How Long Should Dog Treats Last?

Ever given your dog a treat and it’s gone before you even blink?
Meanwhile, another chew has lasted days, maybe weeks. So what's the deal?

Not all treats are made to last the same.
And how long they should last depends on the type of treat, how your dog chews, and what the treat is meant for.

Let’s break it down so you know what to expect, and how to choose the right treat for the right moment.

1. Training Treats: Quick, Easy, Gone in Seconds

Purpose: High-reward, fast-eating treats used during training sessions.
Should last: Just a few seconds (that’s the point!)

These treats are meant to be small, soft or crunchy, and super tasty, think beef lung puffs, chicken chewy sticks, or kanga training bites. You don’t want a dog taking 10 minutes to eat one… you'll lose the training moment!

👉 Best for: Fast reinforcement, recall training, teaching new tricks.
👉 Tip: Break them into smaller pieces for longer sessions without overfeeding.

2. Snack Treats: The “Just Because” Munch

Purpose: Midday rewards, enrichment treats, or a little spoiling (you softie).
Should last: A few minutes

These are slightly larger than training treats and may be a little chewier. Think duck feet, chicken necks, or bully sticks. Perfect for that “you’re a good boy/girl” moment or a quick boredom-buster.

👉 Best for: Low-stimulation enrichment, crate time, or just being cute.
👉 Tip: Keep these in rotation but balance them with meals.

3. Chews: The Long-Lasting Time Fillers

Purpose: Keep your pup entertained, support dental health, reduce anxiety.
Should last: Anywhere from 10 minutes to several days — depending on your dog’s chew style

Examples:

• Beef Achilles– 15–30 mins
• Kanga tails – 30+ mins to hours
• Goat horns or bones – days to weeks
• Furry ears – 10–30 mins with added gut benefits

👉 Best for: Power chewers, enrichment, teething puppies, dental hygiene.
👉 Tip: Always supervise long-lasting chews and remove small pieces if they break off.

So Why Do Some Treats Vanish So Fast?

It could be:

• Your dog’s a power chewer (looking at you, Staffies)
• The treat wasn’t designed for long-lasting use
• You gave a high-value reward when a standard chew would’ve worked

Matching your treat type to your dog’s chewing style and goal is key.

👉 Not sure what kind of chewer you’ve got?
Read our blog post: Different Chewing Styles, Different Treat Needs!

How to Make Treats Last Longer

A few hacks to stretch out treat time:

• Use treat-dispensing toys or lick mats
• Freeze natural treats like sardines or cubes for longer chewing
• Stuff chews like tracheas with raw food or soft treats
• Rotate chews to keep things exciting without overfeeding

Shelf Life of Natural Treats

One more thing, we’re talking about how long they last with your dog, but what about shelf life?

At Whiskey & Woof, our treats are:

• Dehydrated, not cooked, so they last longer naturally
• Stored without preservatives, meaning they need to be kept cool & dry
• Best used within 6–12 months, depending on the treat type and storage

Always reseal the bag, store in a cool, dry place, and keep those paws out of it unless it’s treat time 😉

Final Woof

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a treat should last, it depends on the treat type, your dog, and what the goal is. Some are made to disappear in seconds, while others are built for a long gnaw sesh.

Want help choosing the right treats for your dog’s needs?
Email or DM us on Instagram, we’re always happy to help sniff out the best match.

Chew time is the best time. Make it count.
– Whiskey & Woof
(Whiskey once made a goat horn last a week. Archie gave up after 3 minutes.)