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Choosing a bag of dog food seems simple, until you start comparing the ingredients, nutritional claims and feeding guidelines. Attractive packaging does not always tell you what your dog needs every day. Pay particular attention to the difference between complete food and treats, suitability for your dog’s age and size, and how you introduce a new food.
Not every product containing chicken, fish or vegetables is suitable as a main food. Wet dog food and dry food can be complete, but dog treats and dog chews are usually complementary foods. They should not replace a meal.
Check the packaging to see whether it states that the product is a complete and balanced dog food. For a complementary product, you should limit the amount you give. A practical guideline when using several snack products is that treats should provide no more than around 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Grain-free dog food may suit a specific dietary preference, but grain-free does not automatically mean that the food is more suitable for every dog. Some recipes, for example, replace grains with peas or sweet potato. So look at the full composition rather than just the front of the packaging.
If your dog experiences recurring problems after eating, do not keep changing their food on your own. Discuss persistent issues with a vet, particularly if you are considering an elimination diet.
Puppy food is formulated for growth and has different nutritional guidelines from adult dog food. The size of the kibble and the energy content can also be relevant for small, medium or large breeds. An adult small-breed dog will not automatically benefit from the same kibble as an active large-breed dog.
First, check the legal designation on the label. If it says ‘complete food’, the product is intended as a daily meal when given in the stated portions. If it says ‘complementary food’, use it as a reward, snack or supplement.
Examples:
Do not only look at terms such as ‘with chicken’ or ‘with beef’. Check the ingredients list, protein content, fat content, fibre and moisture percentage. Wet food generally has a higher moisture content than kibble, making a direct comparison of protein percentages less straightforward.
With lamb dog food, chicken dog food, beef dog food, duck dog food or fish dog food, it is a good idea to check which other animal protein sources are included in the recipe. According to the product description, Eukanuba Life Care Adult Small/Medium Lamb & Rice contains chicken as well as lamb as a protein source. This is important if you are specifically trying to choose a single animal protein source.
Use the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point. The right amount depends on factors including weight, age, activity level and body condition. Adjust the portion if your dog gains or loses weight.
Also follow the storage instructions:
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, these meal pouches provide complete food for adult dogs and can be served on their own or together with dry food.
The product description clearly states that this is complete food for adult dogs, rather than just a treat.
Portion-sized packaging, a sauce texture, and the option to serve it as a standalone meal or combined with dry food.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product specifications, this complete food contains several animal-based ingredients, including beef, wild boar, bison, lamb and pork, and is intended for dogs at all life stages.
The detailed ingredients list shows which animal protein sources are present. This prevents you from relying solely on the flavour name.
11.4 kg pack, 38% crude protein according to the product specifications, and complete food for all life stages.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this dry food is intended for active adult dogs of small and medium breeds aged 1 to 7 years.
The target group and age range are clearly specified. This means you do not have to choose puppy food or a large-breed formula based on guesswork.
Lamb and rice as the recipe base, a fibre blend with prebiotics according to the description, and hexagonal-shaped kibble.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this complete dry food is formulated for medium-breed puppies aged 1 to 12 months.
The life stage and breed size are clearly stated. This helps prevent a puppy from being given adult dog food.
Chicken as a key ingredient source, DHA and calcium according to the product specifications, plus feeding guidance for the growth stage.
Dry dog food is easy to portion and simple to store. It is a good fit for households that prefer a consistent daily routine. Wet food generally has a soft texture and a higher moisture content. This can be useful for dogs that prefer softer food, but opened wet food requires more care when it comes to refrigeration and shelf life.
A combination can work too, provided you adjust the total amount accordingly. Deduct the calories from treats such as chicken wraps, salmon strips or chew bones from your dog’s daily food allowance. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Chicken with Sweet Potato contains 82% moisture and is a complementary treat. The cheese variety comes in eight 12-gram portions and states a low amount of 15.6 kcal per pack; always check the current packaging and feeding guide.
Do not choose solely based on a claim such as ‘easy to digest’. Check the full ingredients list, the number of protein sources and the life stage. According to the product information, a recipe containing rice may be described as gentle, but tolerance varies from dog to dog. If problems persist, it is advisable to consult a vet.
Gradually mix the new food into the old food. Start with a small amount of the new food and increase it over around a week. Monitor your dog’s stools, appetite and body condition. Stop experimenting if your dog develops clear symptoms.
Follow the guidance on the packaging and, ideally, keep treats below 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Small treats can quickly add up, particularly for small dogs. If necessary, reduce the amount of main food and always make sure fresh drinking water is available.
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.
