Dog Treats Buying Guide: How to Choose Healthy Rewards

Giving your dog a treat is so much more than just handing over a biscuit. It's a gesture of love, a tool for training, and a special moment of connection. But let's be honest: faced with a jungle of options on the shelves, choosing the right treat can quickly become a headache for health-conscious owners. Between the marketing jargon and endless ingredient lists, it's hard to know where to turn.

As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, my mission is simple: to help you see things more clearly. In this guide, we'll give you the keys to choosing a dog treat that is not only delicious but also perfectly suited to your dog's needs and lifestyle.

How to Choose the Right Dog Treat: What to Look For

Before we get to our top picks, here are the essential criteria for making the right choice.

1. Reading the Label: The Key to a Healthy Treat

The ingredient list is your greatest asset. The first sign of a healthy dog treat? A short, easy-to-understand list. Prioritise products where the first ingredient is a clearly identified animal protein source (e.g., "chicken," "beef") rather than vague terms like "meat and animal by-products."

For dogs with sensitive digestion or allergies, a hypoallergenic dog treat formulated with a single source of animal protein is often the best option. Opting for a natural dog treat, free from artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, is also a smart move to limit exposure to potentially irritating substances.

2. Matching the Treat to the Occasion: Training, Occupation, or Just for Fun?

Not all treats are created equal, nor should they be used in the same way.

• For training: A dog training treat should be small, low in calories, and highly palatable to motivate your dog without unbalancing their diet. Breakable treats are particularly practical, as they allow you to adjust the size of the dog reward and give it frequently.
• For occupation: Long-lasting chews help keep a dog busy and support dental health by fighting tartar.
• For pleasure: An occasional dog snack can be more indulgent, but always keep an eye on its composition and calorie count.

A low-calorie treat is always a wise choice, especially for dogs prone to weight gain or for small breeds.

3. Considering Size, Age, and Sensitivities

The size of the treat must be appropriate for your dog's jaw to prevent any choking hazards. Of course, the nutritional needs of a growing puppy differ from those of an adult or senior dog. Check that the product is suitable for your pet's age.

Recommended Dog Treats

Here are the products that caught our eye for their quality ingredients and their ability to meet different needs.

PRINS Small Breed Dog Treats Chicken 120g

What makes it great

These treats stand out for their simple and natural composition. Formulated with chicken as the sole source of animal protein, they are an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities. Their very small size and breakable texture make them particularly suitable for training sessions or for small-breed dogs.

Highlights

• Natural ingredients: Made from responsibly sourced chicken.
• Single protein source: Ideal as a hypoallergenic dog treat.
• Practical format: Small and easy to break to adjust the portion.
• Protein: 32% crude protein.

Who is it for?

These treats are perfect for owners of dogs of all sizes (especially small breeds) and ages who are looking for a healthy and natural dog reward, particularly for training or for pets with sensitive digestion.

MeatyWay Chicken & Vegetables Wrapped Dog Treats

What makes it great

This dog snack combines the pleasure of meat with the benefits of vegetables. It consists of real chicken fillet wrapped around purple sweet potato and carrot. This combination offers a good balance of protein, vitamins, and fibre, all without grains or additives. Its tender yet durable texture encourages chewing, thereby contributing to dental hygiene.

Highlights

• Quality ingredients: Real chicken as the first ingredient.
• Rich in nutrients: Provides protein (min. 25%), vitamins, and fibre from vegetables.
• Low in fat: Suitable for dogs that need to watch their weight.
• Dental support: Chewing helps reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar.

Who is it for?

Ideal for owners who want to offer a treat that is both delicious and healthy. Its soft texture is suitable for most dogs, and its composition makes it an excellent vegetable-enriched chicken treat for dogs.

Pedigree Schmackos Dog Treats - 3 Flavours

What makes it great

Schmackos are a classic, loved for their convenience and controlled calorie count. With less than 30 kcal per strip, it's a low-calorie treat that lets you indulge your dog without overdoing it. The multi-flavour pack (beef, lamb, poultry) helps to keep things interesting. The formula is enriched with Omega-6, Vitamin E, and calcium to support the dog's overall health.

Highlights

• Low calorie count: Less than 30 kcal per treat.
• Enriched with nutrients: Contains added vitamins and minerals.
• Variety of flavours: Helps prevent taste fatigue.
• Soft texture: Easy to chew for adult dogs of all sizes.

Who is it for?

These treats are aimed at owners of adult dogs who are looking for a simple, budget-friendly, and calorie-controlled reward for daily use.

Can't Find the Perfect Fit?

Our selection aims to cover the most common needs, but every dog is unique. If none of these products are quite right, or if you're simply curious to discover other textures, flavours, or formulas, feel free to explore our catalogue.

Discover a wider range of snacks and rewards, or find inspiration among our Dog Treat Recipes.

Dog Treats: Your Questions, Answered

How many treats can I give my dog?

The general rule of thumb is that treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. The exact amount will depend on the energy value of the treat, as well as your pet's size, weight, age, and activity level. Always refer to the recommendations on the packaging and remember to slightly reduce their main meal portion accordingly.

Is a natural dog treat always a better choice?

The term "natural" is often a good indicator of quality, as it suggests the absence of synthetic additives. However, be aware that this doesn't guarantee the treat is suitable for all dogs. A natural dog treat can be high in fat or calories. The key is to always read the full ingredient list and the analytical constituents (protein, fat, etc.) to ensure the product meets your companion's specific needs.

What is the best treat for training a puppy?

For puppy training, the ideal dog training treat should be:

1. Very small or breakable so you can give them frequently.
2. Low in calories so as not to disrupt their growth.
3. Highly palatable to capture their attention and keep them motivated.
4. Easy to swallow so it doesn't interrupt the training session.

Treats like the PRINS Treats we selected are a perfect example of this type of reward.