Joybuy Insights

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

The packaging of dog food and dog treats often promises more than you can verify at first glance. A nice picture of meat doesn't automatically mean a recipe contains a lot of meat. Terms like "natural", "premium" or "for a healthy dog" also tell you little without reading the ingredients list, nutritional status and feeding guidelines.

Three common pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Confusing a treat with a complete meal. Training treats, chews and liquid rewards are usually complementary foods. They don't replace a complete dog food.
  • Taking the flavour name too literally. "Beef" or "chicken" on the front doesn't always tell you how much of that ingredient is actually present. Check the percentage in the composition.
  • Not considering size and age. A kibble or chew treat for a small adult dog isn't automatically suitable for a puppy or large dog. Pay attention to weight, age and chewing habits.

What to look for in dog food and dog treats

1. Check whether the food is complete or complementary

Look on the packaging for the indication complete food or complete dog food. This means the product is intended to be fed as a daily meal according to the feeding guidelines.

Wet dog food, such as pâté or meal portions, can be complete. The product description of g'woon adult dog pate lamb chicken, for example, states it is a complete and balanced food for adult dogs. The composition includes lamb, chicken, meat and animal by-products, minerals and vitamins.

Other products are explicitly complementary. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps are a complementary treat with 82% moisture, chicken and sweet potato. The INABA Churu multipack contains at least 90% moisture according to the product information and is intended as a reward, topping or snack. Both products are therefore not intended as a replacement for a complete meal.

2. Look beyond the front of the packaging

Compare these points:

  • Composition: ingredients are usually listed in descending order by weight.
  • Analytical constituents: look at protein, fat, crude fibre, crude ash and moisture.
  • Flavour and percentage: with Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavour, for example, 4% beef is stated in the composition. The name "beef & vegetables" therefore doesn't mean the food consists solely of beef.
  • Additives: check for vitamins, minerals and any preservatives.
  • Allergies: a product without the 14 main EU allergens isn't automatically suitable for every dog with a food sensitivity. Always check the full ingredients list.

If you're specifically looking for dog food with chicken, dog food with beef or dog food with lamb, it's a good idea to compare the stated proportion on the label. The same goes for grain-free dog food: check whether grains are actually absent and which ingredients have been used instead, such as pulses or potato.

3. Match the format and use to your dog

Dry dog food is practical to portion and easy to store in a sealed container. However, the kibble size matters. According to the product description, Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food is intended for small adult dogs up to 10 kg. The feeding guidelines range from 25 grams per day for a 1 kg dog to 140 grams for a 10 kg dog.

For large or active dogs, larger packs and more energy-dense recipes are often more practical. BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food is a grain-free kibble with 80% animal ingredients and 20% vegetables, fruit and superfoods according to the product information. Orijen Original Prey and Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat state 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat. Such values are verifiable, but they don't automatically mean the recipe is suitable for every dog. Also consider age, activity level and body condition.

With chew treats, size is at least as important. Only give a treat that matches your dog's weight and chewing strength. Always supervise your dog while chewing and provide fresh drinking water.

Our recommendations by type of dog owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon adult dog pate lamb chicken

g'woon adult dog pate lamb chicken

Why this fits the profile: The soft pâté texture is easy to serve and the product description states it is a complete food for adult dogs. A practical choice when you want to start without complicated combinations.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information makes it clear that this is food for adult dogs and does not mention use as a treat or reward.

Key benefit & highlights

Lamb and chicken listed as main ingredients; soft pâté; intended for daily use according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why this fits the profile: This complete food for all life stages lists chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg. The analytical composition contains 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page shows concrete percentages, analytical values and a feeding guide rather than just general flavour claims.

Key benefit & highlights

38% crude protein; 18% crude fat; feeding guidelines for adult dogs and puppies; gradual transition over 7 to 10 days recommended.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Pedigree Dog Dental Chews Small Dogs

Pedigree Dog Dental Chews Small Dogs

Why this fits the profile: According to the product information, this complementary chew treat is intended for small dogs weighing 5 to 10 kg from 4 months of age, with a guideline of one stick per day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target group and maximum daily amount are specified. According to Pedigree's own information, daily use can reduce tartar build-up by up to 80%; this is a brand claim, not a general guarantee.

Key benefit & highlights

X-shape; 1.3% fat according to the analytical data; suitable for dogs weighing 5 to 10 kg; chicken flavour according to the product information.

Suitable for: Training-focused dog owners
INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps

INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato

Why this fits the profile: The soft 40 g portion is intended as a reward during training or between meals. The product information states 82% moisture and one to two pouches per day, depending on the dog.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its status as a complementary food is explicitly stated. This makes it clear that you shouldn't replace the main meal entirely with this treat.

Key benefit & highlights

Chicken and sweet potato; soft texture; 11.5% crude protein and 2.2% fat according to the analytical data.

How many treats can a dog have?

Use dog treats and chew treats as a supplement and adjust the main meal if necessary. A practical guideline is that treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. Also check the specific feeding guidelines on the packaging.

A chew treat is not a substitute for supervision or regular dental care. Your dog must be able to chew the treat safely. For small dogs, for example, the Pedigree Dental Chews Small Dogs or Pedigree Jumbone Mini are intended; the Jumbone information mentions a weight of up to 15 kg and excludes puppies under 9 months old.

Store dry food in a sealed, dry container. Opened wet food should be covered and kept in the fridge, and according to the product information it should usually be used within 48 hours. Opened INABA treats must be consumed within 24 hours according to the stated instructions.

Looking for more options?

We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about dog food and dog treats

What's the difference between wet food and dry food for dogs?

Wet food contains a lot of moisture and often has a soft texture. Dry food is more concentrated, easy to portion and practical to store. With both types, check whether it's a complete food and follow the feeding guidelines.

How do I switch to a different dog food?

Gradually mix the new food with the current food, for example over 7 to 10 days. Keep an eye on appetite, stools and body condition. If problems persist, it's wise to consult a vet.

Are dental dog treats enough for a dog's teeth?

No. Dental dog treats can be a supplementary part of dental care. According to a brand's own information, a particular treat can help reduce tartar build-up, but results vary from dog to dog. Regular check-ups and appropriate dental care remain important.