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Choosing dog food seems simple until you start comparing labels. Dry food, puppy food, grain-free dog food, kibble and dog treats are often promoted with words such as “natural”, “premium” or “high protein”. These words alone don’t tell you much. It’s better to look at the ingredients, life stage and nutritional value.
This guide helps dog owners in the Netherlands choose the right food for puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs.
A pack with chicken, lamb or beef on the front doesn’t necessarily mean that ingredient makes up most of the food. Always check the full ingredients list. Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight.
For example, chicken dog food may also contain grains, plant-based protein sources and fats. That doesn’t automatically make it unsuitable, but it can help you assess the pack more realistically.
Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but it may contain other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas, lentils or sweet potato. So a grain-free formula isn’t a universal guarantee of quality. Choose this option when its ingredients suit your dog’s preferences and tolerance.
Dog biscuits, dog treats and soft rewards are usually complementary pet food. They aren’t a replacement for a complete meal. Check the label to see whether the product is described as complete pet food or complementary pet food. Keep treats to a minimum too, so they don’t make up too large a proportion of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Puppies have different nutritional needs from adult dogs. Puppy food often contains adjusted levels of energy, protein and minerals to support growth. Portion size and nutritional balance are particularly important for larger breeds. Check whether the product is intended for:
Dog food for small breeds often has smaller kibble. Kibble size and feeding guidelines may differ for medium-breed or large-breed dog food.
The packaging should clearly state whether the product is complete pet food or complementary pet food. Products such as Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Puppy Medi/Maxi are described in the product information as complete pet food for medium- and large-breed puppies. MeatyWay Chicken and Apple 100g and INABA Fun Bites, on the other hand, are intended as snacks or rewards.
Feed complete dry dog food according to the guidelines on the pack, adjusting the amount to your dog’s weight, activity level and body condition. If you’re unsure about feeding a dog with specific needs, speak to a vet.
Look at crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, moisture and ash. A high protein percentage doesn’t automatically mean the food is suitable for every dog. The energy content, source of protein and overall composition all matter.
The protein percentage in wet or very moist treats may seem lower than in dry food. So don’t compare individual percentages alone. Check the net quantity, number of portions and recommended daily amount too.
Why it suits this profile: The 1.4 kg pack is a practical choice if you want to try an adult dog food before buying a larger bag.
The product information lists 15% crude protein, 8% fat and 4% fibre. This means you can check the nutritional values instead of relying on the flavour name alone.
Described in the product listing as complete and balanced adult dog food; feeding guidelines provided for dogs of different weights.
Why it suits this profile: This large pack is designed for dog owners looking for high-protein dog food with several animal ingredients.
The product listing specifies, among other things, 38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and 12% moisture. The ingredients include chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg.
Grain-free formula according to the product information; suitable as complete food for dogs at different life stages, except Great Dane puppies under 14 weeks old.
Why it suits this profile: This food is specifically listed for medium- and large-breed puppies, with feeding guidelines for different weight categories.
The product information clearly identifies it as complete pet food, with a grain-free formula and a gradual transition over seven days.
Made with fresh and dehydrated lamb, herring, pumpkin, peas and chickpeas; 12 kg bag for regular use.
Why it suits this profile: The small portions are handy for training, hand-feeding or hiding a small tablet.
The product is clearly labelled as complementary pet food. The pack contains eight individual 12 g portions.
Soft chicken wrap with a creamy filling; according to the product information, 69% moisture and 15.6 kcal per pack.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Choose a product labelled as complete pet food for puppies. Also consider your puppy’s expected adult size. Puppy food for large breeds may have different feeding guidelines from puppy food for small breeds. Follow the portion guide on the pack and transition to new food gradually.
Store dry dog food in a tightly sealed pack in a cool, dry place. The exact shelf life is shown on the label. Seal the bag after each serving and use the food by the date shown. Soft dog treats may need to be refrigerated after opening; always follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
Not necessarily. Compare the price per kilogram as well as the recommended daily portion. A larger bag may have a lower price per kilogram, but it’s only good value if your dog tolerates the food well and you use it before its best-before date. The right choice depends on life stage, breed size, activity level and the product’s ingredients.
