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

There’s a wide range of dog food available in the Netherlands. You’ll find dry food with chicken, lamb, fish or beef, grain-free recipes, options for senior dogs, and food for small, medium or large dogs. But eye-catching packaging tells you little about whether a food is right for your dog.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I assess product information using verifiable details. Here are three common pitfalls to watch out for:

• An appealing flavour name doesn’t tell you how much of that ingredient is in the food. For example, “with beef” could mean that beef makes up only a small proportion of the animal ingredients.
• Grain-free doesn’t automatically mean suitable. Grain-free recipes often contain other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato. So check the full ingredient list.
• A higher price doesn’t automatically make something a better choice. Check the food category, analytical constituents, daily portion, pack size, and your dog’s age and size.

Which information on the label matters?

1. Check whether it’s complete dog food

For everyday use, look for the description “complete food” or “complete and balanced”. This means the product information says it’s intended to be fed as your dog’s daily food. Also check which life stage it’s suitable for: puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs or all life stages.

A product may instead be labelled as complementary food. That’s not the same as a complete daily meal. For example, the available product information describes Ziwi Peak Dog Gently Air-Dried Venison as complementary pet food. It’s important to follow the feeding instructions and not base your choice solely on its high protein percentage.

2. Consider age, size and activity level

Dog food for adult dogs isn’t automatically suitable for every adult dog. Smaller dogs often benefit from smaller kibble, while food for large dogs may take their different dietary needs and larger size into account.

Look out for these descriptions:

• Small dogs: for example, up to around 10 kg; check the specific weight limit on the pack.
• Medium and large dogs: check the stated weight range and age.
• Senior dogs: some products are intended for dogs aged 7 or 8 and over.
• Weight management: compare the fat content and recommended daily portion with your dog’s activity level.

According to its product description, Beneful Healthy Weight Chicken & Vegetables is a complete food for adult dogs and contains 20% less fat than the original Beneful recipe. This is a brand claim; use the analytical values and your dog’s body condition to work out the right portion.

3. Assess the ingredients and analytical constituents together

The ingredients list shows which raw materials have been used. The analytical constituents include the percentages of protein, fat, crude fibre, crude ash and moisture. A high protein percentage alone doesn’t guarantee that a product is right for your dog.

Examples from the range:

• Eukanuba Grain Free Adult Small/Medium Ocean Fish lists fish as an animal protein source and uses ingredients such as peas and gluten-free sweet potato as alternative sources of carbohydrates.
• Farmina N&D Ocean Series Cod and Pumpkin Adult Small contains cod, dried cod protein, fish oil and 5% dried pumpkin, according to its ingredients list.
• Pedigree Adult Small Dog Beef & Vegetables is aimed at small adult dogs and lists 22% protein and 13% fat in its analytical constituents.

If you suspect your dog has a food sensitivity, take care. A product that lists one protein source isn’t automatically hypoallergenic dog food. If you’re considering an elimination diet or your dog has persistent symptoms, it’s better to speak to a vet than to keep changing their food yourself.

Choosing dog food to suit your needs

Choosing the right food involves more than just your dog’s breed. Consider their weight, age, daily exercise, preferred kibble size and how they’ve responded to previous foods.

A large 12 or 15 kg bag can be practical for a large dog, but it’s less convenient if you want to try a new protein source first. A 1.4 to 3 kg bag helps reduce waste and makes it easier to switch gradually. It’s best to mix the new food with the old food in stages, following the guidance on the pack.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavour 1.4kg

Why it suits this profile: The 1.4 kg bag is a manageable size for an owner who wants to try a suitable food for a small adult dog first. According to the product description, the smaller kibble is tailored to small breeds.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information gives specific percentages, such as 22% protein and 13% fat, rather than relying only on general claims about quality.

Main benefit & highlights

Small kibble, a 1.4 kg pack and clear feeding guidelines for dogs weighing up to 10 kg.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: This large pack is for anyone considering a recipe with a wide range of ingredients, including chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg, for an adult dog.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page provides a detailed ingredients list and analytical values, so claims about animal proteins can be checked.

Main benefit & highlights

38% crude protein according to the product information, an 11.4 kg pack and several animal-based ingredients.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users

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

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this variety is intended for adult medium and large dogs. It contains lamb, herring, pumpkin, peas and chickpeas.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The formula is explicitly described as grain-free and lists its main ingredients. Still, check whether this recipe is right for your dog.

Main benefit & highlights

A 12 kg pack, lamb listed as an animal protein source, and suitability for medium and large adult dogs.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

How long can you keep an opened bag of dry dog food?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack. Store dry dog food in a cool, dry place, seal the bag tightly and use the food within the stated period after opening. A smaller bag may be more practical if your dog eats only a little or you change their food regularly.

How should you switch to a different dog food?

Gradually mix the new food with the old food, usually over about seven days. Start with a small amount of the new food and increase it step by step. Keep an eye on your dog’s stools, appetite and overall response. If problems persist, it’s best to consult a vet.

Is expensive dog food cheaper to use?

Not always. Compare the price per kilogram as well as the recommended daily amount. A larger bag may seem better value, but the actual cost depends on the portion size, your dog’s weight and their activity level. Also check that the product is complete dog food and suitable for your dog’s life stage.