Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog treats: what to consider for training, rewards and everyday use

Buying a bag of dog treats seems straightforward, but there are major differences in ingredients, size and intended use. Attractive packaging says little about whether a treat is suitable for your dog. It is particularly easy to make the wrong choice for small dogs, fussy eaters and dogs that receive frequent rewards during training.

Three common pitfalls are:

  • “Natural” without a clear ingredients list: always check which animal and plant-based ingredients have actually been used. A marketing term is no substitute for a complete composition.
  • A dental-care claim that suggests too much: chewing can form part of your dog’s daily dental care, but a treat does not replace brushing or a check-up by a vet. Claims about plaque, tartar or fresh breath come from the brand and should be read as such.
  • An impractical size for the occasion: large, hard treats are not practical during a short training session. Soft dog treats or breakable jerky are often easier to portion, especially for small dogs.

The key points when choosing dog treats

1. Check the ingredients and analytical constituents

Start with the ingredients list. Look at the first ingredient, its proportion and any grains, sugars, colourings or preservatives. For dogs with specific dietary preferences, grain-free dog treats may be worth considering, but grain-free does not automatically mean that a treat is suitable for every dog.

Also compare the analytical constituents:

  • Crude protein: relevant if you are looking for a treat with a clear proportion of animal ingredients.
  • Crude fat: important for your dog’s total daily energy intake.
  • Moisture content: soft treats often contain more moisture than dried jerky.
  • Fibre: this may form part of the recipe, for example through sweet potato.

A treat is usually complementary food rather than a complete meal. Keep the amount limited and adjust your dog’s main food if necessary.

2. Choose the size based on your dog and how you will use it

For dog training treats, small pieces are practical. A treat that is easy to break helps you give plenty of rewards without feeding a large amount each time. With small dogs, take extra care over portion size and the risk of choking.

For relaxed chewing, you could instead look at dog chew treats, such as a chew stick. Always supervise your dog and choose a size suited to their chewing strength. A treat that is too hard, too large or likely to splinter may be unsuitable.

3. Check calories, storage instructions and shelf life

A small treat can provide a relatively large amount of energy per piece. For example, INABA states that one variant with chicken and cheese contains approximately 15.6 kcal per pack. The manufacturer also recommends that treats account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

Pay attention to the storage instructions too. Some soft dog treats need to be refrigerated after opening and used quickly. For INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps with sweet potato, the instructions state that an opened pack should be consumed within 24 hours. Dried treats should generally be stored in a cool, dry place. Always check the latest information on the label.

Which dog treats are suitable for different uses?

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Rosewood Chewy Sticks Salmon Small, 8 sticks

Rosewood Chewy Sticks Salmon Small, 8 sticks

Why it suits this profile: These small chew sticks are designed for dogs that enjoy a quiet chew from time to time. The pack contains 8 sticks, making it easy to plan how they are used.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly lists beef hide and dried salmon as the main ingredients and states that no grains, gluten or artificial colourings, flavourings or taste enhancers have been added.

Key benefit & advantages

A salmon-flavoured chew treat suitable for dogs of all ages. According to Rosewood, the treat is intended to complement dental care; supervision is still required.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats, 454 g

Why it suits this profile: The large resealable bag is ideal for households that train regularly or have several dogs and want to keep a supply of soft jerky to hand.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The listed composition consists of chicken. According to the product description, the treats are soft and easy to break into smaller pieces, but check the packaging when you receive them.

Key benefit & advantages

According to the product details, the treat contains at least 30% crude protein, no more than 15% crude fat and no more than 18% moisture. The bag contains 454 g.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps with cheese

INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps with cheese, 12 g x 8

Why it suits this profile: The individual portions are handy for intensive training days, while travelling or whenever you want to give small amounts to a dog that receives frequent rewards.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack contains 8 portions of approximately 12 g each. This means you do not have to open the entire bag every time. After opening, INABA recommends refrigeration and serving promptly.

Key benefit & advantages

Soft chicken wrap with a creamy filling, 69% moisture and 15.6 kcal per pack according to the product information. The treat is intended as complementary food and can be given by hand.

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.

Chicken, duck or sweet potato?

The flavour you choose depends on what your dog accepts and which ingredients you want to avoid. Chicken jerky for dogs is often soft and easy to portion. MeatyWay Chicken Tenders lists chicken as its composition, and the product description does not include any grains.

Duck treats for dogs can provide variety when chicken is not as well tolerated. With a combination product, always check that the label exactly matches the product title. The MeatyWay variant with chicken, duck and sweet potato lists these three ingredients and is described as easy to break.

With dog treats containing sweet potato, it is also wise to look at the recipe as a whole. INABA Fun Bites Chicken with Sweet Potato lists chicken, chicken broth, sweet potato and minerals. The moisture content is 82%. This makes the treat soft, but refrigeration after opening is important.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can a dog have per day?

This depends on body weight, age, activity levels and the calories in each treat. A commonly used guideline on product packaging is that treats should provide no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Give smaller pieces during training and reduce the amount of main food if necessary.

Can dental-care dog treats replace brushing?

No. According to the product information provided by some brands, chewing may help to clean the teeth mechanically. This is a manufacturer’s claim and is not a guarantee for every dog. A chew treat does not replace regular dental care or professional check-ups.

Which dog treats are suitable for a sensitive dog?

Choose a treat with a short, clear ingredients list and avoid any ingredients that you know your dog reacts to. Grain-free dog treats may suit a particular dietary choice, but discuss recurring symptoms with a vet. Introduce a new treat gradually and monitor your dog’s reaction.