Joybuy Insights

Buying biscuits and snacks: how to choose wisely for you and your dog

Online, you’ll find a huge selection of biscuits and snacks – from dog biscuits and chews to breakfast biscuits, protein cookies and protein bars. This variety is handy, but it also makes comparing products more difficult. A flashy packet or a claim like “high protein” doesn’t always tell you enough about the ingredients, portion size or whether it’s right for your needs.

So, watch out for these three common pitfalls:

  • A claim without portion context: “high in protein” can look appealing per 100g, but a small portion may actually deliver very little protein.
  • Confusing “no added sugar” with sugar-free: a product may contain naturally occurring sugars or use sweeteners.
  • Treating dog snacks like regular food: treats and chews are supplementary. The amount you give should suit your dog’s size, age and activity level.

Which specifications deserve your attention?

1. Look at the nutritional values per 100g and per portion

For active adults, protein cookies, protein bars and high-protein snacks are easy to compare using the nutrition table. Pay attention to:

  • protein per 100g;
  • protein per bar, biscuit or scoop;
  • calories, fats and carbohydrates;
  • sugar content and the sweeteners used.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey, for example, states around 24g of protein per serving of approximately 32g. The ingredients list mentions a blend of whey isolate, whey concentrate and hydrolysed whey peptides. The product contains milk and soya. The product information also includes a claim like “sugar-free”, while the nutrition table shows around 1.2g of sugars per serving. So always check the current label before you buy.

If you’re looking for whey protein, you’ll typically choose a powder that you mix with water or milk. Casein protein, on the other hand, is described in the product details as being ideal for times when you won’t be eating for a while. That makes the intended use more important than just the protein percentage.

2. Check the ingredients and allergens

A product with a short ingredients list isn’t automatically right for everyone. Always check for:

  • gluten-containing cereals;
  • milk and soya;
  • peanuts and nuts;
  • sweeteners such as maltitol, sucralose or acesulfame-K;
  • ingredients your dog may not tolerate well.

Holie’s Crunchy Loops contains wholemeal wheat, peanut flour and chicory root fibre, among other things. The packaging states 23% protein and 0% added sugar, but it does contain carbohydrates and natural sugars. With Barebells Protein Cookies & Cream, the ingredients list includes milk, soya, sweeteners and collagen hydrolysate. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect due to the sweeteners used.

For dogs, there’s a separate check: dog biscuits are not intended for human consumption. G’woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits contains cereals with gluten, meat and animal by-products, vegetable protein extracts and minerals. The product description mentions a crunchy outer layer and a soft marrow filling.

3. Match the texture, packaging and portion to how you’ll use it

For biscuits on the go, individually wrapped portions are practical. Belvita Milk & Cereals Biscuits comes as six packs of four biscuits. According to the nutritional information, the product contains 8.1g of protein and 6.4g of fibre per 100g. It also contains gluten, milk and soya.

For dogs, texture makes a difference. Soft jerky is easy to break into smaller pieces for training. Hard dog chews need more supervision, especially with small dogs or greedy eaters. For all dog snacks: make sure fresh water is available, keep the packaging tightly sealed and adjust the daily amount. The product information for several of the snacks mentioned advises that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

Our recommendations by user profile

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners
Belvita Milk & Cereals Biscuits - 300 g

Belvita Milk & Cereals Biscuits - 300 g

Why it fits this profile: The portion packaging makes this a simple choice for breakfast or on the go, without having to open a large pack straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The nutritional information shows values per 100g and the pack contains six portions. This makes it easy to assess the quantity and price at a glance.

Key benefit & highlights

Six packs of four biscuits; a source of calcium, magnesium and iron according to the product information.

Best for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder Cookies & Cream

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder – Cookies & Cream

Why it fits this profile: The blend and portion information are clearly presented for adults who want to supplement their daily protein intake.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists both the amount per serving and the ingredients and allergens. This means you don’t have to rely solely on the front of the pack.

Key benefit & highlights

Approximately 24g of whey protein per serving; instantised powder for mixing with water or milk.

Best for: Specific use & intensive users
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein Cookies & Cream

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein Cookies & Cream

Why it fits this profile: The casein variant is designed for users who plan their protein intake around longer periods without food, such as before sleep.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The recommended mixing ratio of around 33g with 300ml of milk is stated. Always check the current dosage on the label.

Key benefit & highlights

924g tub; according to the product information, 24g of protein per serving and 28 servings per tub.

Best for: Dog owners who train
MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

Why it fits this profile: The soft chicken strips can be broken into smaller pieces according to the product description, making them practical for training.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The analysis states a minimum of 30% crude protein and a maximum of 18% moisture. The packaging advises supervision while eating.

Key benefit & highlights

454g bag; chicken listed as an ingredient; soft texture that can be broken into pieces.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about biscuits and snacks

What’s the difference between protein cookies and protein bars?

The difference is mainly in shape, texture and portion size. A protein bar is usually individually wrapped and designed for on the go. Protein cookies may come with several pieces per pack. Always compare the protein per serving, not just the percentage on the front.

Are biscuits with no added sugar automatically a healthy choice?

No. “No added sugar” means that, according to the product information, no sugar has been added to the recipe. The product may still contain carbohydrates, fats or naturally occurring sugars. Sweeteners may also be used. So always check the full nutrition table and ingredients list.

How many dog treats can I give my dog?

That depends on your dog’s size, age, activity level and the composition of their main food. Use dog treats as a supplement, not as a replacement for a meal. Several product packs advise that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Always supervise hard dog chews and jerky, and follow the instructions on the packaging.