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Buying a new bag of dog food sounds simple, until you have to choose between dry dog food, wet dog food, grain-free recipes, organic ingredients and food for different breed sizes. Marketing copy often highlights terms such as “premium”, “natural” or “high in meat”. On their own, these words say very little about whether the food is suitable for your dog.
Pay particular attention to your dog’s life stage, the size of the kibble, the recipe and its nutritional value. This will help you avoid buying a large pack that does not suit your dog’s age, activity level or eating habits.
“Chicken dog food” or “lamb and rice dog food” sounds clear enough, but always check the full ingredients list. A flavour name may include several animal protein sources. For example, the Eukanuba Life Care Dog Adult Small/Medium Lamb & Rice product contains chicken as well as lamb.
Also check whether the packaging states that it is complete and balanced dog food. Complete food is intended as a daily diet when served according to the recommended portion. A complementary product has a different purpose and does not automatically replace a full meal.
Grain-free dog food may suit an owner’s preference, but avoiding grains is not a universal requirement. Grain-free recipes often contain other carbohydrate sources, such as potato, peas, lentils or chickpeas. Compare the complete recipe and the analytical constituents rather than just looking at the front of the packaging.
A 12 to 15 kg bag can be practical for a large dog or a household with several dogs. For a small dog, however, it will take longer to finish. Store dry food in a tightly sealed container, somewhere cool and dry. With wet dog food, follow the instructions on the packaging after opening; CESAR recommends keeping opened portions refrigerated for a maximum of two days.
Nutritional needs vary according to life stage. Puppy food is formulated for growth, while adult dog food is intended for maintenance. For older dogs, there are recipes specifically labelled as senior dog food.
Check the age guidance:
According to the product description, Eukanuba Life Care Dog Puppy Medium Chicken is intended for medium-sized puppies aged 1 to 12 months. The senior food for large dogs is indicated for dogs aged 9 years and over, or from 8 years for very large breeds.
Dog food for small breeds, dog food for medium-sized breeds and dog food for large breeds often differ in kibble size, energy content and feeding guidelines. Smaller kibble may be easier for a small dog to eat. A large dog will generally need a different daily amount.
Use the feeding table on the packaging as a starting point and adjust the portion according to your dog’s weight, activity level and body condition. Product descriptions provide general guidance; individual dogs may have different needs.
At a minimum, compare:
For example, Orijen Original Prey Dog Food lists 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat, with chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg in the recipe. Acana Classics Series Grasslands lists 27% crude protein and 16% crude fat, including chicken, turkey and oats. These figures are useful for comparison, but they do not independently determine whether a product is right for your dog.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this dry food is intended for adult medium-sized dogs aged 1 to 7 years. The 15 kg pack can be convenient if you feed dry dog food every day.
The life stage and breed size are clearly specified. However, check the feeding table and take the shelf life after opening into account.
Chicken as a key ingredient, 15 kg of food and a recipe described as complete and balanced.
Why it suits this profile: An option for dog owners looking for a grain-free recipe with several animal ingredients. The product information lists chicken, turkey, fish and egg.
The choice is based on the listed ingredients and analytical values, not simply on the term grain-free. Check whether several protein sources suit your dog.
11.4 kg of food, 38% crude protein according to the product details, and omega-3 sources from fish and fish oil.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this puppy food is suitable for puppies of all breeds. The large bag is practical for large puppies or households with several dogs.
The product information includes the life stage, feeding guidelines and a gradual transition period of 7 to 10 days. This makes it easier to compare with your dog’s current food.
11.4 kg of food, at least 38% crude protein according to the product details, and a stated kibble size for puppies.
Why it suits this profile: This 400 g portion is aimed at owners who want to compare organic dog food and wet food based on a specific recipe containing turkey, vegetables and oils.
The ingredients and analytical constituents are listed. Before buying, check the label to confirm that the product is described as complete food for your dog.
50% turkey according to the stated recipe and a clear 400 g portion size.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Introduce new food gradually, usually over 7 to 10 days. Mix a little more of the new product with the old food each day. Keep an eye on your dog’s stools, appetite and general condition. If problems persist, ask your vet for advice.
Store dry dog food in its original, tightly sealed bag or in a clean airtight container. If you transfer it to another container, note the best-before date and batch information. After opening, store wet food in the refrigerator according to the instructions on the packaging.
This depends on your dog’s weight, age, breed size, activity level and the energy density of the food. Start with the feeding table on the packaging and adjust the portion according to your dog’s body condition. Treats also count towards the daily energy intake.
Not necessarily. Wet food generally contains more moisture and can be appealing to dogs that enjoy soft food. Dry dog food is easy to portion and store. Combining the two may be possible, as long as the total daily amount remains appropriate and both products are complete foods when they make up the main meal.
This varies by breed size and product. Some foods are aimed at senior dogs from the age of 7, while others are recommended for large dogs from the age of 9. Check the age threshold on the packaging and, if in doubt, discuss dietary changes with your vet.
