Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food: how to compare food, kibble and treats without making the wrong purchase

A bag of dog food may seem simple to choose at first glance. However, dry dog food, wet food and dog treats can vary significantly in ingredients, nutritional value and use. The wrong choice can lead to waste, unsuitable portion sizes or a dog that refuses to eat its food.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I mainly filter products based on verifiable information on the label: life stage, kibble size, whether it is described as complete or complementary food, and the analytical constituents. Marketing terms are only useful when supported by clear product specifications.

Common pitfalls when buying dog food

1. An appealing ingredient does not tell you everything

“Chicken dog food”, “lamb dog food” or a recipe containing fruit may sound clear, but always check the full ingredients list. When an ingredient appears near the top of the list, it is generally present in a greater proportion than ingredients mentioned later. Also check the percentage, protein source and fat content.

A recipe containing several animal ingredients is not automatically suitable for every dog. If your dog has a known sensitivity, it is wise to compare the ingredients carefully and consult a vet if symptoms persist.

2. “Grain-free” does not mean complete

Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but that alone says nothing about its overall nutritional balance. Legumes, potato or sweet potato may be used as carbohydrate sources, for example. Check whether the packaging states “complete pet food”. A product labelled as complementary food is not intended to be a complete daily meal.

3. Treats can quietly become a significant part of the diet

Dog biscuits and treats are useful during training, but they count towards your dog’s total energy intake. For example, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Sweet Potato states that it is a treat and not a complete meal. Even with soft treats containing a high proportion of moisture, it is still important to adjust the daily amount of food.

The key points to check

1. Age, size and activity level

Puppy food is formulated for growth, while adult dog food is intended for maintenance. Senior dog food may take lower activity levels or changing nutritional needs into account, but suitability varies from product to product.

Also consider your dog’s size. Smaller dogs often benefit from smaller kibble, while larger dogs may need a different portion size and kibble size. A product for medium-sized dogs is not automatically suitable for a small dog, for example.

2. Analytical constituents

At a minimum, compare:

  • crude protein: indicates how much protein the product contains;
  • crude fat: relevant to its energy density;
  • crude fibre: provides information about fibre content;
  • crude ash: a collective measure of minerals;
  • moisture: important when making a fair comparison between dry food and soft treats.

A high protein percentage does not automatically mean that a product is suitable for every dog. Consider the full ingredients list, the recommended portion and your dog’s activity level.

3. Complete food or complementary treat

A meal should be labelled as complete food if you intend to use it as your dog’s daily staple. Treats, jerky and soft bites are usually complementary foods. Always provide access to fresh drinking water and follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging.

When changing food, a gradual transition over approximately seven to ten days is often practical. Gradually mix increasing amounts of the new food with the old food, and monitor your dog’s stools, appetite and body condition.

Recommended choices 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 1.4kg bag is a practical way to try a recipe before committing to a large supply. According to the description, this product is a complete food for adult dogs of all sizes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information recommends a gradual transition over ten days and provides feeding guidelines based on body weight. This makes portioning easier than simply judging by how much goes into the bowl.

Main benefit & advantages

According to the product specifications, it contains 15% crude protein, 8% fat and whole grains as a source of fibre. The small pack is ideal for assessing the flavour and texture.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with Red Meat Adult Dog Food

Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with Red Meat Adult Dog Food 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: Ideal for owners who want to compare a detailed ingredients list and high analytical values. According to the product information, the formula contains several animal protein sources.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and analytical constituents are listed in detail. This allows you to compare claims about animal ingredients, fat and protein with other dry dog foods.

Main benefit & advantages

The product specifications state 38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and an 11.4kg bag. A transition over seven to ten days is recommended.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this puppy food is intended for puppies of all breeds and contains kibble sized to suit young jaws.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies the life stage, transition period and portion distribution. For puppies under six months, it recommends dividing the daily amount across several meals.

Main benefit & advantages

The ingredients list states 38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and a contents size of 11.4 kg. The recipe is described as grain-free.

Suitable for: Training rewards
INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties

INABA Bites Dog Multipack 4 Chicken Varieties 16 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: This multipack contains four chicken varieties in small portions, making it useful for training or as an extra treat between meals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is complementary food. This makes it clear that it should not be used as a replacement for a complete meal.

Main benefit & advantages

Four varieties, 16 pieces and a moisture content of 82%, according to the specifications. After opening, consumption within three days is recommended.

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

How much dog food does my dog need each day?

This depends on body weight, age, activity level and the energy value of the product. Use the table on the packaging as a starting point and adjust the portion according to your dog’s body condition. Treats must be included in the daily amount.

Is dry dog food sufficient as a daily diet?

It can be, provided the product is labelled as complete food and is suitable for your dog’s age and size. Always provide fresh water as well. A complementary treat or topper must not replace the entire meal.

How long does dog food keep after opening?

Store dry food sealed, in a cool, dry place, and follow the best-before date on the packaging. Soft treats often need to be refrigerated after opening. Always check the manufacturer’s specific instructions, as the storage period varies from product to product.