Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog treats without making a mistake: how to find the right reward for your dog

Buying a bag of dog treats might seem straightforward, but the range varies hugely in composition, size and purpose. A soft treat for training is not the same as a chew treat for dogs or a dental stick for daily use. If you only look at the flavour or a flashy claim on the packaging, you could end up paying for a product that doesn’t suit your dog’s age, size or eating habits.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I always start by looking at verifiable information: ingredients, analytical constituents, size, feeding advice and the intended use.

Three common pitfalls when buying dog treats

1. “Natural” doesn’t automatically tell you enough

With natural dog treats or grain-free dog treats, it’s important to read the full ingredients list. A product might be grain-free, for example, but still contain relatively high fat or have a vague nutritional analysis. With MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats, chicken is listed as the first ingredient and the grain-free composition is stated. The analytical values are also clearly given: minimum 30% protein, minimum 15% fat, maximum 1% crude fibre and maximum 18% moisture.

Other products might claim “high protein” or “low fat” without giving exact percentages. That makes it harder to compare. Use the packaging as your final source and check whether the claim is backed up there.

2. A dental stick is not a substitute for dental care

Dental sticks for dogs are intended as a supplementary treat. According to Pedigree’s product information, daily use can help reduce tartar build-up, clean hard-to-reach teeth and support healthy gums. The claim “up to 80%” is a statement from the brand, so you should read it as a manufacturer’s claim, not a guarantee for every dog.

The shape, hardness and correct size are, however, practically relevant. A stick for a small dog might be finished too quickly by a large dog, while a large stick can be difficult for a small dog to chew. If dental problems persist, advice from a vet is more appropriate than simply giving more treats.

3. Too many rewards can unknowingly increase calorie intake

Dog treats should be part of a supplementary feeding plan and should not replace a complete meal. Several product packs advise that treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calorie intake. If you give lots of small rewards during a long training session, reduce the main meal accordingly if needed.

Also pay attention to the difference between a soft training treat and a long-lasting chew treat. A jerky that breaks easily is often easier to portion than a large chew stick.

Which features should you check?

1. Ingredients and analytical constituents

Don’t just look at words like “chicken dog treats” or “bacon dog treats”. Check:

  • the first ingredients on the list;
  • the percentage of protein and fat;
  • the amount of moisture and crude fibre;
  • added sugars, grains, colourings or preservatives;
  • any ingredients your dog might be sensitive to.

According to the product information, Bonzo Beggin’ Strips Snack Speck contains grains, meat and animal by-products, glycerol, and milk and milk by-products. The analytical composition states 15.7% protein and 5.7% fat. The product is a supplementary treat with a bacon flavour, not a complete meal.

2. Size and chewing behaviour

For treats for small dogs, a small size or a treat you can easily break is practical. According to the description, MeatyWay Chicken Jerky is broken into smaller pieces for small breeds. For treats for medium dogs, products like g’woon Dog Dental Sticks Medium are designed for dogs in that weight range.

For treats for large dogs, such as Pedigree Dentastix Maxi, suitability for dogs from 25 kg is stated. Always supervise your dog when giving a chew treat. A dog that tries to swallow large pieces faces a different risk to a dog that chews calmly.

3. Storage and shelf life after opening

Most dog treats should be stored in a cool, dry place. Some products also have a short use-by period after opening. For example, Pedigree states a period of 14 days after opening for several dental sticks; other packs state four weeks. Always check the label of the exact variant.

A resealable bag is handy for training treats, but make sure you close the pack properly to prevent drying out or loss of aroma.

Recommended dog treats by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Bonzo Beggin' Strips Snack Speck

Bonzo Beggin' Strips Snack Speck

Why this fits the profile: A soft treat with a bacon flavour for rewards between meals. The strips are suitable for giving sparingly during daily use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states the analytical values, including 15.7% protein and 5.7% fat. This makes it easier to fit the treat into your dog’s daily feeding plan.

Key benefit & plus points

Bacon flavour, soft texture and clear nutritional analysis. It is a supplementary treat for adult dogs.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Why this fits the profile: For owners who want to give their small dog a longer chewing activity with a treat that contains no added grains.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is specifically labelled as small, and the composition states no added grains, gluten, artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.

Key benefit & plus points

10 pieces per pack, beef hide with dried chicken strips and a chew structure for longer-lasting activity.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

Why this fits the profile: The soft jerky can be broken into small pieces, making it practical for repeated rewards during training.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description lists chicken as an ingredient and gives concrete values: minimum 30% protein, minimum 15% fat and maximum 18% moisture. This makes portions easier to control.

Key benefit & plus points

Grain-free composition according to the product description, resealable 454 g bag and an easy-to-break structure.

Suitable for: Daily dental routine
Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack

Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack

Why this fits the profile: For dog owners who want to link a regular treat to their daily routine and are looking for a pack for medium-sized dogs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The variant is designed for medium dogs weighing 10 to 25 kg. According to Pedigree’s own research, the X-shape can help with daily dental care; this remains a brand claim.

Key benefit & plus points

Multipack with 56 sticks, no added sugar and clear feeding advice for daily use.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can a dog have per day?

As a practical guideline, treats should provide no more than about 10% of daily calorie intake. The exact amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and the type of treat. Break large dog treats into smaller pieces when using them during training.

Are dental sticks for dogs suitable for every dog?

No. Check the weight, age and size on the packaging. A dental stick for small dogs is different from a variant for large dogs. Keep an eye on your dog while they chew and make sure fresh drinking water is always available.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Soft treats that you can quickly divide into small pieces are usually the most practical. Chicken dog treats, bacon dog treats and soft jerky can be appealing, but always check the fat content and the ingredients. Choose several small portions rather than one large reward per exercise.