Treats and chews
Do homemade dog treats need to be refrigerated?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
It depends on the recipe: fully dehydrated, low moisture treats like jerky style meat strips can sit safely at room temperature in an airtight container for one to two weeks, while soft baked treats containing egg, pumpkin, or fresh meat are safer refrigerated after the first few days to prevent bacterial growth. When unsure, refrigerating is always the safer default.
Low moisture treats and room temperature storage
A treat that has been baked or dehydrated until firm and dry throughout, with no soft or doughy center, has removed most of the moisture bacteria and mold need to grow, allowing it to sit safely in a sealed container at room temperature for roughly one to two weeks in most home kitchens.
Why soft, moist treats need cooler storage
Treats made with fresh pumpkin, egg, or meat that retain a softer texture after cooking hold onto more moisture internally, which supports faster bacterial growth at room temperature. Refrigerating these after the treats have fully cooled, usually within two to three days of baking, extends their safe use by one to two additional weeks.
A simple rule of thumb
Pressing a finger gently into a cooled treat is a quick check: if it feels firm and leaves no indentation, room temperature storage in an airtight container is usually fine, while any softness or give suggests refrigeration is the safer choice.
Key takeaways
- Fully dried, firm treats can be stored at room temperature for one to two weeks in an airtight container.
- Soft, moist treats with egg, pumpkin, or meat are safer refrigerated within a few days of baking.
- Refrigeration typically extends a soft treat's safe shelf life by one to two additional weeks.
- A treat that feels firm with no give when pressed is usually fine at room temperature.