Choosing chicken dog food: a practical guide to dry food, wet food and treats

Chicken dog food is available as dry food, wet food, puppy food and training treats. That makes choosing easier, but comparing products more difficult. Eye-catching packaging or a label such as “premium” does not automatically mean the food is right for your dog.

Most unsuitable purchases come down to three common pitfalls:

• The flavour name does not tell you how much chicken it contains. CESAR Classic, for example, states that the product contains 60% meat and animal derivatives, of which 4% is chicken. g’woon Chunks in Jelly also lists 4% chicken. So check the full composition rather than just the front of the pack.
• A treat is mistaken for a complete meal. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato is complementary feed. It is intended as a reward, not as a substitute for complete and balanced dog food.
• The life stage and kibble size are overlooked. Puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs do not have the same nutritional needs. Dog food for small dogs may also have a different kibble size and nutritional value from food for larger breeds.

What should you look for in chicken dog food?

1. Check whether it is complete or complementary food

The packaging states whether the product is complete food or complementary food. Complete dog food is intended to be given as a daily meal in line with the feeding guidelines. A snack, topper or treat, on the other hand, does not necessarily contain all the nutrients needed for everyday use.

Examples from the range:

• Eukanuba Life Care dry food is described in the product information as 100% complete and balanced.
• Rosewood Dog Pâté Chicken & Beef Flavor is described as wet food for adult dogs.
• INABA Bites and INABA Fun Bites are intended as treats, training rewards or food toppers.

Give chicken treats in moderation. INABA Fun Bites states that treats should account for no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake. Adjust the main meal if you give rewards regularly.

2. Consider age, size and activity level

Choose adult dog food if your dog has reached its full size. For a puppy, chicken puppy food is more suitable when its composition and feeding guidelines are tailored to growth. Senior dog food may suit older dogs, but the appropriate age range varies by brand and product.

A few clear examples:

• Eukanuba Life Care dog puppy medium chicken is described as being intended for puppies of medium-sized breeds aged 1 to 12 months.
• Eukanuba Life Care dog adult medium chicken is aimed at adult dogs of medium-sized breeds.
• Eukanuba Life Care dog mature small chicken is intended for small adult dogs aged 8 to 11 years.
• Eukanuba Life Care dog senior small chicken is aimed at small senior dogs aged 11 and over.
• Eukanuba Life Care dog adult large chicken is formulated for large adult dogs.

Also consider your dog’s weight, daily exercise and body condition. The recommended amount shown on the bag or packaging is a starting point. An active dog may eat differently from a quiet house dog of the same weight.

3. Compare ingredients and analytical constituents

An ingredients list shows which raw materials have been used. The analytical constituents include the levels of protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture, among other things. Only compare products within the same product category: wet food naturally has different percentages from dry food because of its high moisture content.

For example:

• According to the product information, Orijen Original Prey Dog Food contains 38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and 12% moisture. Chicken accounts for 25% of the fresh ingredients listed, alongside turkey, fish and egg, among other ingredients.
• According to the product specifications, Acana Classics Series Grasslands Poultry contains 27% crude protein, 16% crude fat and 12% moisture. The composition lists chicken, turkey and oats.
• INABA Bites Dog Multipack contains 82% moisture, 14% crude protein and 3% crude fat. This is a soft treat, not a replacement for your dog’s daily main food.

Grain-free dog food is not automatically suitable for every dog. Grain-free mainly means that grains are not included in the recipe; on its own, it says nothing about whether the food is right for your pet overall. Always check the full ingredients list and nutritional information.

Product choices for different situations

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Pedigree Dry Adult Chicken 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: A 12 kg bag is practical for households looking for dry food for an adult dog and wanting to reorder less often.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as a complete dry meal for adult dogs. However, check the current packaging for the exact composition and feeding amounts.

Key benefit & advantages

Large pack, dry food format and product information about fibre, protein, vitamin E and zinc.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for anyone looking for a recipe containing chicken, turkey, fish and egg, and wanting to compare the analytical values in detail beforehand.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and analytical constituents are clearly listed. The food contains no grains, but it does contain pulses, so check whether it is suitable for your dog.

Key benefit & advantages

38% crude protein, 18% crude fat, 12% moisture and a listed fresh chicken content of 25%.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users

INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties

Why it suits this profile: Handy for training, adding variety between meals or as a small reward for dogs of different breeds and sizes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It is clearly labelled as a snack. This makes it less likely that you will use a complementary treat as a main meal.

Key benefit & advantages

Multipack with four chicken varieties, small portions and 82% moisture according to the product information.

Wet food, dry food or chicken treats?

Chicken dry food is easy to measure and suitable as a daily meal when it is labelled as complete food. Store an opened bag tightly sealed in a dry place.

Wet dog food generally contains plenty of moisture and can be useful for dogs that prefer soft food. Once opened, a tin or tray should be kept refrigerated. Rosewood and CESAR state that it should be used within a maximum of 48 hours after opening. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Chicken with Sweet Potato should be used within 24 hours of opening when stored in the fridge.

Chicken dog treats are suitable for training, but count them towards your dog’s daily allowance. For a puppy, only use rewards that are suitable for its age and size.

Frequently asked questions about chicken dog food

Is chicken dog food suitable for every dog?

Not automatically. Chicken can be part of a suitable diet, but check your dog’s age, size, activity level, ingredients and any known sensitivities. If symptoms persist or your dog is on a prescribed diet, it is advisable to consult a vet.

How should I switch to new chicken dry food?

Mix the new food gradually with the current food over several days. Start with a small amount of the new food and increase it step by step. Follow the instructions on the packaging and keep an eye on your dog’s appetite and stools.

Is chicken wet food more expensive than dry food?

That depends on the brand, pack size and daily amount. Dry food contains little moisture and is often easy to portion by the gram. Wet food may require a larger daily volume because of its higher moisture content. So compare the cost per day, not just the price per tin, bag or multipack.