Vandaag of morgen in huis
Kwaliteit gegarandeerd
Welkomstaanbiedingen ontgrendelen: GRATIS bezorging | Tot 80% korting | Gratis 30 dagen JoyPlus-proefperiode
Download de app
Dog food packaging often promises more than you can actually conclude from the nutritional information. A recipe featuring “chicken”, “premium ingredients” or “for an active dog” says little on its own about whether it is suitable for your pet. Start by looking at the product category, age suitability, ingredients and recommended amount.
In this buying guide, you’ll learn what to look for when choosing dry dog food, wet dog food, chicken dog food and supplementary products such as dog treats.
“Chicken dog food” does not necessarily mean that chicken is the main ingredient. For example, CESAR Classic Chicken states that the product contains 60% meat and animal derivatives, of which 4% is chicken. The ingredients list therefore highlights an important difference between the marketing name and the exact composition.
So check:
A dog treat can be suitable as a reward, but it is usually complementary pet food. According to the product information, MeatyWay Chicken Tenders consists of one ingredient, chicken, and contains 70% crude protein. At the same time, the packaging states that the product is intended only as an occasional or supplementary food.
Give treats in moderation and take the total daily amount into account. Also supervise your dog while eating soft or chewy treats.
Age, body size, activity level and physical condition all help determine which food is the most practical choice. Food for an adult large-breed dog is aimed at a different group from food for small dogs or senior dog food.
A product suitable for adult dogs is not automatically suitable for puppies. Always check the age indication on the packaging and adjust the portion to your dog’s weight and activity level.
Look for the wording “complete pet food” or a similar statement. This means that, when used as instructed, the product is intended to provide a daily diet. If it says “complementary pet food”, the product is not intended to be a complete meal.
Also pay attention to:
Wet food often contains around 80% moisture. As a result, its nutritional value per gram cannot be compared directly with dry dog food. Instead, compare the complete feeding guidelines and the energy information if this is shown on the label.
Dog food for adult dogs usually specifies a particular life stage. According to the product description, Beneful Happy Adult 7+ Chicken & Vegetables is intended for older dogs from 7 years of age. Eukanuba Life Care is divided into varieties for small, medium and large adult dogs.
When choosing food for small dogs, food for medium-sized dogs or food for large dogs, these points are particularly useful:
A 15 kg bag can be convenient for a large household, but less practical if your dog eats slowly or needs only a small amount of food.
Brands may mention benefits such as supporting digestion, dental health or weight maintenance. Treat such wording as a product claim, not a guarantee. A brand’s own research may suggest that an ingredient has a particular function, but that does not automatically establish that it works for every dog.
Base your purchase on verifiable information:
If your dog has allergies, follows a sensitive diet or has other specific nutritional needs, it is sensible to consult a vet.
Why it suits this profile: This multipack contains four 150 g portions in different varieties. That makes it easy to introduce wet food while limiting the number of opened packs.
The packaging states that this is complete wet food for adult dogs. However, check the individual portions and do not assume that unopened pouches meet a puppy’s nutritional needs.
Four flavours, complete nutrition and refrigerated storage for up to 48 hours after opening.
Why it suits this profile: This variety is tailored to medium-sized adult dogs aged 7 to 10 years and is supplied as dry dog food in a 15 kg bag.
The life stage and size are clearly specified. The listed ingredients and nutrients can be checked in the product information; claims about performance remain claims made by Eukanuba.
Complete nutrition for medium-sized mature dogs, with chicken as the stated protein source and a large-value pack.
Why it suits this profile: This soft treat is intended for rewards, training or occasional use, and can be divided into smaller pieces.
The packaging clearly states that this is complementary food. There is therefore no need to treat this snack as a daily meal.
One ingredient according to the product information, a soft texture and 100 g of product for portion control.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, the soft pâté texture is suitable for adult dogs of all sizes.
The composition lists chicken and beef alongside meat and animal derivatives. This allows you to compare the ingredients list with your dog’s nutritional needs.
Soft pâté, chicken and beef varieties, and a product description that identifies it as complete food for adult dogs.
Dry dog food is generally easy to portion and convenient to store. Seal the bag securely after use and keep the food in a cool, dry place. Wet dog food contains a lot of moisture and is often sold in portions, tins or a dog food multipack. After opening, it should usually be refrigerated and used within 48 hours, according to the product information.
A combination can be useful if your dog accepts both textures. Change the diet gradually over several days and reduce the amount of dry food when adding wet food. The right ratio depends on the nutritional value and feeding advice on both packages.
Use a clean food bowl and always provide fresh drinking water. Weigh out the portion if your dog is gaining or losing weight quickly. The guideline on the packaging is a starting point; activity, age, size and body condition all make a difference.
When ordering online, also check:
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Look for “complete pet food” on the label and check which life stage the product is intended for. A treat or complementary pet food is not intended to be a complete daily meal.
That depends on the price per pack, the moisture content and the recommended daily portion. Don’t compare only the price per tin or pouch; calculate the daily cost based on your dog’s weight.
For the products mentioned, the usual guidance is that opened food can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Always follow the instructions on the specific label and throw the food away if the packaging is damaged or the product smells unusual.
