Joybuy Insights

Dog treats: how to choose suitable rewards without falling into marketing traps

A treat can make dog training easier, keep a dog occupied or simply accompany a moment you share together. But not all dog treats meet the same needs. With promises of being “natural”, “high in protein” recipes and dental formats, it is easy to choose a product that is impractical, too high in calories or unsuitable for your pet’s size.

Here are the criteria to check before buying dog treats, along with a selection of options suited to different types of dog owners in France.

Common pitfalls when buying dog treats

1. Confusing a treat with complete food

Most snacks are complementary foods. They therefore do not replace everyday food, whether dry dog food or wet food. Packaging that highlights vitamins, meat or minerals does not mean that the product alone meets your pet’s nutritional needs.

The label should state the product name, its composition, analytical constituents and feeding recommendations. If this information is difficult to find, comparing different products becomes much less reliable.

2. Relying solely on the terms “natural” or “grain-free”

The terms natural dog treats, “grain-free” and “high in protein” describe a characteristic of the recipe, but are not enough to determine whether the product is genuinely suitable for your pet. A grain-free treat may still be unsuitable for a dog that is sensitive to another ingredient. Conversely, a reward containing grains may be perfectly suitable for some dogs.

Check the ingredients list, which is presented in descending order, then review the levels of protein, fat, fibre and moisture. The detailed composition shown on the packaging remains the key reference.

3. Overlooking the size and texture

A large dog chew stick is not suitable for a small animal. Similarly, a very hard treat may cause problems for a puppy or a dog that struggles to chew. Conversely, a reward that is too large during a training session can quickly increase your dog’s daily calorie intake.

Pieces should be suitable for the dog’s size and easy to adjust. For chew products, supervision is essential. Remove any piece that has become small enough to swallow.

What to check before choosing

Clear composition and a clearly stated category

When comparing different dog rewards, check in particular:

  • whether it is labelled complementary food for dogs or, more rarely, complete food;
  • the main ingredients and any potential allergens;
  • the levels of crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture;
  • nutritional, technological or sensory additives;
  • the best-before date, batch number and contact details of the responsible operator established in the European Union.

A wet recipe showing 82 to 90% moisture, such as some bites or lickable tubes, is very different from a dry biscuit containing around 10 to 20% moisture. Nutrient percentages should therefore not be compared without taking the product format into account.

Calories compatible with dog training

Treats intended for dog training should be small, easy to hand out and tasty enough to motivate your dog. A strip of dried meat can be broken into several pieces, while a whole stick is more suitable as an occasional reward.

To avoid overfeeding, reduce the main meal when rewards are given frequently. The manufacturer’s guidance should then be adjusted to your dog’s weight, age, activity level and body condition. If your dog has specific dietary needs or a food sensitivity, ask your vet for advice.

A texture suited to the intended use

  • Soft texture: practical for training sessions and for dogs that prefer not to chew much.
  • Strips or dried meat: easy to divide, making them suitable for repeated exercises.
  • Dog chews: designed to keep your pet occupied for longer, always under supervision.
  • Dental dog treats: choose according to the format intended for your pet’s weight. They do not replace proper dental care.

Claims about reducing plaque or tartar should be treated as product marketing claims, not as a general medical guarantee.

Our selection according to the owner’s profile

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
Pedigree Tasty Minis Beef & Cheese Dog Treats - 140g

Pedigree Tasty Minis Beef & Cheese – Dog treats, 140 g

Why this choice suits this profile : The small format and mini bites are well suited to repeated rewards during early training, without having to handle large pieces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The smaller format reduces the risk of giving an excessive portion during each exercise. The product information also specifies that it is a complementary food for young dogs.

Main benefit and key features

Mini pieces, a 140 g pouch and a composition that includes cereals, meat derivatives and cheese powder.

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

Ziwi Peak Chews – Lamb lung, 80 g

Why this choice suits this profile : This product focuses on a short ingredient list based on lamb lung and slow drying, creating a chewable reward that can be portioned carefully.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and analytical constituents are detailed, allowing you to check the stated crude protein content of at least 60 % on the product page.

Main benefit and key features

A single declared ingredient, low moisture content and instructions to supervise your dog while chewing.

Recommended for : Specific uses and frequent users
INABA Bites Dog Treats Multipack 4 Chicken Flavours

INABA Bites – Multipack of 4 chicken recipes

Why this choice suits this profile : The individual 12 g portions and four recipes make it easy to alternate rewards during training sessions, while travelling or when feeding by hand.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies the net weight, recipes, moisture content and refrigeration instructions after opening.

Main benefit and key features

16 individual pouches, four recipes based on chicken and fish, a soft texture and a stated moisture content of 68 %.

Recommended for : Dogs attracted to moist rewards
INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Varieties 20 pcs

INABA Churu Dog – Multipack of 2 chicken recipes, 20 pieces

Why this choice suits this profile : The squeeze tubes can be given directly, mixed into food or used as a reward for dogs that are not particularly interested in dry biscuits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly distinguishes the treat from complete food and recommends refrigerating the tube after opening, for consumption within 24 hours.

Main benefit and key features

20 tubes of 12 g, two chicken recipes and a stated moisture content of around 88 %.

Looking for more options ?

We have compiled a complete, real-time updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.

Treats, chews and hydration: which supplement should you choose ?

Chicken treats for dogs and duck-based recipes are often suitable as rewards that are easy to break into smaller pieces. However, grain-free products should be compared by considering their overall composition, not simply the absence of grains.

For longer-lasting chewing, dog chew sticks and similar products should be chosen in the correct size and used under constant supervision. They should not be confused with dental treats, whose shape and usage instructions meet specific criteria.

Finally, a dog water fountain can make everyday hydration easier to manage, particularly for small and medium-sized dogs. A model such as the PETKIT Eversweet SOLO SE has a 1.85-litre reservoir, a pump and a filter. Follow the cleaning instructions, replace the filter according to usage and always leave fresh water available.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many treats should you give a dog ?

The amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and the type of product. Start by following the recommendations on the packaging, break up large pieces and reduce the main meal when rewards are given frequently. Monitor your dog’s weight regularly.

Are grain-free dog treats always preferable ?

No. The term “grain-free” describes a characteristic of the recipe, not universal suitability. Check which ingredients are used instead, the fat content and your pet’s individual needs. If you change your dog’s diet, it is best to do so gradually.

Can you give chew treats every day ?

It depends on the composition, your dog’s size and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Daily chewing should take place under supervision, with fresh water available. Remove any piece that has become small enough to swallow and stop using the product if your dog has an unusual reaction.