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Choosing dog treats: how to find the right rewards for your dog

Buying a bag of dog treats seems simple, until you have to choose between soft dog treats, dog chew bones, dog biscuits and chicken dog treats. Attractive packaging says little about whether a treat is suitable for your dog. Their age, size, ingredients and intended use all determine whether a snack is a practical choice.

Also consider the difference between a treat and complete food. Many snacks are complementary food and must not replace a meal. Use the checks below to avoid unsuitable purchases and choose more deliberately for training, chewing enjoyment or a small reward between meals.

Common pitfalls when choosing dog treats

1. Mistaking a health claim for a guarantee

Words such as “supports dental health”, “for strong bones” or “supports the immune system” sound convincing. However, they are not personal guarantees. According to g’woon’s product description, the Dog Chew Bones are intended as a chew treat and may help to reduce plaque and tartar. That is a product claim made by the brand, not a guaranteed result for every dog.

So pay particular attention to the texture, dimensions, ingredients and feeding instructions. A chew treat is not a substitute for regular care or advice from a vet.

2. Choosing a large pack without checking the shelf life

A 500-gram pack may seem good value, but it is not automatically practical. Some soft treats need to be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. For example, the INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato product information states that the opened product should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.

For a small dog or a household with several types of treats, a multipack with individually portioned packs may be more convenient than one large, opened pack.

3. Underestimating the calorie contribution

A treat may be small, but several rewards a day soon add up. The general guideline shown on various product packs is that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If you give lots of rewards during training, adjust the main meal accordingly.

For example, a soft treat containing 15.6 kcal per portion pack may seem insignificant, but several portions alongside wet dog food or dry dog food can increase the daily total.

Important points to check

1. Complementary or complete food

Look for the legally required designation on the label:

  • Complementary food: suitable as a treat, reward or topper, but not as a complete meal.
  • Complete food: intended to be fed as a daily diet in line with the feeding guidelines.
  • Age and size: check whether the treat is suitable for puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs, small breeds or large breeds.

For example, INABA Churu Dog Multipack is complementary food. CESAR Classic Wet Dog Food Chicken 150 g, on the other hand, is described as complete wet food for adult dogs. According to the product information, Farmina N&D Premium Chicken Adult Small Dog Food is complete food for adult dogs of small breeds.

2. Texture and size

For training, small, soft pieces are generally quick and easy to give. If you are looking for something for longer chewing, choose a firm stick or bone instead. Always consider your dog’s size and supervise them while they chew.

Suitable categories for different occasions:

  • Dog training treats: small pieces with a soft texture that are easy to portion.
  • Soft dog treats: convenient for hand-feeding, older dogs or dogs that do not prefer hard treats.
  • Dog chew treats: intended for longer chewing enjoyment; choose a size that is not too small.
  • Chicken dog treats: check that chicken fits into your dog’s existing diet and whether other animal proteins have been added.

A treat containing several ingredients is not automatically unsuitable, but if your dog has a known sensitivity, a short and clear ingredients list is more practical.

3. Ingredients, moisture and storage

Do not compare only the protein or fat percentage. The moisture content affects the texture and how the treat should be stored. According to the product details, the INABA Churu Dog Multipack has a moisture content of at least 90% and consists of 12-gram portions. INABA Fun Bites with sweet potato contains 82% moisture and is supplied in a pouch.

Also check:

  • the full ingredients list;
  • the analytical constituents for protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture;
  • allergens or potential sensitivities;
  • the recommended amount for your dog’s weight category;
  • the best-before date and instructions for use after opening.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g

g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g

Why it suits this profile: The pack contains 500 grams and is intended as a chew treat between meals. This can be practical for households that regularly give their dog a chew treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the ingredients, the maximum proportion of treats and the storage instructions. This makes it easier to plan portions.

Key benefit & advantages

500 grams per box, with no artificial colours or flavourings according to the product description. Always give under supervision.

Suitable for: Shoppers 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: The individual 12-gram packs are ideal for anyone who values portion control and freshness during training or hand-feeding.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion packs reduce the chance of a large quantity being left open for too long. The product is complementary food, not a replacement for a meal.

Key benefit & advantages

69% moisture, 15.6 kcal per pack and eight individual portions according to the product details.

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

INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: This multipack can be used as a reward, topper or snack during training. The two varieties provide some welcome variety.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is complementary food, with a guideline of one to two tubes per day depending on the dog.

Key benefit & advantages

20 tubes of 12 grams, at least 90% moisture and two chicken and seafood varieties according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Small adult dogs
Pedigree Dog Snacks Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb 4 Pieces

Pedigree Dog Snacks Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb 4 Pieces

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this chew stick is intended for small adult dogs weighing up to 15 kg and is suitable for a short chewing session.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target group and feeding frequency are clearly specified. According to the stated guidelines, the product is not intended for dogs weighing less than 4 kg or young puppies.

Key benefit & advantages

Four mini chew sticks, chicken and lamb flavour, and less than 5% fat per 100 grams according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

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

When should you choose dog food instead of a snack?

Use dry dog food or wet dog food as the main diet when the packaging states that it is complete food. Snacks are mainly intended as rewards or supplements. There are products for adult dogs based on breed size and life stage, such as dry food for small, medium-sized or large dogs.

When switching to a different dog food, it is advisable to introduce it gradually by mixing it with the existing food. Follow the feeding table on the packaging and take your dog’s weight, age, activity level and body condition into account. If you are looking to buy dog food, it is worth first establishing whether the product is intended as a daily diet or simply as a treat.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many dog treats can a dog have per day?

As a practical guideline, treats should provide no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The precise amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and body condition. Use smaller pieces during training and reduce the main meal if necessary.

Are soft dog treats suitable for training?

Often, yes, because they can be eaten quickly and are easy to give by hand. Check the portion size and calorie content. A soft treat is complementary food and does not replace a complete meal.

How long do opened dog treats stay fresh?

This varies from one product to another. Some soft treats must be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. Other dog biscuits or chew treats need to be resealed and used within the stated period. Always follow the label instructions and supervise your dog while they are chewing.