Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog treats: practical tips for flavour, training and chewing enjoyment

Buying a bag of dog treats sounds simple, until you have to choose between dog biscuits, chew treats for dogs, dental treats for dogs and training treats for dogs. An attractive packet does not always tell the whole story either. A snack may look large, for example, but contain only a few portions. Or a product may mention a flavour even though its main ingredients are mostly cereals or plant-based ingredients.

The Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer helps you assess the key differences. That way, you can buy treats suited to your dog’s size, activity level and intended use.

Three pitfalls when buying dog treats

1. Confusing a flavour name with a high meat content

“Made with chicken”, “beef” or “salmon” on the front does not automatically mean that the product is mostly made from that animal. So check the ingredients list and the stated percentage. For example, G'woon Beef Strips contain 18% beef, while the recipe also includes cereals, vegetable by-products, oils and sugars.

Other treats provide clearer specifications. According to the product information, Rosewood Salmon Fillet Strips contain 97% salmon. This makes them an interesting option for anyone specifically looking for salmon dog treats, but if your dog has sensitivities, always check the full ingredients and allergen information yourself.

2. Treating dental claims as a replacement for dental care

Dental treats for dogs often make claims about plaque, tartar or fresh breath. According to Pedigree’s own research, Dentastix can help reduce tartar build-up by up to 80% when used daily. This is a brand claim, not a general guarantee for every dog.

The shape and texture may encourage chewing, but a treat cannot replace complete dental care or a check-up if your dog has symptoms. Also, always choose a size suitable for your dog’s weight and supervise them while they eat.

3. Ignoring calories and chewing safety

Dog treats are usually complementary pet food and are not a replacement for a complete meal. Several products in this range recommend that treats account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If you regularly give rewards during training, reduce the main meal where necessary.

Also consider how long the treat takes to chew. A soft treat is convenient for quick rewards, while a chew stick or bone takes longer. Only give a chew treat when you can supervise your dog, and make sure fresh drinking water is available.

Important points to check

Size and suitability for small, medium and large dogs

Your dog’s weight is more important than breed alone. Check the intended dog size on the packaging:

  • Treats for small dogs: smaller dental sticks, small pieces or treats that are easy to break.
  • Treats for medium-sized dogs: medium-sized sticks and treats with a firmer texture.
  • Treats for large dogs: larger chews that cannot be swallowed straight away.

Pedigree Dental Chews Small Dogs are intended for dogs weighing 5 to 10 kg. The medium multipack is for dogs weighing 10 to 25 kg, while the maxi version is for dogs from 25 kg upwards. G'woon Dental Sticks Medium are specifically intended for medium-sized dogs. Always check the current packaging before buying, as product information may change.

Ingredients, allergens and nutritional values

Do not just look at claims such as “natural” or “high in protein”. Check:

  1. The first ingredients: these are generally listed in descending order by weight.
  2. The meat percentage: for example, 18% beef in G'woon Beef Strips or 92.5% meat and animal by-products in the Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick.
  3. Fat and energy content: particularly relevant for dogs with low activity levels or a tendency to gain weight.
  4. Cereals, gluten and milk ingredients: important if your dog has reacted sensitively in the past.
  5. Additives: such as colourings, preservatives, sugars or flavourings.

A statement that a product contains none of the 14 main EU allergens does not rule out your dog reacting to another ingredient. Read the full composition and stop giving the treat if your dog has an adverse reaction.

Occasion and texture

Small, soft or breakable treats are practical for training. According to the product details, the Vitakraft stick can easily be broken into pieces. For calm, extended chewing, bones, wrapped sticks or dental sticks may be more suitable.

Pay attention to the difference between chewing enjoyment and dental care. A product may be suitable for chewing without independent evidence of a specific effect on dental health. So describe such benefits as supportive rather than definitive, and follow the instructions for use.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owner

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

g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

Why it suits this profile: The 500-gram packet is practical for daily rewards and simple training sessions. The biscuits have a crunchy outer layer and a soft marrow filling.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly lists gluten-containing cereals and the full basic composition. This helps you assess the treat more effectively against your dog’s needs.

Key benefit & advantages

500 g contents; crunchy texture; suitable as a reward or training treat; no artificial colourings or flavourings according to the product description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g

Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g

Why it suits this profile: These soft strips are ideal for dogs that enjoy a distinctive fish flavour, for example as a reward after a walk or during intensive training.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated salmon percentage makes the flavour choice more specific than a general description such as “fish flavour”. However, always check the current packaging.

Key benefit & advantages

According to the product information, 97% salmon; soft texture; low in fat according to the description; with no added cereals, gluten, artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack 1.44 kg

Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack 1.44 kg

Why it suits this profile: The multipack is suitable for households that want to give a daily treat to a medium-sized dog weighing 10 to 25 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size and daily feeding instructions are specifically linked to the dog’s weight. The claim about reducing tartar comes from Pedigree and should not be interpreted as a guarantee.

Key benefit & advantages

56 sticks; intended for 10–25 kg; fixed daily portion; no added sugar according to the product information.

Suitable for: Dogs that need a meat-rich reward
Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick

Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick

Why it suits this profile: This stick is intended as a tasty complementary treat and can be broken into pieces. This makes it useful for dogs of different sizes and for various training situations.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The recommended amount is stated for each weight category. This helps prevent a whole stick from automatically being treated as a suitable portion.

Key benefit & advantages

92.5% meat and animal by-products according to the product specifications; easy to break; portion guidance for dogs weighing 2–25 kg.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can a dog have per day?

As a general guideline, treats should provide no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The right amount depends on their weight, age, activity level and main food. Always follow the feeding advice on the packaging and adjust the meal if you give lots of rewards.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Small, soft or easily breakable dog biscuits are usually practical during training. The Vitakraft stick can be divided into pieces. Soft treats such as small meat strips are also useful, as you can give several rewards quickly without having to open a large product each time.

Are dental treats enough to look after a dog’s teeth?

Dental treats for dogs can support chewing and your dog’s daily oral care routine. According to Pedigree’s own research, Dentastix may help reduce tartar build-up. This effect is not guaranteed for every dog. If your dog has pain, bad breath or visible tartar, consulting a vet is more sensible than simply giving them more treats.