Choosing dog food: a practical guide for every dog and nutritional goal

Buying a bag of dog food seems simple, until you have to choose between dry food, wet food, grain-free dog food, puppy food and senior varieties. Marketing terms such as “premium”, “natural” and “high in meat” do not tell you much on their own. The ingredients, intended use and nutritional value shown on the label are more important.

The most common purchasing mistakes are:

• Only looking at the front of the packaging: a picture of chicken or lamb does not automatically mean it is the main ingredient.
• Confusing grain-free with hypoallergenic: grain-free dog food contains no grains, but may still contain other sources of protein that a dog is sensitive to.
• Buying a large bag without checking nutritional needs: dog food for large dogs is not automatically suitable for small dogs. Age, body weight and activity determine the portion size and energy requirements.

Which information on the label is important?

1. Check whether it is complete dog food

Look for the product to be described as complete pet food or complete dog food. This means that, according to the product information, it is intended to be fed as a daily diet. A complementary product, snack or meal topper serves a different purpose.

Also check the intended group:

• Puppy food for growing dogs;
• food for adult dogs;
• senior dog food, often with an adjusted energy content;
• dog food for small, medium-sized or large dogs;
• food for all life stages, when this is explicitly stated on the label.

The recommended amount on the packaging is a starting point. Adjust the portion according to weight, age, activity and body condition. Always provide fresh drinking water.

2. Compare the protein source and ingredients

If you are looking for chicken dog food, lamb dog food or fish dog food, it is a good idea to check the ingredients list. Pay attention to the difference between:

• a named animal species listed as a specific ingredient;
• “meat and animal derivatives” without further details;
• several animal protein sources in one recipe.

A recipe with one clearly stated protein source may make it easier to monitor your dog’s reaction to food. If problems keep returning or you suspect a food sensitivity, it is advisable to consult a vet. Do not treat the term hypoallergenic dog food as a guarantee: suitability depends on the individual dog and the exact ingredients.

3. Look beyond “grain-free” or “premium”

Grain-free dog food often uses alternative sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, potato or sweet potato. Grain-free therefore does not mean carbohydrate-free, nor does it automatically say anything about the overall quality.

With dry dog food, the crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture percentages are among the details you can check. With wet dog food, the moisture content plays a greater role when comparing nutritional values. So do not compare only the protein percentage on the packaging; also look at the complete nutritional information.

The description premium dog food is mainly a commercial positioning term. Assess the product based on its ingredients, nutritional purpose, portion guidance and pack size.

Our recommendations for different dog owners

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

BENEFIL Grain-Free Rich in Chicken with Vegetables Dog Food 1.2 kg

Why it suits this profile: A compact bag for trying grain-free dog food without immediately buying a large supply. According to the product information, this is complete food for adult dogs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the ingredients, including 14% chicken, and provides portion guidelines based on body weight. Check the current label before use.

Main benefit & key advantages

Dry food; grain-free recipe according to the product description; 25.5% crude protein; portion guidance for different weights.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: For dog owners looking for dry food containing several animal-based ingredients and a high stated protein percentage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list names chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg separately. This makes it clear that it is not a single-protein recipe.

Main benefit & key advantages

38% crude protein according to the product information; 11.4 kg pack; omega-3 and omega-6 listed in the analysis.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users

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

Why it suits this profile: Designed for owners of small and medium-sized puppies looking for fish-based dog food with a chicken-free recipe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The intended group and age are clearly stated. According to the product information, the recipe uses fish as its animal protein source and sweet potato as an alternative to grains.

Main benefit & key advantages

Puppy food for small/medium breeds; ocean fish as the stated protein source; DHA and calcium mentioned in the product information.

Suitable for: Dog owners who want to alternate with wet food

Bonzo MP 12P Round/chicken/lamb in Sauce

Why it suits this profile: A practical choice for owners of adult dogs who want to feed wet food on its own or combine it with dry food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that this is complete food for adult dogs and that it can be combined with dry food. Adjust the total daily portion accordingly.

Main benefit & key advantages

Wet food in portion packs; sauce texture; chicken and lamb named in the product title.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

Is grain-free dog food always suitable for a sensitive dog?

No. Grain-free simply means that the recipe contains no grains. The product may still contain chicken, beef, fish, peas or other ingredients. Check the complete ingredients list and discuss persistent problems with a vet.

How should you switch to different dog food?

Mix the new food gradually with the current food, usually over approximately seven days. Start with a small proportion of new food and increase it step by step. Keep an eye on your dog’s stools, appetite and behaviour. Where possible, follow the transition guidance on the packaging.

How much does dog food cost per month?

This depends on body weight, energy requirements, the daily portion and the type of food. Dry dog food is often easy to compare per kilogram, while wet food may require more packs per day. Calculate the monthly cost using: price per kilogram multiplied by the total amount per month. Always compare products with a similar nutritional purpose.