Joybuy Insights

Choosing Dog Food and Dog Treats in 2026: A Practical Guide for Every Dog

A bag of puppy food, dental sticks or dog chews might seem like a quick choice. Yet products differ greatly in their composition, nutritional value, size and usage advice. If you only look at an attractive packet or a promise like "grain-free", you could end up buying a product that doesn't suit your dog's age, size or daily diet.

This guide from the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer helps you compare dog food and dog treats based on verifiable product information. That way, you'll reduce the risk of wrong purchases and make more informed choices when selecting dry dog food, puppy food, dog treats or dental sticks for dogs.

Three Common Buying Pitfalls

1. A dental stick isn't automatically complete dental care

Dentastix for dogs and other dental sticks can add a chewing moment to your daily routine. However, they don't simply replace checking your dog's teeth or other forms of dog dental care. Product claims about reducing tartar should be read as a statement from the brand.

According to Pedigree's own product information, the Dentastix shape can reduce tartar build-up by up to 80% when used daily. This is a manufacturer's claim and not a general guarantee for every dog. Also pay attention to the size: the small dog variant is intended for dogs weighing 5 to 10 kg, while the medium variant is designed for dogs around 10 to 25 kg.

2. "Grain-free" doesn't tell you everything about the food

Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but it may include other carbohydrate sources such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato. The term also doesn't automatically tell you whether a product is complete, suitable for a puppy or right for your dog.

So check the legal designation on the packaging. If it says complete pet food or complete dog food, it's intended as full daily nutrition according to the stated guidelines. A chew treat or dog treat is usually complementary pet food and should not replace the main meal.

3. A larger pack isn't always better value

A bag of 11.4 kg might be appealing for a household with multiple dogs, but only if your dog tolerates the food well and the shelf life matches your usage. Once opened, dry food must be sealed properly and stored in a cool, dry place. For wet food, such as a 150 g cup, any unused portion should be kept refrigerated and used within 48 hours, according to the product information.

Which Specifications Should You Check?

1. Age, weight and breed size

Puppies have different nutritional guidelines than adult dogs. Look at the age category and your dog's expected or current size. Whether you're searching for dog food for small dogs, dog food for medium-sized dogs or food for large breeds, also check the kibble size and the recommended daily amount.

For puppy food, a gradual transition is wise. Manufacturers often recommend introducing new food over several days. Follow the table on the packaging and adjust the portion according to weight, activity level and body condition.

2. Composition and analytical constituents

Look at the ingredients list in descending order of weight. Pay attention to the naming of animal ingredients, plant-based components, fats and minerals. Also compare crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, crude ash and moisture content.

A high protein percentage alone doesn't automatically make a product suitable. The overall composition, energy value and feeding guidelines are all important together. If your dog has known intolerances, check the full ingredients list and consult a vet if in doubt.

3. Treat size, calories and supervision

Dog treats and dog chews should fit within the daily energy balance. The product information from g'woon advises limiting treats to a maximum of 10% of daily calorie intake. Pedigree states an energy value of 82 kcal per stick for a medium Dentastix and recommends one stick per day for the intended weight range.

Always supervise your dog while chewing. Choose a size that suits your dog and remove a treat when it becomes too small or breaks apart. Also make sure fresh drinking water is always available.

Product Choices for Different Dogs and Households

MATCH FOR: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g

g'woon Dog Chew Bones Box 500g

Why This Fits Their Persona: A 500 g pack offers a supply of chew treats for households looking for a simple snack for dogs of various breeds.

How It Avoids the Trap

The product information states no artificial colours or flavours. It remains a complementary snack; feeding advice and supervision are essential.

Key Advantage & Pros

500 g content; chicken flavour; according to the product description, free from the 14 main EU allergens.

MATCH FOR: Targeted puppy nutrition
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Puppy Medi Maxi 12 kg

Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Puppy Medi/Maxi 12 kg

Why This Fits Their Persona: Designed for puppies of medium and large breeds that need a complete, grain-free puppy food according to an age and weight chart.

How It Avoids the Trap

The product information describes it as complete food and mentions a seven-day transition period. Grain-free is not presented here as a universal benefit.

Key Advantage & Pros

12 kg pack; lamb, herring, pumpkin, peas and chickpeas in the composition; clear feeding amounts for 5–35 kg.

MATCH FOR: Dog owners with a daily dental routine
Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack 1.44 kg

Pedigree Dentastix Medium Multipack 56-Pack 1.44 kg

Why This Fits Their Persona: A multipack suits a fixed daily routine for medium-sized dogs weighing 10–25 kg.

How It Avoids the Trap

The size is linked to a clear weight range. According to Pedigree's own research, daily use can reduce tartar by up to 80%; this remains a brand claim.

Key Advantage & Pros

56 sticks; one stick per day according to the product information; no added sugar or artificial colours and flavours.

MATCH FOR: Fans of long-lasting dog chews
Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Rosewood Dog Trio Sticks Small 10pcs

Why This Fits Their Persona: Designed for smaller dogs looking for a multi-layered chew treat where calm supervision is possible.

How It Avoids the Trap

The variant is specifically labelled as small. Claims about dental care come from the product description and are not a substitute for professional check-ups.

Key Advantage & Pros

10 pieces; beef hide with dried chicken; according to the product information, free from added grains, gluten and artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Looking for more options for your dog?

Browse a current selection of products that match these selection criteria and the information on the label.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Food and Dog Treats

How many dog treats can my dog have per day?

As a practical guideline, treats should provide no more than about 10% of daily calorie intake. Check the energy content on the packaging and reduce the amount of main food if necessary. For puppies, overweight dogs or dogs with specific dietary needs, it's wise to consult a vet.

Is dry dog food better than wet food?

Not necessarily. Dry food is easy to store and portion. Wet food has a higher moisture content and can be appealing for dogs that are less enthusiastic eaters. With both types, check whether it's complete dog food and adjust the portion according to the nutritional value.

When should I switch from puppy food to adult dog food?

That depends on breed size and development. Products for puppies often state an age range, such as 1 to 12 months. For larger breeds, the transition may happen later. Follow the instructions on the packaging and ask a vet for advice if in doubt, especially if there's rapid weight gain or feeding issues.