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A bag of dog food featuring terms such as “natural”, “grain-free” or “high in meat” may seem like an obvious choice. Yet these words do not always tell the whole story. The difference often lies in the ingredients list, nutritional value, suitability for your dog’s life stage and the amount you need to feed each day.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information down to the practical details. This helps you buy dog food based on verifiable facts rather than eye-catching claims on the packaging.
A percentage of animal ingredients may consist of fresh meat, dried proteins, organs, fats or animal by-products. These terms do not all have the same nutritional value. Therefore, check the full composition and the analytical levels of crude protein, crude fat, fibre and ash.
For example, Farmina N&D Pumpkin Wild Boar Adult Medi/Maxi states that 96% of its proteins are of animal origin. This is a product specification provided by the brand; the full ingredients list includes fresh wild boar, dehydrated wild boar, herring and wild boar fat. Always check that the composition meets your dog’s needs.
Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but that does not automatically make it suitable for every dog. Grains may have been replaced with peas, chickpeas, potato or sweet potato. These ingredients also count towards the overall recipe.
Therefore, choose grain-free dog food mainly when you have a specific reason, such as a preference for a particular recipe or feeding advice from your vet. If you suspect a food intolerance, choosing a carefully considered diet is more important than simply looking for the words “grain-free”.
Wet dog food may be a complete food, but some tins and cups are complementary food. A treat is intended as a reward, not as a main meal. Loose raw products, such as chicken, meat or cartilage, do not automatically provide a balanced diet either.
Therefore, read the legal product description on the label. “Complete pet food” means that, according to the stated feeding instructions, the product is intended to provide a complete diet. If you are unsure about a homemade raw diet, discuss the feeding plan with your vet.
Dog food for adult dogs is not the same as puppy food. Also check whether the kibble size is suitable for your dog’s jaw. For small breeds, kibble measuring around 0.5 to 0.7 cm may be more practical. According to the product information, Buddy’s Delicious Duck Meat Chunks is intended for small dogs and has this compact kibble size.
For large or active dogs, the energy content, daily amount and bag size are important considerations. BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food has kibble measuring approximately 1.2 to 1.6 cm and is described in the product information as suitable for large, active and working dogs. The composition states 44% duck and 26% fresh duck. These are details from the product information and are not a guarantee of any particular result.
Do not compare only the ingredient percentages. Also look at the analytical constituents:
For example, Orijen Original Prey Dog Food states 38% crude protein, 18% crude fat, 5% crude fibre and 12% moisture. Farmina N&D Sea Bass, Spirulina and Fennel Adult Mini states 23% crude protein and 18% crude fat. These figures are only meaningful in the context of the complete composition and recommended portion.
A large bag of dry food may seem cost-effective, but only if your dog tolerates the food well and the bag can be sealed airtight. Pay attention to the daily amount and store the food somewhere cool and dry.
With wet food, the pack size is particularly important. A 150-gram cup, such as G'woon Dog Beef Liver Cup, can be convenient for a small portion or as an addition to your dog’s daily diet. According to the product information, this is a pâté-style wet food for adult dogs, with beef and liver listed as the main ingredients. Once opened, any unused portion should be refrigerated and used within 48 hours.
Why it suits this profile: The 150-gram cup is a manageable option if you want to try a small pack first or add wet dog food to your pet’s daily diet.
The product information lists beef, liver, vitamins and minerals and states that it is food for adult dogs. Check the packaging to confirm whether it is labelled as a complete food.
150 grams; soft pâté texture; according to the product description, free from artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives.
Why it suits this profile: Suitable for anyone looking for a large bag of dry dog food with a specified protein content and several animal-based ingredients.
The packaging states that it is a complete food for all life stages and recommends a transition period of 7 to 10 days. The ingredients list and analysis are provided in detail.
38% crude protein; 18% crude fat; 11.4 kg pack; lists chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg.
Why it suits this profile: The product specifications focus on large, active and working dogs and describe an energy-rich recipe with duck and sweet potato.
The ratio is clearly stated: 80% animal ingredients and 20% vegetables, fruit and superfoods. The kibble size and ingredients list are also available.
12 kg pack; kibble measuring approximately 1.2–1.6 cm; grain- and gluten-free according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: The product information describes venison as the sole source of animal protein. This may be a straightforward option for owners who want to discuss a restricted-protein diet with their vet.
The composition lists venison, organs, bones and added vitamins and minerals. If your dog has a food sensitivity, always check the full label and seek professional feeding advice.
390 grams; complete wet food according to the product information; states a minimum of 10% crude protein and a minimum of 4% crude fat.
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.
According to the feeding advice on the packaging, dog treats should provide no more than around 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Give rewards in moderation and take your dog’s size and activity level into account.
According to the product information, Rosewood Dog Salmon Fillet Strips Large contains 97% salmon and is a complementary food. According to the label, G'woon Beef Strips Dog Wikkel contains 18% beef, cereals, plant-based ingredients, preservatives and colourings. This makes the two treats suitable for different preferences, but neither replaces complete dog food.
Raw products such as beef tripe, pork cartilage or chicken are not automatically complete dog food either. Store these products according to the packaging instructions, keep raw meat separate from other foodstuffs and check whether the product is intended to be fed directly or only as part of a prepared diet.
That depends on your dog’s preference, nutritional needs, portion size and storage options. Dry food is generally easy to measure and lasts longer once opened. Wet food contains more moisture and may be useful for dogs that prefer a soft texture. Always compare nutritional value based on the moisture content.
Mix the new food gradually with the old food, usually over about seven days. Start with a small amount of the new food and increase it step by step. Monitor your dog’s stools, appetite and overall tolerance. If problems persist, it is advisable to consult a vet.
Not every symptom is caused by food. Therefore, you should not treat the term “hypoallergenic” as a medical guarantee. Look at the protein source and the full ingredients list, and discuss an elimination diet with your vet if you suspect a food allergy.
