Choosing dog treats: how to find the right snacks for every dog

A bag of dog treats might seem like a quick choice. But dog snacks vary widely in size, composition, texture and purpose. A soft treat for training, for example, serves a different purpose from a chew snack for dogs or a dental stick for daily care.

The biggest mistakes usually come down to three pitfalls:

1. Confusing a health claim with a guarantee. A brand may claim that a snack helps reduce plaque or tartar, but the effect also depends on chewing behaviour, size and daily care. Always check the product information.
2. Ignoring the size of your dog. A snack for large dogs can be too hard or too big for a small dog. Conversely, a mini snack may offer little chewing enjoyment for a large dog.
3. Forgetting about calories and ingredients. Snacks are usually complementary pet food, not a complete meal. Too many rewards can contribute to weight gain, especially during daily training.

What to look for in healthy dog treats

1. Choose the right size and texture

First, check the target group on the packaging: small, medium or large dogs. For small dog treats, compact sizes are practical. A dog weighing 5 to 10 kg, for example, has different chewing needs than a dog of 25 kg or more.

Also pay attention to texture:

• Soft dog treats: ideal for breaking into small pieces during training.
• Crunchy biscuits: provide a short chewing moment and are easy to portion.
• Chew sticks and bones: designed for longer chewing; supervision is still needed.
• Dental sticks for dogs: often have a specific shape and structure. The effect a brand mentions should be read as a product claim, not a replacement for dental care.

Don't give a snack your dog finds hard to grip, swallow or chew. If you're unsure about a hard chew snack, it's wise to seek advice from a vet.

2. Check ingredients and allergens

Don't just compare the front of the packaging. Look at the full ingredients list and analytical constituents. Pay attention to:

• the proportion of meat, fish or animal by-products;
• grains, gluten, soya, lupin or milk components;
• added sugars, colourings and preservatives;
• the fat and protein content;
• clear feeding instructions.

With dog treats with chicken, dog treats with beef and dog treats with salmon, the flavour name can be misleading. Check whether the ingredient is actually listed and in what quantity. A product with "beef flavour" is not the same as a snack with a high beef content.

Also read the allergen information carefully. The information on the packaging is what counts, especially when a product contains multiple ingredients.

3. Calculate the daily amount

A practical guideline from the product information of several mentioned snacks is that treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. If needed, reduce the main meal and follow the feeding instructions for each weight category.

For training, small pieces are often more practical than one large reward. A breakable stick, such as the Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick, can be given in portions according to the product specifications. This way you keep the reward small without giving a whole snack each time.

Our recommendations by use case

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

Why this fits the profile: The combination of a crunchy outside and soft marrow filling makes these biscuits suitable as a simple reward or training snack for dogs of various breeds and sizes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size and intended use are clearly described. Do check the ingredients: the composition lists grains and gluten.

Key benefit & highlights

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

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g

Why this fits the profile: These soft strips are an option for owners looking for a snack with fish as the main ingredient, for example after a walk or during calm training sessions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states 97% salmon and no added grains, gluten, artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives. Check the packaging at the time of purchase.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft texture, 150 g content and a recipe that, according to the product information, consists mainly of salmon.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

Pedigree Dentastix Maxi Multipack 42-Pack 1.62kg

Why this fits the profile: The multipack is aimed at large dogs of 25 kg and over and suits owners who want to follow a consistent daily dental stick routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dog's weight and the number of sticks are clearly specified. According to Pedigree's own research, this variant can help reduce tartar; this does not replace a dental check-up.

Key benefit & highlights

42 sticks, suitable for large dogs, no added sugar according to the product description and intended for daily use.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can my dog have per day?

Use the feeding guideline on the packaging and keep treats preferably under 10% of daily calorie intake. The right amount depends on weight, age, activity level and the type of snack. During intensive training, you can break larger snacks into small pieces.

Are dental sticks for dogs enough for their teeth?

No, treat a dental stick as a supplement. According to brands' own research or product claims, certain structures can help with cleaning during chewing, but the result is not guaranteed for every dog. Check your dog's teeth regularly and ask your vet for advice if you have any concerns.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Soft dog treats or small, easy-to-break dog snacks are usually the most practical. Think soft strips, small bites or a breakable meat snack. Choose a size your dog can eat quickly and count all rewards towards the daily amount.