Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog treats: practical tips for training, rewards and chewing

Buying a bag of dog treats sounds simple, until you have to choose between soft dog treats, dog biscuits, jerky, dog chews and liquid treats. The packaging often promises a lot: a natural recipe, support for dental health or suitability for sensitive dogs. However, a striking claim does not always tell you enough about how practical the treat is for everyday use.

The most important question is therefore not which treat is presented most attractively, but which treat suits your dog’s size, age, chewing habits and the occasion when you plan to use it.

Common pitfalls when choosing dog treats

1. “Natural” or “grain-free” does not tell you everything

Grain-free dog treats may suit a dog for which you want to avoid grains, but grain-free does not automatically mean low in calories or suitable for every sensitive stomach. Always check the full ingredients list. Also look at the proportion of animal ingredients, added sugars, fats and the analytical constituents.

With treats containing chicken, duck or sweet potato, the difference between a single-ingredient recipe and a long ingredients list is practically significant. A product containing only chicken may be easier to assess than a treat with several animal and plant-based ingredients.

2. A dental-care claim is no substitute for supervision

According to information provided by some brands, chewing may help reduce plaque or tartar. This is a product claim, not a guarantee for every dog. How well it works depends, among other things, on the texture, chewing time and the way your dog eats.

Always give a chew treat under supervision. Remove small broken-off pieces and do not choose a size that your dog can swallow whole. A treat is not a substitute for daily dental care or a check-up by a vet.

3. A soft treat is not automatically a small treat

Soft dog treats are useful for training and older dogs, but pay attention to the size and portion. A large strip that you have to keep breaking up is less practical than small pieces that can be given straight away. With liquid treats, shelf life after opening is also important. Some products need to be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.

The key specifications to check

Texture and occasion

Choose the texture based on the situation:

  • Soft dog treats are suitable for short training sessions and dogs that struggle with hard kibble.
  • Jerky or semi-moist treats are often easy to break into smaller pieces.
  • Dog biscuits are suitable for a simple reward, but check that your dog can chew them comfortably.
  • Dog chews are designed for longer chewing and require extra supervision.
  • Liquid treats, such as INABA Churu dog treats, can be given straight from the tube or used as a topper.

Do not take the claim “easy to digest” as medical advice. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, food allergy or persistent symptoms, it is wiser to consult a vet.

Ingredients and analytical constituents

At a minimum, compare:

  1. Protein and fat: MeatyWay Chicken Tenders, for example, lists at least 70% crude protein and at least 5% crude fat per 100 grams. The larger MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender pack lists at least 30% protein and 15% fat. So do not look only at the product name; check the information for that exact pack.
  2. Moisture content: According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Chicken with Sweet Potato contains 82% moisture. The INABA Churu varieties list approximately 88 to 90% moisture. This affects the texture and the weight per portion.
  3. Composition: MeatyWay Duck and Sweet Potato lists duck and sweet potato as ingredients. PETSNACK Semi-Moist Chicken contains, among other things, cereals, vegetable by-products and 7% poultry meal. This makes these products suitable for different preferences, but not for the same selection criteria.

Size, portion and nutritional role

Dog treats are complementary food, not a complete meal. Follow the guidance on the packaging and deduct the amount of treats from your dog’s daily food allowance. A commonly used guideline for various products is that treats should make up no more than around 10% of the daily calorie intake, but the exact requirement varies from dog to dog.

For small dogs, breakable treats and small training treats are practical. For large dogs, a bigger chew may be suitable, provided the packaging recommends it. With senior dogs and fussy eaters in particular, check whether your dog finds the texture pleasant.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
MeatyWay Chicken Tenders 100g

MeatyWay Chicken Tenders 100g

Why it suits this profile: The soft chicken strip is designed for training, rewards and everyday use. According to the product description, you can break the treat into smaller pieces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging lists a single ingredient: chicken. Always check the label on the pack you receive.

Key benefit & advantages

100 grams, at least 70% crude protein, no more than 18% moisture and a soft jerky texture.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
MeatyWay Duck and Sweet Potato 100g

MeatyWay Duck and Sweet Potato 100g

Why it suits this profile: The combination of duck and sweet potato is appealing to owners looking for a short ingredients list and a grain-free option.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information names two main ingredients and no artificial additives. Check for allergies separately.

Key benefit & advantages

Grain-free recipe according to the product description, with duck and sweet potato; suitable for dogs at all life stages.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Varieties 20 pcs.

INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Varieties 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: The tubes can be used as a training reward, topper or treat for fussy eaters. The soft format requires no chewing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portions are individually packed in tubes. Once opened, the treat should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours according to the product information.

Key benefit & advantages

20 tubes, approximately 88% moisture and two chicken varieties; ready to give or mix into your dog’s usual food.

Suitable for: Older dogs and soft rewards
PETSNACK Semi-Moist Chicken 500g

PETSNACK Semi-Moist Chicken - 500g

Why it suits this profile: The semi-moist, soft texture is practical for dogs that find hard treats less comfortable, including some senior dogs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition lists cereals and 7% poultry meal. This means you can deliberately rule out this treat when you are specifically looking for a single-ingredient or grain-free option.

Key benefit & advantages

500 grams per pack, 20% moisture and a soft texture that can easily be given as a snack or reward.

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 your dog’s weight, age, activity level and the energy content of the treat. Follow the feeding guidance on the packaging and keep treats to a small part of your dog’s daily food intake. If necessary, reduce the amount of their main food.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Choose small, soft dog treats that can be eaten quickly. Breakable chicken or jerky treats are practical because you can control the size of the reward. INABA Churu dog treats can also be used, but pay attention to the portion and storage period after opening.

Are dental-care dog treats enough for dental health?

No. According to brands’ own research or product information, chewing may help reduce plaque or tartar, but this is not a universal guarantee. Give the treat under supervision and combine it with suitable daily dental care. If your dog has pain, bleeding gums or a strong odour, ask a vet to assess their teeth and gums.