Homemade dog treats last from a few days to several months, depending on moisture content and storage: crunchy, dry treats last 1-2 weeks at room temp/refrigerated; soft treats last 3-5 days in the fridge; and treats with meat/dairy need refrigeration and last less time; freezing extends shelf life to 3-6 months for most types, while dehydrating can make them last months or longer. Always check for spoilage like mold or off smells before serving.
Baked treats can last up to two weeks in an airtight container. Dehydrated treats can last up to a month if stored in a cool, dry place. Frozen treats should be kept in the freezer and used within three months.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete, balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, training rewards, and any extra human foods or toppers, preventing nutritional imbalances and obesity. This guideline ensures essential vitamins and minerals are met through their main diet, keeping treats as occasional indulgences rather than dietary staples.
Store treats in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark place to keep them fresh for 3-6 months. For maximum safety, I recommend freezing them, which can extend shelf life to 1-2 years -- they thaw super quickly because of the low moisture.
Store dog treats made with perishable ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freshly made, home-baked soft dog treats can be stored for 3 -- 5 days or for a longer shelf-life, frozen for up to three months.
80/10/10 dog food refers to the Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet, a popular raw feeding method with a ratio of 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, and 10% secreting organs (like liver and kidney), aiming to mimic a whole prey animal's diet. While considered a natural approach, many experts stress that this model alone often lacks essential nutrients, requiring additions like fatty fish, kelp, or supplements to provide complete nutrition and prevent deficiencies, especially for long-term feeding or growing puppies, notes Houndsy and The Canine Dietitian.
Using Unsafe or Unhealthy Ingredients
There is a wide variety of unhealthy and unsafe foods to avoid when preparing meals for your dog. Potentially toxic ingredients are of special concern, including chocolate, xylitol, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts.
Many ingredients of our organic dog treats have great nutritional profiles, and some can also help to preserve food. Examples of the natural preservatives that we include in our recipes are ginger, lemon, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, oregano, and star anise.
Yes, you can use regular flour for dogs treats. While this recipe uses wheat flour, it can be made using all-purpose flour as well. It really shouldn't alter the overall appearance or outcome of these DIY dog treats. However, dogs don't need any flour in their diets.
Look for changes in smell, texture, and signs of mold. These indicate that the treats are no longer safe. Yes, expired treats often lose their nutritional value, making them less beneficial for your pet. Store treats in a cool, dry place, and consider using airtight containers to extend their shelf life.
The bottom line
Most adult dogs can hold their pee for about 8 hours if necessary. But it's best to give dogs bathroom breaks about every 4 hours if possible. Providing regular opportunities for your dog to pee instead of asking them to hold their pee for long periods is important to their health.
The hardest "commandment" (command) to teach a dog is often considered Recall ("Come"), due to powerful natural instincts to explore or play, followed by impulse control commands like "Leave It/Drop It", and complex obedience actions like the "Finish" (positioning at the handler's side) or "Heel", requiring intense focus and self-control, especially with distractions like other dogs or interesting sights/smells.
There's no single "number 1" healthiest dog food, as the best choice depends on your dog's age, breed, and health; however, look for foods meeting AAFCO standards (Association of American Feed Control Officials), with real meat as the first ingredient, and vet-recommended brands like Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin are often cited for balanced nutrition. Freshly prepared or raw diets can also be healthy but carry risks, so always consult your vet.
Pet food and treats can sometimes be contaminated with germs that make people and pets sick. CDC does not recommend feeding raw pet food or treats to dogs and cats. Talk to a veterinarian for advice on how to maintain a safe and healthy diet for your pet.
Homemade pet treats usually sell well through local farmers markets, pet boutiques, online platforms (selling through social media is popular and inexpensive), or partnerships with local pet care businesses.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for your dog's digestive health. Fiber aids in regular bowel movements, helping to prevent constipation and diarrhea. It also promotes a healthy gut by fostering beneficial bacteria, which is vital for a robust digestive system.
Oat flour. Oat flour, made from rolled oats, is a good source of both fibre and protein. It's an excellent low-calorie choice for a dog needing to lose weight.
In a bowl mix together mashed banana, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Add in the dry ingredients; oats, coconut, rice bubbles, ground dog biscuits and mix until it is at a consistency that is easy to be roll into balls. Roll each ball in the desiccated coconut.
Don't use toxic ingredients, including xylitol, onions, garlic, chocolate and raisins, says Dr. Jeffrey, whose professional focus includes preventative care. If you're planning to make homemade peanut butter dog treats, read the label carefully.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete, balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, training rewards, and any extra human foods or toppers, preventing nutritional imbalances and obesity. This guideline ensures essential vitamins and minerals are met through their main diet, keeping treats as occasional indulgences rather than dietary staples.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Concerns About Bacteria in Raw Dog Food
One of the most common reasons veterinarians oppose raw diets is concern about pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli—not just for pets, but for humans in the household as well.
The "95% Rule" for dog food, set by AAFCO guidelines, means if a food is named after an ingredient (e.g., "Chicken Dog Food"), that ingredient must make up at least 95% of the product's weight (excluding added water). If two ingredients are named ("Chicken & Rice"), they must total 95% (minus water), with more of the first ingredient listed, and each must be at least 3%. This label indicates a high-quality, nutrient-dense food, contrasting with "25% Rule" (e.g., "Chicken Dinner") or "With" Rule (e.g., "with Chicken") products, which contain much lower percentages.
The worst dog foods often contain cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy; unspecified "meat meals" or by-products; excessive sugar; and artificial colors/preservatives, with brands like Kibbles 'n Bits, Beneful, Gravy Train, and some Purina/Iams varieties frequently cited for low nutritional quality and questionable ingredients. Focus on avoiding poor-quality protein sources (unspecified meat meals), fillers, artificial additives, and dangerous human foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol.