Joybuy Insights

Choosing Dog Treats: A Practical Buying Guide for Every Dog

Buying a bag of dog treats seems simple until you have to choose between dog biscuits, soft rewards, dog chews and dental sticks. Attractive packaging does not always tell you what your dog is actually getting. So focus on the ingredients, size and intended use.

Common pitfalls when choosing dog treats

1. A flavour name does not always tell you how much meat is included

“Chicken dog treats” or “beef dog treats” sounds clear, but always check the ingredients list. Sometimes the flavour refers only to an added aroma. For example, Pedigree Dog Jerky Treats Beef Flavor states that the product contains 95% meat and animal derivatives, of which 4% is beef. That is different from a treat made entirely from beef.

Also look out for terms such as “with beef”, “beef flavouring” or “with chicken flavour”. These descriptions have different meanings. Clear ingredients information helps to prevent unpleasant surprises, especially if your dog reacts sensitively to certain ingredients.

2. “Healthy” does not automatically mean suitable for everyday use

Dog treats are usually complementary pet food rather than a complete meal. Even a low-fat treat contributes to your dog’s daily energy intake. A practical guideline shown on several product packages is that treats should provide no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

If you give lots of small rewards during a long training session, reduce the main meal if necessary. Take your dog’s weight, age, activity level and body condition into account.

3. A chew is not always suitable for your dog’s size

A chew that is too small can be finished quickly by a large dog. A treat that is too large or hard may be difficult for a small dog to manage. Check whether the packaging states that it is suitable for small, medium or large dogs.

Stay nearby while your dog is chewing. Always provide fresh drinking water too. If you are unsure about swallowing, allergies, dental problems or a special diet, consult a vet.

What should you look for when buying dog treats?

1. Start with how you intend to use the treat

First decide what you need the treat for:

  • Dog training treats: choose small pieces that can be eaten quickly, so your dog stays focused on the exercise.
  • Soft dog treats: handy for hand-feeding, older dogs or dogs that prefer a soft texture. Suitability depends on the individual dog.
  • Snacks between meals: pay particular attention to portion size, calories and shelf life after opening.
  • Dog chews: choose a size that matches your dog’s body weight and supervise them while chewing.
  • Dental care for dogs: dog dental sticks can complement daily care, but they do not replace a check-up or treatment by a vet.

2. Check the ingredients and analytical constituents

The ingredients list is generally shown in descending order by quantity. Also check the analytical constituents:

  • Crude protein: provides information about the protein content, but does not by itself say anything about the quality of the protein source.
  • Crude fat: relevant if your dog gains weight easily or follows a low-fat diet.
  • Moisture: soft treats and liquid rewards often contain a lot of moisture. This also affects their weight and storage requirements.
  • Crude fibre and ash: useful additional information when comparing products.

For example, INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties lists 14% crude protein, 3% crude fat and 82% moisture. The pack contains four chicken varieties and 16 portions, totalling 64 grams. According to the product information, it should be used within three days of opening.

3. Check the packaging, portions and storage time

A large multipack is only good value if you can use it in time. Soft products often need to be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. For example, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato has a net quantity of 40 grams and a storage time of 24 hours after opening when kept in the fridge.

Dry treats are usually easier to store. However, check that the packaging is properly sealed and keep the bag somewhere cool and dry. Before buying, also check the number of pieces, the weight per piece and the recommended daily amount. This allows you to compare not only the price of the pack, but also the price per reward.

Recommended dog treats by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs.

INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: Four chicken varieties give you an easy way to discover your dog’s preferences. The small pieces work well as rewards or snacks between meals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the chicken ingredients, number of portions and nutritional values. This makes it easier to assess the flavour and portion size than by looking at the packaging alone.

Key benefit & highlights

Four chicken varieties, 16 pieces and 82% moisture according to the product specification. Store in a cool place and use within three days of opening.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Cheese

INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Cheese

Why it suits this profile: The combination of a soft outer layer and creamy filling offers variety for dogs that quickly tire of ordinary kibble or dry dog treats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page lists 8 individual 12-gram packs, 69% moisture and 15.6 kcal per pack. This makes portions easier to measure.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft texture, chicken and cheese flavour, and 12-gram portions. According to the product description, the treat contains no cereals, carrageenan or artificial colourings.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack 1.44 kg

Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack 1.44 kg

Why it suits this profile: A large multipack suits households that give dental sticks to a medium-sized dog weighing 10 to 25 kg every day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is designed for medium-sized dogs and the pack contains 56 sticks. According to Pedigree’s own research, the shape may help reduce tartar build-up; this is not a replacement for professional dental care.

Key benefit & highlights

56 sticks for dogs weighing 10–25 kg, with no added sugar. Give no more than the amount stated on the packaging and adjust the main meal if necessary.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Why it suits this profile: These small chew sticks are aimed at smaller dogs that enjoy chewing for a little longer rather than quickly finishing a soft treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The variety is explicitly labelled as small and contains 10 pieces. However, check that your dog can tolerate the combination of beef hide and chicken.

Key benefit & highlights

Small size, 10 pieces and a combination of beef hide with dried chicken. The product description states that it contains no added cereals, gluten, artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.

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 per day?

Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and keep the total amount of treats below approximately 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Give fewer treats if your dog gets little exercise or already receives an energy-dense main meal. For training treats, using small pieces can help.

Are Dentastix suitable for every dog?

No. There are varieties for small, medium and large dogs, with different recommended weight ranges. Also check the minimum age. Pedigree states that several varieties are suitable from four months of age. According to Pedigree’s own research, the sticks may help with tartar build-up and cleaning hard-to-reach teeth, but dog dental sticks do not replace tooth brushing or a veterinary check-up.

How long do soft dog treats keep after opening?

This varies from product to product. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato should be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. Other soft dog treats may last longer. Always check the label, seal the packaging securely and do not use a product if it smells unusual, has changed colour or developed a different texture.