Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog and cat treats: a practical guide for every reward

A treat might seem like a small purchase, but the wrong choice can quickly lead to waste, too many calories, or a product that doesn’t suit your pet’s size and age. When you search for dog and cat treats, you’ll also come across plenty of promises about flavour, dental care, low fat content and hairballs.

The product packaging and nutritional information ultimately give you more to go on than marketing copy. Pay particular attention to the species, ingredients, portion size and usage instructions.

Three common pitfalls with dog treats and cat treats

1. Confusing a treat with complete nutrition

Most dog treats and cat treats are complementary pet food. They are intended as a reward or snack and do not replace a full meal. If the packaging says “complementary pet food” or “aanvullend diervoeder”, give the product alongside their normal food.

A practical guideline from several product descriptions is that treats should provide no more than around 10% of daily calorie intake. With energy-rich treats, you may sometimes need to adjust the main meal.

2. Only looking at the flavour or the front of the packaging

“With beef”, “with chicken” or “with salmon” doesn’t always tell you how much of that ingredient is actually present. Check the ingredients list and analytical constituents. For example, Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef Flavor contains 80% beef per stick according to the product information, while other treats only list a lower percentage of meat or animal by-products.

A claim like “with fish” can also mean that fish and fish by-products are part of a broader recipe that includes cereals and plant-based protein extracts.

3. Treating health claims as a guarantee

A treat that, according to the product description, supports dental care, chewing behaviour or hairball control is not a substitute for regular care. Claims about effectiveness come from the brand or product information and should not be taken as a medical result.

With dental treats for dogs and cat treats for dental care, size, chewing behaviour and daily quantity matter more than just the name on the packaging.

What to look for in dog and cat treats

Species, age and size

First, check whether the treat is suitable for a dog or a cat. Some products are intended only for adult animals. For instance, Whiskas Cat Sticks are not suitable for kittens according to the product information. Purina Dentalife Denta Care Cat is aimed at adult cats.

For dogs, size makes a difference:

  • Treats for small dogs should not be too large or too hard.
  • A chew stick for medium-sized dogs is not automatically suitable for a small dog.
  • Extra care is needed with puppies, seniors or animals with dental problems.
  • Always supervise your dog with chew treats to prevent choking or swallowing large pieces too quickly.

Ingredients and allergens

Read the ingredients from top to bottom: the ingredients listed first generally make up a larger proportion of the recipe. Look out for cereals, gluten, beef, chicken, fish, milk derivatives, soya and lupin if your pet has sensitivities.

A product may state that it contains none of the 14 major EU allergens, while the ingredients list still mentions cereals or gluten. Always check the actual packaging. If you are unsure about an allergy or dietary requirement, it is wise to consult a vet.

Calories, fat and portions

For training, small, easy-to-break pieces are often more practical than a large chew treat. The Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick can be easily broken into pieces according to the product information, and includes a feeding guide based on body weight.

For dogs you reward regularly, products with a stated low fat content can be useful. Pedigree Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb is described as a treat for adult small dogs up to 15 kg, with a low fat content. Always follow the specific portion instructions; “low fat” does not mean unlimited feeding is appropriate.

Recommendations by owner type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

Why this fits the profile: The 500 g pack is ideal for owners looking for a classic reward for training or in between meals. The biscuit has a crunchy outside and a soft marrow filling.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that these are complementary biscuits. Do check the cereal and gluten information on the label yourself.

Key benefit & highlights

500 g content; suitable for dogs of various breeds and sizes; free from artificial colours and flavourings according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g

Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g

Why this fits the profile: For owners who care about ingredients and flavour, the product information states 97% salmon and a soft texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated salmon percentage makes the flavour choice more verifiable than a vague term like “fish flavour”. Check allergens and portions on the packaging.

Key benefit & highlights

150 g pack; 97% salmon according to the product description; free from added cereals, gluten and artificial colours, flavours and preservatives according to the stated information.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users
Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks Cat Salmon 40g

Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks - Cat Snack - Salmon 40g

Why this fits the profile: This cat treat is designed for adult cats and daily use. The product information mentions a crunchy, porous texture and a guideline of 17 treats per day for a 2.5 kg cat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dosage and target group are clearly stated. According to the product description, tartar reduction is scientifically proven; do not see this as a replacement for dental check-ups.

Key benefit & highlights

Salmon variety; 35% protein and 13.3% fat according to the stated analysis; contains calcium and taurine.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
G'woon Cat Treats Anti-hairball

G'woon Cat Treats Anti-hairball

Why this fits the profile: For cat owners specifically looking for anti-hairball cat treats, the product description gives a daily guideline of around 5 to 10 treats, depending on weight.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dosage is not unlimited. According to the product description, it is a complementary treat; follow the quantity and stop if any adverse reactions occur.

Key benefit & highlights

Aimed at hairball support according to the product description; contains 4% crude fibre according to the stated analysis.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled 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 dog and cat treats

How many dog treats can a dog have per day?

That depends on weight, age, activity level and the calorie content of the treat. Use the guideline on the packaging and generally keep treats under 10% of daily calorie intake. Break larger treats into smaller pieces when you are training frequently.

Are dental treats for dogs enough for dental care?

No. According to product descriptions, chewing and a certain texture can contribute to dental care, but dental treats do not replace regular check-ups and care. Choose a size that suits your dog and supervise them while chewing.

Which fish-based cat treats are suitable for adult cats?

Look at the target group, ingredients and portion instructions. G'woon Salmon Candy is a salmon-flavour cat treat with a resealable pack. The G'woon Premium Mini Fillets Fish Variation contains four individually wrapped fillets with salmon and trout according to the product information, and is aimed at adult cats. Always check whether fish fits within your cat’s diet.