Treats do a lot of work. They reward good behaviour, make training faster and are one of the easiest ways to make your dog's day. But the treat aisle is crowded, and labels are not always easy to read. Here is what we look for when we choose treats for our own dogs.

1. Read the ingredient list first

A shorter list is usually a better list. Look for a named protein such as chicken breast at the top, and be wary of vague terms like "meat derivatives" or "animal by-products". Single-ingredient treats take out the guesswork, which is especially helpful for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

2. Match the treat to the job

Training calls for small, low-calorie pieces you can hand out quickly. Freeze-dried chicken breaks into tiny bits without crumbling into dust. For quiet time or a longer reward, a chewy jerky strip keeps your dog busy for longer.

3. Keep an eye on portions

A common guideline is that treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. If you train a lot, break treats into smaller pieces rather than cutting back on praise.

4. Skip the fillers

Added sugar, artificial colours and preservatives do nothing for your dog. Grain-free, additive-free treats made from real meat give you more nutrition in every bite.

Our picks

For training, try Nomly Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast. For a longer chew, reach for Nomly Chicken Jerky. Both are made from 100% real chicken and nothing else.

Every dog is different. If your dog has allergies or a medical condition, check with your vet before introducing new treats.