Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog treats: how to find the right reward, chew or training snack

Buying a bag of dog treats might seem straightforward, but the difference between a handy reward and a poor purchase often comes down to small details. A treat can be too big for your dog, dry out quickly, or be less suitable for daily use than the packaging suggests.

Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

  • A nice flavour claim says little about the ingredients. Check how much meat, grains, sugars and fats the product actually contains.
  • A dental stick is no substitute for dental care. According to brands' own information, certain shapes and ingredients can help reduce plaque or tartar. The result varies from dog to dog and also depends on how the treat is eaten.
  • A treat size doesn't automatically suit every breed. A small dog needs different dimensions and quantities than a medium or large dog. Oversized chews can be difficult to eat; treats that are too small can be swallowed more quickly.

What to look for in dog treats

1. Size and chewing behaviour

First, consider your dog's weight, age and chewing behaviour. For dog treats for small dogs, smaller, softer or easily breakable varieties are often more practical. For medium and large dogs, firmer chews or larger dental sticks may be more suitable.

Always check the age and weight guidance on the packaging. Some products are not intended for puppies or dogs under a certain weight. Also, only give a chew under supervision and make sure fresh drinking water is available.

2. Ingredients and nutritional value

Dog treats and meat snacks for dogs are usually complementary food. They do not replace a complete meal. A practical guideline from the product information of several mentioned treats is that treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. Adjust the main meal if you reward regularly.

Where possible, compare:

  • the percentage of meat or animal ingredients;
  • the fat content and energy value;
  • the presence of grains, gluten, sugars or vegetable by-products;
  • allergens and any colourings, preservatives or flavourings;
  • the recommended amount per day or per week.

For example, you can see that the Vitakraft stick, according to the product information, contains 92.5% meat and animal by-products, while other treats consist mainly of grains and vegetable by-products. Neither is automatically suitable for every dog: the choice depends on the intended use and nutritional needs.

3. Use and shelf life after opening

Soft dog treats are handy during a walk or training session because you can easily break them into small pieces. However, check how long the packaging remains usable after opening. Several Pedigree products state 14 days; other products need to be stored in a resealable, dry place.

For daily rewards, small treats are practical. For longer chewing enjoyment, consider dog twisters, dental sticks for dogs or firm chews. A treat marketed for dental care should still be seen as a supplement. According to brands' own research or product claims, some treats can help clean hard-to-reach teeth or reduce tartar, but this is not a guarantee for every animal.

Our recommendations 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: The combination of a crunchy biscuit layer and soft marrow filling makes this treat useful as a reward or training snack for dogs of different sizes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly states the 500 gram content, the ingredients and the gluten-containing grain. This helps with portion control and checking for allergies.

Key benefit & highlights

500 gram pack, no artificial colours or flavourings according to the product information, and easy to use as a reward.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Pedigree Dentastix Maxi Multipack 42-Pack 1.62kg

Pedigree Dentastix Maxi Multipack 42-Pack 1.62kg

Why this fits the profile: A large multipack suits households with a big dog of 25 kg or more that has a regular daily chewing routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The variant is specifically labelled for large dogs. According to Pedigree's own research, daily use can help reduce tartar formation by up to 80%; this remains a brand claim and not a guarantee.

Key benefit & highlights

42 sticks for dogs from 25 kg, with no added sugar and no artificial colours or flavourings according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick

Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick

Why this fits the profile: The stick is easy to break into pieces and therefore suitable for walks, short training sessions and dogs that need small portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The feeding guideline is broken down for dogs from 2 to 25 kg. This allows you to tailor the amount more precisely than with a treat that has no portion advice.

Key benefit & highlights

92.5% meat and animal by-products according to the product information, 18 grams per stick and easy to break.

Suitable for: Training-focused dog owners
Pedigree Dog Cheesy Bites Treats 140g

Pedigree Dog Cheesy Bites Treats 140g

Why this fits the profile: These small, soft dog treats are designed as rewards during walks and training. The recommended amount varies by body weight.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion guidelines range from very small dogs to dogs of 25 kg and over. This makes it easier to account for training rewards.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft texture, cheese flavour and resealable packaging according to the product information.

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?

Stick to the guideline of a maximum of 10% of daily calorie intake, unless the packaging gives a specific lower recommendation. Also consider your dog's weight, age and activity level. Subtract the calories from treats from the main meal to avoid overfeeding.

Are dental sticks for dogs suitable for daily use?

Some products are designed for daily use, such as certain Pedigree Dentastix varieties. According to Pedigree's own research, these sticks can help reduce tartar when used daily. Always check the correct size for your dog and supervise while chewing. Dental sticks do not replace a full dental check-up or care routine.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

For training, soft dog treats, small dog treats or easily breakable meat snacks for dogs are practical. You can keep the reward small and give them quickly one after another. Choose a product with clear portion advice and check the ingredients if your dog is sensitive to certain grains, meat sources or other components.