Joybuy Insights

Buy snacks and sweets online: how to choose wisely for your dog, baby and family

Buying snacks and sweets online might seem straightforward – until you open a big bag that doesn’t suit your family, discover a dog treat is too hard, or find a product that’s unsuitable because of allergens. Attractive packaging and terms like “natural”, “premium” or “no unnecessary additives” don’t tell the whole story.

With a few simple checks, you can avoid buying the wrong thing. Don’t just look at flavour and price – also consider ingredients, portion size, age suitability, nutritional value and storage instructions. That way, you can compare dog treats, baby fruit snacks, gummies, soft liquorice and party snacks based on the information that actually appears on the label or in the product description.

Three common pitfalls when ordering online

1. Confusing a human snack with a pet treat

Dog treats and dog chews aren’t ordinary snacks. They’re designed as a supplement to daily food, not as a complete meal. Products like INABA dog treats and Pedigree dog treats also differ significantly in texture, moisture content, size and nutritional value.

When it comes to dogs, pay attention to:

  • Which age, size and life stage the product is intended for.
  • Whether the treat is soft, chewy or hard.
  • The recommended daily amount.
  • Whether you need to adjust the main meal.
  • How long it keeps after opening.

According to the product information for these examples, a treat should only make up a small part of daily food. If you’re unsure whether a product is suitable for a dog on a special diet, it’s wise to consult a vet.

2. Relying on “fruit” or “chocolate” as the main impression

A cheerful shape or fruit flavour doesn’t automatically mean a sweet contains lots of fruit. ENNJOI Peeling Gummy with grape flavour, for example, lists concentrated grape juice as an ingredient, but also contains malt syrup, sugar, gelatine and gelling agents. So always check the full ingredients list.

The same goes for chocolate sweets. Cokoc Bear Gummies with Choco Coating contains milk derivatives, soya and gelatine, among other things. The packaging also carries a warning about certain colourings. That makes it important to read the label before giving the product to children.

3. Only looking at the pack size or offer price

A multipack might look appealing, but check how many grams or pieces you’re actually getting. With frozen products, storage also comes into play. The Mora O&A Megamix contains 32 pieces and must be kept frozen. Once thawed, different storage instructions apply and, according to the description, the product should not be refrozen.

For soft liquorice, gummies, nougat and wafers, portion size is especially relevant. Venco Droptoppers Soft and Sweet contains 225 grams, while Verkade Frou Frou Vanilla contains 150 grams. So don’t just compare the bag price – also compare the quantity, nutritional values per 100 grams and the number of servings.

Which specifications should you check?

Ingredients and allergens

Ingredients are listed in descending order by quantity. When looking at sweets and snacks, check for:

  • Sugars, glucose syrup and malt syrup.
  • Gelatine and whether it’s suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
  • Milk, peanuts, soya, nuts and gluten.
  • Colourings, preservatives and sweeteners.
  • For baby products: possible traces of nuts and the recommended age.

De Kleine Keuken Organic Fruitjes with Apricots is intended from 12 months and, according to the product information, contains 44% dried apricots, 44% dates, 8% bananas and 4% rice flour. The product contains naturally occurring sugars and no added sugar. For young children, always read the current packaging and follow the instructions for storage and eating.

Texture, size and use

A soft snack can be handy during training, while a chewy treat is meant for a different occasion. Pedigree Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb is, according to the description, intended for adult small dogs up to 15 kg. The manufacturer mentions a hard outer layer and a soft inner layer. That makes it important to supervise your dog while they’re eating it.

For training, small, individual portions are usually more practical. INABA Bites Dog Multipack contains 16 small pieces in four chicken varieties and has a net weight of 64 grams. For a dog that gets different flavours, a variety pack like this can be more convenient than one large treat.

Nutritional value and storage

Compare protein, fat, moisture, sugar and energy per 100 grams. A high moisture content doesn’t automatically mean a product is suitable for every dog, but it does help you tell treats apart. INABA Churu Dog contains at least 90% moisture according to the product information, while INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps lists 82% moisture.

Also pay attention to the shelf life after opening:

  • Some INABA products need to be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours.
  • The INABA Bites Dog Multipack must be consumed within three days of opening, according to the description.
  • Pedigree packaging for several treats states a use-by period of 14 days after opening.
  • Sweets like soft liquorice and gummies should be stored in a cool, dry place and kept sealed.

Recommended choices by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Pedigree Dog Cheesy Bites Treats 140g

Pedigree Dog Cheesy Bites Treats 140g

Why this fits the profile: Small, soft dog treats are practical for short training sessions and walks. The pack contains 140 grams and has a resealable strip.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information gives portion guidelines per dog size and states a shelf life of 14 days after opening.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft small bites, cheese flavour and a resealable pack for everyday use.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs.

INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs.

Why this fits the profile: Ideal for dog owners who value flavour variety and small portions, for example during training.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The varieties and net weight are clearly stated, so you don’t have to rely solely on the front of the pack.

Key benefit & highlights

Four chicken varieties, 16 pieces, 64 grams and, according to the product information, no artificial colourings or preservatives.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

Why this fits the profile: The tubes can be used as a reward, a topping or mixed into food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states 20 tubes of 12 grams and gives separate instructions for refrigeration and use within 24 hours of opening.

Key benefit & highlights

Two flavour varieties, at least 90% moisture according to the product data and a total weight of 240 grams.

Suitable for: Families planning a party
Mora O&A Megamix - 32 pcs

Mora O&A Megamix - 32 pcs

Why this fits the profile: A mix of bitterballen, mini frikandellen, chicken bites and bami snacks suits different tastes at a party.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description makes it clear that this is a frozen item and lists the allergens: wheat, soya, rye, barley and milk.

Key benefit & highlights

32 pieces, suitable for oven and air fryer, and a mix of four types of party snacks.

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 buying snacks and sweets online

What’s useful to compare before I order?

At the very least, compare the price per 100 grams, the number of pieces, the ingredients, allergens, shelf life and storage method. For dog treats, also add the recommended amount and suitability for your dog’s weight.

How long do snacks keep after opening?

That varies by product. Soft dog treats sometimes need to be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Other packs state 14 days. Sweets, nougat and wafers are usually best stored sealed, in a dry place away from heat. Always check the date and instructions on the packaging.

Can I just give baby fruit snacks from 12 months to my child?

No. Check the age indication, ingredients and warnings. De Kleine Keuken Organic Fruitjes with Apricots is, according to the product information, intended from 12 months. Also read the current packaging and supervise your child while they’re eating.