Joybuy Insights

Choosing Dog Food and Dog Treats in 2026: Practical Buying Tips for Every Dog

The range of dog food and dog treats is extensive. Online shops list puppy food, dry dog food, wet dog food, dog biscuits, dog chew bones and dental sticks for dogs side by side. This does not always make comparison easy. An appealing package also says little about whether a product is suitable for your dog.

The most common poor purchases result from three pitfalls:

  1. Age and size are overlooked. Puppies have different nutritional needs from adult dogs. The size of the kibble or treat should also suit a small, medium-sized or large dog.
  2. A marketing claim is treated as a guarantee. Terms such as “grain-free”, “natural” or “for healthy teeth” do not replace the complete ingredient list and feeding instructions.
  3. Treats are added on top of daily food. Many dog biscuits, chew bones and dental sticks contain calories. For several products, the packaging recommends that treats account for no more than approximately 10% of the daily calorie intake.

What should you look for in dog food and dog treats?

1. Check life stage, weight and breed size

Start by asking which dog the product is intended for. The packaging usually indicates whether it is puppy food, food for adult dogs or a product for senior dogs. Also check the stated breed size:

  • Dog food for small dogs: often features smaller kibble and treats that are easier to chew.
  • Dog food for medium-sized dogs: offers adjusted portions and a medium-sized kibble.
  • Dog food for large dogs: includes larger kibble or treats and feeding guidance that takes the higher body weight into account.

Pedigree Dentastix is one example. According to the product information, the Maxi pack is intended for dogs weighing 25 kg or more. The Medium pack is indicated for dogs weighing between 10 and 25 kg. Use this size guidance as a starting point, but also consider how your dog chews.

For puppies, age and expected adult size are particularly important. According to the product description, Farmina N&D Ocean Cod with Pumpkin Puppy Medi/Maxi is intended for puppies of medium and large breeds. Orijen Puppy Formula states that it is suitable for puppies of all breeds, with feeding guidance based on age, weight and breed size.

2. Read the ingredients, not just the front of the pack

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. Pay attention to:

  • the animal-based ingredients listed;
  • protein, fat, fibre and moisture content;
  • the presence of grains, legumes or potato;
  • added vitamins and minerals;
  • whether the product is complete or complementary food.

Grain-free dog food is not automatically suitable for every dog. Grain-free recipes may contain peas, chickpeas or sweet potato, for example. Choose such a formula primarily when its composition matches your dog’s individual needs. In the case of a food allergy or recurring symptoms, consulting a vet is wiser than experimenting independently over an extended period.

Wet dog food generally contains a high proportion of moisture and often has a soft texture. According to the label, G'woon Dog Beef Liver Cup 150g is a pâté-style wet food for adult dogs, with beef and liver listed among its ingredients. Rosewood Dog Pâté Chicken & Beef Flavor is likewise described as a complete wet food for adult dogs of all sizes. Always check the portion instructions and refrigerate opened contents according to the label.

3. Assess treats by size, purpose and supervision requirements

A chew treat is not a complete meal. The g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g states that the snack should be given between meals and that supervision is required while the dog is chewing. The ingredient list includes grains, oils and fats, as well as animal by-products, including chicken.

For dental care, there are several types of dental sticks for dogs, including Dentastix. According to Pedigree’s own information, Dentastix Daily Oral Care can help reduce tartar build-up; the stated reduction of up to 80% is a brand claim and not a general guarantee for every dog. A dental stick does not replace a check-up or cleaning when a dog already has clear dental problems.

Also choose the appropriate size. According to the product information, g'woon Dental Sticks Mini was developed for small dogs. The Medium variant is intended for medium-sized dogs. Do not leave a dog unattended while chewing, and remove small or sharp fragments when necessary.

Recommended choices by type of dog owner

MATCH FOR: Budget-conscious first-time owners
G'woon Dog Beef Liver Cup 150g

G'woon Dog Beef Liver Cup 150g

Why This Fits Their Persona: A compact cup of wet food for anyone who wants to try a soft meal or supplementary food without immediately buying a large pack. According to the product information, this food is intended for adult dogs.

How It Avoids the Trap

The packaging clearly states 150 g, one cup and suitability for adult dogs. This helps you avoid choosing a puppy product or an unnecessarily large pack.

Key Advantage & Pros

Soft pâté texture, beef and liver listed among the ingredients, and no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives according to the product description.

MATCH FOR: Puppy-focused owners
Eukanuba Grain Free dog puppy small medium ocean fish 3kg

Eukanuba Grain Free dog puppy small/medium ocean fish 3kg

Why This Fits Their Persona: An option for owners of small or medium-sized puppies specifically looking for grain-free puppy food with fish.

How It Avoids the Trap

The product information identifies the target age range as 1 to 12 months and specifies small to medium-sized breeds. This makes the choice more specific than relying on the word “grain-free” alone.

Key Advantage & Pros

3 kg pack, ocean fish as an animal-based protein source and a recipe without chicken according to the product description.

MATCH FOR: Owners of large dogs and frequent users
Pedigree Dentastix Maxi Multipack 42 Pack 1.62 kg

Pedigree Dentastix Maxi Multipack 42-Pack 1.62 kg

Why This Fits Their Persona: A large pack for households with a large dog that want a suitably sized dental treat for daily use.

How It Avoids the Trap

The pack is intended for dogs weighing 25 kg or more. Check your dog’s weight first rather than relying solely on the familiar Dentastix brand name.

Key Advantage & Pros

42 sticks, a total weight of 1.62 kg and, according to Pedigree, no added sugar, artificial colourings or flavourings.

MATCH FOR: Fans of larger packs
Orijen Puppy Formula High Protein Grain Free Dry Dog Food 11.4 kg

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

Why This Fits Their Persona: Designed for puppy owners looking for a large bag of puppy kibble for a multi-dog household or a larger puppy.

How It Avoids the Trap

The product information specifies the age range, a transition period of 7 to 10 days and portions based on weight. A large bag is practical only if the kibble is stored in a properly sealed container.

Key Advantage & Pros

11.4 kg of food, a grain-free formula and, according to the product description, at least 38% crude protein and 18% fat.

Need more options?

Explore a current selection of products for puppy health and wellbeing, with options for food, treats and everyday care.

Frequently asked questions about dog food and dog treats

How many dog treats may I give my dog each day?

Ideally, keep treats below approximately 10% of the daily calorie intake, as indicated on various product packages. If you give your dog several biscuits, chew bones or dental sticks, reduce the amount of main food if necessary. The right quantity depends on weight, age, activity level and body condition.

Is grain-free dog food necessary?

No. Grain-free dog food is a specific dietary choice, not a general requirement. Consider the complete ingredient list and nutritional analysis. If you suspect an allergy or intolerance, it is best to discuss your dog’s diet with a vet.

How should I store opened food and treats?

Store dry dog food and treats in a cool, dry place and seal the packaging securely. According to the product instructions cited, opened wet food should be refrigerated and used within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the product. Always check the best-before date and the instructions on the packaging.