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Choosing dog treats: practical tips and popular options for every dog

Buying a bag of dog treats sounds simple until you have to choose between dog biscuits, soft rewards, dog chews and dental-care treats. Marketing copy often focuses on flavour, natural ingredients or a large pack size. However, that does not always tell you enough about how well a product will suit your household.

The key questions are: is the size right for your dog, how many should you give each day, and is the treat intended as a reward, a chewing session or an addition to a meal? These checks can help you avoid buying something that ends up sitting unused in the cupboard.

Common pitfalls when choosing dog treats

1. A large multipack may seem good value, but it may not match your usage

A multipack of dog treats can be useful if you have several dogs or use treats every day. For a small dog that only receives an occasional reward, however, a large pack may remain open for a long time. So check the net weight, number of pieces and shelf life after opening.

This is especially important for fresh or moist dog treats. For example, the INABA Bites Dog Multipack contains 16 portions with a total weight of 64 grams. According to the product information, it should be used within three days of opening. This makes it particularly practical if you give rewards regularly.

2. “With chicken” or “with beef” does not automatically mean a high meat content

The name chicken dog treats or beef dog treats does not always indicate how much chicken or beef the product contains. Check the ingredients list and pay attention to the order in which the ingredients appear. Some treats include a flavouring while grains or plant-based ingredients make up a larger proportion.

A specific example is G'woon Beef Strips Dog Wikkel. According to the product information, this treat contains 18% beef and 22% crude protein. The ingredients also include cereals, animal and vegetable ingredients, sugars, preservatives and colourings. This is important information if you are looking for a grain-free treat or if your dog reacts sensitively to certain ingredients.

3. A chew is not a substitute for daily dental care

Dental-care treats for dogs are often associated with cleaner teeth. Such claims should be considered in the right context. According to Pedigree’s own research, daily use of certain Dentastix products can reduce the formation of tartar by up to 80%. This is a brand claim, not a guarantee for every dog. A treat also does not replace the checks or care recommended by your vet.

Also look at the correct size. A stick for a small dog is not automatically suitable for a medium-sized or large dog. Check the recommended weight, age and instructions to help reduce the risk of choking.

The key specifications to check

Size and texture

For dog training treats, small pieces that are easy to portion are usually practical. A soft dog treat can be given quickly during a walk or obedience exercise. A hard treat or chew stick is better suited to a calm chewing session, but requires supervision.

Look out for:

  • the dimensions or recommended dog weight;
  • a soft, crunchy or chewy texture;
  • the number of pieces or portions;
  • suitability for puppies, adult dogs or seniors.

Nutritional value and daily quantity

Treats are generally complementary pet food rather than a complete meal. The daily amount depends on your dog’s size, age, activity level and condition. Deduct the energy provided by treats from the main meal. As a general guideline, the product information for several treats states that treats should provide no more than around 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.

Where possible, compare crude protein, fat, moisture and energy per 100 grams. A moist treat may feel light and soft, but it may also have a shorter shelf life after opening. For example, INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps lists 82% moisture, 11.5% crude protein and 2.2% fat.

Ingredients, additives and allergies

A short ingredients list is not automatically better suited to every dog. Focus particularly on ingredients your dog is sensitive to. Also check whether colourings, preservatives, sugars or cereals have been added.

The INABA Bites Dog Multipack lists chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver and chicken breast as key ingredients. According to the product information, the product contains no artificial colourings or preservatives. The INABA Churu Dog Multipack consists of 20 tubes of 12 grams and combines chicken with tuna and salmon. This is worth noting if your dog does not respond well to fish.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Pedigree Dog Jerky Treats Beef Flavor 70g

Pedigree Dog Jerky Treats Beef Flavor 70g

Why it suits this profile: A compact treat for anyone who gives occasional rewards and values clear portion instructions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states a weight of 70 grams, a beef variety and daily quantities for small, medium-sized and large dogs.

Key benefit & advantages

The product information states a minimum of 30% protein and a maximum of 15% fat. The treat is suitable for dogs of different ages and sizes.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs

INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for dog owners who want to combine variety and small portions with a clear, straightforward composition.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The multipack contains four chicken varieties and 16 small pieces. This makes it easier to adjust portions than with large chew products.

Key benefit & advantages

64 grams total weight, 14% crude protein, 3% crude fat and 82% moisture. According to the product information, no artificial colourings or preservatives have been added.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs

INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: Useful for training, as a topper for meals or for dogs that respond better to a soft treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that it contains 20 tubes of 12 grams and two flavour varieties. According to the product information, an opened tube should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.

Key benefit & advantages

The product lists a minimum of 90% moisture, 9.5% crude protein and 0.6% crude fat. It can be given straight from the tube or mixed with food.

Suitable for: Dog owners looking for dental care
Pedigree Dog Dental Chews Small Dogs

Pedigree Dog Dental Chews Small Dogs

Why it suits this profile: Designed for small dogs weighing 5 to 10 kilos when you are looking for a daily chew stick.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is specifically matched to dogs weighing 5 to 10 kilos and aged four months or over. This stops you from choosing based solely on the flavour or brand name.

Key benefit & advantages

The product information lists 1.3% fat, 308 kcal per 100 grams and one stick per day for this weight category. The claim about tartar reduction comes from Pedigree itself.

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.

Storing and giving dog treats safely

Store dry treats sealed in a cool, dry place. Moist products often need to be refrigerated after opening and used within the stated period. Always check the best-before date and follow the packaging instructions if the product information differs.

Give chews under supervision, especially if your dog eats greedily or tries to bite off large pieces. Make sure fresh drinking water is available and do not give a treat that is too large, too hard or unsuitable for your dog’s age. If your dog has a known allergy, check the full ingredients list rather than relying only on the flavour shown on the front.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can a dog have each day?

This depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and the energy content of the treat. Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and deduct the treats from the main meal. A useful general guideline is that treats should provide no more than around 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake in total.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Small, soft dog treats or pieces that are easy to break are usually practical during training. Choose a size you can give quickly and include all rewards in your dog’s daily allowance. Individually wrapped portions or resealable packaging are useful for longer walks.

How long do opened dog treats stay fresh?

This varies from product to product. According to the product information, moist INABA treats often need to be used within 24 hours to three days. Once opened, dry Pedigree and other chews may, for example, remain suitable for 14 days when stored in a sealed container. Always check the packaging.