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

Buying a bag of dog treats might seem straightforward – until you have to choose between dog biscuits, soft dog treats, chews for dogs and training treats for dogs. A flashy packet doesn’t always tell you enough. Some treats are too big for small dogs, others are relatively high in calories, or they lose their freshness quickly once opened.

The main pitfalls to watch out for:

• “Natural” or “premium” without a clear ingredients list: always check the composition and analytical constituents. A marketing term won’t tell you how much protein, fat or moisture the product contains.
• The wrong texture for the occasion: hard dog biscuits are less practical during training when you need to give lots of small rewards. Soft pieces are usually easier to portion out.
• Health claims used as a sales pitch: a brand might claim that chewing helps with dental care. According to the brand’s own research or the product description, that’s no guarantee for every animal. So treat dental sticks for dogs as a supplement, not a replacement for regular care or veterinary advice.

What to look for in dog treats?

1. Composition and nutritional value

First, check whether it’s complementary pet food. That means the treat isn’t intended to replace a complete meal. Keep the amount in proportion to the daily diet. For many products, a practical guideline is that treats should provide no more than around 10% of daily calorie intake, unless the packaging states otherwise.

Also pay attention to:

• the stated protein and fat content;
• the moisture percentage in soft treats;
• grains, sugars, animal by-products or potential allergens;
• the portion size;
• the recommended amount for your dog’s weight and activity level.

If you’re looking for dog treats without artificial additives, read the ingredients list rather than just the front of the packet. “No artificial colours” doesn’t automatically mean the product is free from all additives.

2. Size and texture

For training treats for dogs, small, easy-to-break pieces are handy. A treat that needs to be chewed for a while is better suited to a quiet moment at home. Match the size to the dog: a large chew can be impractical for a small dog, while a tiny bite offers little chewing enjoyment for a large dog.

Soft dog treats are often easy to give by hand. Hard biscuits and sticks may last longer, but supervision is still important. Don’t leave your dog alone with a treat that could splinter, break apart or be swallowed whole.

3. Storage and portioning

Check the best-before date and the instructions after opening. Some moist dog treats need to be refrigerated and used up quickly. For dry products, a well-sealable packet helps to keep the texture intact.

Always provide fresh drinking water. If you give regular rewards, adjust the main meal when the packaging advises it. For allergies, overweight, a sensitive digestion or a special diet, it’s wise to consult a vet.

Our recommendations by use case

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

Why it fits the profile: A 500g bag is practical for households that regularly give a biscuit as a reward. The combination of a crunchy outside and soft filling offers variety.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists gluten-containing cereals. This makes the composition easier to assess than with a treat that only has a general flavour claim.

Key benefit & highlights

500g content, crunchy biscuit texture, soft marrow filling and, according to the product description, no artificial colours or flavours.

Best for: Shoppers looking for top quality

INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Cheese 12g x 8 Packs

Why it fits the profile: The individual portions are ideal for anyone who values hygiene, fixed amounts and a soft texture when out walking or training.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states 8 portions of 12g and an energy value of 15.6 kcal per portion. This makes portioning more controllable than loose pieces that are hard to estimate.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft chicken wrap, creamy filling, 72% maximum moisture and, according to the product description, no grains, carrageenan or artificial colours.

Best for: Specific use & intensive users

Rosewood chewy sticks salmon small, 8 pieces

Why it fits the profile: This type of chew for dogs appeals to owners who want a dedicated chewing moment for a small dog and are willing to supervise actively.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The variant is explicitly labelled as small. Still, check whether the size and texture suit your dog, and supervise during chewing.

Key benefit & highlights

8 sticks, beef hide with dried salmon and, according to the product description, no grains, gluten, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Best for: Daily training sessions

MeatyWay Chicken and Banana 100g

Why it fits the profile: This chicken dog treat is designed for owners who want a compact, jerky-style reward and prefer to adjust the portion size themselves.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The analytical data is specific: minimum 20% crude protein, minimum 5% crude fat, maximum 18% moisture and maximum 2% crude fibre.

Key benefit & highlights

100g content, chicken with banana, grain-free recipe and, according to the product description, no artificial additives, fillers or preservatives.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can my dog have per day?

That depends on weight, age, exercise and the energy content of the treat. Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and, if necessary, deduct extra calories from the main meal. A common rule of thumb is that treats should provide no more than 10% of daily calories.

Which dog treats are suitable for small dogs?

Choose treats that are small in size or have a soft texture that you can easily break. Look for a clear weight indication, such as a variant for dogs up to 15 kg. Don’t give small dogs a large chew without checking that they can handle it safely.

Are dental sticks for dogs a replacement for brushing teeth?

No. According to product descriptions, some dental sticks may help clean teeth through chewing, but the effect varies from dog to dog. Supervision, the right size and regular dental care remain important. If you’re unsure about your dog’s teeth, ask your vet for advice.