Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food: how to find dry food that suits your dog’s age, size and activity level

A bag of dog food featuring words such as “premium”, “natural” or “grain-free” can quickly seem like the obvious choice. However, these terms do not tell you everything about whether it is suitable for your dog. The right choice mainly depends on your dog’s life stage, size, activity level and the food’s ingredients.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter the most important product information so that you can compare marketing claims with verifiable details on the label.

Common pitfalls when choosing dog food

1. A prominent ingredient does not tell the whole story

“ With chicken”, “with lamb” or “with fish” does not automatically mean that this ingredient makes up most of the recipe. Therefore, check the full ingredients list. In some varieties, grains, plant-based ingredients or animal by-products appear before the named flavour ingredient.

Also check the analytical constituents, such as crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and ash. These figures help you compare dry dog food more objectively.

2. Grain-free is not automatically necessary

Grain-free dog food may suit a dog for which you are deliberately looking for an alternative, but “grain-free” is not a general guarantee of quality. Grain-free recipes often use other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato. So compare the complete recipe and pay attention to how your dog responds.

Does your dog experience recurring problems after eating? Do not keep changing their food without professional advice. Discuss a suitable approach with your vet.

3. The same kibble is not suitable for every life stage

Puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs do not have the same nutritional needs. Puppy food is generally formulated to support growth. Adult dog food focuses on maintenance, while senior dog food often has an adjusted energy and nutritional profile.

Size also matters. Small dog food usually contains smaller pieces of kibble. For medium-sized and large dogs, a different kibble size may be more practical.

Three specifications you should always check

1. Completeness and intended use

Look for a clear statement on the packaging, such as complete dog food or “complete pet food”. Also check which age and size the product is intended for. Food for small adult dogs is not automatically suitable for a puppy or a large senior dog.

For products making a claim about European nutritional standards, check exactly what is stated. According to the product description, Orijen Original is complete food and complies with FEDIAF standards. Such a claim comes from the product information, so you should always assess it alongside the label.

2. Protein, fat and energy

A higher protein percentage does not automatically make a product suitable for every dog. An active dog may have different needs from one that mainly goes on short walks. Also pay attention to the fat percentage and the recommended daily amount.

For example, according to the product description, Beneful Healthy Weight is offered with 20% less fat than the original Beneful recipe. This may be useful if you want to manage portions and weight carefully, but the right amount depends on activity level and body condition.

3. Kibble size, packaging and storage

Small pieces of kibble may be easier for small dogs to eat. According to the product description, Pedigree Adult Small Dog is specifically formulated with a kibble size suited to dogs weighing under 10 kg. For large dogs, a 12 or 15 kg bag may be practical, while an 800 gram or 1.4 kg pack is useful for checking whether your dog accepts the food first.

Store dry dog food in a cool, dry place, seal the packaging properly and preferably use an airtight storage container. Always follow the use-by date and the instructions on the packaging.

Our recommendations for different types of dog

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavour 1.4kg

Pedigree Adult Small Dog Dry Food Beef & Vegetables Flavour 1.4kg

Why it suits this profile: This 1.4 kg pack is a manageable choice for anyone buying dry food for a small adult dog for the first time. This variety is intended for dogs weighing up to 10 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The intended dog size and kibble size are clearly stated. This means you do not need to buy a large bag intended for a different breed size.

Key benefit & advantages

Dry food for small adult dogs; 22% protein and 13% fat according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: The large pack is aimed at households that want to keep a regular supply and carefully compare the detailed ingredients list.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The recipe lists specific animal ingredients, protein levels and fat levels. Its high nutrient density makes portion control particularly important.

Key benefit & advantages

38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and 11.4 kg contents according to the product description; intended for all life stages, with a stated exception for Great Dane puppies under 14 weeks old.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Eukanuba Life Care dog puppy medium chicken 3kg

Eukanuba Life Care Dog Puppy Medium Chicken 3kg

Why it suits this profile: This food is designed for puppies of medium-sized breeds aged 1 to 12 months. It therefore matches a specific growth stage more closely than general adult dog food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The age range and breed size are clearly stated. According to the product description, the recipe contains DHA, calcium and a fibre blend.

Key benefit & advantages

3 kg pack; chicken as the stated protein source; according to the product description, 100% complete and balanced for medium-sized puppies.

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.

Practical buying tips for dog owners in the Netherlands

  • Compare the price per kilo, not just the price of the bag. A smaller pack may work out more expensive per kilo.
  • Start with the recommended portion on the packaging and adjust it according to activity level, weight and body condition.
  • Change food gradually over approximately seven to ten days if recommended in the product information.
  • Always keep fresh drinking water available.
  • If in doubt, choose a smaller pack first, especially if your dog is fussy or has reacted sensitively in the past.
  • For dog food containing chicken, lamb or fish, check whether other animal protein sources are also included in the recipe.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

What is complete dog food?

Complete dog food is intended to be fed as a full meal and, according to the product information, contains the nutrients required for the stated target group. Always check whether the food is intended for puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs or a particular breed size.

How long can you keep an opened bag of dry dog food?

This varies by product and packaging. Store the bag in a cool, dry place and keep it securely sealed. Check the label for storage-life information and preferably use opened food within the stated period. Its smell, colour and texture may change if the bag is left open for a long time.

Is premium dog food worth the higher price?

That depends on the recipe and your dog’s needs. Compare protein, fat, fibre, energy, ingredients, kibble size and price per kilo. A more expensive product is not automatically more suitable; matching your dog’s age, size and activity level is more important than the name on the packaging.