How Long Can You Leave Peanut Butter on a Dog Treat?

Long Shelf Life

Food experts at the University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Science say, "Peanut butter will not spoil like a perishable food."

The Peter Pan Company mentions a shelf life of 18 months for unopened jars, but once opened, the company warns, "Exposure to air and excessive heat may accelerate the loss of optimum flavor."

It Attracts Pests

In fact, peanut butter is widely recommended as a bait in traps for ants, mice and other vermin. See the University of Nebraska link below for one "recipe."

Bottom Line

Neither you nor Fido are likely to leave a peanut butter-covered treat sitting around long enough for it to go bad. But watch out for those ants and mice---they won't leave it alone for very long, either.

References

• University of Georgia: Peanut Butter
• Peter Pan: FAQ
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Ant Baits

Resources

• Scienceline: Peanut Butter