Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food: how to compare ingredients, portions and use without falling into marketing traps

A bag of dry dog food or a multipack of wet food may seem like a quick choice. Yet products can vary considerably in nutritional value, ease of use and price per portion. Terms such as “natural”, “grain-free” and “high in meat” can especially give the impression that a product will automatically suit your dog. That is not always the case.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information based on verifiable points. This helps you see which features are relevant to your dog and which claims should be checked against the ingredients list.

Three common pitfalls when choosing dog food

1. Mistaking a snack for a complete meal

Not every product sold as dog food is suitable as a daily diet. A product legally labelled complementary feed for dogs is intended as a treat, topper or reward. For example, INABA Churu Dog Multipack contains at least 90% moisture and, according to the product information, can be used as a snack, topper or training reward. It does not replace a complete meal.

Therefore, always check whether the packaging states:

  • Complete feed for dogs;
  • Complementary feed or snack;
  • Which life stage the product is intended for.

Dog biscuits, dog treats and liquid treats all count towards your dog’s daily energy intake. Rosewood Dog Bones Mix Chews states that snacks should make up no more than 10% of the daily calorie intake.

2. Giving greater importance to a prominent ingredient than to the full composition

“Made with chicken”, “with lamb” or “with beef” does not, by itself, tell you how much of that ingredient is present. For example, Cesar Classic Wet Dog Food Chicken lists 60% meat and animal derivatives, of which 4% is chicken. That is different from a recipe in which chicken is the main ingredient.

Pay attention to the order of the ingredients and the percentages. Dry dog food may also contain both animal ingredients and pulses, rice or potato. Grain-free dog food is not automatically necessary for every dog. Nor does the absence of grains automatically make a product suitable for a sensitive digestive system.

3. Buying a large pack without calculating portions and storage time

A 12 kg pack may appear economical, but it is not always practical for a small dog or a household with one pet. With wet dog food, you need to consider refrigeration and the limited shelf life after opening. For various tinned or cup products, the advice is to cover leftovers, store them in the fridge and use them within a maximum of two days.

So do not compare only the price of the pack. Also consider:

  • The weight per pack;
  • The recommended daily amount;
  • How many days the pack will last;
  • The storage time after opening;
  • The amount of treats given alongside the main meal.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Life stage, size and activity level

Puppy and adult dog food do not have the same nutritional goals. Choose a product that clearly states whether it is suitable for puppies, adult dogs or all life stages. An adult miniature dog will also need a different kibble size and portion from an active medium-sized or large dog.

Examples from the range include:

  • Farmina N&D Quinoa Digestion Adult Mini Lamb for small adult dogs;
  • Farmina N&D Quinoa Digestion Adult Medi/Maxi Lamb for medium-sized and large adult dogs;
  • Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with red meat as a complete feed for dogs of all life stages, according to the product information.

Adjust the amount according to weight, activity level and body condition. The feeding table on the packaging remains the main guide.

2. Complete or complementary feed

Complete dry dog food should include an analysis covering protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture, among other values. For example, Farmina N&D Quinoa Digestion Adult Mini Lamb lists at least 25% crude protein, at least 12% fat and a maximum of 9% moisture. The product information also mentions inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides.

This does not mean that the food will suit every dog. It does mean that you can compare its composition with other options. If your dog has recurring problems, an allergy or a prescribed diet, consulting your vet is wiser than changing food independently.

3. Ingredients, protein sources and tolerance

Do not just look for “dog food with chicken” or “dog food with lamb”; check all the animal sources. A lamb recipe may also contain chicken fat, egg, pork ingredients or fish. This is important if you specifically want to try a single protein source.

Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison lists venison as the only named animal protein source and states that it contains 92% venison, organ meat and bone. According to the product information, it is a complete wet food for dogs. For a sensitive animal, always check the current packaging and discuss dietary choices with your vet if necessary.

Recommended dog food by type of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
G'woon Dog Beef Liver Cup 150g

G'woon Dog Beef Liver Cup 150g

Why it suits this profile: The 150 g cup is a manageable option for anyone wanting to try a small pack of wet dog food first.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information identifies adult dogs as the target group and provides storage advice for opened portions. This means you do not need to buy a large supply straight away.

Key benefit & advantages

Soft pâté texture, beef and liver listed among the ingredients, and a 150 g pack.

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

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

Why it suits this profile: The large bag is aimed at households looking for complete dry food and able to store a generous supply.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and analytical constituents are listed in detail, including 38% crude protein, 18% fat and 12% moisture.

Key benefit & advantages

Contains several named protein sources, including beef, wild boar, bison, lamb and pork; intended as a complete feed.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Farmina N&D Quinoa Digestion Adult Medi Maxi Lamb 7 kg

Farmina N&D Quinoa Digestion Adult Medi/Maxi Lamb 7 kg

Why it suits this profile: Designed for medium-sized and large adult dogs whose owner is considering a recipe with lamb, quinoa and prebiotics.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the target group, ingredients and analysis. This means the grain-free claim can be assessed alongside the full composition.

Key benefit & advantages

Contains lamb, quinoa, inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides; lists 25% crude protein and 12% crude fat.

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

What is suitable dog food for adult dogs?

Choose a product labelled complete feed for adult dogs and check the recommended portion for your dog’s weight and activity level. Also look at the full ingredients list and analytical constituents, rather than just the flavour, such as chicken, lamb or beef.

Is dog food with a high moisture content always better?

Wet dog food generally contains more moisture than dry dog food. Inaba Churu Dog lists at least 90% moisture, but it is a complementary snack rather than a complete meal. The moisture content should therefore be considered alongside the product’s nutritional status and the daily portion.

How should you change to a different dog food?

Mix the new food gradually with the existing food, usually over around seven to ten days when recommended on the packaging. Start with a small amount of the new food and increase it step by step. Keep an eye on your dog’s appetite, stools and body condition. If problems persist, consult a vet.