Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food: a practical guide to age, size and nutritional needs

Buying a bag of dog food seems simple until you have to choose between dry dog food, wet dog food, puppy food, grain-free recipes and different protein sources. Packaging often uses terms such as “natural”, “premium” or “with added nutrients”. On their own, these words say little about whether the food is right for your dog.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I therefore focus mainly on information that can be checked: life stage, kibble size, ingredients, analytical constituents and whether the product is described as complete and balanced dog food.

Common pitfalls when choosing dog food

1. Mistaking an appealing flavour for a complete meal

A recipe with chicken, lamb, beef or fish may sound straightforward, but also check the legal product name and nutritional information. Some products are intended as a complete meal, while others are mainly used as a supplement or treat. With wet dog food, also check whether the product is suitable for adult dogs, puppies or all life stages.

2. Treating “grain-free” as an automatic quality guarantee

Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but that does not automatically mean it is suitable for every dog. In some recipes, grains can actually provide carbohydrates and fibre. So check which ingredients replace the grains, such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato, and look at the total protein and fat content.

3. Buying a large pack without checking the energy content

An 11.4 or 15 kg bag may seem good value per kilogram, but an energy-dense recipe may require smaller daily portions. For small dogs, a large bag may also remain open for a long time. Store dry food sealed, somewhere cool and dry, and follow the use-by information on the packaging.

Which specifications should you check?

Life stage and body size

Puppy food is formulated for growth, while adult dog food is generally intended for maintenance. Senior dog food is available for older animals and often has adjusted nutritional values. Always check the age recommendation on the packaging.

Breed size also matters. Dog food for small dogs often has smaller kibble. For medium-sized and large dogs, the kibble size and recommended daily amount are different. A recipe for a medium-sized or large adult dog is not automatically suitable for a small dog.

Complete nutrition and nutritional information

Look for a clear statement that the product is complete food or complete and balanced dog food. Also check:

  • crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and moisture;
  • the ingredients list in descending order;
  • added vitamins and minerals;
  • the daily amount for your dog’s weight and activity level;
  • instructions for switching gradually.

A higher protein percentage is not necessary for every dog. An active dog may have different nutritional needs from a calm companion dog. If your dog is overweight, has allergies or a medical condition, it is advisable to consult a vet.

Dry or wet dog food?

Dry dog food is easy to portion and practical for everyday use. The bag should be sealed properly after opening. Wet dog food generally contains more moisture and is often preferred by dogs that favour softer food. Once opened, any leftovers should be refrigerated and used within the stated period, in accordance with the packaging instructions.

You can combine dry and wet food, but remember to count the calories from both. Do not simply replace a full portion of dry food with the same amount of wet food by weight.

Recommendations for different types of dog owners

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Bonzo Mini Menu Adult Beef Lamb

Bonzo Mini Menu Adult Beef Lamb

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this is complete food for small adult dogs weighing up to 10 kg, with smaller kibble and a beef and lamb flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target dog and kibble size are clearly indicated. This means you do not have to choose a large pack intended for a large dog when you have a small adult dog.

Key benefit & advantages

Smaller kibble, beef and lamb, plus, according to the product description, a complete and balanced formulation for small adult dogs.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this dry dog food contains chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg, with 38% crude protein and a grain-free formula.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The formulation lists specific percentages and analytical values. This makes it easier to compare products than relying solely on the term premium dog food.

Key benefit & advantages

11.4 kg pack, grain-free recipe and several animal protein sources. The manufacturer states that it is complete food for all life stages.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

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

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this puppy food is for puppies of all breeds, with 38% crude protein, 18% fat and kibble suitable for puppy mouths.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage is clearly stated. For growing dogs, this helps you avoid using only a general adult recipe.

Key benefit & advantages

85% animal ingredients according to the product description, including chicken, turkey, egg and fish. The manufacturer recommends switching over a period of 7 to 10 days.

Suitable for: Older small dogs
Eukanuba Life Care Dog Senior Small Chicken 3kg

Eukanuba Life Care Dog Senior Small Chicken 3kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this dog food is intended for small senior dogs aged 11 and over and contains chicken, fibre, glucosamine and chondroitin.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The age and size recommendations help prevent you from choosing a standard adult recipe without taking the life stage into account.

Key benefit & advantages

3 kg pack, formulated for small senior dogs and, according to the manufacturer, complete and balanced.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled 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

How do you switch to a different dog food?

Mix the new food gradually with the current food, usually over approximately 7 to 10 days. Increase the proportion of the new recipe each day. Keep an eye on your dog’s stools, appetite and weight. Always follow the specific instructions on the packaging.

How long does an opened bag of dry food stay fresh?

This depends on the use-by date, storage conditions and packaging. Seal the bag properly and store it somewhere cool and dry, away from a radiator and direct sunlight. For a small dog, it is best not to buy an amount that will remain open for months if a smaller pack is available.

Is wet dog food more expensive than dry dog food?

Wet dog food is often less economical per kilogram, partly because of its higher moisture content and smaller pack sizes. Dry food is usually easier to buy in bulk. Do not compare only the price per bag; also consider the recommended daily portion and energy content.