Skip to main content

Make snacks last: 3 great DIY dog treats that won’t spoil quickly

How to make dog treats that last a long time

Making your dog’s treats from your own kitchen comes with a lot of benefits, from having control over your pet’s diet to saving a few dollars at the store. One of the downsides, however, is the short shelf life that most natural ingredients have. At some time or another, most pet parents have nearly given their pup a scratch-made treat before noticing the batch has gone bad. This inspires the question: What is the shelf life of homemade dog treats?

Related Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

3 hours

What You Need

  • Airtight container for storage

  • Parchment paper or cloth to keep treats separated

  • Vacuum sealer (optional)

  • Oven or food dehydrator

  • Baking sheet

  • Mixing bowl and spoon (recipe dependent)

  • Rolling pin (recipe dependent)

  • Cookie cutters (recipe dependent, optional)

  • Ingredients of choice

Freshly prepared dog treats last for about a week on average, though there are a few sneaky strategies you can use to your advantage in the kitchen. With just a little preparation, your pup’s snacks can stay fresh and yummy for twice as long — at least! Here are a few ideas for preparing and storing homemade dog treats that will last a long time.

How to make dog treats last longer

When making and preserving dog treats, keep a few things in mind.

Step 1: The most common culprits of spoilage include heat, air, and light, so you won’t want to leave these snacks sitting on the counter. Storing treats in an airtight container between layers of waxed paper or cloth will be your safest bet. For the biscuits, paper or cloth will not only keep these treats from sticking together but will also soak up any excess moisture that may develop in the container. Look for a secure, dark place to keep them until your pup is ready — in your pantry or refrigerator works best.

Step 2: In general, the longer a treat is baked, the longer its shelf life will be. You can always add an extra minute or two to the baking time when preparing homemade treats. This will help them stay fresh and make them crunchy as well. Dehydrated snacks like jerky can last much longer than other snacks — up to a month or so if refrigerated. That time will skyrocket to months without going bad if you splurge for a vacuum sealer, but this definitely isn’t something most folks have in their kitchen.

homemade dog treats last white curly feeding eating treat
Omerlavon/Pixabay

Homemade dog jerky treats

Jerky is perhaps the easiest, longest-lasting treat to make for your pup, and it’s something you may want to make for yourself as well! All you’ll need is your meat of choice (pick the leanest cuts you can find, as they will keep even longer) and your method of cooking, whether you use a dehydrator or your oven. Remember not to prepare your meat — you can’t go wrong with beef, salmon, or chicken — with any oils or spices, as these can do more harm than good for your pup.

Step 1: Slice your meat into thin strips.

Step 2: Lay pieces on a nonstick baking sheet. They should be in a single layer but don't need to be spread out.

Step 3: Cook your jerky. If using an oven, choose the lowest possible temperature and check your jerky after 3½ hours. If you have a dehydrator, you’ll probably cook it a while longer.

Step 4: When the jerky is ready, it should be half its original size and dry all the way around.

Long-lasting DIY dog biscuits

Every pup will drool for these classic snacks. They don’t take nearly as long to bake as the jerky-style treats, though storage is key for the longevity of these treats. Here’s what you’ll need: * 1 beef or chicken bouillon cube * ½ cup hot water * Up to 1 teaspoon salt * 1 egg * 2½ cups whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or oats

Step 1: To make these tasty treats, begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: While it heats, dissolve the bouillon in a mixing bowl with the hot water.

Step 3: Then, mix/knead in the remaining ingredients one at a time (make sure to add the flour or oats last!) until you have a ball of dough.

Step 4: Roll out your dough with a rolling pin until it’s about ½ inch thick.

Step 5: Use your favorite cookie cutters to make your favorite shapes.

Depending on the size of the cookie cutter, this recipe can give you a large number of treats, so plan carefully.

Step 6: Place your cookies on a greased baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake for half an hour. Easy as pie!

To keep them fresh as long as possible, freeze the treats as soon as they’re done cooling. This lets them stay fresh for up to six months, versus one month in the fridge and about a week on the counter.

homemade dog treats last chihuahua sweater leash treat
StockSnap/Pixabay

Sweet potato dog chews

For a dehydrated treat with a lighter flavor, replace your meat with sweet potatoes instead.

