Joybuy Insights

Buying dog food: how to choose the right food for your dog

If you’re looking to buy dog food, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the bags, flavours and marketing claims. “Premium”, “natural” and “grain-free” may sound appealing, but they don’t tell you on their own whether a product is right for your dog. The best choice depends above all on your dog’s age, size, activity level and the food’s ingredients, as well as whether you’re looking for a complete meal or just a snack.

Common mistakes when buying dog food

1. Mistaking a snack for complete food

Not every product containing meat or fish is suitable as a daily meal. According to the product information, products such as INABA Churu and INABA Fun Bites are complementary pet food. They’re intended as a reward, topping or training snack, and aren’t a substitute for a complete meal.

So check the legal designation on the packaging:

  • Complete pet food: intended as daily food when you follow the feeding guidelines.
  • Complementary pet food: intended as an extra alongside complete dog food.
  • Treat: usually for training or rewards, not as a main meal.

2. Assuming “grain-free” is automatically a better choice

Grain-free dog food may suit a dog whose diet you want to keep free from grains, but it isn’t automatically necessary or suitable. Check the alternative sources of carbohydrates too, such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato. Also check the protein and fat content, and the recommended portion size.

If your dog has ongoing digestive problems or you suspect a food allergy, it’s best to speak to a vet first. Marketing claims about sensitive stomachs, skin or coats are no substitute for personalised nutritional advice.

3. Choosing based only on the flavour or packaging

Dog food with chicken, lamb or beef may sound appealing, but the exact ingredients matter more than the name on the front of the pack. Check how much of the named ingredient is actually included and which other animal protein sources have been added. This is especially important if you’re trying to avoid a particular protein source.

Which specifications should you check?

Age and size

Puppy food is formulated for the growth stage. For adult dogs, choose food designed for adult dogs, with feeding advice that takes their weight and activity level into account. Large breeds often have different portion and growth requirements from small dogs. So look out for labels such as:

  • puppy or junior;
  • adult dog;
  • small breeds;
  • medium breeds;
  • large breeds;
  • all breeds or all life stages.

A small kibble may be easier for a dog weighing around 10 kg or less to eat. For large dogs, the feeding guidelines for their body weight are particularly important. For example, ACANA Puppy Large Breed is described in the product information as being for puppies expected to weigh at least 30 kg as adults.

Complete composition and analytical constituents

Compare at least:

  • crude protein;
  • crude fat;
  • crude fibre;
  • crude ash;
  • moisture content;
  • the vitamins and minerals included.

A high protein percentage doesn’t automatically mean that a food is suitable for every dog. For example, Orijen Original lists 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat, while other products contain considerably less. An active dog may have different energy requirements from a less active pet.

Check the portion guide too. A small bag of food with a higher energy density may require fewer grams per day than a larger bag with a lower energy density. So compare the cost per daily portion, not just the price per pack.

Dry food, wet food or treats

Dog kibble and other dry foods are easy to portion and store. They’re practical for daily meals and often come in large packs. Wet dog food generally contains a lot of moisture and can be useful for adding variety, but opened packs should be refrigerated and used within the stated period, according to the label.

Dog treats are suitable for training or as an extra. Remember to take the total daily amount into account. According to the product information, INABA Churu Dog Multipack contains at least 90% moisture and consists of 20 tubes of 12 grams. The manufacturer recommends one to two tubes a day as a treat, depending on the dog. The product isn’t a substitute for complete food.

Recommended choices for different types of dog owners

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavour 1.4kg

Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavour 1.4kg

Why it suits this profile: This 1.4 kg pack is a manageable choice if you’re buying food for small breeds for the first time. According to the product information, the kibble is intended for adult dogs weighing up to 10 kg.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The product information lists the intended dog, kibble size, daily feeding guidelines and analytical constituents. That means you can base your choice on verifiable information rather than just the flavour name.

Key benefits and features

Dry food for small adult dogs, with 22% crude protein, in a 1.4 kg pack.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg (Chicken, Turkey, Fish, Egg)

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg (Chicken, Turkey, Fish, Egg)

Why it suits this profile: This large pack is aimed at dog owners looking for a wide range of ingredients and a supply that will last longer.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The product information specifies the ingredients, analytical constituents and feeding guidelines. Introduce the food gradually, following the label.

Key benefits and features

38% crude protein, 18% crude fat, with chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg listed as ingredients.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent use
Acana Dog Puppy Large Breed 17 KG – Dog Food (Large Breed Puppy)

Acana Dog Puppy Large Breed 17 KG – Dog Food (Large Breed Puppy)

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this puppy food is intended for large-breed puppies expected to weigh at least 30 kg as adults.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The intended audience is clearly defined. Check the final feeding amount on the label and adjust it according to your puppy’s age, weight and activity level.

Key benefits and features

17 kg pack, designed for large-breed puppies, with chicken, egg, flatfish, fruit and vegetables according to the product description.

Suitable for: Training and rewards
INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato

INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato

Why it suits this profile: The handy 40-gram pack of soft treats is ideal for training, taking out and about, or giving your dog a small reward between meals.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The packaging clearly states that this is complementary pet food. That way, you can use the snack alongside a complete meal rather than as your dog’s main food.

Key benefits and features

82% moisture, chicken with sweet potato, and a recommended serving of one to two packs a day as a reward.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying dog food

What dog food is suitable for a sensitive stomach?

Look for a clear formulation that isn’t unnecessarily complex, and follow the transition period on the label. According to the product description, products such as Eukanuba Life Care Adult Small/Medium Lamb & Rice are marketed for adult small and medium-sized dogs with sensitive stomachs. This is a product claim made by the brand, not a guarantee for every dog. If symptoms keep returning, it’s best to ask a vet for advice.

How do you switch to a different dog food?

Gradually mix the new food in with the old food. A transition period of around seven to ten days is recommended for some products. Start with a small proportion of the new food and increase it step by step. Keep an eye on your dog’s stools, appetite and body condition. Don’t stop feeding a diet prescribed by a vet without their advice.

Is more expensive dog food cheaper per day?

Not always. Work out the price per kilogram and per recommended daily portion. A bag of premium dog food may cost more, but the daily amount can vary depending on its nutritional density. Always check the portion guide and take your dog’s weight and activity level into account before buying.