Joybuy Insights

Buying Sweets and Dog Treats: How to Choose Without Making a Mistake

If you’re looking to buy sweets and dog treats, online shopping might seem straightforward. However, there are clear differences in ingredients, portion size, texture and storage instructions. A colourful packet tells you very little about what’s inside. Terms like “with chicken”, “fruit” or “natural” should always be checked against the ingredients list.

The biggest pitfall is mixing up human sweets with dog treats. Sweets, gummies, liquorice and confectionery are intended for people. Dog treats and dog snacks are formulated as complementary pet food and come with their own nutritional and usage guidelines.

Three Common Pitfalls When Shopping Online

1. Confusing a Flavour Name with a High Fruit or Meat Content

A product labelled as fruit sweets or grape gummy doesn’t automatically contain lots of fruit. For example, the ENNJOI Peeling Gummy Grape lists concentrated grape juice, but also maltose syrup, sugar, gelatine and various additives. The product information states 8.5% added grape juice, equivalent to 50% pure fruit juice.

Similarly, “chicken” on a dog treat doesn’t tell you how much chicken is actually in it. Always check the composition and analytical constituents. INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato lists chicken, chicken broth and sweet potato, with 82% moisture content.

2. Only Looking at the Packaging or Price Per Kilo

A large mixed bag of sweets might seem good value, but portion packs can be more practical if you want to share or freshness matters. The Look-O-Look Top Mix, for instance, contains ten small portion packs of liquorice laces and sour strips. A 300g bag of liquorice, such as Harlekijntjes Soft Sweet Licorice, is handier for the sweet jar at home.

With dog treats, don’t just look at the weight. A multipack with small portions can be better suited to training than one large chew. Also check the number of pieces, the recommended daily amount and the shelf life once opened.

3. Assuming a Soft Texture Suits Every Dog

Soft sweets and soft dog treats are not the same thing. Gummies and liquorice are for people and must not be used as dog food. For dog treats, pay attention to size, hardness and how they’re given. Always supervise your dog when giving a chew and make sure fresh drinking water is available.

What to Check Before Buying Sweets Online

Ingredients and Allergens

For human sweets, allergens such as wheat, gluten, milk, nuts and sulphites are key things to check. The Look-O-Look Filled Cherry Sticks contain wheat flour and gelatine, among other ingredients. Harlekijntjes Soft Sweet Licorice lists gluten-containing cereals and wheat. If you eat a vegetarian diet or avoid certain ingredients, it’s worth reading the full product information.

Also look out for warnings on gummies. Some ENNJOI products list colourings such as E102 and E110. According to the product information, these colourings may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Also follow the warning about excessive consumption of sweeteners such as E420.

Nutritional Information Per 100g

The nutritional table makes it easy to compare products. For confectionery, the focus is mainly on energy, carbohydrates and sugars. The ENNJOI Strawberry Shaped Gummy lists 332 kcal and 81.6g of carbohydrates per 100g. The ENNJOI Tart Shaped Gummy lists 304 kcal and 70.4g of sugars per 100g.

A product labelled “0% added sugar” isn’t automatically low in energy. The Holie’s Chewy Bar Almond Speculaas states 0% added sugar, but contains 371 kcal per 100g. It also contains almond, wheat, spelt and barley. The right choice depends on your goal: sweets to share, a small snack for on the go, or a bar with more protein and fibre.

Packaging and Storage

Before you buy, check the contents, number of portions and storage instructions. Most sweets should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal opened packets well to keep the texture intact.

For dog treats, the period after opening is especially important. Some INABA products need to be refrigerated and used quickly. The INABA Bites Dog Multipack states that the opened pack should be consumed within three days. The INABA Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato advises refrigerating and using within 24 hours of opening.

Product Choices by Use Case

The selection below is based on verifiable data such as weight, composition, packaging, texture and usage advice. Brand warnings and nutritional claims are shown as information from the product listings.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Bebeto J Mix - 80 g

Bebeto J Mix - 80 g

Why this fits the profile: The 80g pack is a manageable size for anyone wanting to try different sweets without committing to a large quantity.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The weight and product name are clearly stated. Do check the current ingredients and allergens on the label before purchasing.

Key benefit & highlights

80g candy mix; according to the product information, free from the 14 major EU allergens.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Stegema Fuet Multipack 120g

Stegema Fuet Multipack 120g

Why this fits the profile: Ideal for a drinks and nibbles occasion where savoury treats and snacks are served side by side.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists milk as an allergen, possible traces of nuts and 4.5g of salt per 100g. This helps you make a more informed choice.

Key benefit & highlights

120g; packed under protective atmosphere; refrigerate after opening according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users
INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs.

INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs.

Why this fits the profile: The small portions are practical for dog treats used in training, as rewards between meals or as a topper.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states 16 pieces, four chicken varieties and a total weight of 64g. This makes it easier to judge portion sizes than with individual large treats.

Key benefit & highlights

Four chicken varieties; 82% stated moisture content; suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users
Rosewood Dog Treats Chicken Fillets 170g 8cs

Rosewood Dog Treats Chicken Fillets 170g 8cs

Why this fits the profile: This treat is aimed at dog owners looking for a chew product rather than just small dog treats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description mentions a natural rawhide core with dried chicken. Only give this treat under supervision and check that the chew hardness is suitable for your dog.

Key benefit & highlights

170g; eight pieces; according to the product description, free from added grains, artificial colours, flavourings and preservatives.

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 Sweets and Dog Treats

What should I look for when buying sweets online?

Check the weight, ingredients, allergens, nutritional information and shelf life. For gummies and liquorice, sugar, sweeteners and colourings are relevant points. Also see whether the packaging can be resealed.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Small, soft portions are usually practical because you can give them quickly and the amount is easy to divide. INABA Bites Dog Multipack states it can be used as a training reward. Adjust the daily food allowance if you give dog treats regularly.

How long do dog treats last after opening?

This varies by product. Some soft treats need to be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Other multipacks give a period of three days. Always read the label and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.