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Choosing Dog Food: A Practical Guide to Kibble, Wet Food and Treats

A bag of dog food labelled “premium”, “grain-free” or “high-protein” can seem like an obvious choice. But these terms don’t always tell you enough about whether it’s right for your dog. The best choice depends on age, body weight, activity level, breed size, taste preference and the full nutritional profile.

What’s more, the cheapest pack isn’t automatically the most economical. A product with a low energy density may require a larger daily portion. And a big bag of kibble can become impractical if your dog goes off it after a few weeks.

Three Common Pitfalls with Dog Food

1. Confusing Marketing Terms with Nutritional Information

“Premium dog food”, “natural” and “grain-free dog food” are not a full nutritional analysis. Always check the packaging to see whether it clearly states complete food or complementary food.

  • Complete and balanced dog food is intended as a full daily diet.
  • A treat, reward or complementary wet food does not replace a complete meal.
  • Grain-free does not automatically mean the food is better for every dog.

For example, a product like INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps states that it is a complementary food. The packaging lists 82% moisture and recommends 1 to 2 pouches per day as a reward, depending on the size of your dog. This is not a substitute for adult dog food.

2. Only Looking at the Main Ingredient

A name like “dog food with lamb” or “dog food with chicken” doesn’t tell you how much of that ingredient is actually in the product. Always check the ingredients list and the analytical constituents.

Look out for:

  • the order of ingredients;
  • the percentage of named animal ingredients;
  • crude protein, crude fat, fibre, ash and moisture;
  • added vitamins and minerals;
  • any grains, legumes or other ingredients your dog may be sensitive to.

With wet dog food, the moisture content is often high. This can make the protein percentage on the label look lower than it is in dry kibble. So don’t compare wet and dry food solely on the stated protein percentage.

3. Not Adjusting the Portion to Activity and Body Condition

A feeding guide is a starting point, not a fixed rule. An active dog may need more energy than a sedentary dog of the same weight. Check your dog’s body condition regularly and adjust the portion gradually.

When switching to a new dog food, a transition period of about a week is practical. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the familiar food, then increase it step by step. If digestive issues persist or you have specific dietary concerns, it’s wise to consult a vet.

Which Specifications Should You Check?

Life Stage and Size

Choose food that matches your dog’s life stage. Adult dog food is formulated differently from puppy or senior food. For small breeds, smaller kibble is often easier to manage. Bonzo Mini Menu Adult Rund Lam is described as being for adult small dogs up to 10 kg and has smaller kibble.

For medium-sized and active dogs, the recommended daily amount and energy value matter more than just the flavour. Also check whether “all breeds” actually appears on the label, or whether the food has been developed for a specific weight category.

Complete or Complementary

Look for a clear statement such as complete pet food or compleet diervoeder if you intend to use the product as a main meal. Products labelled as snack, treat or complementary food are intended as an addition.

For dog treats, there’s a simple rule: keep the amount limited and deduct the calories from the daily meal. G’woon Beef Strips, for example, states that treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calorie intake.

Ingredients, Analysis and Storage Instructions

A good product comparison involves more than just the price per pack. Also calculate the price per kilogram and check the shelf life after opening.

Practical points to consider:

  • Store dog kibble in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
  • Keep opened wet food covered in the fridge.
  • Use opened wet food packaging according to the instructions on the label.
  • Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water.
  • Supervise your dog when chewing on dental chews or bones.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, careful comparison is important. Don’t automatically choose grain-free dog food or a single protein source just because it sounds popular. Look at the full ingredients list and change the diet gradually.

Recommended Products by Dog Owner Type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Bonzo Mini Menu Adult Beef and Lamb

Bonzo Mini Menu Adult Beef and Lamb

Why this fits the profile: According to the product description, this is a complete food for adult small dogs up to 10 kg, with smaller kibble and a combination of beef and lamb.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage, target group and kibble size are clearly described. This means you don’t have to rely solely on general marketing terms.

Key benefit & highlights

Complete nutrition for adult small dogs; smaller kibble; beef and lamb variety.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why this fits the profile: The product information lists chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg as key ingredients, with 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and analytical constituents are listed in detail. Compare the higher nutritional density with your dog’s activity level and portion size.

Key benefit & highlights

38% crude protein; multiple animal ingredients; 11.4 kg pack.

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

BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food 12 kg

Why this fits the profile: According to the product information, this food is aimed at large, active and working dogs, with 80% animal ingredients and 20% vegetables, fruit and superfoods.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target group and bag size are clearly stated. However, do check whether the energy-rich composition matches your dog’s daily exercise levels.

Key benefit & highlights

12 kg pack; duck as a key protein source; according to product information, grain-free and gluten-free.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Combining Dog Food and Treats

Use dog treats purposefully, for example during training or as a small reward. INABA Fun Bites are soft pouches with chicken and sweet potato. The product information states 82% moisture and indicates that it is a complementary food. Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips are described as containing 97% salmon and are intended as a treat, not a complete meal.

Dental chews for dogs can last longer than training treats, but supervision remains important. G’woon Dog Chew Bones is a 500 g chew snack. Check the ingredients, choose a suitable size and don’t leave your dog unsupervised while chewing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Food

How often should an adult dog eat?

Many adult dogs have one or two meals a day. The right amount depends on weight, age, activity level and body condition. Use the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point and include treats in the daily calorie intake.

Is wet dog food better than dry kibble?

Not necessarily. Wet food usually contains more moisture and has a softer texture. Dry kibble is practical to store and easy to portion. A combination can work, as long as the total diet is complete and the portions are adjusted.

Which dog food is suitable for a sensitive stomach?

First, look at the full composition, a gradual transition and your dog’s reaction. A recipe with lamb, rice or another protein source may be aimed at sensitive dogs according to the product information, but individual tolerance varies. If problems recur, it’s wise to seek advice from a vet.