Choosing dog food without falling into marketing traps: how to find the right meal or snack

A bag of dog food with chicken, a tin of wet dog food or a multipack with different flavours may seem like an easy choice. However, eye-catching packaging says little about whether a product is suitable for your dog. Age, body size, activity level and the full nutritional composition determine whether a product is a practical fit.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information based on verifiable points. Pay particular attention to these common pitfalls:

• “With chicken” does not automatically mean it contains a lot of chicken. Check the percentage and where chicken appears in the ingredients list. Some products, for example, say “with chicken”, while the composition mainly consists of meat and animal derivatives, cereals or plant-based ingredients.
• A snack is not a complete meal. Dog snacks and chicken treats for dogs are usually complementary food. They should not inadvertently replace a complete daily diet.
• Age claims are not universal. Dog food for adult dogs, senior dog food and puppy food have different nutritional aims. Check the intended age group on the label, rather than relying only on words such as “active” or “vital”.
• Larger packs are not always better value. A 15kg bag of dry food may have a lower price per kilo, but it is less convenient if your dog is small, eats very little or quickly tires of a flavour.

Three specifications to check before buying

1. Complete or complementary dog food

Look for a clear indication such as complete pet food or complete meal. According to the product information, CESAR meals, Beneful and Eukanuba are offered as complete food. A product such as MeatyWay Chicken Tenders, on the other hand, is described as food for intermittent or complementary feeding.

This distinction is important in practice:

• Complete and balanced dog food is intended as a daily meal, to be served according to the feeding guidelines.
• Complementary food is intended as a snack, reward or addition.
• Only combine wet and dry food if you adjust the total daily amount accordingly.

Also check the feeding guidelines on the label. The right amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level and body condition.

2. Composition and analytical constituents

Do not just look at the name on the front. Read the ingredients list and analytical constituents:

• Crude protein indicates the protein content.
• Fat content is relevant if your dog gets little exercise or gains weight easily.
• Crude fibre and moisture can help you compare different products more fairly.
• With wet food, the protein percentage often appears lower because the product contains a lot of water.

For example, the product information for CESAR Classic Chicken 150 g states 10% protein, 5% fat and 81% moisture. The MeatyWay chicken treat lists 70% crude protein, 5% fat and 18% moisture per 100 g. These are not direct quality rankings: they are different types of product with different intended uses.

3. Size, life stage and texture

For small dogs, small kibble or portion packs may be more convenient. For large dogs, a large bag of dry food may be more economical and practical, provided you store the food in an airtight container. According to the product descriptions, the Eukanuba Life Care varieties are tailored to small, medium-sized or large dogs.

Texture also matters:

• Dry dog food is easy to weigh out and stays fresh for longer after opening.
• Wet dog food has a high moisture content and is often suitable for dogs that prefer softer food.
• Soft snacks, such as semi-moist treats, can be practical for older dogs that find hard treats less comfortable.
• Opened tins or pouches of wet food should generally be kept refrigerated and used within the stated time limit.

When choosing grain-free dog food, check the full ingredients list. Grain-free does not automatically mean that the food is complete or suitable for every dog. Always check the nutritional designation and ask a vet for advice in the event of allergies or persistent symptoms.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food Chicken & Turkey, Beef & Liver, Veal & Poultry, Lamb & Turkey Mix 4×150g

Why it suits this profile: The four 150 g portions make it easy to try several varieties without buying a large pack straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that this is complete wet food for adult dogs. However, check the individual portion and adjust the total amount when combining it with dry food.

Main benefit & advantages

Four flavours, 150 g portions and refrigerated storage of opened packs for up to 48 hours according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Eukanuba Life Care dog mature medium chicken 15kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this dry food is intended for medium-sized adult dogs aged approximately 7 to 10 years.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The intended age group and size are clearly stated. This allows you to consider age and body size alongside nutritional needs, rather than choosing based solely on chicken or a marketing claim.

Main benefit & advantages

15 kg of dry food; the description lists ingredients including FOS, beet pulp, glucosamine, calcium and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users

MeatyWay Chicken Tenders 100g

Why it suits this profile: This soft chicken treat is intended as a reward, training snack or small addition for dogs of different sizes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly describes it as complementary food. This helps prevent a snack from accidentally being used as a daily main meal.

Main benefit & advantages

A single ingredient according to the product description, 100 g content and a soft texture that can be broken into smaller pieces.

Suitable for: Households with a small adult dog

Eukanuba Life Care dog adult small chicken 15kg

Why it suits this profile: The product description is aimed at small adult dogs aged approximately 1 to 8 years and offers dry food in a large pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The indication for small dogs prevents you from selecting solely based on the “chicken” flavour. However, check that you have enough storage space for 15 kg.

Main benefit & advantages

Life stage and size are specified; the description mentions a fibre blend with FOS and beet pulp, as well as specially shaped kibble.

Practical buying tips for everyday use

• Introduce new food gradually. Over several days, mix increasing amounts of the new product with your dog’s usual food.
• Weigh out dry food instead of relying solely on a full measuring cup.
• Include snacks in the daily calculation. Especially for small dogs, a few treats can provide a relatively large amount of extra energy.
• Store dry dog food in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container. Keep opened wet food covered in the fridge and follow the storage period stated on the packaging.
• When buying online, check the net quantity, best-before date, animal species, life stage and food category.
• Supervise your dog when giving a chew treat. Always provide clean, fresh drinking water.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

What is suitable dog food for adult dogs?

Choose food that is clearly labelled as complete food for adult dogs. Then compare the feeding guidelines with your dog’s weight, activity level and body condition. A product with chicken is not automatically suitable if the life stage or portion does not match your dog’s needs.

Is wet dog food better than dry dog food?

Wet and dry dog food have different practical properties. Wet food generally contains more moisture and is often sold in small portions. Dry food is easier to weigh out and store. The choice depends on what your dog accepts, the nutritional designation and your daily routine.

How many dog treats can a dog have?

Use treats as complementary food and keep the amount limited. There is no universal portion suitable for every dog. Consider your dog’s size, activity level and main meal. If you are unsure about your dog’s weight, allergies or a special diet, discuss your food choices with a vet.