Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food: how to find the right food for every dog

Choosing dog food seems straightforward until you compare labels, flavours and nutritional claims side by side. Dry dog food, wet dog food, puppy food and senior dog food differ not only in price, but also in ingredients, energy content and ease of use.

Many Dutch dog owners come up against the same pitfalls:

  • A prominent ingredient claim does not tell you everything. “With chicken” or “with beef” may mean that the ingredient makes up only a small proportion of the recipe.
  • Grain-free dog food is not automatically more suitable. Grains are replaced with other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, potato or sweet potato. Always check the full ingredients list.
  • A large bag is not always better value. The right portion depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and condition. An energy-dense food may require fewer grams per day than a cheaper alternative.
  • A polished marketing story is no substitute for checking the label. First, look for wording such as “complete food” or “complete pet food”. Complementary food is not intended to be used as a daily meal on its own.

What should you look for in dog food?

1. Check that it is complete food

For daily meals, complete and balanced dog food is a practical starting point. The packaging should state which life stage and type of dog the product is intended for. Look for descriptions such as adult dogs, puppies or senior dogs.

A product for adult dogs is not automatically suitable for a puppy. Puppies have different nutritional needs while they are growing. Feeding requirements can also vary between large and small breeds. Always check the recommended age, your dog’s size and the feeding guidelines on the packaging.

2. Read the ingredients list, not just the front of the pack

Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight. A recipe with chicken, lamb or beef may combine several animal-based ingredients. Some products clearly state the proportions, while others use more general descriptions.

Also pay attention to the analytical constituents:

  • Crude protein: relevant to the overall nutritional composition, but a higher percentage does not automatically mean the food is suitable for every dog.
  • Crude fat: together with the feeding guidelines, this gives an indication of the food’s energy density.
  • Crude fibre: can contribute to the texture of the food.
  • Moisture: wet dog food contains much more moisture than dry kibble. Do not compare protein and fat directly without taking the moisture content into account.

Claims about supporting the skin, coat, teeth, digestion or immune system often come from the brand’s product information. A brand’s own research may suggest that certain ingredients play a role, but such claims are not a guarantee of the result for your individual dog.

3. Match the texture, size and flavour to your needs

Dry dog food is easy to weigh out and store. It is ideal for owners who want to serve consistent portions or are often out and about. Check the kibble size if you have a small dog or puppy.

Wet dog food contains more moisture and has a soft texture. This can be useful for dogs that prefer softer food. Once opened, the packaging will usually need to be stored in the fridge; always follow the instructions on the label.

A recipe with chicken, lamb, beef, duck or fish can help you vary the flavours, but avoid changing foods too often. Introduce a new food gradually, usually over around seven to ten days. This makes it easier to see how your dog responds to the change.

Does your dog have a sensitive stomach, a food allergy or another specific nutritional need? Do not choose solely on the basis of terms such as “sensitive stomach” or “grain-free”. Discuss persistent problems and a tailored feeding plan with a vet.

Recommendations by type of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Pedigree Dry Adult Chicken 12 kg

Pedigree Dry Adult Chicken 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: A large pack of dry dog food for adult dogs that eat a set portion of kibble every day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states that it is a complete dry meal for adult dogs. However, check the daily portion and current ingredients on the packaging.

Key benefit & highlights

12 kg pack; chicken variety; kibble with a specially described texture for feeding adult dogs.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with Red Meat Adult Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with Red Meat Adult Dog Food 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: For owners looking for an extensive recipe with multiple animal-based ingredients and clearly stated analytical values.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list includes beef, wild boar, bison, lamb and pork, with separate percentages for each. This makes comparisons more transparent.

Key benefit & highlights

11.4 kg; 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat according to the product information; contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, among other ingredients.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food 12 kg

BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: Designed for large, active or working dogs, for which energy-rich kibble and a large pack can be practical.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it contains 80% animal-based ingredients and 20% vegetables, fruit and other ingredients. Always adjust the quantity to your dog’s activity level.

Key benefit & highlights

12 kg; duck as a key protein source; grain- and gluten-free according to the product description; kibble measuring approximately 1.2 to 1.6 cm.

Suitable for: Puppy owners
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Puppy Medi Maxi 12 kg

Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Puppy Medi/Maxi 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: Developed as a complete food for puppies of medium and large breeds, with feeding guidelines based on weight.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description identifies medium and large-breed puppies as the target group and provides portions for different weight ranges. This makes it less suitable as a general choice for every dog.

Key benefit & highlights

Lamb variety; grain-free recipe according to the product information; a gradual transition over around seven days is recommended.

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.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

What is suitable dog food for adult dogs?

Choose a product labelled as complete food for adult dogs. Then compare the ingredients, analytical constituents, kibble size and daily portion with your dog’s weight and activity level.

Is wet dog food better than dry dog food?

Neither is automatically suitable for every dog. Dry food is practical to store and weigh out, while wet food has a soft texture and a higher moisture content. Focus above all on the overall nutritional value, portion size and what your dog accepts well.

How long can you keep an opened pack of dog food?

Keep dry food sealed in a cool, dry place and follow the best-before date on the packaging. Cover opened wet food, store it in the fridge and use it within the period stated on the label. Do not leave food at room temperature for extended periods.