Vandaag of morgen in huis
Kwaliteit gegarandeerd
Welkomstaanbiedingen ontgrendelen: GRATIS bezorging | Tot 80% korting | Gratis 30 dagen JoyPlus-proefperiode
Download de app
A bag of dog food featuring appealing terms such as “natural”, “grain-free” or “rich in animal protein” can seem like an obvious choice. However, these words alone say little about whether it is suitable for your dog. A small breed, for example, needs a different kibble size and has different energy requirements from a large, active dog. Dog treats are also not a substitute for a complete meal.
Use these practical checks to compare dog food based on age, size, ingredients and intended use. That way, you can avoid paying extra for claims that do not suit your circumstances.
Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but that does not automatically make it more suitable for every dog. Rice, maize and wheat are often replaced with peas, potato, sweet potato or pulses. That is why you should check the full ingredients list and analytical constituents.
For dogs with sensitive digestion or a suspected food reaction, “grain-free” is not a diagnosis or treatment. Consult a vet if symptoms persist. A recipe containing fish, lamb or game may provide a different protein source, but an individual dog can react to those ingredients too.
Brands sometimes use percentages for fresh meat, dried meat and animal-based proteins interchangeably. These figures are not always directly comparable. Fresh meat also contains a lot of water, whereas dried ingredients are more concentrated.
So check:
According to the product description for Acana Classics Grasslands, the recipe includes chicken, turkey, chicken meal, oats, vegetables and fruit, among other ingredients. The analytical values state 27% crude protein, 16% crude fat and 12% moisture. These are verifiable details; whether the product is suitable then depends on your dog.
Wet dog treats and dog biscuits are useful during training, as rewards or as a topper for dry dog food. However, they are usually complementary feed. INABA Churu Dog, for example, states that it is complementary pet food and does not replace a complete meal. According to the product details, the tubes contain at least 90% moisture and provide 20 portions of 12 grams.
Include treats in your dog’s daily allowance. For INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps, the product information recommends one to two packs per day for small dogs, two to three for medium-sized dogs and three to four for large dogs. The same information advises that treats should account for no more than 10% of the daily calorie intake.
Puppy food is formulated for growth, while adult and senior dog food may follow different nutritional guidelines. For puppies, also consider their expected adult size. A recipe for small breeds is not automatically suitable for a large-breed puppy.
For small breeds, smaller kibble is often more practical. According to the product description, Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Adult Small Dog is intended for small dogs weighing 4 to 14 kg and is suitable for all life stages. For medium-sized and large dogs, there are variants such as Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Adult Medi/Maxi. Always check the weight range, age category and feeding instructions on the packaging.
A product with the legally defined designation complete pet food is intended as daily food when given according to the guidelines. A treat, topper or soft reward will usually be labelled as complementary pet food.
This distinction is important for:
According to the product details, INABA Bites Dog Multipack contains chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver and chicken breast. The product is intended as a reward, snack or topper, not as a complete meal.
When comparing dog food with lamb, dog food with fish or dog food with chicken, do not rely solely on the front of the packaging. Check whether other animal ingredients are also present. A product described as chicken-free, for example, may still contain fish.
According to the product description, Eukanuba Grain Free Adult Small/Medium Ocean Fish is made without chicken and uses ocean fish as its animal protein source. The recipe includes peas and gluten-free sweet potato, among other ingredients. “Hypoallergenic dog food” is no guarantee that a dog will not react, so the term should not be interpreted as a medical promise. If you suspect an intolerance, guidance from a vet is the wiser option.
Why it suits this profile: A large pack for dog owners looking for everyday dry food suitable for dogs of different ages.
The product details provide specific percentages and analytical values, so you do not have to rely solely on broad marketing terms.
Complete food for all life stages according to the product information; 27% crude protein and 16% crude fat.
Why it suits this profile: For adult dogs and owners considering a recipe with multiple animal ingredients and a high protein content.
The ingredients list names chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg separately. This makes the protein blend easy to check, but less suitable if you are specifically looking for a single protein source.
According to the product information, 38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and labelled as complete food for all life stages.
Why it suits this profile: For training, hand-fed rewards or mixing a small amount into regular food.
The packaging clearly states that it is complementary food. Use it as a treat, not as a replacement for complete dog food.
20 tubes of 12 grams; according to the product details, at least 90% moisture and two varieties with chicken, tuna and salmon.
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.
Mix the new food gradually with the current food. The product information from several of the brands mentioned recommends a transition period of at least seven days. For example, start with a small proportion of the new food and increase it step by step. Monitor your dog’s appetite, stools and general reaction. If clear or persistent problems occur, it is sensible to seek advice from a vet.
Store dry dog food in a cool, dry place and seal the bag securely. According to the product information, opened wet dog treats or tubes should be refrigerated and used within the stated period. Also make sure your dog has fresh drinking water.
Start by checking the complete protein source and ingredients list. Dog food for sensitive dogs may contain a recipe with fish, lamb or another protein source, but “hypoallergenic” is no guarantee for every dog. If you suspect a food intolerance, a vet can help you create a suitable elimination diet plan.
This depends on body weight, age, activity level, breed size and the product’s energy content. Use the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point and include treats in the daily allowance. An active large dog will generally need a different amount from a small, older dog that gets little exercise.
Puppy food is intended for the growth stage, but the right variety also depends on the expected adult size. For a large breed, choose a product specifically intended for medium-sized or large puppies. Also check the calcium and nutritional guidelines on the packaging, and switch gradually when changing food.
