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Buying dog food seems simple until you have to choose between dozens of flavours, formulas and pack sizes. A shiny package or terms such as “natural”, “premium” and “grain-free” do not automatically tell you whether the food is right for your dog. The right choice mainly depends on age, size, activity level, condition and any specific dietary needs.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter the most important product information so you can compare marketing claims with verifiable specifications. Below, you’ll find what to look for when choosing dry dog food, dog biscuits and puppy food.
“Chicken dog food”, “lamb dog food” or “fish dog food” sounds clear, but always check the ingredients list. A product may use an ingredient in its flavour name even when the proportion of that ingredient is limited. For example, Pedigree Adult Small Dog states that its composition includes cereals, meat and animal derivatives, including 4% beef.
So check:
Grain-free dog food often uses alternative sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, lentils, chickpeas or sweet potato. This may suit a particular dietary preference, but grain-free food is not in itself a guarantee of a better experience or a solution to a food-related problem.
Does your dog have recurring symptoms or follow a specific diet? Discuss dietary dog food with a vet. A product description is not a substitute for individual nutritional advice.
An 11.4 or 15 kg pack can reduce the price per kilogram, but only if your dog tolerates the food well and you use it before the best-before period ends. For small dogs, a 1.4 or 3 kg bag may sometimes be more practical. Store dry food sealed, in a cool, dry place. This helps minimise the loss of aroma and quality after opening.
Puppy food is formulated for growth, while dog food for adult dogs is designed for different nutritional needs. Senior dog food is generally intended for older dogs and may contain a different energy density or additional nutrients.
Check the packaging for:
For example, Orijen Puppy Formula is intended for puppies of all breeds. The product information states a minimum of 38% crude protein and 18% fat. These are verifiable analytical values, but they do not by themselves indicate whether this food is suitable for every puppy.
Dog food for small breeds often contains smaller pieces. This can make feeding dogs weighing under 10 kg more practical. According to the product description, Pedigree Adult Small Dog is intended for small adult dogs and has a kibble size tailored to this group.
For medium- and large-breed dog food, the feeding guidelines and expected adult size are particularly important. With puppies of larger breeds, pay extra attention to the instructions for the growth stage. According to the product information, Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Puppy Medi/Maxi is intended for puppies of medium and large breeds.
Do not compare the price per kilogram alone. Also check the recommended amount per day. A high-energy food may specify a smaller portion, while a product with a lower energy density is given in larger quantities.
Adjust the portion according to:
According to the product information, Beneful Healthy Weight contains 20% less fat than the original Beneful recipe. This is a brand comparison from the product description, not a universal assessment of its effectiveness. If your dog has weight problems, focus on total calorie intake and consult a vet if in doubt.
Why it suits this profile: A manageable 1.4 kg pack for owners of a small adult dog who want to try a suitable dry food first.
The product information states the target group, kibble size, composition and daily portions. This allows you to check your choice rather than relying solely on the flavour name.
For small adult dogs; 22% crude protein, 13% fat and portion guidelines for dogs weighing 1 to 10 kg, according to the product details.
Why it suits this profile: For dog owners looking for a detailed ingredients list, high protein content and a large supply.
The packaging states separate percentages for ingredients including chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg. It also lists analytical values and feeding guidelines.
38% crude protein, 18% fat, 11.4 kg contents and a grain-free composition, according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: For a dog with specific dietary requirements, where the choice should first be discussed with a vet.
The product name makes its specific use clear. Do not use this type of dietary food independently as a replacement for professional nutritional advice.
A complete nutritional formula in a 2 kg pack; suitable for discussing with a vet as part of a targeted approach.
Why it suits this profile: For owners of small senior dogs aged 11 and over, according to the age stated on the product page.
The formula has not been selected based on flavour alone: the product information states the age group, breed size, portion instructions and additional nutrients.
3 kg pack; chicken as the stated protein source; contains glucosamine, chondroitin, fibre and vitamin E, among other ingredients, according to the product description.
Make the change gradually over approximately 7 to 10 days. Start with a small proportion of the new food and increase it step by step. Monitor your dog’s stools, appetite, weight and energy levels. Ideally, divide the daily amount between two meals; puppies often need several meals, according to the packaging.
Also make sure your dog has plenty of fresh drinking water. Reseal the bag after every use and do not store dog biscuits in an open pack for long periods. If your dog has persistent digestive problems, is overweight, may have an allergy or has a medical condition, it is advisable to consult a vet.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
This varies by brand and packaging. Check the best-before information on the label and store the food in a cool, dry place, sealed securely. If the food smells unusual or has become damp, do not feed it to your dog.
Look for a clear ingredients list, the protein source and the feeding guidelines. For example, Eukanuba Life Care Adult Small/Medium Lamb & Rice lists lamb, rice and a fibre blend with prebiotics and beet pulp. According to the product description, this formula is intended for small and medium-sized adult dogs. Discuss recurring symptoms with a vet.
Not always. Calculate the daily cost: price per kilogram divided by the amount your dog needs each day. Also consider pack size, waste and suitability for your dog’s age and body size. A smaller bag may be a sensible first purchase before ordering a larger supply.
