How to Store Natural Dog Treats Without Preservatives: Keep Them Fresh the Right Way
At Earth and Tail, we keep things simple: real meat, real nutrients, no preservatives, ever.
That’s what makes our single-ingredient treats special—but it also means they need a little extra care once they’re in your home.
Unlike commercial brands that rely on synthetic preservatives, artificial smoke flavoring, or questionable additives to keep treats “shelf-stable” for years, our treats are air-dried, not cooked into oblivion. They’re meant to be consumed while fresh. So how do you store them right?
Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment and keep your dog’s treats as fresh and safe as possible.
Why Storage Matters for Natural Treats
Preservatives work by killing off mold and bacteria. We don’t believe in using that stuff—so instead, we rely on proper dehydration, packaging, and your storage habits to do the job naturally.
Even though our treats are shelf-stable for a while thanks to the low moisture content, they’re still real food. Over time, exposure to air, heat, or humidity can lead to spoilage.
Treat them like you would jerky or any other dried meat product.
Basic Storage: Pantry
Best for: Daily-use treats, opened bags
Shelf life: 3–4 weeks after opening
How to store:
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Keep in the original Earth and Tail resealable pouch, or move to an airtight glass jar or container
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Store in a cool, dark place away from sun and moisture (pantry or cabinet—not the counter)
If you go through a bag within a few weeks, this is all you need.
Intermediate Storage: Fridge
Best for: Slower use, hot/humid climates, high-fat treats (like kidney or skin)
Shelf life: Up to 2 months
How to store:
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Transfer to an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag
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Keep away from raw meats and high-moisture items to avoid cross-contamination
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Let treats sit at room temp for a few minutes before offering to your dog (dogs prefer room-temp scents)
This is a great option if you buy a few bags at once but rotate them slowly.
Long-Term Storage: Freezer
Best for: Bulk purchases, backup inventory
Shelf life: 4–6 months or more
How to store:
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Use freezer-safe bags or vacuum-sealed packaging to prevent freezer burn
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When ready to use, pull out small portions and let them thaw in the fridge overnight
Freezing preserves texture, smell, and nutrients over time without any chemical preservatives—especially useful for oil-rich cuts like liver, or if you stock up at markets.
Signs a Treat Has Gone Bad
If you're ever unsure, check for:
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Strong sour or rotten smell
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Slimy texture or visible mold
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Greasy residue with a rancid odor (from oxidized fats)
If you notice any of the above, throw it out. When in doubt, don’t feed it—your dog’s gut is sensitive, and spoiled meat can lead to upset stomachs or worse.
Bonus Tip: Keep Your Hands Out of the Bag
Every time you reach into the treat bag with bare hands, you introduce oils and bacteria.
Instead:
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Pour treats into your hand
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Use clean scoops or tongs
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Avoid storing bags near heat sources like ovens or windowsills
Final Thoughts
Natural treats come with real responsibility—but they’re worth it.
No chemicals. No mystery ingredients. Just clean, whole food made with care.
At Earth and Tail, we give you the kind of product we feed our own dogs—and we want it to stay as fresh and nutrient-dense as the day it left our kitchen.
So follow these simple storage guidelines, and your dog’s treats will stay just as clean and wholesome as the day you opened the bag.