Joybuy Insights

Buying puppy food: how to choose dry food that suits your puppy

Puppies grow quickly, but not every puppy has the same nutritional needs. A Chihuahua needs different kibble from a Labrador, while a young pup that prefers fish needs a different recipe from a dog that thrives on chicken or lamb. If you want to buy puppy food online, you’ll often see big claims about protein, grain-free recipes and “natural” ingredients. This information is not always directly comparable.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter the most important product information in a practical way. This helps you see which points to check before ordering a bag of puppy kibble.

Common pitfalls when buying puppy food

1. A high protein percentage does not tell you everything

A brand may highlight a high protein percentage or a large proportion of animal ingredients. So check whether this refers to crude protein or the percentage of protein from animal sources. These are different figures. Also look at the full composition: which ingredient comes first, and are chicken, lamb, fish or several animal sources used?

For example, Orijen’s product description states that it contains 85% animal ingredients and at least 38% crude protein. These are verifiable product details, but they do not automatically mean that the food is suitable for every puppy. Age, breed size, activity level and body condition remain important.

2. “Grain-free” is not a universal guarantee of quality

Grain-free puppy food contains no grains, but it may include ingredients such as peas, chickpeas, sweet potato or lentils. Some dog owners choose this because of personal preference or because their dog does not tolerate a particular ingredient well. However, a grain-free formula is not automatically necessary for every puppy.

Always read the ingredients list and check whether the food is described as complete food for puppies. This is more relevant than simply looking at the front of the packaging.

3. A large pack is not always better value

A 12 or 15 kg bag may seem attractive on a per-kilo basis, but puppies’ nutritional needs change quickly. A small dog may also take a long time to finish a bag, so freshness after opening requires extra attention. For a first introduction, 800 g or 3 kg is often more practical. Larger packs are better suited to large breeds, breeders or households with several dogs.

Store dry food in a tightly sealed container, in a cool, dry place. Check the best-before date on the bag.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Breed size and age

Look for a clear description of puppy food for small breeds, puppy food for medium-sized breeds or puppy food for large breeds. Kibble size and nutritional composition may vary between each version.

  • Small breeds often reach their adult size more quickly and usually need smaller kibble.
  • Medium-sized breeds fall between the two categories, so check the age guidance on the packaging.
  • Large breeds have a longer growth phase. A formula for large-breed puppies can help you tailor the daily amount more accurately.

The product information for Eukanuba Life Care Puppy Medium is intended for medium-sized puppies aged 1 to 12 months. According to the product description, the large-breed version is intended for puppies aged 1 to 12 months and giant breeds up to 14 months.

2. “Complete and balanced” on the label

Where possible, choose a product described as complete puppy food or complete and balanced puppy food. Also check the feeding guidelines on the packaging. The recommended amount is not a fixed rule: activity, age, weight and body condition determine whether you need to adjust it.

Always provide fresh drinking water. When changing food, switch gradually, usually over 5 to 10 days, to make the transition easier.

3. Ingredients and dietary preferences

Would you like to buy puppy food with chicken, puppy food with lamb or puppy food with fish? Check that the chosen protein source is clearly listed in the composition. Also pay attention to combined terms such as “meat and animal derivatives”, particularly when you are looking for a specific protein source.

If your puppy is sensitive to an ingredient, it is wise to check the full composition. For example, some fish recipes also contain chicken fat, while a chicken-free formula is explicitly described as such.

Our recommendations by buyer type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Farmina N&D Premium Chicken Puppy Small Breed 800 g

Farmina N&D Premium Chicken Puppy/Small Breed Dog Food 800g

Why it suits this profile: The small pack is ideal for trying puppy food for small breeds first, without immediately buying a large supply.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies a complete formula for small breeds and lists the percentages of chicken separately, rather than relying solely on a general flavour claim.

Main benefit & advantages

800 g pack; grain-free recipe; 28% fresh chicken and 27% dried chicken according to the product details.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 11.4kg

Why it suits this profile: This large bag is suitable for buyers looking for a detailed ingredients list and a supply for puppies of different breed sizes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page specifies the animal ingredients and analytical values. This makes it easier to compare the claims with those of other puppy foods.

Main benefit & advantages

11.4 kg contents; grain-free; chicken, turkey, egg and fish listed as animal ingredients; at least 38% crude protein.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Farmina N&D Ocean Cod with Pumpkin Puppy Medi Maxi

Farmina N&D Ocean Cod with Pumpkin Puppy Medi/Maxi 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: An option for households specifically looking for fish-based puppy food for medium-sized or large breeds.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Cod makes up 28% of the composition, with dehydrated cod protein accounting for a further 27%. This makes the chosen fish source easy to verify.

Main benefit & advantages

12 kg pack; cod and herring listed as fish sources; 5% dried pumpkin according to the product details.

Suitable for: Owners of large breeds
Acana Dog Puppy Large Breed 17 kg

Acana Dog Puppy Large Breed 17 KG

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, the formula is intended for puppies expected to weigh around 30 kg or more as adults.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target group is clearly defined as large breeds. This helps you avoid choosing a general puppy formula without considering your puppy’s expected adult weight.

Main benefit & advantages

17 kg pack; designed for large breeds; chicken, egg and wild-caught flatfish listed as ingredients.

How to use puppy kibble in practice

Follow the feeding guide on the packaging and divide the daily amount between several meals. Younger puppies often have three to four portions a day; this can be reduced later. Weighing out portions is recommended, especially with energy-dense dry food for puppies.

Check the following each week:

  • weight and body condition;
  • appetite and stools;
  • amount of exercise;
  • changes in breed size, age or activity level.

When changing food, gradually mix the new food with the old. Do not suddenly stop feeding food that your puppy tolerates well. If problems persist or you have concerns about growth and nutrition, ask a vet for personalised advice.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about buying puppy food

How long can I feed my puppy the same kibble?

This depends on the breed size and age guidance on the packaging. Small dogs may sometimes switch to adult food earlier than large breeds. Consider the expected adult weight and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

Is grain-free puppy food necessary?

Not usually. Grain-free puppy food may suit a specific preference, but always check the full ingredients list and nutritional information. Complete food that is suitable for your puppy’s age and breed size is a more important consideration.

Which pack size is practical?

A pack of 800 g to 3 kg is useful for trying a new flavour or formula. Pack sizes from 11.4 to 17 kg may be more suitable for large puppies, breeders or households with several dogs. Store opened food in an airtight container in a dry place.