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A bag of dog food featuring words such as “natural”, “premium” or “grain-free” can seem like an obvious choice. However, these terms do not always tell you whether the food is suitable for your dog’s age, size and activity level. An attractive price can also be misleading if you only look at the weight of the packaging.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I assess product information based on verifiable details. This allows you to compare dog food by its ingredients, intended use, packaging and price, rather than relying solely on advertising claims.
“Chicken dog food”, “lamb dog food” or “beef dog food” may sound clear, but check how much of that ingredient is actually in the recipe. Sometimes the flavour name refers to a small percentage of chicken or beef alongside other animal by-products, grains and plant-based ingredients.
So, look at:
For example, Cesar Classic Chicken states that the product contains 60% meat and animal by-products, of which 4% is chicken. That is different from a recipe consisting mainly of chicken.
Grain-free dog food may suit owners who want to avoid grains, but it is not automatically necessary for every dog. In grain-free recipes, grains are often replaced with ingredients such as peas, potato, sweet potato or pulses. So, check the full recipe rather than just the front of the packaging.
According to the Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb product description, this food contains no grains and includes ingredients such as lamb, dried pumpkin, peas and chickpeas. The product page also lists analytical values, including 28% crude protein and 18% crude fat. This makes comparison easier, but the right portion still depends on the individual dog.
Not every product for dogs is intended as a complete meal. Some dog biscuits and treats, liquid treats and toppers are complementary food. They can be useful during training, but they do not replace complete dog food.
INABA Churu Dog states, for example, that it is a complementary food. The tubes can be used as a reward or topper, but not as a replacement for a complete meal. When giving treats, remember to take your dog’s total daily energy intake into account.
Choose dog food for the correct life stage:
According to the product description, Eukanuba Life Care Puppy Medium is intended for puppies of medium-sized breeds aged from 1 to 12 months. Eukanuba Life Care Senior Small is aimed at small senior dogs aged 11 and over. Details like these are more useful than a general claim on the packaging.
Look for the legally required designation on the label, such as complete feed or complementary feed. A complete product is intended to be given as daily food according to the feeding guide. A complementary product should be used alongside the main meal.
Also check whether the product is suitable for:
Wet dog food generally contains a lot of moisture and is available in cups, trays, pouches and tins. This can be convenient for portion control, but opened packaging will usually need to be refrigerated and used within the period stated on the label.
Dry dog food keeps for longer after opening if you seal the bag properly and store it in a cool, dry place. However, pay attention to the daily quantity: a larger bag is not automatically better value if your dog eats an energy-dense food and therefore needs smaller portions.
For both wet and dry food, adjust the amount according to your dog’s weight, activity level, age and body condition. Always provide fresh drinking water.
Why it suits this profile: The 150-gram portion is easy to manage and, according to the product information, this is complete wet food for adult dogs.
The product information lists the ingredients and analytical values, so you do not have to rely solely on the flavour name.
150 g per pack; 10% protein, 5% fat and 81% moisture according to the listed product specifications.
Why it suits this profile: This dry food provides detailed product specifications for anyone who wants to compare ingredients, nutritional values and pack size carefully.
The grain-free claim is supported by a specific ingredients list that includes 22% lamb and 20% dried lamb. According to Farmina’s own research, additional functional benefits are mentioned; always check that the food is suitable for your dog.
2.5 kg pack; 28% crude protein, 18% crude fat and 9% moisture according to the product details.
Why it suits this profile: The large bag is practical for large, active or working dogs, as well as households with high daily consumption.
The product description gives specific proportions: 80% animal ingredients and 20% vegetables, fruit and other ingredients. Check the current packaging for the full analysis.
12 kg pack; recipe with duck and sweet potato, and no grains, according to the product information.
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 from 1 to 7 years.
The target group, life stage and portion information are clearly described. This makes the choice less dependent on the term “with lamb” alone.
3 kg pack; lamb and rice listed as the main ingredients; formulated for small and medium adult dogs.
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.
Wet dog food is convenient for portioning and variety, as well as for dogs that prefer softer food. A 150-gram cup or pouch can also be practical when travelling. According to the product information, opened leftovers should generally be kept refrigerated.
Dry dog food is easy to measure out and store. Pay attention to the kibble size, feeding guide and energy content. You can combine wet and dry food, provided you adjust the total amount and both products are suitable as daily food.
Dog food with beef, chicken or lamb can add variety, but introduce a new recipe gradually. Product information from various brands recommends switching over several days. Stop and seek advice from a vet if your dog has persistent symptoms or a known food sensitivity.
Choose a product labelled as intended for adult dogs and check that it is complete feed. Also consider your dog’s weight, activity level and size. Food for small breeds is not automatically suitable for a large dog.
Neither type is automatically suitable for every dog. Wet food contains plenty of moisture and is soft, while dry food is compact and easy to store. Compare the full nutritional value, portion size and daily cost rather than looking only at the price per pack.
Use the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point. Adjust the amount according to body weight, activity level, age and condition. Treats should make up only a limited part of your dog’s daily food intake. Always provide fresh drinking water and switch to new food gradually.
