Asking the question of 'how long are my dog teats going to last' can be highly complex; however, there can be a straightforward answer. Each treat is different, and they all last an additional time depending on what they are made of and what type of treat they are.
Types of Treats
There are many different types of treats, and they all have various life expectancies. There are different ways to store them to extend their lifespan. Kibble treats are different from homemade ones because they are harder and are expected to last a lot longer than the softer homemade treat. Cooked chicken is very different from other treats as it doesn't last long, especially if left out of a refrigerator. Some of the main types of dog treats are:
- Training kibble
- Jerky/Animal meat
- Dehydrated/Freeze-dried
- Dog chews
- Milkbone
- Homemade treats
Training Kibble
Training kibble is much like the regular dog food you would feed your dog for their meal. Many trainers use their dog's meal for training as their dog is a lot more used to their food and will accept it as a reward. It doesn't take much to store kibble and can simply be stored in a bucket in your garage. If stored right, your dog's kibble treats can last more than six weeks.
Jerky/Animal Meat
Jerky meat is one of the main dog treats that must be refrigerated. These should be in airtight containers and stored in a cold environment to keep them nice and fresh. Jerky and animal meats can last up to two months after opening.
Dehydration/Freeze Dried
Freeze-dried and dehydrated treats are really easy to make. Take some fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs and stick them in a dehydrator or freeze dryer. These treats can be stored in a refrigerator or a dry area. If stored properly, dehydrated/freeze-dried treats can last up to two to three weeks.
Dog Chews
Dog chews last much longer than other dog treats because they are thicker and tougher. If your dog is anything like my Goldendoodle they will love them! These treats are meant to be a way to keep your dog occupied. These are great for crates and putting your dog to sleep while you are gone or at night. Dog chews help to clean your dog's teeth and keep them healthy. Dog chews are long lasting, lasting for up to three years.
Milkbone
Milkbone is another tougher treat for your dog to chew on. These are a little tougher than other dog chews and based on bones which will be a little more favorable to some dogs. Stored in a cool, dry location, these treats can last up to eighteen months.
Homemade Treats
There are so many recipes for quick homemade dog treats that should all be stored carefully because they can grow old fast. Because they are homemade, they should be stored in a refrigerator and used quickly to keep them fresh. Depending on the treats, homemade treats can last up to two weeks in a fridge.
How to store treats
Storing dog treats is a lot different depending on the type of treat they are. Kibble and tricky treats don't have to be stored in a cold refrigerator, but they should be kept in a leak-free container to keep out bugs and germs.
Many people have been storing dog treats by setting a cupboard apart from the rest of the food or somewhere in a garage to prevent the treats from contaminating the other food. You can use buckets, bins, and containers to organize all your treats.
There isn't one universally correct answer to how you should be storing your treats. It all depends on your setup and what space you have. Whichever way suits you best is the way you should go.
