Joybuy Insights

Buying Dog Treats in 2026: How to Choose Safe, Suitable Options for Your Dog

Dog treats may seem easy to compare: choose a flavour, check the weight and place your order. In practice, however, dog biscuits, dog chews and training treats can differ significantly in ingredients, size and intended use. An inexpensive bag is not necessarily good value if your dog cannot chew the treat properly or you end up throwing much of it away after opening.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I assess product information based on practical considerations. I focus particularly on ingredients, suitability for different dogs and clear usage instructions. This helps you look beyond claims such as “natural”, “dental care” or “long-lasting”.

Three common pitfalls when choosing dog treats

1. Mistaking a marketing claim for a guarantee

Packaging often includes claims about dental care, prolonged chewing or supporting overall condition. According to g'woon's product description, the Dog Chew Bones may help reduce plaque and tartar. This is a claim made in the product information, not a guaranteed result for every dog.

The same applies to dog dental sticks: chewing may form part of a daily routine, but it does not replace checks or care recommended by your vet. Always review the size, texture and recommended quantity first.

2. “With chicken” does not mean chicken is the main ingredient

Dog treats containing chicken may also include cereals, vegetable by-products, oils and other animal-derived ingredients. According to the listed composition, g'woon Dog Chew Bones contain cereals, oils and fats, as well as animal by-products including chicken.

If you want to avoid or specifically choose a particular protein source, read the complete ingredients list. Ingredient order is practically relevant: ingredients are generally listed from highest to lowest weight. Also check for cross-contamination warnings and any conflicting allergen information on the packaging.

3. Accidentally giving your dog a snack made for humans

Not every product in the “snacks” category is suitable for dogs. Stegeman Fuet Multipack, for example, is intended for human consumption and contains ingredients including pork, salt and milk. Products such as nut bars, mixed sweets and baby fruit purées are not dog treats either.

Always check that the packaging clearly states that the product is complementary feed for dogs. If this is not stated, choose a product specifically formulated for dogs.

Important points to check

1. Treat type and purpose

First, decide what you want to use the treat for:

  • Dog training treats: small, easy to portion and preferably soft or easy to break.
  • Soft dog treats: suitable for hand-feeding, older dogs or dogs that struggle with hard biscuits.
  • Dog chews: designed for longer chewing; always give them under supervision.
  • Dog biscuits: convenient as a reward between meals, but check the cereal, gluten and calorie content.
  • Dog dental sticks: make sure the variant is suitable for your dog’s size.

A dog that gulps its food quickly needs a different type of treat from one that chews calmly. Age, weight, dental health and activity level also matter.

2. Size, texture and quantity

A treat should be large enough not to be swallowed whole, but not so hard or large that your dog struggles to chew it. According to the product information, Pedigree Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb is intended for small adult dogs weighing up to 15 kg. The recommended quantity for dogs weighing 4 to 10 kg is a maximum of one piece per week.

Always follow the packaging instructions, particularly for chew products. Treats should complement your dog’s diet, so adjust the main meal if necessary. Several product descriptions recommend keeping treats below 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

3. Ingredients, analytical constituents and storage

Alongside the ingredients, compare the nutritional values provided, such as protein, fat, fibre and moisture. A soft treat, for example, may contain a relatively high proportion of moisture. INABA Fun Bites Chicken with Sweet Potato lists 82% moisture, 11.5% crude protein and 2.2% crude fat. INABA Churu Multipack lists a minimum of 90% moisture and contains 20 tubes of 12 grams each.

Pay particular attention to the shelf life of opened soft treats. According to the product information, some INABA treats must be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. Store dry dog treats in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Before purchasing, also check the net quantity: a dog treat multipack may appear economical, but it is only practical if you can use the portions in time.

Product choices for different types of dog owners

MATCH FOR: Budget-conscious starter
g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

Why it’s a good fit: The 500-gram bag is practical for everyday rewards for dogs of different sizes.

How it avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly lists cereals containing gluten. This allows you to rule out the treat in advance if your dog needs to avoid gluten.

Key benefit

A crunchy outer layer, soft filling and, according to the description, suitability for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

MATCH FOR: Soft-treat enthusiast
INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato

INABA Fun Bites Chicken with Sweet Potato

Why it’s a good fit: The soft texture and 40-gram portion are convenient for hand-feeding and short training sessions.

How it avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and 82% moisture content are listed. After opening, the product should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours, according to the description.

Key benefit

Chicken and sweet potato, a soft texture and a convenient reward between meals.

MATCH FOR: Regular chewer
Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Why it’s a good fit: The pack of 10 sticks suits owners who regularly plan a chewing session for a small dog.

How it avoids the pitfall

This variant is specifically labelled small. The product description lists rawhide with dried chicken and recommends supervision while your dog eats.

Key benefit

Ten sticks, no added cereals according to the product information and a firm texture for chewing.

Compare more dog treats

Looking for more options?

Browse a current range of dog treats and compare flavour, size, ingredients and pack contents based on the product information.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can I give my dog each day?

Use the guideline on the packaging and generally keep treats below 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Adjust the main meal if you give your dog multiple treats. The right amount depends on weight, age, activity level and body condition.

Are natural dog treats automatically suitable?

No. “Natural” does not automatically indicate anything about size, calories, hardness or allergens. Read the complete composition and check that the treat is intended as complementary feed for dogs. If you are unsure about an ingredient or diet, consult your vet.

How long do soft dog treats last after opening?

This varies by product. Some soft dog treats must be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Dry treats generally last longer when stored in a cool, dry place in a well-sealed container. Always follow the date and storage instructions on the packaging.