Choosing dog food and dog treats: a practical guide for every adult dog

There is a huge choice of dog food and dog treats. Dry food, wet food, grain-free recipes, training treats and chew products are often presented with eye-catching claims. Yet attractive packaging says little about whether a product is right for your dog.

The most common purchasing mistakes are:

• Assuming “grain-free” automatically means better. A grain-free recipe may be suitable, but it often contains other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato. Always check the full ingredients list.
• Using a treat as a meal. Dog biscuits, dog treats and dog chews are usually complementary food. They do not replace a complete and balanced dog food.
• Ignoring portion sizes. One small treat a day may seem harmless, but several rewards can together provide a significant proportion of your dog’s daily energy intake.
• Looking only at the flavour name. “With chicken” or “with lamb” does not always mean that this is the only animal protein. Check whether other sources, such as chicken fat or fish, are also included.

Which details should you check on the label?

1. Complete or complementary food

First, check the legal designation. A product intended as a daily meal will generally state that it is complete food. A complementary product, such as many dog biscuits and soft dog training treats, is intended as a reward or supplement.

Eukanuba Life Care Dog Adult Small/Medium Lamb & Rice 3kg is described in the product information as 100% complete and balanced dog food for adult small and medium-sized dogs. INABA Churu and Fun Bites, on the other hand, are described as complementary food. Use these products as a reward, topper or snack rather than as a complete meal.

2. Age, size and activity level

An adult dog has different nutritional needs from a puppy or senior dog. Also pay attention to the size of the kibble. Dog food for small breeds often has smaller pieces, while active or large dogs may benefit from a higher-energy recipe.

Look at:

• the recommended age;
• body weight;
• daily activity level;
• the recommended daily amount;
• the size and shape of the kibble.

The recommended amount on the packaging is a starting point. Adjust the portion according to your dog’s body condition, exercise levels and any combination with wet food or treats.

3. Ingredients and analytical constituents

Do not compare only the first ingredient; look at the entire recipe. Pay attention to the levels of crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. Wet dog food contains considerably more moisture than dry food, so you cannot compare the nutritional values directly without taking this into account.

Extra care is needed in cases of allergy or suspected intolerance. Hypoallergenic dog food is not a universal solution, and a product containing lamb may also contain chicken, for example. Eukanuba Lamb & Rice lists chicken as a protein source in addition to lamb. Discuss persistent symptoms with a vet and change your dog’s food gradually.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavour 1.4kg

Why it suits this profile: The 1.4kg pack is a manageable choice if you are buying dry dog food for the first time. The product is intended for small adult dogs weighing up to 10kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specification states that it has small kibble and gives specific daily quantities for different body weights. This makes it easier to compare than choosing based on the flavour name alone.

Main benefit & advantages

22% crude protein, 13% fat and a clearly specified recipe containing cereals, meat and plant-based ingredients.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking premium quality

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: This large bag is aimed at owners looking for an extensive recipe containing chicken, turkey, fish and egg for adult dogs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and analytical constituents are listed in detail. However, check first whether a recipe containing multiple animal protein sources is suitable for your dog.

Main benefit & advantages

38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and a grain-free recipe containing chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg, among other ingredients.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users

INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: These portions are intended as a reward, topper or training treat. The two chicken and seafood varieties add variety during training.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly states that this is complementary food and gives a guideline of 1–2 tubes per day, depending on the dog.

Main benefit & advantages

20 portions of 12g, at least 90% moisture, and suitable for serving directly or mixing into regular food.

Suitable for: Chew treat enthusiasts

Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Why it suits this profile: These small chew sticks are aimed at smaller dogs that enjoy chewing a treat for longer.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This variety is specifically labelled as small. Give the treat under supervision and choose a size suited to your dog’s chewing strength.

Main benefit & advantages

10 pieces, with no added grains or gluten according to the product description, combining beef hide and dried chicken.

Practical buying tips for home

• Switch to new food gradually, usually over the course of about a week. This makes it easier to see how your dog responds.
• Store dry food sealed in a cool, dry place. Once opened, store wet food and soft treats in the fridge as instructed on the packaging.
• Keep the total amount of treats under control. If necessary, use part of your dog’s daily kibble as a training reward.
• When choosing dog food with chicken, dog food with lamb or dog food with fish, base your decision on the full recipe rather than just the front of the packaging.
• A product containing little fat or lots of moisture is not automatically suitable for every dog. Individual needs depend on weight, age and activity level.

Frequently asked questions about dog food and dog treats

Is dry or wet dog food better?

That depends on your dog’s preferences, the recipe and your practical circumstances. Dry food is easy to portion and store. Wet food generally contains more moisture and has a different energy density. Compare the nutritional values based on the recommended portion.

How often can I give my dog treats?

Follow the guidance on the packaging and take your dog’s total daily energy intake into account. Many suppliers recommend that treats provide no more than around 10% of daily calories. Reduce the main meal if necessary and always provide fresh drinking water.

When is grain-free dog food useful?

Grain-free dog food may be suitable if you specifically want a recipe without grains or if a vet recommends a particular dietary approach. It is not a general guarantee of quality. Always check which ingredients replace the grains and whether the product is complete food.