Joybuy Insights

Dog Treats: How to Choose the Right Reward for Every Need

A dog treat can reward good behaviour, make training easier, keep your pet occupied or simply create a moment of bonding. But an appealing packet alone isn’t enough to make the right choice. The size of the bites, the ingredients and how you store them all have a direct impact on everyday use.

Here are the main pitfalls to avoid, along with a selection of options suited to different types of owners in the UK.

Common Pitfalls Before You Buy

1. Confusing Treats with Complete Food

Dog snacks are generally complementary foods. They don’t replace your dog’s main meal and should always be appropriate for their size, age and activity level. A reward given several times a day can quickly add to their calorie intake.

To keep your dog’s diet balanced, check the manufacturer’s recommendations and slightly reduce their usual portion if needed.

2. Choosing the Wrong Size

A bite that’s too big slows down training sessions and can be hard for a small dog to chew. On the other hand, a tiny treat might not suit a large dog or could be swallowed in seconds.

Training treats for dogs should be easy to portion out and tasty enough to hold your dog’s attention without breaking the flow of the exercise. For longer-lasting chewing, dog chews serve a different purpose.

3. Relying Only on Marketing Claims

Claims like “natural”, “with chicken” or “with cheese” should always be checked against the ingredients list. A recipe marketed as a chicken treat may also contain other major ingredients. Remember to look at the analytical constituents: crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture.

Finally, a dental treat doesn’t replace the hygiene habits recommended for your pet. Any effectiveness claims are the manufacturer’s statements, not a guarantee that works for every dog.

What to Check on the Label

Ingredients and Product Function

For a daily reward, choose a clear ingredients list and a size that suits your dog. Natural dog treats can appeal to owners looking for a short ingredient list, but “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean low-calorie or suitable for every animal.

Recipes with chicken, cheese, sweet potato or pumpkin offer different flavour profiles. Some INABA products, for example, combine chicken with broth and a complementary ingredient in a soft texture.

Moisture and Texture

A high moisture content gives a softer bite, often handy for small dogs or frequent reward sessions. Dry products, like certain sticks, are usually easier to store after opening, as long as you reseal the packet properly.

For dog cakes and crunchy bites, check the total weight and number of pieces to work out the cost per treat. A large pack of cheap dog treats is only good value if you’ll use it before the expiry date and it really suits your needs.

Age, Weight and Safety Advice

Some products are designed for adult dogs, puppies or a specific weight range. A puppy treat should be chosen based on the age stated on the packaging, not just the breed.

For chew products, always supervise your dog while they’re eating them. Remove any piece that’s very worn or could be swallowed too quickly. Make sure fresh water is always available.

Our Selection by Your Profile

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

Pedigree Tasty Minis – Dog Treats with Beef and Cheese, 140g

Why this suits this profile: The small size is ideal for early reward sessions and for owners who want to try a recipe before buying a larger pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 140g pack limits your initial commitment and lets you check the bite size, taste and your dog’s tolerance before buying in bulk.

Main benefit and key features

Mini bites, beef and cheese recipe, 25% crude protein and suitable for young dogs according to the product sheet.

Recommended for: Premium Enthusiasts
INABA Bites Dog Treats Multipack 4 Chicken Flavours

INABA Bites – Multipack Dog Treats, 4 Chicken Flavours

Why this suits this profile: This multipack is ideal for households that enjoy varying flavours and textures, thanks to a dual texture that keeps rewards interesting.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Individual 12g portions make it easy to control quantities and avoid leaving a large packet open for too long.

Main benefit and key features

16 sachets, four recipes, 68% analytical moisture and 24% crude protein as stated on the product sheet.

Recommended for: Specific Uses and Heavy Users
Pedigree Dentastix 112 Chew Sticks for Medium Dogs

Pedigree Dentastix – 112 Chew Sticks for Medium Dogs

Why this suits this profile: The large pack is ideal for regular use with a dog weighing 10–25kg, with a daily portion recommended by the brand.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The format targets a specific weight range, so you’re not choosing a dental chew based solely on its marketing promise.

Main benefit and key features

112 units in resealable packs, X-shape design and a recommendation of one chew per day according to the product sheet. The claimed effects on tartar are the brand’s own statements.

Recommended for: Everyday Variety Rewards
INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato

INABA Fun Bites – Chicken Dog Treats with Sweet Potato

Why this suits this profile: Its soft texture and 40g pack slip easily into a pocket or bag for walks, short training sessions and rewards between meals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 40g portion limits how long an open pack is stored, while the soft texture means you don’t have to break up large pieces during training.

Main benefit and key features

Chicken, chicken broth and sweet potato, 82% moisture and 2.2% fat as stated on the product sheet.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, real-time selection of products that meet these strict criteria and European safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Treats

How many treats can you give a dog per day?

There’s no one-size-fits-all amount. Consider your dog’s weight, age, activity level and the energy value of the treat. Treats should only make up a small part of their daily intake. Follow the recommendations on the packaging and adjust their main meal if needed.

Do dental treats replace brushing?

No. Dental dog treats, including products like Dentastix for dogs, are complementary foods. According to the manufacturer’s product sheet, their shape and texture are designed to support chewing, but they don’t guarantee prevention or treatment of dental problems. Ask your vet for advice if your dog shows signs of discomfort, persistent bad breath or difficulty eating.

How should you store dog snacks after opening?

Reseal the packet carefully and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Moist or very soft products may need to be eaten quickly after opening, or even kept in the fridge depending on the manufacturer’s advice. Store treats in a cool, dry place and check their appearance and smell regularly.