Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog treats: a practical guide to flavour, size and dental care

A dog treat is easy to pick up, but not every chew suits every dog. A small chew bone may offer little challenge for a large dog, while a firm dental stick can be difficult for a small dog to chew. Terms like “natural action”, “healthy” or “cleans teeth” only mean something once you check the ingredients, size and usage instructions.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information by verifiable points. That way, you avoid paying mostly for marketing language.

Three common pitfalls with dog treats

1. Choosing a generic size

“For all breeds” does not automatically mean the treat is practical for every dog. Pay attention to your dog’s weight and chewing strength. Products such as dental sticks for dogs are often categorised for small, medium or large dogs.

A treat for small dogs is usually adapted to a lower body weight. For medium and large dogs, treats for medium dogs or treats for large dogs make more sense, as long as the recommended weight range matches your dog.

2. Treating dental claims as a guarantee

A shape, texture or ingredient can contribute to mechanical cleaning during chewing, but a dog treat does not replace a dental check-up or a suitable dental routine. Claims about plaque or tartar are also brand claims. According to Pedigree’s own research, certain Dentastix products can reduce tartar formation by up to 80% with daily use. See this as product information from the brand, not as a general guarantee for every dog.

3. Only looking at the flavour

Dog treats with chicken, dog treats with beef and varieties with lamb or salmon can be appealing, but always check the full composition. A product with “chicken flavour” does not necessarily contain a high percentage of chicken. For allergies, the ingredients list is especially important. Also pay attention to grains, vegetable by-products, fats and the total calorie content.

Which specifications should you check?

Size and chewing duration

Look at:

  • Recommended body weight and age.
  • The shape and thickness of the treat.
  • Whether the treat is intended as a soft reward or as a long-lasting chew.
  • Whether you need to supervise during chewing.

A chew should not be so small that your dog swallows it without chewing. Also check regularly for sharp or broken pieces. Always provide fresh drinking water and follow the instructions on the packaging.

Composition and nutritional value

Dog treats are usually complementary food. They should therefore not replace the main meal. Several product pages in this range advise limiting treats to a maximum of 10% of daily calorie intake. Adjust the main meal when you give extras every day.

Compare, among other things:

  • The proportion of meat and animal by-products.
  • The fat content and energy value.
  • Added sugars or sweeteners.
  • Artificial colours, preservatives and flavourings.
  • Ingredients to which your dog is sensitive.

For example, the Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick states 92.5% meat and animal by-products, including beef, pork and 6% lamb. The stick is also easy to break into pieces. This makes portion control easier for small dogs or during training.

Assessing dental care realistically

Dental sticks and dog chews can, through their shape and structure, help rub off deposits during chewing. The effect varies per dog and depends on the chewing duration. Therefore, do not use a dental care claim as a substitute for a visit to the vet.

Check whether the packaging provides information about:

  • The correct dog size.
  • The recommended daily amount.
  • The minimum age.
  • Storage after opening.
  • Any choking warnings.

Recommended dog treats by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g

g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g

Why this fits the profile: A 500-gram pack is practical for dog owners who want to give a chew regularly and compare the price per gram.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and feeding instructions are stated. The product information mentions no artificial colours or flavourings. Do supervise during chewing.

Key benefit & highlights

500 grams, chicken flavour and suitable according to the product information for dogs of various breeds.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Rosewood chewy sticks salmon small, 8 pieces

Rosewood chewy sticks salmon small, 8 pieces

Why this fits the profile: These sticks combine beef hide with dried salmon and are intended for dog owners who weigh ingredients and texture more heavily than price alone.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients are stated concretely: beef hide and dried salmon. The product information also mentions no grains, gluten or artificial colours, fragrances or flavourings.

Key benefit & highlights

Eight pieces per pack, salmon flavour and a recipe with no added grains, gluten and artificial additives according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Pedigree Dog Dental Chews Medium Dogs

Pedigree Dog Dental Chews Medium Dogs

Why this fits the profile: For owners of a medium-sized dog who want to build a consistent daily routine for chewing and rewarding.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging is aimed at medium dogs and states one stick per day. According to Pedigree’s own research, daily use can reduce tartar formation by up to 80%.

Key benefit & highlights

For dogs from 4 months old, one stick per day, 1.3% fat and no added sugar according to the product data.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Dog Dental sticks Medium 180g

g'woon Dog Dental sticks Medium 180g

Why this fits the profile: A straightforward choice for anyone wanting to try dental sticks for dogs without buying a large pack straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The variant is specifically intended for medium dogs. The composition lists, among other things, 1% fat and 1% sodium hexametaphosphate.

Key benefit & highlights

180 grams, tailored to medium dogs and suitable as a daily reward according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How often can I give dog treats?

Follow the feeding guideline on the packaging and take into account your dog’s size, age and activity level. As a general rule, several product descriptions advise that treats should provide no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. When giving daily dental sticks, do not automatically give extra treats on top of the recommended amount.

How long do opened dog treats stay fresh?

This varies per product. Some Pedigree Dental Chews advise use within 14 days of opening; other packs mention a longer period. Seal the packaging well and store treats in a cool, dry place. Always check the date and the instructions on the packaging.

Do dog chews really help clean teeth?

Through chewing, the texture of a dog chew can contribute to mechanically removing food residue or deposits. The outcome varies per dog. Product claims such as a reduction in tartar should be attributed to the brand. For pain, bleeding gums, a strong odour or visible tartar, advice from a vet is wiser than simply switching to other dog treats.