Joybuy Insights

Choosing Dog Treats: Practical Tips for Taste, Training and Chewing Enjoyment

Buying a bag of dog treats might seem straightforward, but the differences in composition, texture and size are significant. A treat that works for a large dog can be too big or too hard for a small dog. What's more, terms like "natural", "grain-free" and "dental care" can give a broader impression than the ingredients list actually justifies.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information based on verifiable points. This way, you can quickly see which dog treats suit your dog and avoid a bad purchase.

Common Pitfalls with Dog Treats

1. Confusing a Marketing Claim with a Guarantee

Words like "healthy", "easily digestible" or "good for teeth" don't mean much on their own. Always check the composition, the analytical constituents and the feeding guideline. According to some brands' own information, chewing may help reduce plaque or tartar. This is not a substitute for professional dental care and should not be seen as having a medical effect.

2. Only Looking at the Flavour

Chicken dog treats are popular, but chicken can be part of a mixed composition. For example, with Pedigree Schmackos, the total composition consists of 40% meat and animal derivatives, alongside vegetable derivatives, cereals, minerals, sugars and fats. A product name with "chicken" therefore doesn't automatically mean chicken is the main ingredient.

3. Skipping the Size and Chewing Duration

Soft dog treats are handy for training because you can easily break them up. A hard chew treat, on the other hand, can last longer but requires more supervision. For small dogs, larger pieces should be adjusted to help prevent choking. Always consider age, teeth, chewing behaviour and body weight.

Which Features Should You Check?

Texture and When to Use It

Choose the texture based on the purpose:

  • Soft dog treats and bars are practical during a walk or training session.
  • Jerky can be broken into smaller pieces and is therefore suitable as training treats for dogs.
  • Chew treats for dogs are intended for longer chewing enjoyment. Only give them under supervision.
  • Semi-moist treats can be good for older dogs or dogs that find hard kibble more difficult to chew.

Composition and Nutritional Value

At a minimum, look at:

  • the proportion of meat or animal ingredients;
  • cereals, vegetable by-products and added sugars;
  • the stated protein and fat content;
  • allergens and possible protein sources;
  • the recommended amount per day or per week.

A grain-free dog treat contains no cereals, but it isn't automatically suitable for every dog. MeatyWay Chicken Jerky, for example, lists chicken as an ingredient and states a minimum of 30% crude protein and a minimum of 15% crude fat. The chicken and duck variants don't state exact percentages for protein and fat. So don't just compare the front of the packet.

Size, Age and Dog Breed

Pay attention to the target group on the packaging. There are specific treats for small dogs, treats for medium dogs and treats for large dogs. According to the product information, Pedigree Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb is intended for adult small dogs up to 15 kg. The variant for medium dogs is intended for dogs weighing 15 to 25 kg.

A treat for puppies, seniors or dogs with sensitive teeth requires extra attention. Also check whether the treat is a complementary food. The main meal should remain complete, and treats shouldn't be added on top of it without limit. For various products, the guideline states that treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calorie intake; follow the packaging and adjust the main meal if necessary.

Our Recommendations by Usage Profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Rosewood Dog Bones Mix Chews

Rosewood Dog Bones Mix Chews

Why this fits the profile: A versatile 150 g treat for rewarding or in-between, suitable for dogs of different sizes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and meat percentage are stated. This means you don't have to rely solely on the flavour name.

Key benefit & plus points

Contains 32.5% meat and animal by-products, including chicken, lamb and beef. Free from artificial colours and flavourings according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

Why this fits the profile: A soft jerky with chicken as a named ingredient, handy for dogs that need small rewards.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The bag states concrete analytical values: minimum 30% protein, minimum 15% fat, maximum 1% fibre and maximum 18% moisture.

Key benefit & plus points

Soft texture, easy to break into smaller pieces and a resealable 454 g pack.

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

Pedigree Dog Dental Chews Large Dogs

Why this fits the profile: Developed as a daily chew treat for large dogs, with a feeding guideline of one piece per day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is linked to large dogs and the packaging states a daily dosage. However, supervision during chewing is still necessary.

Key benefit & plus points

States an analytical fat content of 1.3% and an energy content of 308 kcal per 100 g. According to Pedigree's own research, the product may help with plaque and tartar.

Suitable for: Seniors and soft rewards
PETSNACK Semi-Moist Chicken

PETSNACK Semi-Moist Chicken - 500g

Why this fits the profile: The semi-moist texture is soft and easy to chew, making this treat potentially suitable for older dogs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The texture and composition are clearly stated. It is not a chew treat for long chewing sessions, but a complementary reward.

Key benefit & plus points

Soft semi-moist structure, 15% crude protein and 5% crude fat according to the product information. Pack of 10 bags of 500 g.

Looking for more options?

We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Treats

How many dog treats can my dog have per day?

That depends on weight, age, activity and the energy content of the treat. Use the feeding guideline on the packaging and keep to the practical limit that treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calorie intake when this is stated on the product. Reduce the main meal if necessary.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Small, soft dog treats or jerky that you can easily break up are practical. This way, you can reward often without giving large pieces. For a sensitive dog, choose a short ingredients list and introduce new treats gradually.

How long do opened treats stay good for?

Follow the best-before and storage advice on the packaging. Many products need to be properly sealed after opening and used within 14 days or a few weeks. Store dog treats in a cool, dry place, always provide fresh drinking water and supervise during eating.