If you’re looking for chicken dog food and treats, you’ll quickly come across terms such as “natural”, “grain-free”, “low-fat” and “high-protein”. These descriptions don’t automatically mean a product is right for your dog, though. The best choice depends on the type of food, your dog’s life stage and size, and when you plan to use it.
Not every chicken product is suitable as your dog’s everyday main food. The packaging will tell you whether it’s labelled as complete pet food or complementary pet food. Chicken dog treats, chicken dog biscuits and chicken dog snacks are usually complementary. They’re intended as a reward, a little extra between meals or something to chew, and don’t replace a complete meal.
A high protein percentage doesn’t tell the whole story. Check the moisture, fat, fibre, calories and ingredients too. Wet dog food, for example, contains a lot of moisture, while dry dog food is more concentrated. As a result, a soft treat can have different nutritional values per 100 grams from a crunchy kibble.
Grain-free dog food may suit a particular preference or dietary need, but grain-free doesn’t automatically mean a product is better for every dog. Check the full ingredients list and make sure the product is suitable for your dog’s age, breed size and activity level. If your dog has a known allergy or a medical dietary requirement, it’s best to consult your vet.
For everyday meals, choose a product labelled as complete food. Use a complementary product, such as INABA Churu or soft chicken dog treats, within the recommended amount. Remember to include treats in your dog’s total daily calorie intake. A useful rule of thumb when giving lots of dog training treats is to keep rewards to around 10% or less of your dog’s daily energy intake.
A product for dogs of all breeds isn’t always practical for every dog. Small kibble and small chicken dog biscuits are more convenient for small breeds. Larger chews may be too big or too hard for a small dog. Check the age recommendation too, as some chews aren’t suitable for young puppies.
Soft treats and liquid rewards often contain more moisture than dry food. For example, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato list 82% moisture and have a soft texture. According to the product information, these treats should be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours.
INABA Chicken Wraps Chicken with Cheese list 72% moisture and around 15,6 kcal per pack. The individual portions can be handy for training, but the product is still a complementary treat. Store opened packs according to the label and always make sure your dog has fresh drinking water available.
Why it suits this profile: The 40-gram portion and soft texture make this an easy option for owners looking for a chicken treat to give between meals.
The product information clearly states that this is complementary pet food, not a replacement for a complete meal.
82% moisture, a soft texture and a recipe made with chicken, chicken broth and sweet potato.
Why it suits this profile: This dry dog food is formulated for small adult dogs and provides a complete meal in an 800-gram pack.
The product description specifically identifies it as complete food for small adult dogs, rather than a complementary treat.
34% crude protein, 18% crude fat and, according to the product information, a grain-free recipe.
Why it suits this profile: The eight individual portions are practical for training, hand-feeding or hiding a small tablet.
The packaging and feeding guidelines make clear how many portions you can give as a reward, depending on your dog’s size.
12 bite-sized pieces per pack, 69% moisture and 15,6 kcal per portion, according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: These complementary dog chews are for owners looking to give their dog something to chew for longer, alongside their daily food.
The product is labelled as complementary food, making it clear that it doesn’t replace dry or wet dog food.
Four medium-sized sticks with a rawhide centre and dried chicken. Supervise your dog while they chew.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
No. Check your dog’s age and weight, as well as the size of the kibble or treat and its ingredients. If your dog has a chicken allergy, food sensitivity or needs a special diet, ask your vet for advice.
Chicken dog treats are usually complementary and intended as a reward or snack. Chicken feed isn’t a usual term for dog food; for everyday meals, look for complete chicken dog food and check the nutritional information on the packaging.
It varies from product to product. The INABA products mentioned above state that opened packs should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Always follow the storage instructions and check the best-before date on the packaging.