Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food without falling into marketing traps: a practical guide for every adult dog

A bag of dog food featuring a prominent meat claim, an advert marked “grain-free”, or a snack labelled “natural” may sound clear, but it does not always tell you enough about whether it is suitable for your dog. When buying dog food, you should focus mainly on nutritional status, ingredients, portion size and shelf life.

In this guide, the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer helps you compare dog food using verifiable product information. This helps you avoid paying more for a claim that says little about your dog’s everyday diet.

Three common pitfalls when choosing dog food

1. A flavour name does not tell you how much meat it contains

“Dog food with beef”, “dog food with chicken” or “dog food with lamb” does not automatically mean that this ingredient makes up the largest part of the recipe. Always check the ingredients list and see whether percentages are provided. Some products, for example, mention only a certain percentage of beef or chicken, while grains or other ingredients appear earlier in the list.

2. Snacks are mistaken for complete food

Wet dog food can be a complete meal, but it can also be complementary food. The same applies to dog treats, dog chews and other dog snacks. A complementary product is intended as a reward or extra treat and does not replace a complete meal.

For example, Rosewood Trio Sticks and G'woon Dog Chew Bones are snacks. The product information recommends giving them between meals and supervising your dog while they chew. Snacks should also be given in moderation: for various products, it is recommended that treats make up no more than around 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

3. “Grain-free” is not automatically the right choice

Grain-free dog food may suit a specific dietary choice, but it is not a general guarantee that it will be more suitable. Look at the complete recipe, analytical constituents and your dog’s age or activity level. If your dog has a known food intolerance, it is sensible to consult a vet. Do not rely solely on the front of the packaging.

Which features should you check?

1. Complete or complementary food

Look for wording such as complete food for adult dogs on the packaging. A complete product is intended to meet your dog’s daily nutritional needs when you feed the recommended amount. A complementary product, such as a stick or chew, should be used alongside the main food.

Examples of complete options include various types of dry dog food, including Pedigree Adult Small Dog and the larger bags from Pedigree, Eukanuba and Orijen. CESAR Classic and RENO Dog Chunks Sauce Beef are also described in the product information as complete food for adult dogs.

2. Age, size and activity level

A small adult dog will often have different kibble-size and portion requirements from a large, active dog. Therefore, check:

  • the age category, such as adult dog;
  • the recommended body weight;
  • the kibble size or shape;
  • the daily amount in grams;
  • your dog’s activity level.

According to the product description, Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food is intended for small adult dogs weighing up to 10 kg and has a size suited to small breeds. For larger or active dogs, a bigger pack may be more practical. According to the product information, BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food is offered for large, active and working dogs. Its recipe states that it contains 80% animal ingredients and 20% vegetables, fruit and other ingredients; however, always check the current packaging when buying.

3. Ingredients and analytical constituents

Do not compare only the name of the main ingredient. Also look at crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. These figures help you make an objective comparison between products. For example, a dry food containing 38% crude protein and 18% fat has a different nutritional density from a product containing 22% protein and 13% fat.

Change over gradually, usually over several days. Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and adjust the portion according to your dog’s weight, condition and activity level. Always provide fresh drinking water.

Product choices for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavour 1.4kg

Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavour 1.4kg

Why it suits this profile: The 1.4 kg pack is a manageable choice for anyone buying dry dog food for the first time and who has a small adult dog. The product information provides feeding guidelines for body weights from 1 to 10 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information provides the recipe, analytical values and feeding guidelines in grams. This allows you to compare portions rather than focusing solely on the beef and vegetable flavour.

Main benefit & key advantages

Dry food for small adult dogs; 22% crude protein and 13% fat according to the stated product specifications.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: This large pack is aimed at shoppers who want to compare a detailed ingredients list and high nutritional values. The stated recipe contains chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page lists the ingredients, analytical constituents and feeding guidelines. Check these details yourself on the label and introduce any change gradually.

Main benefit & key advantages

38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and 11.4 kg contents according to the stated product specifications; suitable as complete food for dogs at all life stages.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Eukanuba Grain Free dog adult all sizes venison 3kg

Eukanuba Grain Free dog adult all sizes venison 3kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this grain-free dog food has been developed for adult dogs of all breeds and contains venison, peas and sweet potato as sources of carbohydrates.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The grain-free choice is linked to a specific ingredients list, rather than being based solely on a marketing label. If your dog has a sensitivity, always check all ingredients.

Main benefit & key advantages

Suitable for adult dogs of all breeds; 3 kg pack with venison as the stated animal protein source.

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.

Combining wet food, dry food and snacks

Wet dog food can be useful for dogs that prefer a softer texture. According to the product description, G'woon Dog Beef Liver Cup 150g contains beef and liver and is intended for adult dogs. RENO Dog Chunks Sauce Beef is a larger pack containing chunks of beef in gravy. Store leftovers in the fridge according to the instructions and use them within the stated time.

For training, you can choose small portions of dog treats, such as the Vitakraft Beef Original Lamb Stick or Pedigree Schmackos Chicken. According to the product information, Rosewood Salmon Fillet Strips contain 97% salmon and are soft strips. These are complementary snacks, not a replacement for complete food. Pay attention to portion sizes, take allergies into account and supervise your dog when giving chew products.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

How much dog food does an adult dog need?

This depends on body weight, age, activity level, breed and condition. Use the guideline on the packaging as a starting point and regularly check your dog’s weight and body condition. An active dog may need more than a calm dog of the same weight.

Is expensive dog food cheaper to use?

Not always. Compare the price per kilogram as well as the recommended daily amount. A product with a higher nutritional density may specify a smaller portion, but the actual cost depends on the pack size, portion and your dog’s individual needs.

How long does dog food stay fresh after opening?

Store dry food in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Once opened, wet food should be refrigerated according to the label. Snacks and chews should generally be stored in a dry place and resealed. Always check the best-before date and the instructions on the packaging.