Dehydrated dog treats have had a significant amount of moisture removed, but they still require appropriate storage after purchase and after the package is opened.
Moisture, heat, sunlight, damaged packaging, dirty hands, and improper handling can affect product quality.
Always begin with the instructions printed on the specific package. When those directions differ from general guidance, follow the product-specific label.
Keep the Original Package
Keep treats in their properly labeled original package whenever possible.
The package provides important information, including:
- Product name
- Ingredient statement
- Net weight
- Feeding statement
- Storage directions
- Best-by information
- Lot or batch number
- Business contact information
When you transfer treats into a separate container, retain the original label and lot information until the product has been completely used.
Reseal the Bag After Every Use
Close the package promptly after removing a treat.
Leaving the bag open can expose the contents to:
- Humidity
- Kitchen odors
- Dust
- Insects
- Pet hair
- Handling contamination
Press excess air from the bag when practical and make sure the closure is completely sealed.
When the package closure becomes damaged, place the entire original bag inside a clean, dry, airtight secondary container rather than discarding the labeled packaging.
Choose a Cool, Dry Location
Store the treats away from:
- Direct sunlight
- Ovens and stoves
- Heating vents
- Dishwashers
- Sinks
- Humid basements
- Hot cars
- Outdoor storage areas
A kitchen cabinet or pantry may work when it stays dry and within the storage conditions printed on the package.
Do not leave dehydrated treats in a vehicle for extended periods. Temperatures inside a parked car can change rapidly and may not provide appropriate storage conditions.
Protect the Treats from Moisture
Moisture is particularly important because dehydrated products are intended to remain dry.
Avoid:
- Reaching into the package with wet hands
- Allowing water to enter the bag
- Storing it beside a sink
- Returning a licked or partially chewed treat to the package
- Mixing moist food into the original bag
- Leaving the package open in a humid room
When a treat has been exposed to saliva, water, or another source of moisture, do not place it back with the unused product.
Should Dehydrated Treats Be Refrigerated?
Do not assume that every dehydrated product needs refrigeration or that refrigeration is appropriate for every product.
Follow the storage directions printed on the package.
Refrigeration can introduce condensation when a package is repeatedly moved between cold storage and a warm, humid room. When a manufacturer directs you to refrigerate a product, keep it properly sealed and follow those instructions carefully.
For PupChew, follow the product-specific storage statement and best-by information on the bag.
Check the Product Before Serving
Before giving a treat to your dog, look at and smell it.
Do not serve the product when you notice:
- Visible mold
- Unusual moisture
- Insects
- Damaged or open packaging
- An unexpected or rancid odor
- Major discoloration inconsistent with normal variation
- Foreign material
- A texture that has changed unexpectedly
- A recalled or affected lot number
Natural treats vary in shape and color, so variation alone does not necessarily mean spoilage. Look for a meaningful change from the product’s normal appearance and condition.
Keep Treats Away from Pets
Do not store the package where a dog can access it independently.
Dogs may consume far more than the intended serving, swallow packaging, or tear into several bags. Store treats in a closed cabinet or another location the pet cannot reach.
FDA specifically recommends protecting pet foods and treats from unintended access and storing them appropriately.
Pay Attention to Best-By Information
A best-by date generally relates to the expected quality of the unopened product under proper storage conditions. It does not make improper storage acceptable until that date.
Once the package is opened:
- Reseal it after every use
- Avoid moisture
- Inspect the product regularly
- Follow any “use within” instructions
- Discard it when its condition is questionable
Do not feed a product simply because the printed date has not passed when the package is damaged or the contents appear abnormal.
What to Do When You Have a Product Concern
Stop using the product and retain:
- The package
- The remaining treats
- The lot number
- The best-by date
- Proof of purchase when available
- Photographs of the product and packaging
Contact the manufacturer or retailer. When you believe a pet has become ill, contact your veterinarian.
Pet treats are considered pet food and fall within FDA’s animal-food oversight.
The Bottom Line
Proper storage helps protect the quality and traceability of dehydrated dog treats.
Keep the original packaging, reseal it after every use, store it in a cool and dry place, prevent moisture exposure, and inspect each treat before serving.