Choosing dog treats and cat treats: a practical guide for every snacking need

Buying a treat for your dog or cat seems simple, until you have to choose between soft rewards, chews, crunchy cat treats, sticks and multipacks. Packaging often highlights flavour or a particular benefit, while important details about ingredients, calories and when to use the product can be harder to spot.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

• Mistaking a treat for complete food: dog treats and cat treats are usually complementary pet food. They don’t replace a complete main meal.
• Taking marketing claims at face value: claims such as “helps care for teeth” or “rich in meat” should be considered alongside the ingredients list and nutritional analysis. A brand may make a claim based on its own research, but that doesn’t automatically prove the benefit for every animal.
• Ignoring portion sizes: a small biscuit may contain few calories, but several rewards a day can still affect your pet’s diet.

Check these specifications before you order

1. Species, age and size

Always choose treats specifically intended for dogs or cats. Some products are also suitable only for adult animals. For example, Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef Flavor are not suitable for kittens. Rosewood Small Chew Sticks are not intended for puppies under four months old.

For training, small, soft pieces of dog treat are practical. A chew designed for dogs may be a better fit for a larger animal, but always supervise your pet while they chew. Choosing the right size helps reduce the risk of your pet swallowing a treat too quickly.

2. Ingredients and analytical constituents

Don’t just look at words such as “chicken” or “beef” on the front of the pack. Check how much of the named ingredient is actually included. According to the product information, Whiskas Temptations Beef contains 4% beef, while Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef Flavor contains 80% beef, according to its description.

Protein, fat, moisture and energy per 100 grams are also useful details. A dry, crunchy treat often has a higher energy density than a moist treat. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps contain 93% moisture and are intended as a complementary treat or topper. Always provide fresh drinking water as well.

3. Use, storage and portions

Opened packs sometimes need extra care. INABA Fun Bites should be refrigerated after opening, kept sealed and used within 24 hours. Other products have a longer storage period, such as four weeks or fourteen days. Always follow the pack instructions, as product information can vary between variants.

If the label advises it, adjust your pet’s main meal when giving extra treats. Cat treat packs often specify a maximum number of pieces per day. For dogs, the recommended amount usually varies according to body weight, activity and size.

Recommendations for different owners and occasions

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

Whiskas Temptations Cat Treats Beef Flavor 6x60g

Why it suits this profile: The multipack contains six 60-gram packs, making it handy if you like to give your cat a small treat regularly without having to choose a new variety each time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list clearly states that it contains 4% beef, so the flavour claim doesn’t need to be interpreted as meaning a high meat content.

Key benefits & highlights

Crunchy outer layer, soft filling, 22% protein and clear nutritional information per 100 grams.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Chicken with Pumpkin

Why it suits this profile: These moist chicken and pumpkin cat treats are a good match for cats who enjoy soft food or a topper added to dry food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its 93% moisture content is clearly stated. The product isn’t presented as a replacement for complete cat food.

Key benefits & highlights

Contains 93% moisture, chicken broth and chicken breast; suitable as a complementary treat or topper.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent use

Rosewood Dog Treats Small Chew Sticks Beef 100g

Why it suits this profile: These small dog chews are intended as a snack, reward or activity for dogs who enjoy chewing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list includes beef hide, 30% beef and 16% cod. It also advises you to supervise your dog while they chew.

Key benefits & highlights

Beef-hide sticks with dried beef and cod; suitable as a reward or chew for dogs that are no longer puppies.

Which treat is right for your situation?

• For training: choose soft dog treats or small pieces that can be eaten quickly. The INABA Bites Dog Multipack contains four chicken varieties and 16 portions, so you can switch flavours during training.
• For cats’ dental care: Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor have a crunchy texture. According to Whiskas’ product description, they help reduce plaque or tartar. Treat this as a product claim and follow the feeding instructions on the pack.
• For a tasty treat: beef-flavoured cat treats, such as Whiskas Cat Sticks, offer a soft texture and clearly state the beef content. Just check that the product is suitable for your cat.
• For stocking up: a multipack of pet treats can be handy for a multi-pet household or for everyday use. Compare the price per gram, rather than looking only at the pack price.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats and cat treats

How many dog treats or cat treats can I give my pet each day?

It depends on your pet’s weight, age and activity level, as well as the energy content of their main food. Follow the feeding guidelines on the pack and, where necessary, deduct the extra calories from their main meal. Treats are complementary pet food, not a replacement for a complete meal.

Are soft dog treats suitable for training?

Often, yes. Your dog can eat them quickly, so you can carry on with the exercise. Choose small portions and keep an eye on the total amount given during each training session. Soft treats are less suitable for extended chewing than an appropriate chew.

How should I store opened cat treats?

Dry cat treats usually keep well when stored in a cool, dry place in a sealed pack. Moist treats may need to be refrigerated after opening and used quickly. Always check the specific storage instructions on the packaging, and don’t give your pet a product if its smell, colour or texture has clearly changed.