Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food without falling into marketing traps: a practical guide for every dog

Choosing the right food seems simple until you have to compare dry dog food, dog kibble, puppy food, grain-free dog food and treats. Attractive packaging does not always tell you what your dog actually needs. Pay particular attention to nutritional status, life stage and ingredients.

Three common dog food traps

1. Mistaking an appealing claim for complete nutrition

Words such as “natural”, “premium” or “with superfoods” do not automatically tell you whether a product is suitable as a daily meal. Check the packaging to see whether it states that the product is complete food. A complete product is intended to be given as daily food according to the recommended quantity.

A treat has a different purpose. INABA Churu Dog Multipack, for example, is a complementary pet food. According to the product information, this treat contains at least 90% moisture and is intended as a reward, topping or training treat. It does not replace a complete meal.

2. Assuming grain-free is automatically suitable

Grain-free dog food may be suitable if you want to avoid grains, but “grain-free” does not automatically mean that the food is easier to digest or suitable for every sensitive dog. Also consider the protein source, fats, fibre and any ingredients your dog has previously reacted to.

Eukanuba Grain Free for small and medium-sized adult dogs contains, among other ingredients, fish, peas and gluten-free sweet potato. This makes it an option to compare, but your dog’s individual response remains the deciding factor.

3. Choosing the wrong life stage or kibble size

Puppy food, adult dog food and senior dog food have different nutritional objectives. A puppy needs different amounts of energy and nutrients from an adult or older dog. Kibble size also matters: dog food for small dogs is not always practical for a large dog, and vice versa.

Therefore, always check:

  • the age category on the packaging;
  • the recommended adult size or breed size;
  • the daily quantity based on weight and activity;
  • the best-before date and storage instructions;
  • whether your dog has enough fresh drinking water.

Important specifications to compare

1. Complete or complementary food

Look for the legally required designation. If it says “complete food for adult dogs” or a similar description, the product is intended to be a complete meal according to the product information. Treats usually state that they are complementary food.

Dog treats count towards your dog’s daily calorie intake. Give them in moderation and adjust the meal if necessary. For INABA Churu, the guideline is one to two tubes per day, depending on factors including the dog’s size, activity level and body condition.

2. Protein source, fat content and fibre

Look beyond the flavour name. Dog food with chicken, dog food with lamb, dog food with fish or game can provide different protein sources. Check the ingredients list to see which ingredient appears first.

The analytical constituents help you compare products more objectively. Acana Classics Series Grasslands, for example, lists 27% crude protein, 16% crude fat and 5% crude fibre. Farmina N&D Quinoa Digestion Adult Mini Lamb lists 25% crude protein, 12% crude fat and a maximum of 1.9% crude fibre. These figures do not indicate which product is right for every dog, but they do make the differences between formulas clear.

3. Age, size and specific needs

For puppies, puppy food with an adapted composition and feeding guidance may be relevant. For older small dogs, there is Eukanuba Life Care Dog Mature Small Chicken, intended for small adult dogs aged approximately 8 to 11 years according to the product description.

For dogs with a sensitive stomach or a need for digestive support, you can look for ingredients such as prebiotics, fibre sources and easily digestible proteins. According to the product information, Farmina Vet Life Dog Gastrointestinal is intended to support gastrointestinal health. If symptoms persist, or if your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhoea or weight loss, consult a vet first. A dietary product is not a substitute for a medical assessment.

Recommended dog food by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Pedigree Dry Adult Chicken 12 kg

Pedigree Dry Adult Chicken 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: A bulk pack of adult dog food for anyone looking for a simple daily chicken kibble.

How this product avoids the trap

The product description states that this is complete dry food for adult dogs. However, always check the portion table and your dog’s response.

Key benefit & advantages

12 kg pack; chicken as the stated flavour; according to the product information, contains fibre and added vitamin E.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Acana Classics Series Grasslands Poultry Dog Food 14.5 kg

Acana Classics Series Grasslands Poultry Dog Food 14.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: A large bag for households considering a complete formula containing several poultry ingredients and oats.

How this product avoids the trap

The ingredients and analytical constituents are listed, so you do not have to rely on the packaging alone.

Key benefit & advantages

14.5 kg; 27% crude protein according to the product information; contains oats, vegetables and three named probiotic cultures.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Farmina N&D Quinoa Digestion Adult Medi Maxi Lamb 7 kg

Farmina N&D Quinoa Digestion Adult Medi/Maxi Lamb 7 kg

Why it suits this profile: Designed for owners comparing a digestive formula for medium-sized and large adult dogs.

How this product avoids the trap

The product information describes a grain-free formula with lamb, quinoa, inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides. These are verifiable features, not a guarantee that it will suit every dog.

Key benefit & advantages

For medium-sized and large adult dogs; 7 kg pack; according to the specifications, contains 25% crude protein and 12% crude fat.

Suitable for: Puppy owners
Eukanuba Life Care dog puppy medium chicken 3 kg

Eukanuba Life Care dog puppy medium chicken 3 kg

Why it suits this profile: A puppy formula for medium-sized dogs aged 1 to 12 months, with chicken as the stated protein source.

How this product avoids the trap

The life stage and size are clearly stated. This helps prevent you from using adult dog food as puppy food.

Key benefit & advantages

3 kg pack; according to the product description, complete and balanced; contains DHA, calcium and a fibre blend with prebiotics.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Switching to a different dog food

A sudden change can cause gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, mix the new food gradually with the current food, usually over 7 to 10 days. Start with a small amount of the new food and increase it step by step. Keep an eye on your dog’s stools, appetite, weight and energy levels.

Store dry food in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. According to INABA’s product information, an opened treat tube should be sealed, kept in the fridge and used within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

Which dog food is suitable for a sensitive stomach?

Compare dog food for sensitive stomachs based on the protein source, fat content, fibre and prebiotics. Do not choose solely based on the term “sensitive” or “grain-free”. If digestive problems persist, it is advisable to consult a vet.

How much dog food does my dog need each day?

Use the feeding table on the packaging as a starting point. Adjust the quantity according to your dog’s weight, age, activity level and body condition. Treats, chews and toppers count towards the total daily amount.

How long does an opened bag of dog kibble stay fresh?

This varies by product and packaging. Always seal the bag securely, store it somewhere cool and dry, and follow the best-before and storage advice on the label. Do not buy a large pack if your dog cannot finish the food within a practical period.