Joybuy Insights

Dog and cat treats: how to choose suitable rewards without wasting money

Dog and cat treats should not be chosen based solely on their smell or the image printed on the packet. Between recipes marketed as natural, dental claims that can sometimes be difficult to verify and impractical formats, some purchases can quickly become disappointing.

Three pitfalls come up regularly:

  • Confusing attractive presentation with a simple recipe: a claim such as “with chicken” or “with beef” does not necessarily mean that this ingredient is the main component of the product. To find out, check the ingredients list and the percentages given.
  • Mistaking a complementary treat for a complete food: rewards should make up only a small part of your pet’s daily intake. They do not replace complete meals suited to the animal’s age and state of health.
  • Overestimating their effect on teeth: chewing can contribute to oral hygiene, but no treat replaces brushing, veterinary check-ups or the care recommended for your companion.

Criteria to check before buying

1. Ingredients and protein content

When choosing high-protein treats for pets, start by examining the ingredients list. A single-ingredient recipe is particularly easy to understand, especially for dogs or cats whose diet requires special attention.

Natural dog treats may be made from just one type of meat, such as duck or chicken, or combine an animal-based source with a plant ingredient. Also check the analytical constituents: protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture.

For example, MeatyWay Duck Tenders has a recipe made solely from duck and a minimum content of 30% crude protein. Meanwhile, MeatyWay Chicken Thin Tenders states a minimum of 70% crude protein. These figures are not enough to assess the overall quality of a treat, but they do provide a practical basis for comparing labels.

2. Texture and piece size

Meat sticks for dogs and strips of dried meat are easy to take on walks or use during training sessions. A soft texture can be divided into several small portions, helping you control the amount given to a small dog or during repeated exercises.

For a cat, crunchy cat treats are suitable for animals that enjoy light, crispy bites. Semi-soft formats, such as the sardine and parsley snack, may be easier for some cats to eat.

The size of the pieces should always be appropriate for the animal’s build and chewing habits. Always supervise your companion while they eat, particularly with chew products. As soon as a piece becomes small enough to swallow whole, it is best to remove it.

3. Serving size, storage and product status

Check for the wording “complementary food” or “snack”, along with the feeding recommendations. For an adult cat weighing around 4 kg, the Felix Party Mix guidelines specify a maximum daily amount: this should be deducted from the main ration.

After opening, reseal the pouch carefully and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Resealable packaging is particularly convenient when treats are given in small amounts throughout the day.

Grain-free dog recipes may suit a particular dietary preference, but the words “grain-free” do not guarantee that the product will be suitable for every animal. If your pet has a diagnosed food sensitivity, ask your vet for advice and check every ingredient carefully.

Which treat suits your needs and lifestyle?

The options below are grouped according to practical situations: a tight budget, the search for a particularly high-protein recipe, or the need for rewards to use regularly for training and chewing.

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
MeatyWay Duck and Sweet Potato 100g

MeatyWay Duck and Sweet Potato 100g

Why this option suits this profile : Its 100 g pouch lets you try a duck recipe without committing to a large pack straight away. The stated composition contains 55% duck and 45% sweet potato.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The percentage of both main ingredients is clearly stated, so there is no need to rely solely on the picture or flavour name.

Main benefit and key strengths

A recipe with no cereals or declared additives, a chewy texture and portion recommendations based on the dog’s size.

Recommended for : Premium shoppers
Ziwi Peak Chews Lamb Green Tripe 80 g

Ziwi Peak Chews Lamb Green Tripe 80 g

Why this option suits this profile : This product is aimed at those looking for a longer-lasting chew with a short ingredient list based on lamb lung.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information makes clear that this is a complementary reward and recommends removing the piece once it becomes small enough to swallow.

Main benefit and key strengths

A stated minimum of 60% crude protein, slow drying and a recommendation of 1 to 2 pieces per day.

Recommended for : Specific needs and intensive users
MeatyWay Chicken Thin Tenders 100g

MeatyWay Chicken Thin Tenders 100g

Why this option suits this profile : The thin chicken strips are easy to break up, making them ideal for rewarding a dog during training, on walks or throughout the day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The soft, breakable texture lets you give several small rewards without automatically handing over a whole strip each time.

Main benefit and key strengths

A single declared ingredient, chicken, with at least 70% crude protein and a grain-free recipe.

Recommended for : Households with a fish-loving cat
SOFT SNACK SARDINES/PARSLEY 50GR

SOFT SNACK SARDINES/PARSLEY 50GR

Why this option suits this profile : Its semi-soft texture and sardine base are ideal for owners looking for a fish-flavoured cat snack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition specifies 40% dried sardines, and the product is clearly presented as a complementary food for cats.

Main benefit and key strengths

A grain-free recipe, stated crude protein content of 33%, 1% parsley and salmon oil.

Looking for more options ?

We have put together a complete, real-time updated selection of products that meet these exacting selection criteria and European safety standards.

Dogs and cats: how much should you give each day?

Treats should remain occasional or be used as a supplement. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, then adjust the main ration to avoid excessive calorie intake. For training, it is better to give small pieces at the right moment than a large bite for every command.

Adjust quantities according to the animal’s weight, age, activity level and body condition. Always make sure fresh water is available. If your dog or cat follows a special diet, ask your vet for advice before introducing a new recipe.

Can dental treats replace tooth brushing?

No. Dental treats for dogs and chew products can complement an oral hygiene routine: the mechanical action of chewing may help limit certain deposits. However, their effectiveness depends on the product’s texture, how often it is used and the way the animal chews.

Regular mouth examinations remain essential. If your pet has persistent bad breath, pain or difficulty eating, consult a vet.

Are grain-free products suitable for all sensitive pets?

Not necessarily. A grain-free recipe may reduce the number of ingredients, but it may still contain a protein or another component that your pet does not tolerate well. Read the label as a whole, introduce the treat gradually and watch out for any unusual reaction.

When comparing duck, chicken, fish or beef recipes, rely on the ingredients, format and analytical constituents rather than advertising claims alone.