Joybuy Insights

Dog treats: how to choose the right reward for every occasion

A dog treat can make training more effective, keep your pet occupied or simply strengthen the bond between you. But packaging is full of competing claims: natural recipe, high protein content, easier digestion or benefits for dental health. These claims are not always enough to help you choose between products.

Before filling your basket, three common pitfalls are particularly worth avoiding:

  • Confusing complementary feed with complete feed: most treats are not a substitute for your dog’s daily food. Their quantity must be included in the overall dietary intake.
  • Relying on the word “natural” alone: it is better to check the ingredients, additives, analytical constituents and any potential allergens.
  • Choosing a texture without considering your dog: a soft bite is often ideal for training, while a chew requires supervision and must be suitable for your pet’s size.

What to check before buying

1. Ingredients and analytical constituents

When choosing natural dog treats, start by checking the ingredients list. When a clearly identified animal ingredient appears at the top of the list, the recipe is easier to understand. Chicken treats, such as chicken bites for dogs, may suit pets that enjoy this source of protein. Duck treats for dogs offer another interesting alternative.

Also look at the analytical constituents:

  • crude protein: this indicates the total proportion of protein, but cannot by itself tell you about its nutritional quality;
  • crude fat: a moderate level may be preferable for limiting the calorie content of rewards;
  • crude fibre and moisture: these figures help you compare a dry bite with a soft or more water-rich treat;
  • crude ash: this value completes the nutritional analysis.

A grain-free recipe is not necessarily better or suitable for every dog. Individual tolerance, the quantity given and your vet’s advice remain decisive, particularly in cases of allergies or special diets.

2. Texture and format

Dog training treats should be quick to give, without interrupting the flow of the session. A soft texture that is easy to divide into small pieces is especially practical when giving multiple rewards. Soft dog treats are often suitable for puppies, senior dogs and pets that need to receive small portions.

The criteria are different for chewing products. Dog chew sticks and dental treats for dogs should always be given under supervision. Chewing may help mechanically remove some plaque, but it does not replace good oral hygiene or veterinary care. Remove the product as soon as it becomes small enough to swallow in one go.

3. Usage and storage advice

Check the net weight, best-before date, storage conditions and recommendations for your dog’s weight. Once the bag has been opened, an airtight seal helps preserve the texture and aromas.

For dog rewards given every day, choose small portions. A high-protein product or one sold in a large pack may seem cost-effective, but the quantity should always be adjusted to your pet’s activity level, age and body size.

Our selection by dog profile

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

MeatyWay tender dried chicken treats for dogs

Why this choice suits this profile : This 454 g bag contains tender dried meat that is easy to divide for initial training exercises or rewards given regularly.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details state that it is a grain-free chicken recipe with no additives, fillers or added preservatives. The breakable format makes portion control easier.

Main benefit and key features

The product details state that it contains at least 30 % crude protein, 15 % fat and 18 % moisture, in a resealable 454 g bag.

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

Ziwi Peak Lamb and Green Tripe Chews 80 g

Why this choice suits this profile : This product is aimed at owners looking for a lamb-based chew, slowly dried according to the brand and supplied in an 80 g bag.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details describe it as complementary feed and recommend supervising your dog while it chews, helping to avoid confusing it with a complete meal.

Main benefit and key features

The ingredients include lamb lung, with at least 60 % crude protein and no more than 12 % moisture.

Recommended for : Specific needs and frequent users
INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken wraps Chicken with Pumpkin

INABA Fun Bites with chicken and pumpkin

Why this choice suits this profile : Its soft texture and 40 g format are ideal for repeated training sessions, small portions and dogs that prefer soft bites.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The instructions clearly distinguish the treat from your dog’s main food and specify the recommended quantities according to the dog’s weight.

Main benefit and key features

The product details state that it contains 83 % moisture, 11 % crude protein and 2 % fat, with chicken, chicken broth and pumpkin.

Looking for more options ?

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

How to use dog treats every day

To avoid overfeeding, start with small quantities and observe how your dog reacts. Low-fat treats can help limit calorie intake, but it is always the portion actually given that makes the difference.

A few simple habits apply to every product:

  • give rewards as a complement to a complete diet;
  • adapt the size of the pieces to your dog’s mouth;
  • always supervise a dog chewing a firm product;
  • make fresh water available;
  • store bags according to the instructions on the label;
  • stop using the product if your dog has an unusual reaction and ask a vet for advice.

Easily digestible dog treats are not necessarily suitable for every pet. A short ingredients list makes the product easier to assess, but every dog has its own sensitivities. If your dog is on a veterinary diet, has a known intolerance or is receiving treatment, check that the product is suitable before buying it.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many treats can you give a dog per day ?

There is no universal quantity that applies to every breed and body size. Take your dog’s weight, age, activity level and the calorie content of its main diet into account. The recommendations on the packaging are a useful starting point; if you give lots of rewards, reduce the daily food portion accordingly.

Which treat should you choose for training ?

A dog training treat should be small, tasty and quick to eat. Soft textures and pieces that are easy to break allow you to move from one exercise to the next without interrupting the session. For a puppy, choose a size suited to its mouth and avoid products that require prolonged chewing.

Do dental treats replace brushing ?

No. Chewing can have a mechanical effect, but it does not replace brushing or veterinary check-ups. Choose dental products according to your dog’s size and give them under supervision, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.