Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food: how to compare dry food, wet food and puppy food without making the wrong choice

Choosing the right food for your dog sounds simple, until you start comparing labels, flavours, kibble sizes and nutritional claims. A large bag is not automatically better value, a recipe containing lots of meat is not suitable for every dog, and “grain-free” says little on its own about the overall nutritional value.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I therefore focus on verifiable information: life stage, dog size, ingredients, analytical constituents and feeding instructions. This allows you to compare dog food based on practical factors rather than marketing language.

Three common pitfalls when choosing dog food

1. Mistaking an appealing claim for a complete meal

Terms such as “natural”, “premium” or “with superfoods” do not automatically tell you whether a product contains all the nutrients your dog needs. Check whether the packaging states that it is complete and balanced dog food. Also pay attention to the intended age group: puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs do not have the same nutritional needs.

2. Looking only at the main ingredient

“Chicken dog food” or “lamb dog food” can contain varying amounts of that ingredient. The full ingredients list and analytical constituents give you a clearer picture. Wet dog food often contains a high proportion of moisture, meaning its protein percentage cannot be compared directly with that of dry dog food.

3. Buying a pack that is too large

An 11 or 12 kg bag can be practical for a large dog or several dogs, but less suitable if your dog has not yet tried the flavour. Store dry food tightly sealed, somewhere cool and dry. Once opened, wet food should be refrigerated according to the packaging and used within the stated period.

What should you look for when comparing products?

Life stage and size

First choose between puppy food, adult dog food and senior dog food. Then consider your dog’s size. Dog food for small dogs often contains smaller kibble, while food for medium-sized or large dogs may have a different kibble size and feeding recommendation.

For puppies, the growth stage is particularly important. The ORIJEN Puppy product description states that it is suitable for puppies of all breeds, from weaning until approximately 12 to 18 months, depending on breed size. With large breeds, it is sensible to monitor growth rate and body condition carefully. If in doubt, consult your vet.

Completeness and analytical values

At a minimum, check:

  • Crude protein and crude fat: useful for comparing products within the same product category.
  • Crude fibre and moisture: help you interpret the composition.
  • Calcium and phosphorus: relevant during growth, but the correct ratio and amount must be appropriate for the life stage.
  • Feeding guidelines: adjust the portion to your dog’s weight, activity level, age and body condition.

A high protein percentage is not automatically necessary for every dog. For example, the product descriptions of various ORIJEN varieties state 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat, while ACANA Classics states 27% crude protein and 16% crude fat. These are verifiable product specifications, not a reason to recommend one formula for every dog.

Grain-free, with grains or wet food?

Grain-free dog food may suit owners who want to avoid grains or are looking for a particular recipe. However, grain-free does not automatically mean lighter, more suitable or necessary for every dog. Grain-free formulas may contain ingredients such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato instead.

Dry dog food is easy to portion and store. Wet dog food contains more moisture and is enjoyed by some dogs. You can combine the two, provided you adjust the total daily amount accordingly. Products labelled as complete food can be served as a meal according to the feeding instructions. Always check the label when using complementary products.

Our recommendations for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Bonzo Mini Menu Adult Beef and Lamb

Bonzo Mini Menu Adult Beef and Lamb

Why it suits this profile: This is complete food for small adult dogs weighing up to 10 kg, with smaller kibble and a beef and lamb flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The intended dog type and kibble size are clearly specified. This means you do not have to rely on the flavour name alone.

Key benefit & advantages

Complete nutrition for small adult dogs; smaller kibble and packaging suitable for everyday use.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: The product description lists chicken, turkey, herring, hake and egg, with 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and analytical values are specified. This allows you to compare the formula more precisely than by relying on the term grain-free alone.

Key benefit & advantages

Dry food in an 11.4 kg bag; several animal-derived ingredients; according to the product information, complete food for all life stages.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

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

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this dry puppy food is intended for puppies of all breeds and contains 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage, kibble size and transition period of 7 to 10 days are stated in the product information.

Key benefit & advantages

11.4 kg of dry food; a recipe with chicken, turkey, egg and fish; suitable for puppies according to the stated product target group.

Suitable for: Owners of medium-sized adult dogs
Eukanuba Life Care adult medium dog food with chicken 15 kg

Eukanuba Life Care adult medium dog food with chicken 15 kg

Why it suits this profile: The product description is aimed at medium-sized adult dogs aged 1 to 7 years and lists chicken as an important ingredient.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage and breed size are clearly stated, so you will not accidentally choose puppy food or food for small breeds.

Key benefit & advantages

Large 15 kg pack; formula for medium-sized adult dogs; the product description mentions a fibre blend with prebiotics.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

How do you switch to a different dog food?

Mix the new food gradually with the current food. Many product packages recommend a transition period of around 7 to 10 days. Start with a small proportion of the new food and increase it step by step. Monitor your dog’s appetite, stools and body condition. If problems persist, contact your vet.

How much dog food does my dog need each day?

Use the feeding recommendation on the packaging as a starting point. The correct amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and body condition. Treats count towards the total daily energy intake. It is best to weigh out portions, especially when feeding energy-dense dry food.

Is wet dog food better than dry dog food?

Neither is automatically more suitable for every dog. Dry food is compact, easy to store and simple to weigh out. Wet food contains more moisture and can be useful for dogs that prefer softer food. When combining both, check that they are complete foods and adjust the total portion accordingly.