Buying a bag of dog treats might seem straightforward, but the choice on offer varies widely. Are you looking for small dog training treats, sturdy chews for dogs or a treat that, according to the product information, is designed to support dental care? Size, ingredients and nutritional value matter more than attractive packaging.
Many dog owners come up against the same pitfalls:
Dog training treats are handy when you can give them quickly and keep portions small. A treat that breaks easily into pieces lets you give several rewards without having to use a large one each time.
Look for:
According to the product information, the Vitakraft Beef Stick is easy to break into pieces and contains more than 90% meat ingredients. No added sugars, colourings or flavourings are listed. Always check the packaging for the latest ingredients and feeding guidance.
With dog chew bones and other chew products, texture is key. A firm treat may last longer than a soft dog treat, but that doesn’t mean it’s suitable for every dog. A small dog needs a different size from a large dog. Age, chewing strength and eating habits matter too.
Only give your dog a chew when you can supervise them. Take it away if it breaks into a small piece or your dog tries to swallow large pieces. Always make sure fresh drinking water is available.
Products such as dog dental sticks are often marketed as helping with dental care. According to the product information from some brands, chewing may help clean teeth mechanically. This is a product claim, not a guarantee for every dog.
Check in particular:
A dental stick shouldn’t be a reason to ignore existing dental problems. If your dog is in pain, has bad breath or has visible tartar, it’s best to ask a vet for advice.
Check the ingredients, which are listed in descending order by weight. The meat content of dog treats may be clearly stated, as with Rosewood Dog Chicken Fillets Small, which contains 92% chicken breast according to the product description. Other products may list cereals, oils, vegetable proteins or sugars higher up.
A label such as grain-free dog treats doesn’t automatically mean the product is suitable for every dog. Check the other ingredients and allergens too. For example, a grain-free recipe may contain potato starch, glycerine or other binding agents.
Treats are complementary pet food. As a general guideline, several product descriptions state that treats should make up no more than around 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Adjust your dog’s main meals if you give treats regularly.
When choosing treats for small dogs, don’t rely on the words “mini” or “small” alone. Check the recommended age and maximum body weight. According to the product information, Pedigree Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb is intended for adult small dogs weighing up to 15 kg and isn’t suitable for dogs under 4 kg.
The same applies to treats for medium-sized dogs: choosing the right size makes portioning and chewing easier. According to the product details, g'woon Dental sticks Medium 180g is designed for medium-sized dogs. The ingredients include cereals, oils and fats, vegetable proteins and 1% sodium hexametaphosphate.
As a rule, store dog treats in a cool, dry place and reseal the packaging after use. Check the best-before date and any guidance on how long the product can be kept after opening. Some products, such as soft sticks, have a limited use period once opened. Don’t give your dog a treat that’s damp, mouldy or smells unusual.
Why it suits this type of dog owner: The 500-gram pack is a good option if you want to give your dog a chew regularly and are looking for a straightforward product to try with dogs of different breeds.
The product information says it contains no artificial colourings or flavourings and advises supervising your dog while they chew. This helps ensure a general dental claim isn’t mistaken for a substitute for supervision.
500 grams per box; intended as a chew between meals; the ingredients list includes cereals, oils and fats, and animal by-products.
Why it suits this type of dog owner: A practical choice for small dogs and owners looking for a clearly described, smaller treat to use as a reward or give between meals.
The product is labelled small, and the ingredients include 92% chicken breast, vegetable glycerine and potato starch. This gives you a clearer idea of what you’re buying than a treat described only as meat-flavoured.
92% chicken breast according to the product description; small size; grain-free recipe according to the listed specifications.
Why it suits this type of dog owner: According to the product information, this version is intended for medium-sized dogs and for daily use as a reward or treat.
The target dog size and nutritional information are stated: medium-sized dogs, 17% moisture, 8% protein and 1% fat. This keeps the dental claim linked to the product description rather than suggesting a guaranteed result.
180 grams; designed for medium-sized dogs according to the product details; contains 1% sodium hexametaphosphate.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Use treats as a supplement, not as a replacement for your dog’s main food. Several product packs recommend that treats make up no more than around 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The right amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and the type of treat. If you’re unsure, you can adjust their food portions or ask a vet for advice.
According to product information, chewing may help with mechanical cleaning, but the results vary from dog to dog. Dog dental sticks and dog chew bones are no substitute for brushing or professional check-ups. Choose a suitable size, supervise your dog and don’t give them a product if they try to swallow large pieces.
Choose treats for small dogs in a suitable size and with a texture your dog can chew safely. Small training treats, breakable meat treats and products with a clearly stated weight limit are often easier to portion. Check the minimum age too: some chews aren’t suitable for young puppies.