Choosing the right dog food seems straightforward until you compare labels, flavours and nutritional claims. Are you looking for dry dog food, wet dog food or a combination of both? Does your dog need puppy food, or would adult dog food be more suitable? And is grain-free dog food really necessary?
The packaging does not always tell the whole story. That is why it is important to focus on the following points.
A product featuring chicken, lamb or beef on the front may also contain other animal protein sources. For example, dog food with chicken does not automatically mean that chicken is the only meat ingredient. Check the full list of ingredients and see whether the product is intended as complete food or as a complementary feed.
Grain-free dog food may suit certain dietary preferences or be appropriate when your vet recommends a specific feeding plan. However, grain-free does not automatically mean that the food is better suited to every dog. Check which alternative sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato, have been added.
An 11 or 12 kg bag may appear attractively priced, but the right quantity depends on your dog’s weight, age and activity level. A small dog will also use a large pack slowly. As a result, freshness may be more important than a lower price per kilogram.
Choose food that matches your dog’s stage of life:
According to the product description, Bonzo Mini Menu Adult Beef Lamb is intended as complete food for adult small dogs weighing up to 10 kg. The smaller kibble has been specifically developed for this size.
Look on the packaging for the wording complete and balanced dog food or a similar legal designation, such as ‘complete pet food’. Complete food is intended as a dog’s daily main meal. A snack, topping or complementary product does not replace that meal.
This is especially important with wet food. Some trays or pouches are complete meals, while others are intended to be mixed with dry food. According to the product information, Bonzo MP 12P Round/chicken/lamb in Sauce is described as complete food for adult dogs. RENO Dog Chunks Sauce Beef and the CESAR Classic varieties are also described as complete wet food for adult dogs.
Do not compare the protein percentage alone. Also look at:
A high protein percentage is not automatically necessary for every dog. For example, Orijen Puppy Formula lists at least 38% crude protein and is intended for puppies. Orijen Original Prey also lists 38% crude protein, but is intended as complete food for dogs at all life stages, with a specific exception for Great Dane puppies under 14 weeks old according to the product information.
Brands may also describe functional properties. Phrase such claims carefully: according to Eukanuba’s own product description, certain recipes contain fibre blends, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids or L-carnitine to support specific nutritional goals, for example. This is not a substitute for personalised advice from a vet.
Why it suits this profile: The 1.4 kg pack is a manageable choice for a first purchase or for a household with a small to medium-sized dog. According to the product information, the food is intended for adult dogs of all weights.
The product information states that it is a complete and balanced recipe and provides daily quantities for different weights.
Dry food with a beef flavour, whole grains and a stated analysis of protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture.
Why it suits this profile: This large bag is aimed at dog owners looking for a recipe containing multiple animal ingredients and a detailed formulation.
The product page describes the food as complete and lists ingredient percentages and analytical constituents, allowing you to check the formulation.
According to the product description, the recipe contains chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg; the stated protein content is 38%.
Why it suits this profile: The product description focuses on large, active and working dogs. That makes it a logical option for dogs with a higher level of daily activity.
The formulation and kibble size are stated. However, check that the energy density and portion are suitable for your dog.
The recipe lists duck and sweet potato and contains 12 kg; according to the description, the food is free from grains and gluten.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this dry food is intended for small senior dogs from 11 years of age and comes in a 3 kg bag.
The age range and dog size are clearly defined. This helps you avoid choosing general adult food for an older small dog.
Small kibble, chicken listed as a key ingredient and a recipe that Eukanuba describes as complete and balanced.
Dry food is easy to store, simple to weigh out and practical if you feed several meals a day. Once opened, make sure the packaging is properly sealed and store the bag in a cool, dry place.
Wet food contains plenty of moisture and may appeal to dogs that are less enthusiastic about eating. According to the product information, an opened tin or tray should be stored in the fridge and used within the stated period. If you mix wet food with dry food, adjust the total portion accordingly. This helps prevent you from accidentally overfeeding your dog.
When changing foods, a gradual transition over around seven to ten days is a practical guideline mentioned in several product descriptions. Keep an eye on your dog’s stools, appetite and body condition. If problems persist or you suspect an allergy, contact a vet.
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.
Choose puppy food that is explicitly intended for your puppy’s age and size. A large-breed puppy may have different feeding guidelines from a small dog. Check the daily quantity on the packaging and divide the portion according to the feeding advice.
The best-before date on the packaging mainly applies to unopened products. Store dry food sealed, in a cool, dry place. Opened wet food should be kept in the fridge and used within the period stated on the label or in the product description. Always check the smell, colour and texture before serving it.
Not necessarily. Compare the price per kilogram with the recommended daily portion. A food with a higher energy density may recommend a smaller portion, but the actual cost depends on your dog’s weight, activity level and individual needs. Use the feeding guideline as a starting point and adjust the portion if your dog’s body condition requires it.