Buying a bag of dog treats might seem straightforward – until you have to choose between dog biscuits, chews for dogs, soft dog treats and training treats for dogs. Some packaging focuses heavily on flavour or eye-catching claims, while important details about size, ingredients and usage are less prominent.
Watch out for these three common pitfalls:
The right choice depends on when you’re giving the treat. For training, small, soft pieces are handy. A dog that enjoys chewing for longer will benefit more from a firm chew. For on-the-go use, hygienic portions and resealable packaging matter most.
Choose the size based on your dog’s size. A large chew stick can be awkward for a small dog, while tiny treats for a large dog will be gone in no time. Also pay attention to texture:
A small treat isn’t automatically low in calories. So check the energy content if it’s listed on the packaging, and adjust the main meal accordingly.
Dog treats are usually complementary pet food. This means they don’t replace a complete meal. At the very least, check:
As a practical guideline, treats should provide no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The exact amount depends on weight, age, activity level and body condition.
With a product that has a high moisture content, such as INABA Churu, the protein or fat percentage may appear lower than that of a dry biscuit. So don’t compare percentages without taking the product form into account.
An opened pack needs extra attention. Some moist dog treats must be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Other treats remain usable for, say, 14 days after opening if stored tightly sealed and in a dry place.
Also keep in mind:
Why this fits the profile: Four chicken varieties in one pack let you switch up flavours without buying several separate bags. The small pieces are practical for training or as an in-between reward.
The packaging states the number of pieces, the net weight of 64 g and four varieties. This lets you assess the contents more accurately than with a pack that only mentions the weight.
16 portions, four chicken varieties and 82% moisture. Use within three days of opening.
Why this fits the profile: The combination of a soft outer layer and creamy filling offers more texture than a standard training treat. The portion packs are handy when you want to keep treats fresh.
The pack contains eight individual portions of 12 g each. This limits exposure to air after opening, although an opened portion should be refrigerated and used as soon as possible according to the product information.
96 g total, 8 portions and 22% crude protein according to the product data.
Why this fits the profile: This is a daily dental care dog treat for small dogs weighing 5 to 10 kg and from 4 months old. The X-shape and recommended dosage make usage straightforward.
The product is clearly linked to a weight category. According to Pedigree’s own research, daily use can reduce tartar formation by up to 80%; this remains a brand claim and not a guarantee for every dog.
1 stick per day for dogs weighing 5–10 kg; 1.3% fat according to the stated analysis.
Why this fits the profile: These sticks are designed for medium-sized dogs and can be given as a daily reward. The ingredients include grains, vegetable protein extracts and 1% sodium hexametaphosphate.
The target group and frequency of use are clearly stated. This treat isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution: choose a different variant if your dog is small or cannot tolerate grains.
180 g pack, suitable for medium-sized dogs and 1% crude fat according to the product information.
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.
Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and, ideally, keep treats to under 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. An active large dog may need a different amount than a small, older dog. Reduce the main meal if you’re giving several treats.
Small, soft dog treats that you can give quickly are usually the most practical. INABA Bites come in small pieces and several flavours. Only break larger treats into smaller pieces if the texture allows it safely. Also check the fat and calorie content if you’re training frequently.
This varies by product. Moist INABA treats should, according to the product information, be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours or three days, depending on the variant. Dry Pedigree and g'woon treats should be stored in a dry, well-sealed container. Always check the packaging for the exact shelf life.