Hot days, happy dogs, and tasty treats — what’s not to love? But as the temperature climbs, it’s important to make sure your dog’s snacks stay safe, fresh, and free from spoilage. Here’s how to keep your treats cool and your dog healthy all summer long.
Why Summer Storage Matters
Natural dog treats (like ours!) don’t contain artificial preservatives. That’s great for your dog — but it also means they can spoil if not stored properly. Heat, humidity, and sunlight can all cause fats to turn rancid or meat to mould.
Keeping treats cool doesn’t just preserve their shelf life — it keeps your dog’s tummy happy too.
Signs Your Treats Might Be Going Off
Even high-quality, natural treats can degrade if they’re not stored well. Watch for:
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A sour or “off” smell
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Discolouration or oily residue
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Visible mould or fuzz
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Treats that feel unusually soft or sticky
If in doubt, don’t risk it — toss them out.
The Best Ways to Store Treats in Summer
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Cool, dry place: Keep treats out of direct sunlight and away from humidity.
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Airtight containers: Use sealable jars or pouches to keep air and moisture out - always use the dessicant pack that was included in the original pack.
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Fridge for fresh or fatty treats: Some high-fat options (like fish skins or liver) stay fresher when refrigerated.
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Freeze for longevity: Many treats can be frozen and thawed as needed — a great trick for summer snacking!
Make It Chill – Frozen Treat Ideas
Summer is the perfect time to get creative with cold treats:
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Stuff a LickiMat Yoggie Pot or a West Paw Toppl with yoghurt, peanut butter, or blended fruit and freeze it.
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Add small chunks of your dog’s favourite Bonza treats to frozen “pupsicles.”
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Mix crushed treats with water or broth and freeze in moulds for enrichment on hot days.
Safe Treat Handling on the Go
Taking treats to the park or beach?
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Use a cool bag for storage during travel.
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Keep packaging closed tight between uses.
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Offer small portions rather than carrying a full bag in the sun.
A few easy habits can save your treats (and your dog’s stomach) from a meltdown.
Bonza’s Top Summer-Safe Picks
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Air-dried single-protein treats – longer shelf life, minimal moisture
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Furry chews – naturally preserved and durable
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Light training treats – easy to portion and store on walks
All Aussie-made, additive-free, and naturally long-lasting — no need for synthetic preservatives.
