Choosing dog and cat treats: how to avoid a bad buy

A bag of dog and cat treats might seem like a quick choice. Yet treats vary widely in composition, size, shelf life and use. A soft reward for training needs different qualities than a chew treat for dogs or cat treats for in between.

Pay particular attention to these common pitfalls:

• An appealing flavour name says little about the ingredients. “Chicken”, “salmon” or “bacon” can be a flavour variant, while the proportion of the named ingredient is limited.
• A larger pack isn’t always better value. If your pet doesn’t like the treat, or if the pack loses quality quickly after opening, you’re paying for product that goes to waste.
• A dental care claim is no substitute for a check-up. According to the brand’s own information, certain dental sticks or chew products can contribute to dental care. That doesn’t mean they replace professional dental treatment.
• The wrong size can be impractical or unsafe. A chew product for a medium-sized dog isn’t automatically suitable for a small dog. Consider weight, age and chewing behaviour.

Which features should you check?

1. Species, age and size

First, check whether the treat is intended for a dog or a cat. Some products may appear suitable for a particular species from their name, while the product description says something different. Always look at the category, feeding instructions and packaging.

Also pay attention to age and body weight. Some dog treats are intended only for adult dogs. The Pedigree Jumbone Mini, for example, is aimed at small adult dogs up to 15 kg and, according to the product information, is not suitable for dogs under 4 kg or young puppies.

The same applies to cats. Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef Flavor is intended as a supplementary treat for adult cats and not for kittens. If you’re unsure about age, allergies or special dietary needs, it’s wise to consult a vet.

2. Ingredients and analytical constituents

Look beyond words like “natural”, “rich in meat” or “with fish”. Check:

• the percentage of the named meat or fish;
• the protein and fat content;
• the presence of grains, sugars, plant-based proteins and preservatives;
• possible allergens, such as beef, chicken, fish, soya or gluten;
• whether the product is a complementary food and therefore does not replace a complete meal.

If you’re looking for dog treats without artificial colours, you can compare products whose descriptions explicitly state this. Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips are described as a treat with 97% salmon, with no added grains, gluten, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Always check the current packaging yourself, as recipes and labels can change.

3. Texture, portion size and shelf life

For training, small, breakable training treats are handy. A Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick is, according to the product information, easy to break into pieces. The recommended amount depends on the dog’s weight: from half a stick for smaller dogs to one or two sticks for larger dogs.

For longer chewing, there are other options. Dental sticks for dogs and chew bones have a firmer texture, but you should always supervise your dog. Also check the recommended size and don’t give treats unlimitedly. As a general guideline from product information, treats should provide no more than about 10% of daily calorie intake.

Once opened, storage rules are important. Keep treats cool and dry, seal the bag well and follow the date on the packaging. Some soft products need to be used up shortly after opening.

Recommended choices by use case

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick

Why this fits the profile: The stick can be broken up, so it can be divided across multiple rewards or moments.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states 92.5% meat and animal derivatives, with no added sugars, preservatives or artificial flavour enhancers.

Key benefit & plus points

18 g per stick, easy to break into pieces and available as a complementary dog treat.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g

Why this fits the profile: A logical choice for dog owners who pay attention to a high fish content and a short list of added ingredients.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated fish content is clearly given as 97% salmon. This means you can better compare the flavour claim against the ingredients list.

Key benefit & plus points

150 g, soft salmon fillet strips and, according to the product description, free from artificial colours, flavours and flavourings.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

G'woon Cat Treats Anti-hairball

Why this fits the profile: These cat treats for hairballs are designed for owners looking for a specific treat for their cat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition states 4% crude fibre and the usage instructions recommend approximately 5 to 10 treats per day, depending on weight.

Key benefit & plus points

Clear portion guidance, 200 g pack and suitable as a complementary treat between meals.

Suitable for: Daily dental routine

g'woon Dog Dental sticks Medium 180g

Why this fits the profile: Aimed at owners of medium-sized dogs who want a regular chew routine alongside daily feeding.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target group is clearly stated as medium-sized dog. The composition, moisture content and fat content are also listed.

Key benefit & plus points

180 g pack, one stick per day according to the product information and 1% crude fat.

Frequently asked questions about dog and cat treats

How many treats can my dog or cat have per day?

Treats are complementary food and should not replace a complete meal. Several product descriptions recommend limiting treats to around 10% of daily calorie intake. Adjust the main meal if you regularly give dog treats or cat treats. The right amount depends on weight, age, activity level and the nutritional value of the treat.

Are chew treats for dogs good for their teeth?

According to product information, chewing can contribute to mechanical cleaning. For dental sticks for dogs, the manufacturer, for example, mentions a role in daily dental care. This is not a guarantee of preventing dental problems and does not replace a check-up or care that suits your dog. Choose a product in the right size and supervise while chewing.

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

That depends on the ingredients and any sensitivities. G'woon Salmon Candy is a simple fish-flavour treat for in between. The G'woon Premium Mini Fillets Fish Variation contains four individually wrapped fillets with salmon and trout. Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks has a salmon variant and is aimed at adult cats. For all fish-based cat treats, check the ingredients, portion instructions and shelf life after opening.