Joybuy Insights

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

Dog treats are handy as a reward, a snack or a chew moment. However, an attractive packet doesn’t tell you whether a treat is actually right for your dog. A small dog has different needs to a big chewer, and a training reward should be chosen differently from a treat that lasts longer.

Common pitfalls with dog treats

1. A large packet seems good value, but doesn’t suit how you use it

A multipack is practical if you reward your dog every day. For a dog that only gets a treat occasionally, a large packet can actually be inconvenient. So pay attention to the weight, number of pieces and shelf life after opening. Some treats, for example, state that they must be used within 14 days of opening. Soft products may have a shorter storage time and sometimes need to be refrigerated.

2. “Natural” or “with meat” doesn’t tell the whole story

Always check the ingredients. “With chicken”, “with beef” or “with salmon” doesn’t automatically mean that ingredient is the main component. With some dog treats, the percentage of animal ingredients is listed separately. Also look at grains, sugars, oils and fats if your dog is sensitive to them.

Brands may also mention benefits such as supporting teeth, immunity or condition. Don’t present such claims as guaranteed results: according to the brand’s own research or product information, these are described properties, not a guarantee for every dog.

3. A treat is not a complete meal

Most dog treats in this overview are complementary pet food. They do not replace complete dog food. Keep an eye on the total calorie intake and adjust the main meal if necessary. A practical guideline for training treats is that treats should provide no more than about 10% of daily calories, unless your vet advises otherwise.

Important points when comparing

Size and texture

For training, small, soft dog treats are often handy. You can give them quickly without interrupting the exercise for long. A soft treat can also be suitable for dogs that prefer not to chew for long.

Chew treats for dogs have a different function. Check that the size matches your dog’s weight and chewing strength. A treat that is too small can be swallowed in one go more easily. Always supervise a hard treat and remove any loose or broken pieces.

Ingredients and nutritional values

Compare at least this information:

  • Protein and fat content: useful for comparing treats with each other.
  • Moisture content: soft treats often contain a lot of moisture and therefore have a shorter shelf life after opening.
  • Animal ingredients: look at the type of ingredient mentioned and the percentage.
  • Additives: check for colourings, preservatives, sugars and flavourings.
  • Allergens: a mention of the 14 main EU allergens does not rule out that your dog may individually react to another ingredient.

For example: Bonzo Beggin’ Strips Snack Speck contains, according to the product information, 15.7% protein, 5.7% fat and 23% moisture. The ingredients list includes, among other things, cereals, meat and animal by-products, glycerol and sugar. This makes this treat suitable for weighing up against other soft dog treats, especially when you pay attention to the full ingredients list.

Storage and portioning

Store dry dog treats generally in a cool, dry place and seal the packet well. For INABA products, the variants described require opened packets to be refrigerated and used quickly. Always follow the label for exact shelf life, feeding amount and storage.

Our recommendations by type of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Bonzo Beggin' Strips Snack Speck

Bonzo Beggin' Strips Snack Speck

Why this suits the profile: The strips are easy to break apart by hand and are intended as a complementary snack or reward between meals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the protein, fat and moisture content, so you don’t have to choose the treat based solely on the bacon flavour mention.

Key benefit & plus points

15.7% protein, 5.7% fat, 23% moisture and a clear storage instruction.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Cheese

INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Cheese

Why this suits the profile: The soft outer layer and creamy filling offer variety for dogs that find different textures appealing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portions are individually wrapped: 8 packs of 12 grams. This helps with portion control and limits the problem of an opened large bag.

Key benefit & plus points

69% moisture, 15.6 kcal per pack according to the product information and 96 grams total weight.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Rosewood chewy sticks salmon small, 8 pieces

Rosewood chewy sticks salmon small, 8 pieces

Why this suits the profile: These small chew sticks are aimed at dogs that get a chew moment as well as a reward.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is specifically labelled as small. This makes comparing easier, but supervision during chewing is still necessary.

Key benefit & plus points

8 pieces, beef hide with dried salmon and, according to the product information, no added grains, gluten, artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.

Suitable for: Households with a small adult dog
Pedigree Dog Snacks Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb 4 Pieces

Pedigree Dog Snacks Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb 4 Pieces

Why this suits the profile: The variant is intended for adult dogs up to 15 kg and has a hard outer layer with a softer inside.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The usage instructions mention a weight limit and age restriction. This makes it clearer whether this treat is suitable for your dog.

Key benefit & plus points

4 pieces, suitable for small adult dogs and a stated usage frequency of a maximum of 1 piece per week for dogs of 4–10 kg.

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 calories per treat. Use the feeding guideline on the packet and keep treats preferably to around a maximum of 10% of daily calorie intake. Reduce the main meal if necessary and always provide fresh drinking water.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Small, soft dog treats are usually practical because you can give and portion them quickly. A multipack with individual portions can be handy for regular training sessions. Do check the fat content and the total amount you give during a session.

How long do dental care dog treats last?

The duration varies depending on the size, ingredients and your dog’s chewing strength. A chew treat is not a replacement for daily dental care. Choose a suitable size, supervise while chewing and remove small or broken pieces to limit swallowing.