Joybuy Insights

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

Buying a bag of dog treats seems simple enough – until you have to choose between chicken dog treats, soft dog treats, chews for dogs and training treats for dogs. An attractive packet doesn’t always tell you enough about the ingredients, portion size or suitability for your dog.

Three common pitfalls to watch out for:

  • “Natural” doesn’t automatically tell you enough: always check the full ingredients list. A product may contain natural ingredients, but also grains, sugars or thickeners.
  • A large multipack can lead to waste: with soft treats, the shelf life after opening is often limited. So look at the number of portions and the storage instructions.
  • “Low in fat” doesn’t mean low in calories: without a clear nutritional analysis, it’s difficult to compare the energy content. What’s more, treats should be given as a supplement, not as a replacement for a complete meal.

Which specifications matter when choosing dog treats?

1. Ingredients and analytical constituents

Start with the ingredients list. If chicken, chicken breast or chicken liver appears near the top, it forms a significant part of the recipe. Also look out for ingredients your dog may be sensitive to, such as grains, dairy, soya or certain animal proteins.

The analytical constituents provide extra context. Look at crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash and moisture. A treat with a high moisture content may be less concentrated per gram than a dry dog treat. So don’t just compare percentages – compare the portion size too.

With grain-free dog treats, it’s important to check what has replaced the grains. This could be, for example, tapioca starch, sweet potato or other plant-based ingredients. Grain-free in itself is no guarantee that a treat will suit every dog.

2. Texture and size

For training, small, soft pieces are usually the most practical. They can be given quickly and are often easy to break apart. For senior dogs or dogs that prefer soft food, semi-moist treats can be more comfortable than hard biscuits.

Chews for dogs require a different assessment. Check that the size matches your dog’s body size, and always supervise them while they chew. For small dogs, large pieces can be awkward; for large dogs, a small piece can disappear in no time.

3. Storage, opening and portioning

Read the label before you order a dog treat. Some moist products need to be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. Other treats may be good for, say, 14 days after opening. A multipack with individual portions can therefore be more convenient than one large opened bag.

Use the recommended amount as a guide and adjust the main meal if necessary. Treats should generally make up only a limited part of your dog’s daily energy intake. Always make sure fresh drinking water is available.

Our recommendations by type of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs.

INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs.

Why this fits the profile: Four chicken varieties in 16 portions give you room to compare flavours without buying several separate packs straight away. The small pieces work well as a reward during short training sessions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states 64 g, four varieties and a use-by period of up to three days after opening. This means you can estimate portions and storage time in advance.

Key benefit & highlights

Small bites, four chicken varieties, 14% crude protein and 3% crude fat according to the product data.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for 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 combination of a soft outer layer and creamy filling offers more texture than a standard dog treat. The individual packs are practical for training on the go.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portions are packed individually at 12 g each. The product data also states 15.6 kcal per pack, making it easier to factor the treat into your dog’s daily allowance.

Key benefit & highlights

Eight packs, 69% moisture according to the product description and a soft chicken-and-cheese filling.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

Why this fits the profile: According to the product information, this soft jerky can be broken into small pieces. That makes the treat suitable for lots of short training rewards or for dogs of different sizes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states a clear quantity of 454 g and a resealable bag. However, the stated fat content is at least 15%, so portion control remains important.

Key benefit & highlights

At least 30% crude protein, soft jerky texture and a single ingredient listed as chicken in the product data.

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.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can my dog have per day?

That depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and overall diet. Use the feeding guideline on the packaging and keep treats as a supplement to the main meal. Even with low-calorie dog treats, the total amount still matters. For training, you can break larger treats into smaller pieces if needed.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Small, soft treats that can be eaten quickly are usually the most practical. Pay attention to the size and the energy content per piece. A multipack can be handy if you want to try different flavours, while a larger bag may work out more economical for daily use. Just check the shelf life after opening.

Are chews for dogs suitable for every dog?

No. Choose a size that suits your dog and supervise them while they chew. A treat with a hard outer layer or rawhide may be used differently from a soft reward treat. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and ask your vet for advice if you have specific concerns about diet or dental health.