Joybuy Insights

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

A bag of dog food featuring appealing photos and terms such as “natural”, “premium” or “grain-free” does not tell you whether the food is right for your dog. Dog owners in the Netherlands often consider taste, price and ingredients, but can sometimes miss important information on the label. As a result, a product may prove unsuitable for the dog’s age, size or activity level.

The main pitfalls are:

  • Mistaking a snack for a complete meal. Many dog snacks and soft treats are complementary food. They should not replace your dog’s daily meal.
  • Looking only at the main ingredient. “With chicken” or “with beef” does not automatically mean that this ingredient makes up the largest proportion. Check the full composition.
  • Assuming grain-free means suitable for every dog. Grain-free dog food may suit a specific dietary choice, but it is not a general guarantee of better tolerance or nutritional value.

What should you look for in dog food?

1. Check whether it is complete or complementary dog food

The label will state whether the product is complete dog food or complementary food. Complete food is intended as a daily meal and, according to the product information, contains the nutrients required for the stated life stage. Complementary food often includes dog snacks, training treats, toppers and chew products.

For example, the INABA Fun Bites and INABA Churu products in this overview are described as complementary food. Use them as a reward or addition, not as a replacement for dry dog food or a complete wet food. Chew sticks, such as the Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks, are also snacks.

2. Consider age, weight and kibble size

Dog food for adult dogs is not the same as puppy food or food for senior dogs. You should also consider body size. Small dogs may benefit from smaller kibble that is easy to pick up and eat. Larger or active dogs have different daily energy requirements and portion sizes.

A clear feeding table is useful. According to the product information, the Pedigree Adult Small Dog variety is intended for adult dogs weighing under 10 kg and has a size suited to small breeds. The recommended amount ranges from 25 grams for a 1 kg dog to 140 grams for a 10 kg dog.

Use tables like these as a starting point. Activity level, age, breed and body condition may mean that you need to adjust the portion. Always provide clean drinking water.

3. Compare the composition and analytical constituents

Do not just look at the front of the packaging. Also check:

  • the order and names of the ingredients;
  • the percentage of crude protein and crude fat;
  • moisture content, crude fibre and crude ash;
  • added vitamins and minerals;
  • whether grains, gluten or specific animal protein sources are listed.

Dog food containing chicken, beef or lamb may include several animal sources in its composition. According to the product description, Eukanuba Life Care with lamb and rice also contains chicken as a source of protein. This is relevant if you are specifically looking for a single protein source.

If your dog has a known food sensitivity, it is wise to check the label in full and consult a vet if necessary. A brand’s marketing claims are not a personal nutritional diagnosis.

Dry food, wet food or snacks?

Dry dog food is easy to portion and, provided it is properly sealed and stored in a dry place, is practical for everyday use. Varieties with smaller kibble are available for small dogs. Wet food generally contains more moisture and has a soft texture. The Rosewood Dog Pâté Chicken & Beef Flavor is described as complete wet food for adult dogs of all sizes. Once opened, the product should be refrigerated and used within the stated period.

Dog snacks are suitable for training, rewarding your dog or adding variety. Keep the amount limited. INABA Fun Bites, for example, states that snacks should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Even a low-fat or high-moisture snack is still complementary food.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owners

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavor 1.4kg

Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavor 1.4kg

Why it suits this profile: A manageable 1.4 kg bag with a feeding table for small adult dogs weighing up to 10 kg. Useful if you are comparing dry dog foods for the first time and want a clear starting point.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the intended group, composition, analytical values and daily portions. This means you do not have to rely solely on the flavour name “beef and vegetables”.

Key benefit & advantages

Dry food for small adult dogs; 22% crude protein and 13% fat according to the stated analysis; portions for dogs weighing 1 to 10 kg.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: For those looking for a large pack and a recipe containing several animal ingredients. The product description lists chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and analytical constituents are specified in detail. However, check beforehand whether several protein sources are suitable for your dog.

Key benefit & advantages

38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and 11.4 kg contents according to the product details; listed as complete food for dogs at all life stages.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Eukanuba Grain Free dog adult all sizes venison 3kg

Eukanuba Grain Free dog adult all sizes venison 3kg

Why it suits this profile: For adult dogs of various breeds whose owners are deliberately looking for a grain-free recipe and want to consider an alternative to commonly used protein sources.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions both venison and alternative carbohydrate sources such as peas and sweet potato. This shows that grain-free does not mean ingredient-free.

Key benefit & advantages

3 kg of dry food; intended for adult dogs aged 1 year and over; recipe with venison, with prebiotics and beet pulp mentioned in the product description.

Suitable for: Dogs fed soft food
Rosewood Dog Pâté Chicken & Beef Flavor

Rosewood Dog Pâté Chicken & Beef Flavor

Why it suits this profile: Soft wet food for adult dogs of all sizes. The pâté texture can be practical if your dog prefers soft food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This product is listed as complete wet food for adult dogs. Even so, check the current packaging and feeding guide before deciding on the portion.

Key benefit & advantages

Soft pâté; chicken and beef variety; feeding advice for dogs weighing 5, 10, 20 and 30 kg; refrigerate after opening.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

What is suitable dog food for an adult dog?

Choose food that is clearly labelled as complete food for adult dogs. Also compare the recommended portion with your dog’s weight, activity level and body condition. A vet can help with specific dietary questions or a known sensitivity.

Is wet food better for dogs than dry dog food?

That depends on your dog’s preference, nutritional needs and your practical circumstances at home. Dry dog food is easy to store and portion. Wet food has a soft texture and generally contains more moisture. With both types, check that they are complete and follow the storage instructions after opening.

How long can you keep dog food?

Store unopened dog food in a cool, dry place according to the packaging instructions. Seal dry dog food properly to preserve its freshness. Opened wet food should generally be refrigerated and used within the stated period. The same applies to snacks: check the best-before date, seal the packaging properly and take the daily amount into account.