Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog treats: how to find the right reward for your dog

Buying a bag of dog treats seems simple enough, until you have to choose between dog biscuits, dog chews, training treats and snacks made with chicken, beef or salmon. Marketing copy often highlights flavour, natural ingredients or dental care. However, one prominent claim does not always tell you whether a product is suitable for your dog.

Pay particular attention to these common pitfalls:

  • An appealing flavour says little about the ingredients. A snack labelled “chicken” on the front may also contain cereals, vegetable by-products or sugars.
  • “Natural” is not a defined nutritional standard. Always check the full ingredients list and analytical constituents.
  • A dental dog treat does not replace daily dental care. According to the product description, certain shapes and textures may help clean teeth while your dog chews, but the effect varies from dog to dog.
  • A larger pack is not always better value. If your dog cannot tolerate the treat or cannot chew the size safely, a multipack may simply go unused.

What to look for in dog treats?

1. Ingredients and nutritional value

Check the ingredients in descending order by weight. If cereals, sugar or a plant-based ingredient appear near the top of the list, the product is not automatically unsuitable. However, it may be less suitable for anyone looking for meat snacks for dogs with a high proportion of animal-based ingredients.

Also look out for:

  • the percentage of meat or fish;
  • protein and fat content;
  • added sugars;
  • artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives;
  • known allergens for your dog.

A treat is complementary food, not a complete meal. Follow the guidance on the packaging and ensure that treats together make up no more than approximately 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Reduce the amount of regular food if necessary.

2. Size, texture and chewing habits

The size should suit your dog’s size and the way they eat. Small, soft pieces are practical as dog treats for small dogs or as training rewards. Larger strips or chew sticks are better suited to calm chewing under supervision.

When choosing, look for:

  • soft, breakable pieces for training;
  • a size your dog will not try to swallow whole;
  • a firm texture for longer-lasting chewing enjoyment;
  • clear usage instructions for weight range or breed size.

Always give chews under supervision. Remove small leftover pieces if your dog tries to swallow them without chewing. For senior dogs or dogs with dental problems, a soft treat may be more practical than a hard chew stick.

3. Storage and shelf life

Check the best-before date on the packaging. After opening, soft treats often have different storage instructions from dry dog biscuits. For example, INABA advises storing opened portions in the refrigerator and using them within 24 hours. For g'woon’s beef product, the recommended usage period is a maximum of 48 hours after opening, provided it is kept refrigerated.

Store dry products in a cool, dry place and reseal the packaging. Throw treats away if the packaging is damaged, the smell changes or the product has become damp.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g

g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g

Why it suits this profile: The box contains 500 grams of chicken-flavoured chew bones, intended as a snack between meals. This makes it a practical choice for households that regularly give their dog something to chew.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients are clearly listed: cereals come first, followed by oils and fats and animal by-products, including chicken. This lets you compare the treat without relying solely on the front of the packaging.

Key benefit & advantages

500-gram contents, suitable for dogs of different breeds according to the product information, with no artificial colourings or flavourings listed.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
MjAMjAM Snack-Box Tender Duck Breast Fillet

MjAMjAM Snack-Box Tender Duck Breast Fillet 40g x 5

Why it suits this profile: This snack box is aimed at owners who value a short ingredients list and a single source of protein.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it contains 100% duck breast fillet, with no cereals, gluten or sugar. For a sensitive diet, always check the label yourself and consult a vet if in doubt.

Key benefit & advantages

Five portions, one source of protein and a stated protein content of 90.9%, according to the product data.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Bonzo Dental Delicious Snack Beef

Bonzo Dental Delicious Snack Beef

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this firm treat is intended for medium-sized dogs weighing 10 to 25 kilos, with one stick per day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target group and daily quantity are clearly specified. The dental-care effect is a claim from Bonzo’s product information and is not a substitute for professional care.

Key benefit & advantages

Pack containing 7 sticks weighing 200 grams and a stated fat content of 3.8%, according to the product data.

Other popular choices for dog treats

Soft products are usually easy to portion for training. The INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps contain chicken and sweet potato, have a moisture content of 82% according to the product information and weigh 40 grams. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.

If you are looking for dog treats with salmon, take a look at the Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g. The product description states that they contain 97% salmon, have a soft texture and contain no added cereals. However, check that long strips are suitable for your dog’s chewing habits.

For a multipack of liquid rewards, the INABA Churu Dog Multipack tubes are worth considering. The pack contains 20 tubes of 12 grams, with two chicken and seafood varieties featuring tuna and salmon. You can give them directly or use them as a topper.

Please note: Stegeman Fuet is a snack for human consumption and is not suitable as a dog treat. Ingredients such as salt, herbs, milk and preservatives make this product unsuitable as a regular reward for dogs.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can a dog have each day?

Follow the guidance on the packaging and ensure that treats together make up no more than approximately 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The right amount depends on their weight, age, activity level and body condition. Adjust their main meal if you give them lots of rewards during training.

Which dog treats are suitable for small dogs?

Choose small, soft or easily breakable treats. Check whether the packaging provides weight guidance. A large chew stick can be difficult for a small dog to handle. Always supervise your dog, regardless of the treat size.

How long do opened dog treats stay fresh?

This varies from product to product. Dry treats usually need to be kept tightly sealed and dry. Soft treats and tubes often need to be refrigerated and used within 24 to 48 hours. Always follow the instructions on the label and check the storage information on the packaging.