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

Between bites, soft treats, dental sticks and recipes labelled “natural”, it is not always easy to know what to choose. Attractive packaging does not guarantee a suitable composition, a practical format or appropriate use for your dog’s age and size.

Before buying dog treats, it is worth keeping three potential pitfalls in mind:

• Confusing treats with complete food: most products are complementary foods and do not replace main meals.
• Relying solely on the word “natural”: this term alone is not enough to assess a recipe. Check the ingredients list, analytical constituents and any additives.
• Overlooking size and texture: a bite that is too large for a small dog or a stick that is too hard for a puppy may be impractical or even unsuitable. In all cases, stay nearby while your pet is eating.

Criteria to check before buying

1. Your dog’s age, weight and profile

A reward should be suited to your dog’s build and life stage. Puppy treats do not necessarily meet the same needs or serve the same purpose as those intended for an adult dog.

In particular, check:

• the minimum age stated on the packaging ;
• the recommended weight category ;
• the size of the bite or stick ;
• the recommended daily frequency.

For example, some Dentastix for dogs are designed for medium-sized dogs weighing between 10 and 25 kg, while other formats are intended for small dogs. Dental sticks are not necessarily suitable for puppies under 4 months old.

2. Ingredients and analytical constituents

The ingredients list should be considered as a whole. A recipe that highlights chicken may also contain cereals, animal by-products, fats or minerals.

To compare two products, look at:

• the percentage of meat or fish, where stated ;
• the moisture content ;
• the protein and fat content ;
• whether cereals, added sugars or preservatives are present ;
• the energy value, where available.

Chicken treats for dogs can have very different textures. INABA Churu tubes have a moisture content of between 88 and 90%, while MeatyWay dried strips are firmer, with a stated moisture content of 18%. This information will help you choose according to your dog’s preferences and the intended use.

3. Choosing the format according to use

For training, a small reward that is easy to break into pieces will generally be more practical than a long stick. Dog training treats should be quick to give, without disrupting the flow of the session.

Depending on your needs:

• a soft texture is often suitable for dogs that like licking or gentle chewing ;
• an individual tube is practical when travelling or as a topping on a meal ;
• a dry treat is easier to store after opening ;
• a dental stick should be chosen in the correct size and given under supervision.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and reduce the main meal if the treats provide a significant number of calories. As a general rule, they should not make up too large a proportion of your dog’s daily intake.

Our selection based on your profile

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget

INABA Fun Bites for dogs, chicken and sweet potato bites

Why this choice suits this profile : These 40 g soft bites can be used as rewards during early training exercises or between meals. Their recipe combining chicken and sweet potato, along with their stated moisture content of 82%, provides an alternative to dry biscuits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The texture and format are clearly described, making it possible to check the intended use before buying and avoid confusing this treat with a complete meal.

Main benefit and key strengths

A chicken and sweet potato recipe, a stated moisture content of 82% and a format suited to both rewards and training sessions.

Recommended for : Premium enthusiasts

INABA Bites for dogs, multipack of 4 chicken recipes

Why this choice suits this profile : This multipack of 16 12 g portions offers four chicken-based recipes, with a soft outer layer and a creamy centre. It is ideal for owners looking for more variety in their rewards or as a topping.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The individual portions help prevent storage issues and make it easier to control the amount served.

Main benefit and key strengths

Four flavours, a stated moisture content of 68%, 24% protein and just 3% fat according to the product details.

Recommended for : Specific uses and frequent users

Pedigree Dentastix, 112 chew sticks for medium-sized dogs

Why this choice suits this profile : The pack of 112 sticks, divided into 16 sachets, is suitable for a daily routine for a dog weighing 10 to 25 kg, provided the instructions in the product details are followed.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target weight and frequency of one stick per day are clearly stated. This means you cannot choose a dental format without checking that it matches your dog’s size.

Main benefit and key strengths

An X-shaped design, a texture described as slightly abrasive and portioned packaging. The product details state that daily use can reduce tartar formation by up to 80% : this claim comes from the manufacturer’s own marketing.

How to use and store dog treats

A dog treat is still a complementary food. To prevent overfeeding:

1. Keep track of the rewards given during training.
2. Adjust the main meal if necessary.
3. Always provide fresh drinking water.
4. Supervise your dog while it is chewing a stick or strip.
5. Follow the storage instructions after opening.

Moist products, such as tubes and some soft treats, should generally be used soon after opening and refrigerated when stated on the label. Pouches of dry products should be carefully resealed and stored in a cool, dry place.

Frequently asked questions about dog treats

How many treats can you give a dog ?

The amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and main diet. Check the product’s feeding guide and make sure treats do not replace meals. If your dog follows a special diet, ask your vet for advice.

Which treats should you choose for training ?

Choose small bites that are easy to chew and simple to break into pieces. Chicken recipes, soft treats and small formats are often well suited to quickly rewarding a behaviour without interrupting the session.

Do dental sticks replace tooth brushing ?

No. Dental sticks can complement an oral hygiene routine, in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, but they do not replace veterinary check-ups or the care recommended for your dog. Always choose a format suited to your dog’s weight and supervise its consumption.