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A bag of dog food with words like "natural", "grain-free" or "high-protein" quickly catches your eye. Yet one standout claim doesn't tell you everything about whether it's suitable for your dog. A small adult dog has different kibble size and energy needs than an active large-breed dog. What's more, dog kibble, wet dog food and treats aren't simply interchangeable.
So pay close attention to the full ingredients list, the analytical constituents and the feeding guidelines. That way, you'll avoid paying extra for a marketing term that says little about the daily nutritional value.
Grain-free dog food contains no cereals, but it may include peas, potato or other carbohydrate sources. So grain-free is a compositional feature, not a general quality guarantee. Look at the ingredients list and check whether the product is intended as complete food.
High-protein dog food can suit active adult dogs, but the protein percentage doesn't tell you everything about the source, digestibility or total energy value. Also compare fat, fibre, moisture and the recommended daily amount. With wet food, the protein percentage often appears lower because of the high moisture content.
Dog treats and dog snacks for training are supplementary. They don't replace complete dog food. Give small portions, adjust the main meal if necessary, and take your dog's size into account. A soft treat that breaks easily is practical during training, but should be given under supervision.
The packaging should clearly state whether the product is complete pet food. That means it's intended as a daily meal according to current nutritional guidelines. A tin containing only meat may sound appealing, but it isn't automatically a fully balanced meal.
Examples from the range include ACANA Classic Red Meat kibble, which is described as complete food for dogs in all life stages, and Ziwi PEAK Venison, which is offered as complete wet food. A pure meat product, such as HERRMANN'S Pure Horse, requires extra attention to the statutory nutritional declaration and the intended use.
A comparison only becomes useful when you put the same values side by side. ACANA Classic Red Meat states 27% crude protein, 16% fat and 12% moisture. Farmina N&D Quinoa Skin & Coat for medium and large adult dogs states 32% protein, 18% fat and 10% moisture.
Wet dog food usually contains much more moisture. Ziwi PEAK Venison states minimum 10% protein, minimum 4% fat and maximum 78% moisture. That can't be compared one-to-one with dry dog kibble. The nutritional value per amount of food and the recommended portion size remain important.
Pay attention to three practical points:
"Dog food with venison" and "dog food with quail" can be interesting alternative recipes, but an unusual protein source is no guarantee that a dog will tolerate it well. Always check the full ingredients list.
Why this fits the profile: A large bag can be practical for households with an adult dog that eats dry food daily. The recipe lists beef, lamb and pork as animal ingredients.
The packaging states concrete percentages and analytical values, so you don't have to rely solely on the term "red meat".
27% crude protein, 16% fat, 12% moisture and a 9.7 kg bag. According to the product description, the recipe contains no maize, wheat or soya.
Why this fits the profile: Ideal for anyone who wants to compare a comprehensive ingredients list and a relatively high protein content for an adult dog.
Alongside multiple animal ingredients, the analytical values are also stated. This allows you to assess the food without relying solely on "whole prey".
38% crude protein, 18% fat, 12% moisture and an 11.4 kg bag. The recipe lists beef, wild boar, bison, lamb and pork.
Why this fits the profile: The soft texture and size make this treat useful for training sessions where you want to give small pieces.
The product information states that the treat is intended as a supplement and not as a replacement for a main meal.
The pack contains 454 g. The stated analytical values are minimum 30% protein, minimum 15% fat, maximum 1% fibre and maximum 18% moisture.
Why this fits the profile: This variant is designed for adult dogs of small breeds and lists fresh and dried quail as animal protein sources.
The target group, portion examples and composition are clearly stated. "Grain-free" therefore doesn't stand apart from the intended dog size.
26% fresh quail and 24% dried quail according to the product information, with 32% crude protein and 18% fat.
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.
Gradually mix the new dog food with the current one. Start with a small amount and increase it over 5 to 10 days, depending on the instructions on the packaging and your dog's reaction. Keep an eye on stools, appetite and weight. Always provide fresh drinking water.
Store dog kibble in a cool, dry place and seal the bag properly. According to the product information from many brands, opened wet food should be refrigerated and used within the stated time. Check the best-before date and the batch number on the packaging.
First choose a recipe with a straightforward ingredients list and, if possible, one clearly named animal protein source. "Hypoallergenic dog food" is no universal guarantee; according to a brand's product information, a recipe may be described as low-allergen or suitable for certain sensitivities, but individual reactions vary. If problems persist, it's wise to consult a vet.
Not automatically. Wet food contains more moisture and can be appealing to some dogs, while dog kibble is easy to portion and store. Compare the full nutritional values, portion size and intended use. A combination is possible, as long as the total amount and nutritional balance are appropriate.
Use treats as a supplement and follow the portion instructions on the label. Break larger dog snacks for training into small pieces and supervise while eating. If you give lots of treats daily, you may need to reduce the main meal accordingly.
