Choosing dog food without the marketing traps: a practical guide for every dog

Buying a new bag of dog food or a box of wet food might seem straightforward. Yet terms like natural, premium, grain-free and hypoallergenic dog food don't always tell you enough about the actual ingredients. A high price tag is no guarantee that the food will suit your dog either.

As Joybuy's Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information by verifiable points. That way, you can see more quickly which dog food matches your dog's age, size, activity level and any food sensitivities.

Three common pitfalls with dog food

1. A standout ingredient doesn't tell the whole story

Packaging featuring venison, duck or lamb on the front can give the impression that this is the only protein source. Always check the full ingredients list. Dog food with venison, for example, may also contain fish, chicken or another animal source.

A recipe with one clearly named protein source can be more straightforward when you want to avoid certain ingredients. That doesn't automatically mean it's suitable for every dog with an allergy. If symptoms persist, it's wise to consult a vet.

2. Grain-free isn't the same as demonstrably better

Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but often includes peas, chickpeas, potato or sweet potato. So don't just look at the word "grain-free" – look at the overall composition and the analytical constituents.

According to product information from various brands, grain-free food is offered as an alternative for dogs that don't tolerate grains well. That's a product claim from the brand, not a guarantee for every dog.

3. Treats quickly become a full meal

Dog treats and dog snacks are intended as a supplement. They should not replace daily dog food. Pay particular attention to portion size, especially with small dogs. A soft jerky can easily be broken into pieces, but the total number of calories still counts.

With treats that have an unclear exact fat or protein percentage, it's harder to compare accurately. So use the nutritional values on the label and adjust the main meal accordingly.

The key points to check

1. Is the food complete and suitable for the life stage?

Look for the label complete food or complete pet food. Then check whether the product is intended for:

• puppies, adult dogs or all life stages;
• small, medium or large breeds;
• a low, average or high activity level;
• dry dog food or wet dog food.

An adult dog of a small breed doesn't automatically have the same nutritional needs as an active dog of a large breed. The feeding guideline on the packaging is a starting point. Weight, exercise and individual metabolism determine whether the portion needs adjusting.

2. Compare the protein source and the analysis

Look at the first ingredients and at the analytical constituents. Relevant values are crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, crude ash and moisture.

Wet food often shows lower percentages of protein and fat on the label than dry food because of its high moisture content. So you can't compare wet food and kibble on protein percentage alone. The water content also differs significantly.

For dog food for sensitive dogs, a short ingredients list can help you identify potential triggers more easily. "Hypoallergenic dog food" is not a universal guarantee, however. Check the protein sources and discuss an elimination diet with a vet when necessary.

3. Pay attention to packaging, transition and storage

When introducing a new product, switch gradually, usually over five to seven days, or follow the instructions on the packaging. A sudden change can upset digestion.

Once opened, practical differences apply:

• Store dry dog kibble sealed, cool and dry.
• Keep opened wet food sealed in the fridge.
• Use opened tins within the stated time; for some products, a maximum of two days is mentioned.
• Always ensure plenty of fresh drinking water.
• Store dog treats in a dry place and seal the packaging well.

Recommended dog food by use case

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Eukanuba Grain Free dog adult all sizes venison 3kg

Why this fits the profile: The 3 kg bag is practical for trying out a recipe first. According to the product information, this food is intended for adult dogs of all breeds and contains venison as the animal protein source.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions a grain-free recipe and lists alternative carbohydrate sources such as peas and sweet potato. Always check the full label if your dog has food sensitivities.

Key benefit & highlights

For adult dogs of all breeds; venison and sweet potato are mentioned in the product composition; 3 kg size.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison 390g

Why this fits the profile: According to the product information, this wet dog food has venison as its only named animal protein source and contains 92% venison meat, organs and bone.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition is clearly laid out and lists one main protein. The claim about being grain-free and supporting digestion comes from the brand's product information and is not an individual guarantee.

Key benefit & highlights

92% venison, organs and bone according to the label; minimum 10% crude protein; 390 g tin; complete wet food for all breeds and life stages.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users

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

Why this fits the profile: The large bag is aimed at households with an adult dog that eats dry food daily. The composition contains multiple red meats, including beef, wild boar, bison, lamb and pork.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The extensive ingredients list makes it clear that this is not a single-protein food. That prevents you from confusing a product with multiple protein sources with hypoallergenic dog food.

Key benefit & highlights

11.4 kg content; 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat according to the product information; multiple meat and organ ingredients; intended as complete food.

And how do you choose dog treats?

For training, soft dog treats are practical. According to the product information, MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender contains chicken as an ingredient, has a minimum of 30% crude protein and can be broken into small pieces. The variants with chicken and duck or duck and sweet potato are also presented as grain-free. Check the label if your dog is sensitive to a particular protein source.

Pedigree Ranchos Beef Flavor contains, according to the label, 95% meat and animal derivatives, of which 4% is beef. The treat is suitable for small, medium and large dogs, but the recommended amount varies by size. Treats remain a supplement and require supervision during eating.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

Which is better: wet food or dry food for dogs?

That depends on your dog's preference, eating behaviour and nutritional needs. Wet food usually contains a lot of moisture and can be handy for dogs that don't drink much. Dry food is easy to portion and store. With both types, check whether it's complete food.

How long does a bag of dog kibble last?

That depends on the dog's weight, the daily portion and the energy content of the food. Divide the weight of the bag by the daily amount in grams. A 10 kg bag with a 250 gram portion per day will theoretically last about forty days. Store kibble airtight and follow the best-before date.

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

Not automatically. Grain-free dog food excludes grains, but can contain other ingredients that a dog reacts to. Look at the full recipe, introduce new food gradually and ask a vet for advice if symptoms return.