Homemade dog treats are a great way to show your pup some extra love. Not only can you control the ingredients, but you can also customize the treats to suit your pup’s needs. However, if you’re not careful, your homemade dog treats could become moldy, making them unsafe for your pup to eat. Here’s how to keep your homemade dog treats fresh and mold-free.
Choose the Right Recipe
The first step in keeping your homemade dog treats from molding is to choose the right recipe. Many recipes, especially those with a lot of wet ingredients, will become moldy faster than recipes with drier ingredients. Look for recipes that contain only a few wet ingredients, such as peanut butter, pumpkin puree, applesauce or eggs. You should also avoid recipes that contain cheese, as this is prone to molding quickly. If you’re not sure which recipes are best for keeping your homemade dog treats fresh, ask your vet for advice.
Store the Treats Properly
The next step in keeping your homemade dog treats from molding is to store them properly. If you store them in an airtight container, like a glass jar, they should last for several weeks. If you’re using a plastic container, make sure it is food-grade and that it is sealed properly. It’s also important to keep the treats away from direct sunlight and to avoid storing them in damp locations, such as a humid basement or garage.
Make the Treats in Small Batches
If you’re making large batches of homemade dog treats, you may be tempted to store them in the refrigerator or freezer. However, this isn’t always a good idea. Refrigerating or freezing the treats can cause them to become soggy, and this can make them more likely to become moldy. If you’re making large batches of treats, it’s best to make them in smaller batches and store the extras in the freezer. This will help keep them fresh for longer.
Use Preservatives
If you’re making dog treats with wet ingredients, such as eggs, applesauce or peanut butter, it’s a good idea to add a preservative. Natural preservatives, such as apple cider vinegar, can help keep the treats fresh for up to a month. You can also use commercial preservatives, such as citric acid or sodium benzoate, but make sure to follow the directions on the package. Too much preservative can be dangerous for your pup.
Bake the Treats Thoroughly
When baking homemade dog treats, it’s important to make sure they’re cooked thoroughly. If the treats aren’t baked long enough, they won’t be completely dry, and this can make them more prone to molding. Make sure to follow the instructions on the recipe and to check the treats with a toothpick or thermometer to make sure they’re done. This will help keep them from becoming moldy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best recipes for homemade dog treats?
The best recipes for homemade dog treats are those that contain few wet ingredients, such as peanut butter, pumpkin puree, applesauce or eggs. You should avoid recipes that contain cheese, as this is prone to molding quickly.
How should I store homemade dog treats?
Homemade dog treats should be stored in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a food-grade plastic container. They should be kept away from direct sunlight and stored in a cool, dry location.
Should I refrigerate or freeze homemade dog treats?
It’s best to avoid refrigerating or freezing homemade dog treats, as this can make them soggy and more prone to molding. If you’re making large batches of treats, it’s best to make them in smaller batches and store the extras in the freezer.
What type of preservatives can I use in homemade dog treats?
Natural preservatives, such as apple cider vinegar, can help keep homemade dog treats fresh for up to a month. You can also use commercial preservatives, such as citric acid or sodium benzoate, but make sure to follow the directions on the package.
How do I know when homemade dog treats are done baking?
When baking homemade dog treats, it’s important to make sure they’re cooked thoroughly. Make sure to follow the instructions on the recipe and to check the treats with a toothpick or thermometer to make sure they’re done.
Are homemade dog treats better than store-bought treats?
Homemade dog treats can be a great way to give your pup something special. Not only can you control the ingredients, but you can also customize the treats to suit your pup’s needs. However, store-bought treats can be a convenient option if you don’t have time to make your own.
Do homemade dog treats last as long as store-bought treats?
If stored properly, homemade dog treats can last for several weeks. However, store-bought treats can last for months or even years, depending on the type of treat.
Are homemade dog treats safe for my pup?
Most homemade dog treats are safe for your pup if they are made with healthy, natural ingredients and stored properly. However, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before giving your pup any type of treat.