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

Buying a bag of dog treats seems simple, until you have to choose between dog biscuits, soft dog treats, chew sticks and dental dog treats. Attractive packaging does not always tell you whether a treat is suitable for your dog’s size, age or diet.

Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

• Confusing a functional claim with a guarantee. According to a brand’s own research, certain treats may help reduce plaque or tartar. This is not a substitute for routine dental care or advice from a vet.
• Ignoring portion sizes. A small treat may seem harmless, but several rewards a day can quickly add up. The general product guideline is that treats should provide no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
• Looking only at flavour. Dog treats with chicken, beef or cheese may be appealing, but also check the grain content, gluten, fat levels and potential allergens.

What should you look for in dog treats?

1. Choose the right texture and size

For training, small, soft pieces are usually the most practical. They can be given quickly and do not need to be chewed for long. Soft dog treats, such as small chicken bites, are therefore well suited to walks or obedience exercises.

For longer-lasting chewing enjoyment, dog chews are more suitable. Check that the size matches your dog’s jaw strength and body size. A treat for small dogs is not automatically suitable for a large dog: they may eat it too quickly. Conversely, a large chew can be difficult for a small dog to manage.

Always give a chew under supervision. Look out for broken-off pieces and remove the treat once it becomes small enough to swallow whole.

2. Check the ingredients, not just the front of the pack

The ingredients list provides more information than terms such as “natural” or “high in meat”. For example, look at:

• where meat, grains and plant-based protein extracts appear in the list;
• the crude protein and fat content;
• added sugars, colourings, flavourings and preservatives;
• ingredients your dog may be sensitive to;
• whether it is labelled “complementary feed” or “complementary pet food”.

If you are looking for dog treats without artificial colourings, check the full product information. Some product descriptions state that they contain no artificial colourings or flavourings, while other varieties may contain aromas or colouring additives.

3. Match the treat to the occasion

A training treat has different practical qualities from a dental-care product:

• Dog training treats: small, soft and easy to portion.
• Dog biscuits: crunchy and suitable as a reward, but pay attention to the amount of grain and the calorie content.
• Chews: designed for longer chewing; supervision is important.
• Dental dog treats: their shape and texture may encourage chewing. According to some brands’ own research, these treats may help reduce tartar or support a cleaner mouth. Their effect varies from dog to dog and they are not a substitute for dental check-ups.

Recommended dog treats for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

Why it suits this profile: The 500-gram pack is practical for owners who regularly give dogs of different breeds and sizes a biscuit as a reward.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes a crunchy outer layer, soft marrow filling and no artificial colourings or flavourings. However, check the grains and gluten in the ingredients list.

Key benefit & highlights

500 grams; crunchy biscuit texture; suitable as a reward or training treat according to the product description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Cheese

Why it suits this profile: The small, soft portions are well suited to owners who pay attention to texture and portion control, and who want a treat that may also appeal to fussy dogs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack divides the treat into eight 12-gram portions. Once opened, the product should be refrigerated and used as soon as possible.

Key benefit & highlights

96 grams in total; soft chicken bites; 72% moisture; according to the product information, free from grains, carrageenan and artificial colourings.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users

Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack 1.44 kg

Why it suits this profile: A multipack is convenient when you regularly give a medium-sized dog a dental treat and want to keep a supply at home.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The sticks are intended for medium-sized dogs weighing 10–25 kg. According to Pedigree’s own research, daily use may help with tartar build-up; treat this as a brand claim, not a medical guarantee.

Key benefit & highlights

56 sticks; designed for medium-sized dogs; no added sugar and, according to the product information, no artificial colourings or flavourings.

Suitable for: Owners of small dogs

Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Why it suits this profile: The small version is designed for smaller dogs that enjoy chewing, without immediately giving them a large treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is clearly stated as small. According to the product description, the sticks contain no added grains or gluten, but always check the current packaging.

Key benefit & highlights

10 pieces; beef hide wrapped in dried chicken; designed for longer chewing; according to the product information, free from artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives.

Common choices for different dogs

For an adult dog that receives daily rewards, small dog biscuits or dog training treats are usually easy to portion. A chicken or beef treat can add variety, but do not change your dog’s diet suddenly if they are sensitive to new foods.

For small dogs, soft bites or a small chew stick are often more practical. Pay attention to the recommended weight range. Larger dogs may be better suited to firmer treats, but supervision is still necessary.

If ingredients are your main concern, look for dog treats without artificial colourings. Also check whether they contain grains, gluten, milk products, soya or multiple sources of animal protein.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can a dog have per day?

This depends on their weight, age, activity level and the treat’s calorie content. As a practical guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If necessary, reduce the main meal and follow the feeding advice on the packaging.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Small, soft treats are usually convenient during training. They can be eaten quickly and interrupt the exercise for less time. Break larger dog treats into smaller pieces when it is safe to do so, and count every piece towards the daily portion.

Are dental dog treats a substitute for brushing teeth?

No. According to brands’ own research, products such as Dentastix for dogs may help reduce tartar or support a cleaner mouth. This remains a product claim. A dental treat is not a substitute for tooth brushing, a check-up or treatment by a vet.