Choosing dog food: a practical guide to the right meal for your dog

A bag of dog food featuring a photo of meat, a grain-free label or a promise of a glossy coat may sound appealing. However, the front of the packaging does not always tell you everything you need to know. If you want to buy dog food without making unnecessary purchasing mistakes, it is worth checking the ingredients, nutritional values and suitability for your own dog.

These three pitfalls are particularly common:

• Grain-free is mistaken for automatically better. A grain-free recipe may contain pulses, potato or peas. Always check the full ingredients list rather than relying on a single marketing claim.
• A high meat percentage is misinterpreted. In wet food, the moisture content affects the figures. With dry food, ingredients are sometimes listed both fresh and dried. So compare the analytical protein content and preparation method as well.
• A large pack appears better value, but does not always suit your consumption. An opened bag of dry food loses quality more quickly if it is stored somewhere warm or damp, or is not properly sealed. Opened wet food generally needs to be refrigerated and used within the stated time.

Which details on the label are important?

1. Check whether the food is complete

For everyday use, complete food for adult dogs is a practical starting point. The label should include a legally recognised product name, feeding guidelines and analytical constituents. Pay attention to the difference between complete food and complementary food or treats.

A recipe for adult dogs is not automatically suitable for puppies, pregnant dogs or dogs with specific dietary needs. Also consider your dog’s size. Some dog kibble is intended for small breeds, while other varieties are specifically developed for medium-sized to large dogs.

2. Compare protein, fat and moisture together

Dog dry food often has a moisture content of around 9 to 12 per cent. Wet dog food contains considerably more moisture, which can make the crude protein percentage on the label appear lower. This does not necessarily mean that the product contains fewer animal-based ingredients.

So check the following:

• Crude protein and crude fat: relevant to the energy content and daily ration.
• Moisture: important when comparing dry food with tinned dog food.
• Crude fibre and ash: provide additional information about the composition.
• Protein sources: check whether venison, fish, lamb, chicken or quail, for example, are clearly named.
• Added minerals and vitamins: these should be listed as part of a complete recipe.

A claim such as “more than 90% protein of animal origin” should be treated as a statement made by the brand. Always check the current packaging and ingredients list; do not treat the claim on its own as proof that the food is suitable.

3. Match the format and protein source to your dog

A dog with a low activity level may have different energy requirements from an active working dog. The size of the kibble, daily amount and pack size also make a difference.

For sensitive dogs, a recipe with one clearly named animal protein source may make it easier to understand what your dog is eating. This is no guarantee that symptoms will disappear. If problems persist or you suspect a food allergy, it is sensible to consult a vet.

Recommended dog food by type of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

G'woon Dog Beef Liver Cup 150g

Why it suits this profile: The 150-gram portion is handy for trying the food first or adding to your dog’s daily menu. According to the product description, this wet food is intended for adult dogs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition names beef and liver and gives a clear portion size. However, check the packaging to confirm that the food is labelled as complete.

Key benefit & advantages

Soft pâté texture, beef and liver listed as ingredients, and storage advice for opened portions.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Farmina N&D Quinoa Skin & Coat Adult Medi/Maxi Venison 7 kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this dry food formula is intended for adult dogs of medium-sized to large breeds, with venison listed as the protein source.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states the target group, analytical values and a gradual transition period of at least seven days. Grain-free remains a product specification, not a general guarantee of quality.

Key benefit & advantages

32% crude protein, 18% crude fat, a 7 kg pack, and venison, quinoa and linseed in the stated composition.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users

BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: The large bag is practical for a household with a large, active dog or several dogs. According to the product description, the recipe contains 80% animal-based ingredients.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target group, ingredients and kibble size are stated in the product information. Store the bag tightly sealed and in a dry place to minimise waste.

Key benefit & advantages

12 kg pack, duck listed as an animal-based ingredient, and kibble measuring approximately 1.2 to 1.6 cm according to the product information.

Practical tips for buying dog food

• Change food gradually: mix the new food with the old food over at least seven days, as advised on several product packages.
• Weigh out the portion: use the feeding guide as a starting point and take your dog’s weight, age and activity level into account.
• Include dog treats in the daily total: treats should not unknowingly be added on top of your dog’s daily energy intake. Use small portions during training.
• Pay attention to use-by dates and storage: reseal dry food straight away. Store opened tinned dog food or wet food in the fridge according to the label.
• Choose fresh meat carefully: raw or frozen products, such as beef tripe, are not the same as complete food. Check the storage instructions and confirm whether the product is intended as a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

Which dog food is suitable for an adult dog?

Choose a product labelled as complete food for adult dogs. Also check the energy content, protein source, daily amount and suitability for your dog’s size and activity level.

Is grain-free dog food necessary for a sensitive dog?

Not necessarily. Grain-free dog food excludes grains, but may contain other carbohydrate sources. If symptoms keep recurring, it is best to discuss a suitable feeding plan and any elimination trial with your vet.

Is dry food better value than wet food?

That depends on the daily portion, brand, pack size and moisture content. Dry food is often easier to store and simple to portion out for each meal. Wet food can be handy in small portions, but opened packs must be refrigerated and used promptly.