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

There is a huge choice of dog food and dog treats. This can make it difficult to know which product suits your dog’s age, size, activity level and nutritional needs. Eye-catching packaging or claims about “natural” ingredients do not necessarily tell you everything about the product’s composition.

Three common pitfalls deserve extra attention:

  • Mistaking a treat for a complete meal. Dog treats, lickable snacks and chew products are usually complementary food. They do not replace complete dog food.
  • Looking only at the main ingredient. “With chicken”, “with lamb” or “with duck” does not automatically tell you how much animal-derived content a product contains. Always check the full ingredients list and analytical constituents.
  • Ignoring size and chewing style. A product for large dogs may be too big or too hard for a small dog. Conversely, a small treat may disappear quickly when given to a powerful chewer.

What should you look for in dry and wet dog food?

1. Check whether it is complete or complementary food

The packaging should state whether the product is complete food or complementary food. Complete food is intended as a daily meal, while a treat, topper or supplement is an addition.

For example, according to the product information, INABA Churu Dog Multipack contains at least 90% moisture and is intended as a treat, topper or reward. It is therefore not suitable as a replacement for a daily meal. Once opened, a tube should be sealed, stored in the fridge and used within 24 hours.

With wet dog food, such as CESAR Classic Wet Dog Food Chicken, it is important to follow the storage instructions. According to the product information, leftover food should be refrigerated for no more than two days.

2. Match energy and nutrients to your dog

Adult dogs, puppies and senior dogs do not automatically have the same nutritional needs. Activity level also plays a role. Therefore, check:

  • the recommended amount based on body weight;
  • the protein and fat content;
  • the energy content, where stated;
  • whether it is suitable for your dog’s age and size;
  • the transition period when introducing new dog food.

A change to different dry dog food is best made gradually. Product information from various brands usually recommends a transition lasting around 7 to 10 days. Also monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust the portion when necessary.

3. Don’t be misled by terms such as grain-free

Grain-free dog food is not automatically necessary for every dog. Some varieties use ingredients such as peas, sweet potato or potato instead of grains. Always check the full composition.

A simpler composition may be practical for dogs with sensitive stomachs, but symptoms can have various causes. If diarrhoea, itching, vomiting or changes in appetite persist, speaking to a vet is wiser than repeatedly changing your dog’s food yourself.

Also pay attention to marketing claims about specific benefits. According to a brand’s own research, certain ingredients or kibble shapes may contribute to dental care or digestion, for example. Treat such claims as product information, not as a guarantee for every animal.

Treats, chew products and dental care for dogs

Dog treats are useful during training, but remember to include them in your dog’s daily allowance. As a guideline, some products state that treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake. Always check the packaging and adjust the main meal if necessary.

When choosing dental sticks and dog chews, these points are particularly important:

  1. Size: choose a variety suited to your dog’s weight and jaw size.
  2. Supervision: let your dog chew while you are present.
  3. Material and wear: replace a product if large pieces come loose or it becomes badly damaged.
  4. Expectations: chewing may help with mechanical cleaning, but it does not replace complete dental care for dogs.

According to the product information for Pedigree Dentastix Maxi, the product may help reduce tartar. The stated claim of up to 80% is a brand claim; results may vary from dog to dog. This variety is intended for large dogs weighing 25 kg or more.

According to the product specifications, g’woon Dental sticks Medium are intended for medium-sized dogs. They contain, among other ingredients, cereals, vegetable protein extracts and 1% sodium hexametaphosphate. Here too, one stick per day is a product guideline, not a universal rule for every dog.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Purina Beneful Adult Dog Food Beef & Garden Vegetable Formula 1.4kg

Purina Beneful Adult Dog Food Beef & Garden Vegetable Formula 1.4kg

Why it suits this profile: A straightforward bag of dry food for adult dogs of all weights, with feeding guidelines for different body weights.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that this is complete and balanced food for adult dogs. Portions should still be adjusted according to activity level and body condition.

Key benefit & highlights

1.4 kg pack; 15% crude protein, 8% fat and 12% moisture according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with Red Meat Adult Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with Red Meat Adult Dog Food 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: A large pack for households looking for complete, protein-rich food and with enough dry storage space.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list is extensive and includes beef, wild boar, bison, lamb and pork. This makes checking for individual sensitivities particularly important.

Key benefit & highlights

11.4 kg contents; 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat according to the analytical constituents.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: Handy as a training reward, topper or a way to add variety to your dog’s daily meal.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly states that this is complementary food. Do not use it as a complete meal and remember to take it into account as part of the daily allowance.

Key benefit & highlights

20 tubes of 12 g; at least 90% moisture; chicken, tuna and salmon varieties.

Suitable for: Dogs needing a daily dental routine
Pedigree Dentastix Maxi Multipack 42-Pack 1.62kg

Pedigree Dentastix Maxi Multipack 42-Pack 1.62kg

Why it suits this profile: Designed for large dogs weighing 25 kg or more that are given a suitable chew every day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description clearly states the suitable weight range. Do not choose this Maxi variety without taking your dog’s size into account.

Key benefit & highlights

42 sticks with a total weight of 1.62 kg; intended for large dogs weighing 25 kg or more.

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 and dog treats

Is wet dog food better than dry food?

Not necessarily. Wet food generally contains more moisture, while dry food is easy to portion and store. The right choice depends on your dog’s preference, the nutritional values, your budget and any advice from a vet. You can combine both, as long as the total daily amount remains suitable.

How often can I give my dog treats?

Follow the guidance on the packaging and preferably keep treats below 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For small dogs, just a few treats can provide a relatively large number of calories. Reduce the main meal if necessary and watch for changes in weight.

Are dental sticks enough for dental care?

No. A dental stick can form part of a daily routine, but it does not automatically replace brushing or dental checks. Always supervise your dog while chewing, and ask a vet for advice if your dog has bad breath, red gums or pain when eating.