Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog treats: a practical guide to flavour, training and chewing enjoyment

Buying a bag of dog treats seems simple until you have to choose between soft dog treats, dog training treats, chew sticks and dental dog treats. Packaging often highlights flavour, natural ingredients or dental care, but that information does not always tell you whether a treat is suitable for your dog.

The most common poor purchases arise from three pitfalls:

  • Mistaking a treat for complete food. Many dog treats are complementary food and should not replace a daily meal.
  • Looking only at the flavour. A chicken treat may sound appealing, but the size, texture and ingredients are just as important.
  • Interpreting health claims too broadly. According to the product description, some chews may support chewing behaviour or oral hygiene. They are not a substitute for regular dental care or veterinary advice.

What should you look for in dog treats?

1. Check the food category and quantity

First, check whether the packaging states that the product is complementary pet food. This means you give the treat alongside your dog’s normal food. A practical guideline is that treats should make up no more than around 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For a dog that gets little exercise, the amount should often be lower.

Also pay attention to the nutritional values. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato contains 82% moisture, 11.5% crude protein and 2.2% crude fat. The INABA Churu multipack states a moisture content of at least 90%, 9.5% crude protein and 0.6% crude fat. These figures are useful for comparison, but on their own they do not mean that a product is suitable for every dog.

2. Choose a texture and size that suit your dog

For training, small, soft pieces are often more convenient than large chew sticks. You can give the reward quickly without interrupting the exercise for too long. Soft dog treats are also practical for dogs that struggle with hard textures, but always check the recommended age, size and feeding instructions.

Mini sizes are important for small dogs. According to the product description, the Pedigree Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb is intended for adult dogs weighing up to 15 kg. G’woon Dental Sticks Mini is specifically offered as a mini version. A treat that is too large can be awkward, while a chew that is too small may be swallowed too quickly.

3. Assess ingredients and usage claims realistically

Read the ingredients list rather than just the front of the packaging. Check, for example:

  • Which source of animal protein is used, such as chicken, beef, lamb or fish.
  • Whether grains, milk, soya, lupin or other potential allergens are present.
  • How much fat, protein, moisture and crude ash the product contains.
  • Whether preservatives, colourings or flavourings have been added.
  • How long the product remains usable after opening.

Treat dental-care claims as a product feature, not a guaranteed result. According to the product description, G’woon Dental Sticks are intended to support oral hygiene. Supervision is still required with dog chews, especially when your dog tries to bite off large pieces.

Our recommendations for different uses

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

Bonzo Beggin' Strips Snack Speck

Why it suits this profile: The strips are intended as a complementary snack or reward and can easily be divided into smaller pieces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is a complementary snack and recommends adjusting the main meal if necessary.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft texture, chicken flavour and an energy value of 302 kcal per 100 g according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties

INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties

Why it suits this profile: Ideal for dog owners looking for variety and wanting to give a liquid reward during training or mixed into their dog’s usual food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The multipack contains two flavour varieties and is described as suitable for use as a treat, topper or training reward; it is not a complete meal.

Key benefit & highlights

20 portions of 12 g, at least 90% moisture, and chicken with tuna or salmon varieties according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive chewers
g'woon Dog Dental sticks Medium

g'woon Dog Dental sticks Medium 180g

Why it suits this profile: A sensible choice for owners who want to schedule a regular daily chewing session for a medium-sized dog.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This variant is designated for medium-sized dogs. This helps you avoid relying solely on a general dental-care claim.

Key benefit & highlights

Contains 1% sodium hexametaphosphate and has a recommended usage of one stick per day according to the product details.

Suitable for: Owners of small dogs
Pedigree Dog Snacks Jumbone Mini Chicken and Lamb

Pedigree Dog Snacks Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, the mini version is intended for small adult dogs weighing up to 15 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information gives a clear weight limit and states that the snack is not suitable for very young dogs or dogs weighing under 4 kg.

Key benefit & highlights

Chicken and lamb flavour, a firm outer layer with a soft centre, and less than 5% fat per 100 g according to the product information.

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 I give my dog each day?

That depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and overall diet. As a practical limit, treats should provide no more than around 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Also follow the portion instructions on the packaging. Give less if your dog gets less exercise or if their main meal is already energy-dense.

Are dental dog treats a substitute for brushing teeth?

No. According to brands’ own product information, certain sticks or bones may support chewing behaviour and oral hygiene. The effect varies from dog to dog and is no guarantee against plaque or other oral problems. Choose a suitable size, supervise your dog while chewing and discuss persistent problems with a vet.

How should I store soft dog treats after opening?

Always follow the label. The INABA treats mentioned above state that an opened product should be sealed, stored in the fridge and used within 24 hours. For some wet products, such as Rosewood Dog Pâté, the product information states that they can be refrigerated for a maximum of 48 hours. Do not use treats if the packaging is damaged or if their smell or texture has clearly changed.