Joybuy Insights

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

Buying a bag of dog treats sounds simple, until you have to choose between dog biscuits, soft dog treats, dog chews and training treats for dogs. Packaging often promises natural ingredients, dental care or added nutritional value. However, a prominent claim does not always tell you whether a product is suitable for your dog.

The main pitfalls are:

  • A size that is too large for training: large treats quickly provide more calories than intended and are less practical during a walk.
  • “Natural” without a clear composition: always check which ingredients and analytical constituents are actually listed.
  • Confusing complementary feed with complete feed: many dog treats are intended as an extra and not as a replacement for your dog’s daily meal.
  • Dental care as a general promise: according to a product description, a hard or chewy texture may be intended to help reduce plaque or tartar, but this is not a replacement for regular dental care or advice from a vet.

What should you look for when choosing dog treats?

1. Check the ingredients, not just the front of the pack

Check the ingredients list and pay attention to the order. Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight. For example, MeatyWay Chicken and Purple Sweet Potato 100g lists chicken and purple sweet potato as ingredients. The analytical constituents per 100 grams state a minimum of 20% crude protein, a minimum of 5% crude fat, a maximum of 2% crude fibre and a maximum of 18% moisture.

The composition can vary considerably between chicken dog treats, beef dog treats and salmon dog treats. A product containing a particular type of meat is not automatically suitable for a dog with a food sensitivity. Always check for potential allergens as well, and discuss persistent symptoms with a vet.

2. Choose the texture according to how you will use it

For training, small, soft or easy-to-break treats are usually practical. This allows you to give several rewards without having to break off a large piece each time. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps consist of soft bites with a chicken coating and creamy filling. The individual 12-gram packs are intended for hand-feeding, training or giving as an extra treat.

There are other options for longer-lasting chewing. Chew sticks, bones and dental sticks have a firmer texture, but require extra supervision. Choose a size that suits your dog’s body size and never give a product that could easily be swallowed whole.

3. Check the portion size, shelf life and storage instructions

Dog treats should fit within your dog’s daily energy balance. Several product descriptions advise that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Adjust the amount according to your dog’s weight, age, activity level and body condition.

Also pay attention to the storage instructions. Soft treats with a high moisture content may need to be refrigerated after opening and used within a specified period. For INABA Fun Bites, refrigeration after opening and prompt serving are recommended. For wet pâté products, such as chicken or beef varieties, the instructions often state that unused portions should be refrigerated and used within 48 hours.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

g'woon Marrow-Filled Dog Biscuits 500g

Why it suits this profile: A 500-gram pack is practical for rewarding your dog regularly at home. The biscuits have a crunchy outer layer and a soft marrow filling.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and allergen information are listed. The product contains cereals with gluten, so you can rule it out in advance when making a suitable dietary choice.

Main benefit & highlights

500 grams; crunchy outer layer; soft filling; suitable as a reward for dogs of different breeds and sizes according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g

Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large 150g

Why it suits this profile: These soft salmon strips are suitable for anyone looking for a treat with a clearly named fish source and limited product claims.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product description, the treat contains 97% salmon. If your dog has allergies, always check the current packaging as well.

Main benefit & highlights

150 grams; salmon variety; soft strips; according to the product description, made without added cereals, gluten, artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
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 portion packs are convenient for training sessions, hand-feeding or occasionally hiding a small tablet.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack divides 96 grams into 8 portions of 12 grams. This makes portion control clearer than using one large, opened bag.

Main benefit & highlights

8 portions; minimum 69% moisture according to the product information; minimum 22% crude protein; suitable for all life stages according to the product description.

Suitable for: Dog owners who want to offer chew treats
g'woon Dog Dental sticks Medium 180g

g'woon Dog Dental sticks Medium 180g

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, these dental treats for dogs are intended for medium-sized dogs and as a daily chew treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size is specifically marked as medium. Do not therefore automatically give it to a small or very large dog.

Main benefit & highlights

180 grams; one stick per day as a guideline according to the product information; 8% crude protein and 1% crude fat listed.

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?

Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and take your dog’s size, age, activity level and body condition into account. As a general guideline, several products state that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Reduce the amount of main food if necessary.

Which dog treats are suitable for training?

Small, soft or easy-to-break dog biscuits are usually practical. They can be given quickly and help keep the portion per reward small. Soft dog treats in individual portions are also handy when training outdoors.

Are dental treats a replacement for brushing teeth?

No. According to a product description, dental treats and dog chews may be intended to support chewing behaviour or help reduce plaque and tartar. They do not replace comprehensive dental care. Always supervise your dog while they are chewing and choose a size that suits them.