Joybuy Insights

Choosing Dog Treats: A Practical Guide to Flavour, Size and Use

Buying a bag of dog treats might seem straightforward, until you have to choose between soft dog treats, chews for dogs, training treats for dogs and dental treats for dogs. A packet labelled “natural”, “high in meat” or “for healthy teeth” doesn’t always tell you enough about the ingredients, portion size or suitability for your dog’s size.

With this guide, you can compare dog treats on verifiable points. That way, you can avoid buying a treat that’s too big, dries out quickly, or doesn’t fit into your dog’s daily feeding routine.

Common Pitfalls with Dog Treats

1. Confusing an Appealing Flavour with a Suitable Recipe

“Chicken dog treats” can have very different recipes. Sometimes chicken is listed first in the ingredients, while other treats rely mostly on grains, plant-based by-products or flavourings. Always check the full ingredients list and look out for potential allergens.

A flavour mention doesn’t automatically mean a high chicken content either. For example, the Pedigree Jumbone states that the product is flavoured with beef and poultry; the declared amounts are limited. That’s quite different from a treat that consists mainly of chicken.

2. Seeing “Dental Action” as a Guaranteed Result

Brands may claim specific benefits when they have evidence to back them up, but a product claim is no guarantee for every dog. According to Pedigree’s own research, Dentastix can help reduce plaque or tartar build-up when used daily. Treat this as product information, not as a replacement for brushing your dog’s teeth or veterinary advice.

Ordinary chews are not automatically dental treats for dogs either. The shape, hardness and size all influence how a dog interacts with them.

3. Underestimating the Portions

A small treat might seem insignificant, but several rewards a day can add up. As a general guideline, many product labels indicate that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If necessary, reduce the main meal and always follow the feeding instructions on the packet.

The Key Points to Check

1. Size and Chewing Behaviour

Choose treats for small dogs, treats for medium dogs or treats for large dogs based on your dog’s weight and chewing behaviour, not just the breed name. A chew that’s too big can be difficult to hold. A treat that’s too small can be swallowed more easily.

When it comes to chews, pay attention to:

  • the stated weight range;
  • the recommended age;
  • the hardness and shape;
  • supervision during chewing;
  • warnings about choking.

According to the product information, the Pedigree Dental Chews Small Dogs are intended for dogs weighing 5 to 10 kg. The medium Dentastix multipack is designed for dogs of 10 to 25 kg. These sizes are not interchangeable.

2. Texture and When to Use It

For training, small, easy-to-portion treats are often more practical than a large chew stick. Soft dog treats can also be broken into smaller pieces. However, a soft treat is not intended as a long-lasting chew.

According to the product description, the INABA Chicken Wraps combine chicken and sweet potato with a soft texture and 82% moisture. The 40g portion pack can be handy for hand-feeding rewards or use between meals. Once opened, the label states the product must be kept refrigerated and used within 24 hours.

3. Ingredients, Moisture and Shelf Life

Don’t just compare the gram weight; also consider how the treat needs to be stored. Moist treats often have a shorter shelf life once opened. Dry biscuits and sticks can be more practical for longer, but they must be kept sealed and dry.

Also check:

  • crude protein, fat, fibre and moisture;
  • grains or other ingredients your dog may be sensitive to;
  • added sugars, colourings or preservatives;
  • the net weight and number of pieces;
  • the shelf life after opening.

Recommended Dog Treats by Use Case

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

Why this fits the profile: A 500g bag is suitable for owners who want to give a biscuit as a reward or snack on a regular basis to a dog of various breeds and sizes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and allergen advice are listed. The product contains grains with gluten, making it less suitable if your dog has a known sensitivity to them.

Key benefit & highlights

500g content; crunchy outside with a soft marrow filling; according to the product information, made without artificial colours or flavours.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Cheese 12g x 8 Packs

INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Cheese 12g x 8 Packs

Why this fits the profile: The individual portions suit owners who value freshness, control over rewards and a soft texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 12g portions prevent a large bag from being left open for a long time. The packaging also states that treats are not a complete meal replacement.

Key benefit & highlights

8 portions of 12g; 69% moisture according to the product information; soft chicken wrap with a creamy filling and 15.6 kcal per pack.

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

Pedigree Dog Dental Chews Small Dogs

Why this fits the profile: Aimed at owners looking for a daily chewing routine for a dog weighing 5 to 10 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target group and daily amount are clearly stated. According to Pedigree’s own research, the X-shape can help reduce tartar build-up when used daily; supervision is still required.

Key benefit & highlights

Designed for small dogs of 5–10 kg; less than 2% fat according to the product information; use within 14 days of opening.

Looking for more options?

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.

Which Dog Treats Suit the Occasion?

  • For training: choose small dog treats or soft dog treats that you can easily break and give quickly.
  • For in between meals: pay attention to calories, portion size and the daily amount.
  • For longer chewing: pick a size that matches your dog’s weight and chewing behaviour. Always supervise.
  • For dental care: look at the stated size and frequency of use. Product claims about plaque or tartar come from the brand and are not a medical guarantee.
  • For variety: multipacks, such as the INABA Churu Dog Multipack with 20 tubes and two flavour varieties, can be handy if your dog likes to switch between chicken and seafood. According to the product information, this product contains at least 90% moisture and is intended as a complementary food.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Treats

How many dog treats can a dog have per day?

That depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and the type of treat. Use the feeding guideline on the packet and generally keep treats within 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If you’re unsure about your dog’s weight or diet, you can ask your vet for advice.

Are dental treats a replacement for brushing teeth?

No. Dental treats are complementary food. According to some brands’ own research, the shape and texture can help reduce tartar or clean hard-to-reach teeth, but this is not a substitute for dental care or professional check-ups.

How should I store soft dog treats?

Unopened products should usually be stored in a cool, dry place, as per the label. Once opened, moist treats often need to be kept sealed in the fridge and used within 24 hours. Always check the packaging, as storage times vary by product.