Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog treats: a practical guide to flavour, training and chewing enjoyment

Buying the right dog treats seems simple, until you are faced with a shelf or online selection containing dozens of options. Are you looking for soft dog treats for training, durable dog chews or dental care treats for dogs? The ingredients, size and intended use can vary considerably.

An appealing package does not tell you everything, either. Pay particular attention to these common pitfalls:

  • A larger pack is not automatically better value. A 500-gram bag may be less practical if your dog needs small portions or the treats quickly lose their texture after opening.
  • “Meat flavour” does not mean the same as a high meat content. Check the ingredients list and the stated percentage of chicken, beef or other animal ingredients.
  • Dental sticks and dog chews are not a substitute for complete dental care. Brands may make claims about certain effects based on their own research, but performance depends partly on chewing behaviour, size and daily care.
  • A treat for a small breed is not necessarily suitable for a medium-sized or large dog. A treat that is too small may be swallowed quickly, while a chew that is too hard or large may be unsuitable.

What to look for in dog treats

1. Choose the right size and texture

For dog treats for small dogs, small, breakable or soft varieties are often more convenient. The Pedigree Jumbone Mini, for example, is intended for adult small dogs weighing up to 15 kg. According to the product information, this treat is not suitable for dogs weighing less than 4 kg or puppies under 9 months old.

When choosing dog treats for medium-sized dogs, look at the recommended weight range and the dimensions. The g’woon Dental sticks Medium are specifically indicated for medium-sized dogs. Always give a chew under supervision and take your dog’s chewing style into account.

A soft strip is practical as a reward during a walk or obedience training. A firm chew is better suited to a dog that likes to stay occupied for longer. These two occasions call for different types of product.

2. Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional value

Always check the full composition. The g’woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits list grains, meat and animal derivatives, vegetable protein extracts, oils and fats, and minerals among the ingredients. According to the product information, these biscuits contain cereals containing gluten.

If you are looking for dog treats with chicken, you could consider the g’woon Dog Chew Bones, which list chicken in the ingredients, or Rosewood Chicken Fillets. For dog treats with beef, there is, among others, g’woon Beef Strips, which state a beef content of 18%.

Pay attention to the nutritional value, too. The Schmackos Chicken strips list 25% protein, 8.5% fat and 302 kcal per 100 grams. Information like this helps you include treats in your dog’s daily feeding plan. Give treats as a supplement and, according to the product information, do not allow them to account for more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

3. Be critical of dental care claims

Many dental sticks for dogs promise to support oral hygiene. The g’woon Dental sticks Medium, for example, list 1% sodium hexametaphosphate in the ingredients. The product description refers to support for dental care.

According to Pedigree’s own research, Pedigree Dentastix states that daily use may help reduce tartar. You should consider such a brand claim alongside the instructions for use and your dog’s individual circumstances. Check that the size is suitable for your dog’s weight and never allow a dog to chew without supervision.

Recommended dog treats for different uses

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

Why it suits this profile: The 500-gram pack is suitable for owners who regularly want to give their dog a biscuit as a reward or training treat. The crunchy outer layer and soft marrow filling provide variety in texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly lists the ingredients and the presence of cereals containing gluten. This lets you check in advance whether it is suitable for your dog.

Key benefit & highlights

500 grams, a crunchy biscuit layer, soft marrow filling and suitable for dogs of different breeds and sizes.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Why it suits this profile: These small sticks combine beef hide with dried chicken and are intended for smaller dogs. They are a good choice for owners who pay attention to size, ingredients and chewing time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is listed as Small. The product description also states that the sticks are free from added grains, gluten and artificial colourings, fragrances and flavourings.

Key benefit & highlights

10 pieces, beef hide with chicken and designed for longer-lasting chewing by smaller dogs.

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

Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack 1.44 kg

Why it suits this profile: The multipack contains 56 sticks for medium-sized dogs weighing 10 to 25 kg. This is practical if you want to schedule a regular daily snack time for dental care.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is not intended for dogs of every size: the packaging explicitly states the 10–25 kg weight range. According to Pedigree’s own research, the product may help with tartar build-up; check the packaging for the latest information.

Key benefit & highlights

56 sticks, tailored to medium-sized dogs and with no added sugar according to the product information.

Suitable for: Training-focused owners
Pedigree Schmackos Dog Food Treats Chicken

Pedigree Schmackos Dog Food Treats Chicken

Why it suits this profile: The soft strips are suitable as a reward between meals and can easily be broken into smaller pieces during training.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists 40% meat and animal derivatives, 25% protein and 302 kcal per 100 grams. This makes it easier to adjust the portion.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft texture, chicken variety, 1.144 grams per pack and free from artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives according to the product information.

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?

As a general guideline, several product instructions state that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Adjust the main meal when giving extra rewards. The right amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and the calories per treat.

Are dental sticks for dogs suitable for every dog?

No. Always check the size, age recommendation and your dog’s weight. A dental stick is a supplementary treat, not a replacement for daily care or veterinary advice. Keep an eye on your dog while it is chewing.

How should you store dog treats after opening?

Store dog treats in a cool, dry place and close the packaging securely. Some soft treats have a limited shelf life once opened. For example, Pedigree Jumbone states a period of 14 days after opening. Always check the date and instructions on the packaging.