Dog chews may look sturdy, but their freshness, texture, and safety depend heavily on how they’re stored. Whether you're keeping long-lasting chews like Bully Sticks, lighter treats like Sweet Potato Slices, or daily chews like Cow Ears, proper storage prevents mold, odor, and nutrient loss.
Here’s how to store your dog chews correctly — plus when the “7-second rule” and “90/10 rule” matter for treat safety and feeding.
Why Proper Storage Matters for Dog Chews
Dog chews contain natural oils and moisture that can break down if left in warm or humid environments. When stored properly, chews stay:
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Fresh
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Safe to eat
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Longer-lasting
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Odor-controlled
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Mold-free
This is especially important for natural, single-ingredient treats like Bully Sticks, Cow Ears, Beef Gullet, Sweet Potato Slices, and Beef Cheek Rolls, which don’t contain preservatives.
How to Store Dog Chews
1. Use an Airtight Container
Always store chews in a sealed jar or airtight plastic container. This protects them from humidity and prevents natural oils from attracting pests.
Suitable for:
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Bully sticks
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Beef collagen sticks
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Sweet potato chews
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Cow ears
Glass jars, silicone-sealed containers, or thick plastic storage bins all work well.
2. Keep Chews in a Cool, Dry Place
Heat breaks down oils and accelerates spoilage.
Humidity encourages mold.
Store chews away from:
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Sunlight
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Stoves or ovens
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Bathrooms
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Warm closets
A pantry or lower kitchen cabinet is ideal.
3. Use the Fridge for High-Moisture Treats
Some chews — especially those that are soft, semi-moist, or freshly dehydrated — stay fresher in the refrigerator.
Examples:
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Soft sweet potato treats
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Chicken & sweet potato jerky
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Treats with higher natural fat content
If in doubt, refrigeration always extends shelf life.
4. Freeze Chews for Long-Term Storage
Freezing works extremely well for:
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Bully sticks
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Beef gullet
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Cow ears
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Beef cheek rolls
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Sweet potato chews
It maintains freshness without altering texture, and you can defrost as needed.
Some owners also freeze chews for dogs who eat too quickly — the extra firmness helps slow them down.
5. Reseal Bags Tightly After Opening
If the chew bag isn’t resealable, move contents immediately into containers.
Open bags are the fastest way natural chews lose freshness.
6. Keep Half-Eaten Chews Clean
If your dog doesn’t finish a long-lasting chew:
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Rinse it lightly under warm water
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Let it air-dry
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Store it in a container (not a plastic bag — it traps moisture)
This prevents bacteria growth from saliva.
What Is the 7-Second Rule for Dogs?
You may know the commonly discussed 7-second rule for pavement:
If the ground is too hot or cold for your hand for 7 seconds, it’s too hot or cold for your dog’s paws.
While this isn’t a storage rule, it’s good to remember when giving chews outdoors — avoid placing treats on hot pavement or freezing surfaces, which can affect both safety and the chew texture.
What Is the 90/10 Rule for Treats?
The 90/10 rule states:
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90% of your dog’s calories should come from their regular diet
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10% can come from treats and chews
Storing chews correctly helps you use them over time instead of giving too much at once.
How to Tell If a Chew Has Gone Bad
Throw a chew away if you notice:
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Mold or fuzzy spots
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Sour or rancid smell
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Sticky, oily residue that wasn’t there before
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Extreme hardness or brittleness
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Dogs refusing it suddenly
Natural treats like Sweet Potato Slices, Beef Lung, and Cow Ears should always smell neutral and look dry, not glossy.
Treats That Store Especially Well
These treats stay fresh for weeks (or months) when stored correctly:
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Bully Sticks
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Beef Collagen Sticks
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Beef Cheek Rolls
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Cow Ears
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Cow Ear Slivers
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Sweet Potato Slices
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Beef Gullet Sticks
Freezing or refrigeration extends their life even further.
Final Thoughts
Storing dog chews properly doesn’t take much effort but makes a huge difference in freshness, safety, and how long the treats last. Airtight containers, cool dry storage, and proper handling of half-eaten chews help ensure your dog enjoys every treat safely.
Natural chews like Bully Sticks, Cow Ears, and Sweet Potato Slices last the longest when stored correctly and stay just as enjoyable as the day you opened them.