Joybuy Insights

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

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:

  • “Dental” doesn’t automatically mean your dog’s dental care is taken care of. A chew can encourage chewing, but it doesn’t replace daily care or advice from your vet.
  • A meat flavour doesn’t tell you how much meat a product contains. Check the ingredients list. A product with a bacon or beef flavour may also contain cereals, plant-based ingredients, sugars or flavourings.
  • A large pack isn’t always better value. If the treat is too big for your dog, it may be left uneaten or break into unsuitable pieces. Check the number of treats, the weight and the recommended portion.

Which dog treats suit your needs?

1. Training: small, easy to break and simple to portion

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:

  • a soft or thin texture;
  • a size that suits your dog’s mouth;
  • clear nutritional information;
  • ingredients that suit any sensitivities your dog may have.

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.

2. Chewing enjoyment: texture and supervision matter

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.

3. Dental care: look closely at the claim

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:

  • the recommended dog size;
  • the daily amount;
  • the hardness and shape;
  • the ingredients;
  • whether the product is intended as complementary pet food.

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.

Important product details to check before you buy

1. Ingredients and nutritional value

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.

2. Size and suitability

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.

3. Storage and shelf life

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.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owners

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g

g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Key benefit & highlights

500 grams per box; intended as a chew between meals; the ingredients list includes cereals, oils and fats, and animal by-products.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Rosewood Dog Chicken Fillets Small

Rosewood Dog Chicken Fillets Small

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Key benefit & highlights

92% chicken breast according to the product description; small size; grain-free recipe according to the listed specifications.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
g'woon Dog Dental sticks Medium 180g

g'woon Dog Dental sticks Medium 180g

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Key benefit & highlights

180 grams; designed for medium-sized dogs according to the product details; contains 1% sodium hexametaphosphate.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can a dog have per day?

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.

Are dog treats good for your dog’s teeth?

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.

What treats are suitable for small dogs?

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.