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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
500 grams; crunchy outer layer; soft filling; suitable as a reward for dogs of different breeds and sizes according to the product information.
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.
According to the product description, the treat contains 97% salmon. If your dog has allergies, always check the current packaging as well.
150 grams; salmon variety; soft strips; according to the product description, made without added cereals, gluten, artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.
Why it suits this profile: The portion packs are convenient for training sessions, hand-feeding or occasionally hiding a small tablet.
The pack divides 96 grams into 8 portions of 12 grams. This makes portion control clearer than using one large, opened bag.
8 portions; minimum 69% moisture according to the product information; minimum 22% crude protein; suitable for all life stages according to the product description.
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.
The size is specifically marked as medium. Do not therefore automatically give it to a small or very large dog.
180 grams; one stick per day as a guideline according to the product information; 8% crude protein and 1% crude fat listed.
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.
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.
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.
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.