra two months. Thawing the dog treats will also be more convenient.
Homemade dog treats
Unlike store-bought goodies, homemade ones with gobs of vegetable oil or beef tallow spoil more quickly. In light of this, these sweets should be stored in the freezer.
Since the shelf life of cooked or raw meat treats is only a few days, the best choice for preserving a big quantity of homemade dog treats is to freeze them.
You shouldn’t use your bare hands to get at the sweets in the larger container, since doing so could potentially introduce bacteria and hasten spoilage.
Will Expired Dog Treats Hurt Dogs?
Yes, they have the potential to cause harm to dogs and probably very fast. Similarly to how processed human food is maintained, so is dog food. Manufacturers of dog food use a combination of chemicals to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria, as well as to inhibit the molecular changes that can occur in the food when exposed to dampness.
However, these stabilisers have a finite lifespan and will break down over time. Preservatives in dog treats decay over time, allowing mould and germs to grow on their surfaces. A dog can quickly become ill from exposure to these microorganisms.
How Long Does the Dog Food Expire?
Commercially prepared dog food has a 12-month shelf life from the date of preparation. With the exception of canned or bottled goods, manufacturers almost never extend the best-by date. Two years after the show, canned or moist food will still taste fine. They’re more convenient to keep because they don’t need special conditions to be kept safe and sound inside a warehouse or other storage facility.
How To Store Dog Food Properly?
Dog food and dog treats must be kept in accordance with many FDA regulations:
Please use the original packaging for as long as possible after purchasing dog food or treats. There is a best-before date printed on the original package.
To freeze the dog treats, place them in an additional, airtight container.
Keep your dog’s food and treats in a cool, dry place, no more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.67 degrees Celsius).
Clean the scoop you used to get the dog treats after each usage.
What Should I Do When It Expires?
Some dog owners claim that dog treats can be safely used even months after their expiration date, provided they have been stored properly. The dog treats have not gone bad just yet, but their preservatives may be on their last legs. Sometimes it makes sense to use dog treats if the only thing wrong with them is the preservatives. However, before feeding them to your dog, make sure the treats are in good condition by physically inspecting them.
What Happens to Dogs That Eat Expired Dog Food?
Once food poisoning sets in, dogs can experience a wide range of symptoms. Keep an eye out for symptoms including incontinence, nausea, vomiting, hyperactivity, muscle cramps, stomach discomfort, disorientation, extreme thirst, and diarrhoea.
