Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog treats and cat snacks: watch out for ingredients, texture and use

A treat might seem like a simple purchase, but the difference between dog treats, cat snacks and complementary pet food often lies in the details on the packaging. A dog that needs small training treats requires a different choice to a senior dog that prefers something soft to chew. For cats too, it matters whether you are looking for a crunchy reward, a soft filling or liquid cat treats.

The biggest pitfall is not always the price. It is more about products that are presented attractively but don't quite match everyday use.

Three common pitfalls with dog treats and cat snacks

1. A flavour name says little about the amount of meat

Words like chicken, beef or bacon do not automatically mean a high proportion of that ingredient. Always check the composition. For example, Felix Crispies states that beef and chicken are each present at a minimum of 1%. The main ingredients are cereals, meat and animal by-products, vegetable protein extracts, oils and fats.

With cat snacks labelled as beef and chicken too, it is wise to compare the ingredients list with the front of the packaging. The name sometimes describes the flavour direction rather than the full recipe.

2. "Functional" does not mean a treat replaces treatment

Some brands link ingredients such as turmeric, omega 3, calcium or taurine to certain benefits. According to the brand's own information, MeatyWay Chicken with Turmeric Tender contains turmeric and is intended as a functional snack. According to Vitakraft's own information, the liquid snack contains taurine.

This information is a product claim from the manufacturer and not medical advice. Use treats as supplementary food and do not replace a complete meal or treatment with them. If your pet has an allergy, dietary requirement or health issue, consulting your vet is wiser than relying on a marketing claim.

3. The wrong texture makes a good purchase impractical

A hard chew treat is not automatically suitable for every dog. A small dog, puppy or senior may benefit more from a soft dog treat that is easy to break into pieces. A dog that enjoys prolonged chewing is better suited to dog chews or a chew stick, as long as the size and supervision are right.

A similar principle applies to cats: crunchy snacks are easy to portion, while a soft or liquid variety can work well as a topper or reward.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Species and life stage

First, check whether the treat is intended for dogs or cats. Dog and cat treats are not interchangeable products. Also look at the life stage and size of your pet. Some products are specifically designed for adult cats, small dogs or dogs of all ages.

A treat usually remains complementary food. The daily main meal should stay complete and tailored to your pet. Adjust the amount of main food if you reward regularly.

2. Composition and analytical constituents

Look out for:

  • the first ingredient and the stated percentage;
  • protein, fat, fibre and moisture content;
  • added sugars, cereals or vegetable proteins;
  • the number of calories, if stated;
  • allergens and specific dietary requirements.

A simple recipe is not automatically suitable for every animal, but it can be clearer. According to the product information, MeatyWay Chicken Tenders contains chicken as a single ingredient and states a minimum of 70% crude protein, a minimum of 5% fat and a maximum of 18% moisture. This makes the treat interesting for owners who want to keep the composition short.

Anyone looking for grain-free pet treats should not just rely on the front of the pack. Always check the full ingredients list. "With chicken" and "chicken as the main ingredient" are different statements.

3. Size, texture and shelf life

For training treats for dogs, small, breakable pieces are practical. According to the product description, MeatyWay Chicken Tenders and Chicken Thin Tenders have a soft jerky texture and can be divided into smaller portions.

For prolonged chewing, there are other options. Rosewood Dog Treats Chicken Fillets consist of dried chicken around natural rawhide. The manufacturer states that supervision during eating is necessary. Only give a chew treat when you can keep an eye on your pet, and remove small or broken-off pieces.

Soft and liquid products require extra attention after opening. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps must be stored in the fridge and used within 24 hours. Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken advises cooling unused portions immediately and consuming them straight away. Always check the best-before date and the instructions on the packaging.

Recommended products by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
MeatyWay Chicken and Banana 100g

MeatyWay Chicken and Banana 100g

Why this fits the profile: A straightforward treat for owners looking for a small pack with chicken and banana for occasional rewarding.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients chicken and banana are clearly stated; do check the current packaging for full information.

Key benefit & highlights

100 g, grain-free recipe according to the product description and a minimum of 20% crude protein.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
MeatyWay Chicken Tenders 100g

MeatyWay Chicken Tenders 100g

Why this fits the profile: Suits buyers who value a short ingredients list and a soft, breakable chicken treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states chicken as the single ingredient, rather than just a chicken flavouring.

Key benefit & highlights

100% chicken according to the product description, minimum 70% crude protein and a soft jerky texture.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato

INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato

Why this fits the profile: Handy for training and on-the-go rewards thanks to its soft texture and portion packaging.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portions are pre-defined and the texture is soft; after opening, the product must be refrigerated and used quickly according to the instructions.

Key benefit & highlights

40 g per pack, 82% moisture and suitable as a training reward according to the product information.

Suitable for: Cat owners looking for variety
Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken Cat Treats

Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken - Cat Treats

Why this fits the profile: A liquid cat treat for cats from 3 months old that find a soft reward or topper appealing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The usage is clearly described: a maximum of one treat per day and, once opened, refrigerate and use immediately.

Key benefit & highlights

Liquid form, chicken variety and 15 g portions for use as a treat, topper or ice lolly.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about dog treats and cat snacks

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

Follow the feeding guideline on the packaging and take into account size, age, activity and body condition. As a general rule of thumb, treats should not make up a large part of daily energy intake. Product information from various brands advises adjusting the main meal when you give extra rewards.

Are grain-free pet treats always better?

No. Grain-free simply means that certain cereals are not in the recipe. It does not automatically say anything about calories, protein content, digestibility or suitability for your pet. Check the full composition and, if your pet has a food allergy, seek advice from a vet.

Which treats are suitable for training?

Choose small, soft or easily breakable treats. Dog treats with chicken, soft dog treats and small dog treats are often practical because you can quickly adjust the portion size. For cats, small crunchy cat snacks or a small amount of liquid treat can work well. Always stay with your pet while feeding and make sure fresh drinking water is available.