Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food and dog treats: a practical buying guide for every dog

Buying dog food and dog treats seems simple until you have to choose between dry food, wet food, puppy food, chew sticks and dozens of varieties with chicken, beef or lamb. Marketing terms such as “natural”, “grain-free” and “premium” do not mean much on their own. The ingredients, nutritional status and suitability for your dog are more important.

A large pack is not automatically better value either. If your dog cannot tolerate the food or the bag loses its freshness quickly after opening, you ultimately pay for a product that goes to waste. Use this buying guide to compare the most important features and avoid common purchasing mistakes.

Common pitfalls when choosing dog food and dog treats

1. Assuming grain-free automatically means suitable

Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but it may contain other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, lentils or sweet potato. That does not automatically make it suitable for every dog. Always check the full ingredients list and confirm whether the product is intended as complete food or complementary food.

Extra care is needed with hypoallergenic dog food. A product with one named protein source may still contain other animal-based ingredients. If you suspect a food allergy, it is sensible to consult a vet.

2. Using a treat as a meal

Dog treats, dog chew sticks and dental sticks for dogs are usually complementary foods. They do not replace a complete meal. The packaging of various treats states that rewards should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Adjust the main meal if you give rewards frequently.

Also pay attention to the size. A chew product for a small dog is not the same as a treat for a large dog. Supervise your dog while it chews and follow the age and weight recommendations on the packaging.

3. Interpreting claims about benefits too broadly

According to the product descriptions of some brands, certain kibble shapes, dental sticks or chew products may help support dental care. This is not a substitute for regular checks or care. Treat such information as a product feature or brand claim, not as a guaranteed result.

The same applies to claims about skin, coat, muscles, joints or digestion. Check who is making the claim and which nutrients are actually listed in the analytical composition.

Important specifications to check

Complete or complementary food

Look for the wording complete food for dogs when the product is intended to form your dog’s daily main meal. Wet dog food, such as Cesar Classic or g'woon Chunks in Jelly, may be described as complete food for adult dogs. Treats such as beef strips, bones and dental sticks are generally complementary.

Also check:

  • the suitable age: puppy, adult dog or all life stages;
  • the recommended amount for your dog’s body weight;
  • the protein and fat percentages;
  • whether it contains grains, chicken, beef or other potential allergens;
  • the shelf life and storage instructions after opening.

Age, size and activity level

Puppy food is formulated for growth and should not be replaced with adult dog food without good reason. According to the product description, the Eukanuba Life Care puppy variety is intended for medium-sized puppies aged 1 to 12 months. There is a separate lamb and rice variety for small and medium-sized adult dogs.

An active or large dog may need a different energy density from a calm companion dog. According to the product information, BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food is positioned for large, active and working dogs. Even so, check the actual feeding quantity and adjust it according to your dog’s weight, activity level and body condition.

Packaging and running costs

Do not just compare the price of a bag or tub. Calculate the price per kilogram or per meal as well. A large pack of dog food, such as an 11.4 or 12 kg bag, can be convenient if you have several dogs or a large dog. Store dry food in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.

Wet food requires more planning once opened. Product information for various tubs and tins recommends covering unused portions, storing them in the fridge and using them within a maximum of two days. Smaller packs are therefore practical if your dog eats little or enjoys variety.

Our recommendations for different types of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Purina Beneful Adult Dog Food Beef & Garden Vegetable Formula 1.4kg

Purina Beneful Adult Dog Food Beef & Garden Vegetable Formula 1.4kg

Why it suits this profile: The 1.4 kg pack is a manageable choice for a first purchase and is suitable for adult dogs of different weights.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it is a complete and balanced food and provides daily quantities for different weights.

Key benefit & advantages

Dry food with a beef variety, wholegrain cereals and a clear feeding guide for dogs weighing 5 to 30 kg.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: The large bag and detailed ingredients list suit dog owners who carefully compare nutritional values and animal protein sources.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and analytical values are listed in detail, including 38% crude protein, 18% fat and 12% moisture.

Key benefit & advantages

Complete food for all life stages according to the product information, with chicken, turkey, fish and egg.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food 12 kg

BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: The 12 kg pack is practical for large, active or working dogs that regularly eat dry food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description identifies the target group, kibble size of approximately 1.2 to 1.6 cm, and a recipe without grains or gluten.

Key benefit & advantages

According to the product information, the recipe consists of 80% animal ingredients and 20% vegetables, fruit and superfoods.

Suitable for: Puppy owners with a medium-sized breed
Eukanuba Life Care dog puppy medium chicken 3kg

Eukanuba Life Care dog puppy medium chicken 3kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this variety is intended for medium-sized puppies aged 1 to 12 months.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The age range and breed size are clearly defined, making it less likely that you will choose an unsuitable adult variety.

Key benefit & advantages

Dry food with chicken, calcium and DHA according to the product information, packed in a 3 kg bag.

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.

Combining treats and accessories wisely

For training, small dog treats, such as chicken treats or beef dog treats, are easy to portion. According to the product information, G'woon Beef Strips contain 18% beef and 22% crude protein, but also grains, preservatives and colourings. This makes it important to check the ingredients if your dog is prone to sensitive reactions.

For chewing, g'woon Dog Dental Sticks Mini and Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small are intended for smaller dogs. According to the product description, the Rosewood variety contains beef hide with dried chicken and is described as grain-free and gluten-free. A dog bone or dental stick should always be suitable for your dog’s size and chewing strength.

A dog buggy can be useful for transport, recovery or longer outings when your dog cannot walk continuously. Before buying, check the interior space, maximum load capacity, buggy weight and folded dimensions. The Blinkit buggy is listed with a basket measuring 55 × 33 × 46 cm, a net weight of 6.4 kg and folded dimensions of 84 × 57 × 19 cm.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good ratio of dry food to wet food?

That depends on your dog’s nutritional needs, weight and activity level. Check that both products are complete foods and reduce the amount of dry food when adding wet food. Use the feeding guides on the packaging as a starting point.

How long does opened dog food stay fresh?

Store dry food in a sealed container in a cool, dry place and use it before the best-before date. According to many product labels, opened wet food should be covered, kept in the fridge and used within a maximum of two days. Always check the packaging of the specific product.

How many dog treats can my dog have each day?

Use treats as a supplement and keep the quantity limited. Many products advise that treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Deduct rewards from the main meal and choose the size based on your dog’s weight and chewing style.