Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food without falling into marketing traps: how to find the right food for your dog

A bag of dry food, a tub of wet food or a packet of dog treats may seem like a quick choice. Yet products can differ significantly in composition, nutritional value and intended use. Cheerful packaging or a claim such as “natural” says little in itself about whether the food is suitable for your dog.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I therefore start by checking verifiable information: is the product complete or complementary, which life stage is it intended for, and which ingredients and analytical constituents are listed on the label?

Three common pitfalls when choosing dog food

1. Mistaking a treat for a complete meal

Not every product containing meat or chicken is complete dog food. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites and INABA Churu are described as complementary pet food. They are intended as rewards, snacks or toppings and do not replace a complete meal.

Even treats with a high meat content, such as Rosewood Salmon Fillet Strips, which contain 97% salmon according to the brand description, remain complementary food. Give them alongside your dog’s normal meal and take the recommended daily amount into account.

2. Assuming “grain-free” automatically means suitable

Grain-free dog food can be useful if you deliberately want to avoid grains, but the term does not tell you everything about the product’s overall nutritional value. Also check the protein source, fat content, serving size and whether the food is complete.

You should also be cautious if your dog has a sensitive stomach. A product containing lamb, horse or game is not automatically hypoallergenic dog food. According to the brand’s own information, a particular protein source may be suitable for sensitive animals, but this is not a medical guarantee. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a vet.

3. Looking only at the ingredients listed first

An ingredients list is important, but you need more information than that. Also check the analytical constituents, nutritional status and feeding guidelines. A product may come in chicken, beef or lamb flavours, while the proportion of that ingredient is limited. So check the full label rather than just the front of the packaging.

Which specifications should you check?

Complete or complementary dog food

For your dog’s daily meal, it is best to choose a product clearly labelled as complete pet food for the appropriate life stage. Dog food for adult dogs should be suitable for your dog’s age, weight and activity level.

Use complementary food, such as dog treats, wet tubes and soft rewards, in limited quantities. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps contain 15.6 kcal per pack and are intended as a treat. The manufacturer recommends that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Adjust the amount to suit your dog’s size and condition.

Wet dog food or dry dog food?

Wet dog food generally contains a high proportion of moisture and is available as pâté, pieces in gravy or portion packs. This can be practical for dogs that prefer softer textures. Once opened, keep the product refrigerated and use it within the period stated on the packaging. For the products mentioned, this period ranges from 24 to 48 hours.

Dry dog food is easier to portion and is often practical for larger packs. Pay attention to the kibble size: according to the product description, Buddy’s Delicious Duck Meat Chunks contains pieces measuring approximately 0.5 to 0.7 cm, making it suitable for small dogs. The packaging also states that the formula is free from grains and gluten. Always check the current bag for the full composition.

Protein source, fat and moisture

Dog food with chicken, dog food with beef and dog food with lamb are not interchangeable if your dog reacts sensitively to a particular ingredient. Choose one main protein source if you want to monitor your dog’s reaction to food accurately.

Analytical values help you compare products. For example, INABA Chicken Wraps with sweet potato list 11.5% crude protein, 2.2% crude fat and 82% moisture. The HERRMANN’S Pure Horse Meat variant lists 12.1% crude protein, 3.9% crude fat and 79.9% moisture. These percentages can only be compared directly when you take the moisture content and the product’s overall nutritional function into account.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Bonzo MP 12P Round/chicken/lamb in Sauce

Bonzo MP 12P Round/chicken/lamb in Sauce

Why it suits this profile: The portion packs are straightforward to use and, according to the product information, suitable as complete dog food for adult dogs. This makes comparing and measuring portions simple.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly refers to “complete pet food for adult dogs”, so it is not presented solely as a snack or topping.

Key benefit & advantages

Wet food in gravy, a multipack with different varieties, and suitable for feeding on its own or combining with dry food, according to the product description.

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

Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with Red Meat Adult Dog Food

Why it suits this profile: The large 11.4 kg pack is suitable for households looking for a consistent dry food and wanting to weigh portions accurately at home.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that this is complete food and provides a detailed ingredients list rather than relying only on general front-of-pack claims.

Key benefit & advantages

38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and 12% moisture according to the stated analysis; with beef, wild boar, bison, lamb and pork.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties

INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties

Why it suits this profile: The 20 tubes are practical for training, hand-feeding or use as a topping when you want to portion out small amounts accurately.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is clearly labelled as complementary food, not as a meal. This makes the usage restriction clear before you place your order.

Key benefit & advantages

According to the product information, at least 90% moisture, two chicken and seafood varieties, and suitable for serving directly or mixing.

Suitable for: Small breeds and fussy eaters
Buddy's Delicious Duck Meat Chunks 5 kg

Buddy's Delicious Duck Meat Chunks 5 kg

Why it suits this profile: The small pieces and duck as the stated main ingredient suit small dogs and owners considering a grain-free option.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The kibble size is stated clearly. This combines the “grain-free” claim with practical information about the size of the pieces.

Key benefit & advantages

5 kg pack, pieces measuring approximately 0.5 to 0.7 cm and, according to the product description, a complete formula for small dogs.

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 the difference between wet dog food and dry dog food?

Wet dog food contains a high proportion of moisture and is often sold as pâté, pieces in gravy or portion pouches. Dry dog food consists of kibble, has a longer shelf life after opening and is easy to measure out by the gram. The right choice depends on your dog’s preference, how convenient it is to store and the nutritional status shown on the label.

How often should you give your dog treats?

Follow the guidance on the packaging and adjust the amount to your dog’s size, activity level and daily food intake. As a practical guideline, INABA states that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Do not replace a meal with complementary treats.

Is grain-free dog food suitable for every dog?

Not automatically. Grain-free dog food may suit a particular dietary choice, but always check whether the product is complete, which other sources of carbohydrates are used and whether the protein source suits your dog. If you suspect a food intolerance, it is best to discuss your dog’s diet with a vet.