Choosing dog treats: how to find the right reward for your dog

Buying a bag of dog treats might seem straightforward – until you have to choose between soft dog chews, chewy products, meaty dog snacks and dental sticks. The packaging often promises a lot, but not every treat suits every dog or every occasion.

Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

• A large pack isn’t automatically better value. If your dog doesn’t like the treat, or the pack loses quality quickly after opening, you end up paying for waste.
• “Natural”, “meat snack” or “healthy” means little without an ingredients list. Check the meat content, grains, sugars, fats and any additives.
• A dental stick doesn’t replace full dental care. According to brand product information, certain textures can help reduce plaque or tartar, but the effect varies from dog to dog. For persistent dental issues, it’s wise to consult a vet.

What to look for in dog treats

1. Choose the right type of treat for the occasion

For training, small, soft treats are usually the most practical. You can give them quickly and, if the size allows, break them into smaller pieces. Examples include soft meaty treats, dog biscuits or small cheesy rewards.

For calm chewing, chewy dog treats are a better fit. Think bones, sticks or products with a hard outer layer and a softer centre. Always supervise your dog while they chew. A dog can swallow large chunks, especially if they eat quickly.

For dental care, there are dental sticks for dogs with a specific shape or texture. The packaging usually states which weight or size of dog the product is intended for. A stick for a small dog isn’t automatically suitable for a large dog, and vice versa.

2. Check the size and feeding guidelines

Treats should form part of your dog’s total daily diet. Many manufacturers recommend that supplementary food should make up no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. If necessary, reduce the main meal and follow the feeding guidelines on the pack.

Pay attention to the sizing:

• Treats for small dogs: smaller sticks, smaller bites and a lower daily amount.
• Treats for medium dogs: a size that lasts long enough without your dog being able to bite off large chunks.
• Treats for large dogs: larger dental sticks or chewy products that suit their body weight.

Also check the minimum age. Some products aren’t suitable for puppies or dogs under a certain age. A treat for adult dogs isn’t a complete food and shouldn’t replace the main meal.

3. Read the ingredients, not just the front of the pack

The front of a pack often highlights the flavour. The ingredients list gives you a much clearer picture. For a treat with a high meat content, the percentage of meat or animal by-products is usually stated clearly. In other products, grains, vegetable by-products or oils and fats make up a larger part of the recipe.

Examples from the range:

• The Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick states 92.5% meat and animal by-products. According to the product information, the stick can be easily broken into pieces.
• The Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g states 97% salmon and is intended as a soft supplementary treat.
• The G'woon Beef Strips Dog Wikkel 90 g contains 18% beef and 22% crude protein according to the product composition. The description also mentions grains, sugars, preservatives and colourings.

“Healthy dog treats” aren’t one fixed product category. Look at the ingredients, the fat content, the portion size and how often you plan to give the treat.

Our recommendations for every dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Bonzo Beggin' Strips Snack Speck

Why this fits the profile: The soft bacon-flavoured strips are designed as a supplementary treat or reward between meals. You can use them on a walk or offer them in small portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states clear analytical values: 15.7% protein, 5.7% fat and 23% moisture. This makes it easier to factor the treat into your dog’s daily feeding plan.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft texture, bacon flavour and clear instructions to adjust the main meal when needed.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g

Why this fits the profile: These soft salmon strips are ideal when you’re looking for a treat with a high stated fish content and a clear flavour choice.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states 97% salmon, no added grains and no artificial colours, flavours or flavour enhancers. Always check the current packaging.

Key benefit & highlights

Stated high salmon content, soft strips and 150 g content; handy as a reward after a walk or training session.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users

Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack 1.44 kg

Why this fits the profile: A multipack suits owners who want to give a daily dental treat to a medium-sized dog weighing 10 to 25 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to Pedigree’s own research and product claims, daily use can help reduce tartar build-up by up to 80%. Treat this as a product claim, not a guarantee for every dog.

Key benefit & highlights

Suitable weight range of 10–25 kg, multipack with 56 sticks and, according to the product information, no added sugar.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can my dog have per day?

That depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and the calorie content of the treat. As a general guideline, many packs state that treats should provide no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. Follow the feeding advice on the pack and adjust the main meal if necessary.

Are dental sticks good for dogs’ teeth?

Dental sticks are designed with a specific shape, texture or composition. According to some brands’ own research, daily use can help reduce plaque or tartar. The results aren’t the same for every dog. Give the stick under supervision and don’t see it as a replacement for brushing or a vet check-up.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Small, soft dog chews or meaty treats that can be broken into pieces are usually the most practical for training. Choose a treat you can give quickly, check the fat and sugar content, and count all rewards towards the daily allowance. For a small dog, small portions are especially important; for a large dog, a slightly bigger size can be more convenient.