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

Dog treats are useful for training, as a snack between meals or for extra chewing enjoyment. However, attractive packaging does not guarantee that a treat is right for your dog. A small size may be impractical for a large dog, while a hard dog chew may be unsuitable for a young or sensitive eater.

The main pitfalls usually come down to three points:

  • Marketing claims without complete nutritional information: terms such as “high protein”, “low calorie” or “easy to digest” can only be properly assessed when the analytical constituents and ingredients are clearly listed.
  • The wrong size for the occasion: large pieces are less convenient as training treats for dogs. Small, soft dog treats are often more practical.
  • Not paying enough attention to the daily amount: dog treats are given in addition to regular food. Product information for several items recommends limiting treats to a maximum of 10% of the daily calorie intake.

Which dog treat characteristics should you check?

1. Ingredients and nutritional values

Do not just look for words such as “natural” or “grain-free”. Check the full composition. For example, MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender lists chicken as an ingredient and also provides specific values: at least 30% crude protein, at least 15% crude fat, no more than 1% crude fibre and no more than 18% moisture.

The values differ for other products. INABA Churu Chicken, for example, lists 9% crude protein, 0.4% crude fat and 88% moisture. This makes the treat softer and moister than dried jerky, but also less suitable if you are specifically looking for a dry, high-protein reward.

If your dog has an allergy or is following an elimination diet, pay extra attention to compound ingredients. A treat containing chicken, duck, beef, lamb, soya or lupin is not automatically suitable for a dog that is only allowed one source of protein.

2. Texture and size

For short training sessions, soft dog treats that can be broken into small pieces are usually the most efficient choice. This means you can often give several rewards without using large pieces of food.

For relaxed chewing, dog chews or firm sticks make more sense. However, chewing time varies from dog to dog. Always supervise your dog, especially if they tend to swallow pieces quickly. With small breeds, you may need to break jerky into smaller pieces to reduce the risk of choking.

3. Storage and portioning

Check the shelf life and opening instructions. Examples from the range include:

  • INABA Bites: use within 3 days of opening.
  • INABA Churu: refrigerate after opening and use within 24 hours.
  • Pedigree Schmackos: according to the product information, use each opened pouch within 14 days.
  • Dried treats: usually store in a cool, dry place and close the packaging securely.

Always provide fresh drinking water. A treat is supplementary food and does not replace a complete meal. Adjust the portion to your dog’s weight, age, activity level and body condition.

Our recommendations for different types 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 it suits this profile: The multipack contains four chicken varieties and 16 portions, totalling 64 grams. Its small size is useful for everyday rewards and short training sessions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion size and net weight are clearly stated. This makes it easier to estimate how much you use in each training session.

Key benefit & advantages

Four chicken-based flavours, small pieces, 14% crude protein and 3% crude fat.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium 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 it suits this profile: These soft bites combine a chicken coating with a creamy filling. The individual packs are convenient when you want to keep treats fresh or use them while out and about.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that there are 8 portions of 12 grams and a maximum moisture content of 72%. This gives you a clearer idea of what you are buying than a treat carrying only a vague claim.

Key benefit & advantages

At least 22% crude protein, at least 3% crude fat and a soft texture that is easy to give by hand.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

Why it suits this profile: The bag contains 454 grams of chicken jerky. According to the product description, the soft pieces can be broken up for training or given whole to dogs that chew calmly.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list names chicken as the only ingredient. The analytical constituents are also clearly stated, rather than relying solely on claims such as “high protein” or “low fat”.

Key benefit & advantages

At least 30% crude protein, no more than 18% moisture and a resealable 454-gram bag, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Dogs that love to chew
Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Why it suits this profile: These sticks combine rawhide with dried chicken and are intended as supplementary food. The small variety contains 10 pieces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is specifically marked as small. Even so, check that the stick is suitable for your dog’s chewing habits and supervise them while they eat.

Key benefit & advantages

10 sticks per pack, with no added grains according to the product description, and designed for longer-lasting chewing.

Which dog treat is right for your situation?

For everyday training, small chicken dog treats or soft jerky are easy to portion. A dog treat multipack is useful when you want to alternate between different flavours, but check that all the protein sources suit your dog’s diet.

Looking for grain-free dog treats? Even then, read the full ingredients list. “Grain-free” says nothing about the fat content, portion size or presence of other potential allergens. If you are looking for low-calorie dog treats, check the number of kilocalories or the nutritional analysis in particular. A low fat percentage does not automatically mean that a product is low in calories.

According to INABA’s own product information, Fun Bites contains 15.6 kcal per pack and 69% moisture. Use this information as a starting point, but adjust the daily amount to suit your dog. Claims about supporting dental health, digestion or other physical effects are brand claims and are not guaranteed results for every dog.

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 my dog have per day?

This depends on their weight, age, activity level and overall diet. Use the feeding guidance on the packaging and, if necessary, deduct the amount of treats from their main meal. As a practical guideline, several product descriptions state that treats should provide no more than 10% of the daily calorie intake.

Are soft dog treats suitable for training?

Often, yes, because you can give them quickly and easily break them into smaller pieces. However, pay attention to the fat content, ingredients and total amount. For longer training sessions, small pieces are usually more convenient than large strips.

How long do opened dog treats stay fresh?

This varies from product to product. Some moist treats must be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. Dry treats generally last longer when stored in a cool, dry place and the bag is sealed properly. Always follow the packaging instructions, including the stated best-before date.