Step 1: Thinly slice your sweet potatoes.

Step 2: Lie slices on a nonstick baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake them on a nonstick baking sheet for 3 hours at 250 degrees — no salt or seasonings, please!

You’ll want to flip the potatoes halfway through cooking for an even bake, but apart from that, these chews practically make themselves. Good luck keeping your pup out of the kitchen in the meantime!

With these nifty recipes and food storage hacks, you can keep your dog’s treats fresh for longer than ever. Remember, not all ingredients stay their freshest in the same conditions, so read up on any produce or meats in your specific recipe. For example, some foods must be refrigerated to keep from spoiling, while others may turn faster due to the moisture in the fridge.

Don’t fret if you can’t figure out the best ways to preserve treats quite yet; sometimes trial and error are all you need. Besides, your four-legged sous-chef will happily help you sample a second batch. “Bone” appetit!

Editors' Recommendations

Top dog supplements for joint health and how they help your pooch stay active
Best supplements to give to your arthritic dog to help with joint paint
An elderly golden retriever sits on a trail in the woods

You might wake up sometimes (or all the time) with an achy back and your pup could as well. Just like humans, dogs can get joint pain and arthritis. This particularly happens in older animals and in certain breeds that are prone to it, like German shepherds. Luckily, there are a few things you can give them to help — and your canine will just think they're getting an extra treat.

How do supplements help with joint pain?
If you've noticed your dog acting stiff or limping, it could be arthritis or other joint issues. Make sure to talk to your vet to help diagnose (in case there's something else going on like a broken bone) the issue. The dog doc will do a physical exam plus tests, such as imaging, to determine the underlying cause. If it turns out to be a joint problem, your vet might suggest a supplement, which can reduce inflammation and stimulate cartilage growth.

Read more
Can dogs eat turkey? Be careful this Thanksgiving
Here's what to be aware of when feeding your dog Thanksgiving food
Yellow lab begs at the Thanksgiving table

As everyone gathers around the table for this year’s Thanksgiving feast, make sure your four-legged family members are included, too. Not all people food is safe for dogs, so it will take a little more thought and effort than just tossing over some table scraps.
If you're wondering if dogs can eat turkey or other Thanksgiving fare, you'll just want to be sure whatever you're giving them is safe. A lot of the ingredients and dishes that are already on your table can be slightly modified to be made safe for your pup, so preparing people food for dogs can be easier than you think. Read on to get some canine-friendly ideas for feeding your dog on this yummy, cozy holiday. Remember to be grateful for your pup, too!
Here are some of the best (and worst) Thanksgiving foods for dogs.

Can dogs eat turkey? How to prepare Thanksgiving turkey for dogs
Turkey, cooked plainly and without the skin or bones, is safe for canine consumption. In fact, many dog foods and treats include this poultry as one of their main sources of protein, so there’s a great chance your pup already loves the taste.
Here’s the catch: The turkey on your Thanksgiving table is most likely not plain. Apart from any seasonings on the skin, the stuffing on the inside contains ingredients that can be toxic, or even fatal, to dogs. This includes onions, garlic, and spices...at the least!
If those puppy-dog eyes are starting to get to you, a small piece of meat from an area that wasn’t touching other ingredients will probably not harm your dog, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Make sure there is no skin or bone! Still, if your dog is known for a sensitive stomach, you may want to prepare her own plain, boiled turkey (in moderation, of course) to celebrate the holiday.

Read more
Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Find out if this is a healthy snack for pups
The do's and don'ts of feeding dogs sweet potatoes
A dog sniffs a plate of sweet potatoes hungrily

Every dog owner has slipped their furry friend a snack or two from off the dinner plate. But just as we have to be careful with what we eat, our pets need us to watch what goes into their mouths, too. There are lots of healthy diets for pups of all different varieties, but every animal needs the correct balance of calories and nutrition.

When it comes to discretionary foods, like sweet potatoes, your goal should be moderation. Keep in mind, your pup might actually eat some of this in her regular food, so you'll need to carefully consider all aspects of her meal plan before introducing this element. There can be some risks, but with enough research, your doggie will enjoy a sweet potato snack now and then. Keep reading to find out if your dog can eat sweet potatoes and if your dog can eat raw sweet potatoes.

Read more