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

Buying a bag of dog treats sounds simple, until you have to choose between dog biscuits, dog chews, soft dog treats and dental sticks for dogs. Marketing copy often focuses on flavour, natural ingredients or dental care, but that does not always tell you how suitable a treat is for your dog.

Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

• An appealing flavour says little about the ingredients. A treat with chicken, beef or salmon may also contain cereals, sugars, oils or plant protein extracts.
• “Dental care” is no substitute for a dental check-up. The shape and firmness may support chewing, but claims such as reducing plaque come from the product description or the brand. Do not regard them as a medical guarantee.
• A large pack is not automatically better value. If your dog cannot tolerate a treat, does not chew it enough or the product has a short shelf life after opening, part of it may go unused.

Which dog treats suit your needs?

Start by considering when you will use them. For training, you need small, easy-to-break or soft dog training treats. A firmer treat is better for relaxed chewing. If you want to use a treat as part of your dog’s daily dental care, pay particular attention to the recommended dog size and feeding instructions.

1. Ingredients and nutritional values

Dog treats are usually complementary pet food. They therefore do not replace a complete meal. Check the label for:

• Protein content: relevant when comparing the nutritional value of different treats.
• Fat content: important for dogs that should not have too many extra calories.
• Moisture content: soft dog treats often contain a lot of moisture and therefore need to be stored differently from dry biscuits.
• Ingredients list: ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight.
• Calories per piece or per 100 grams: even a small treat can contain a lot of calories.

A practical guideline given in product information is that treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If necessary, reduce the main meal and adjust the amount according to your dog’s age, weight and activity level.

Also look out for allergens. A product may state that it contains none of the 14 main EU allergens, while the ingredients list mentions cereals, milk derivatives or specific animal ingredients, for example. Always check the current packaging, especially if your dog has sensitivities.

2. Size, texture and chewing behaviour

A treat should suit your dog’s size and behaviour. A small dog will not benefit from an oversized chew, while a large dog may swallow a small, soft treat very quickly.

• Soft treats: useful for training, older dogs or dogs that struggle with hard textures. Follow the storage advice after opening.
• Chew sticks and bones: suitable for dogs that enjoy chewing for longer, but always give them under supervision.
• Dental sticks: check whether the size is intended for mini, small, medium or large dogs.
• Strips: often easy to divide into smaller pieces for rewards during a walk or training session.

A treat with a hard outer layer and soft filling may be appealing, but check that your dog bites off the pieces safely. Stop giving the product if it splinters, becomes too small or your dog tries to swallow large pieces.

3. Storage and portion control

Store opened dog treats in a cool, dry place unless the packaging states otherwise. Some moist products need to be refrigerated after opening and used within a short period. Reseal bags and boxes to limit drying out and loss of flavour.

Use the feeding guidelines on the packaging as a starting point. A dog that receives several rewards a day will often need smaller portions. Always make sure fresh drinking water is available.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Bonzo Beggin' Strips Snack Speck

Why it suits this profile: These strips are intended as a complementary snack or reward between meals, making them practical for everyday use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the protein, fat and moisture content, so you do not have to rely on the bacon flavour alone.

Main benefit & advantages

Bacon flavour; 15,7% protein and 5,7% fat according to the product details; easy to give between meals.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g

Why it suits this profile: For owners looking for a clearly named main ingredient and a soft texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product description, the snack consists of 97% salmon. Check the packaging when the ingredients or nutritional purpose is a deciding factor.

Main benefit & advantages

Soft salmon strips; 150 grams; according to the product information, with no added cereals, gluten or artificial colours, flavourings or aromas.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

g'woon Dog Dental sticks Medium 180g

Why it suits this profile: Designed for owners looking to establish a regular chewing routine for a medium-sized dog.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is specifically indicated for medium-sized dogs. This helps prevent you from choosing an unsuitable size.

Main benefit & advantages

180 grams; 1% fat according to the product details; contains 1% sodium hexametaphosphate according to the ingredients.

Suitable for: Small dogs and short chewing sessions

Pedigree Dog Snacks Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb 4 Pieces

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, the mini version is intended for small dogs weighing up to 15 kg and for adult dogs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The feeding instructions specify a limited frequency and exclude dogs weighing under 4 kg and young puppies. This makes the usage limits clearer.

Main benefit & advantages

Four pieces per pack; chicken and lamb variety; according to the product information, less than 5% fat per 100 grams.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can a dog have per day?

As a general guideline, dog treats should provide no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The right amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and main food. Use smaller pieces during training and adjust the meal if you give rewards more frequently.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Choose small, soft or easy-to-break treats. Soft dog treats and strips are practical because you can reward your dog quickly without a long chewing break. However, check the fat content and include all rewards in the daily allowance.

Are dental sticks for dogs enough to maintain healthy teeth?

No. According to product descriptions, certain chew sticks may support chewing or oral care, but they do not replace daily dental care or a check-up by a vet. Choose the right size, stay with your dog while they chew and follow the instructions on the packaging.