Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog food: how to compare dry dog food without falling into marketing traps

Buying a new bag of dog food seems straightforward, until you compare the ingredients, nutritional values, kibble size and feeding recommendations. One package highlights “natural ingredients”, another “grain-free dog food” or a high percentage of animal ingredients. That may sound clear, but it does not automatically mean the food is right for your dog.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter the most important product information down to practical points. This helps you see more quickly which dog food suits your dog’s age, size, activity level and sensitivities.

Common pitfalls when choosing dog food

1. Confusing marketing claims with a complete recipe

A flavour name such as chicken, lamb or beef does not tell you how much of that ingredient is actually in the kibble. For example, Pedigree Adult Small Dog states that its recipe contains cereals, meat and animal derivatives, including 4% beef. That is different from dog food with beef as its main ingredient.

Always check:

  • the full ingredients list;
  • the percentage of the stated meat or fish ingredients;
  • whether the product is labelled as complete dog food;
  • the analytical constituents, such as protein, fat and fibre.

2. Treating “grain-free” as a universal solution

Grain-free dog food may suit a dog whose diet you want to keep free from grains, but grain-free does not automatically mean that the food is more digestible or necessary. Also look at the alternative sources of carbohydrates. Peas, sweet potato, lentils and chickpeas can also make up a substantial part of the recipe.

If you suspect an intolerance, it is best to introduce changes gradually and seek advice from a vet. An ingredients list alone cannot diagnose an allergy.

3. Buying a large pack without calculating the daily portion

A 12 kg bag may seem like good value, but not every dog eats the same amount. A small dog may take a long time to get through 3 kg of dog food, while an active large dog will use up 12 kg of dog food more quickly. Calculate the cost based on the recommended daily amount, rather than looking only at the price per bag.

Keep opened dog kibble sealed, dry and cool. This helps limit the loss of quality caused by moisture and air.

The most important parameters when choosing dry dog food

Age and life stage

Puppy food is formulated for growth and is generally given in several meals per day. For adult dogs, choose food for adult dogs, while senior dog food is intended for older animals with different energy requirements.

Examples from the range:

  • Puppy food: According to the product description, Orijen Puppy Formula is intended for puppies of all breeds. Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Puppy Medi/Maxi is aimed at medium and large-breed puppies.
  • Adult dogs: Eukanuba Life Care Adult Medium Chicken is intended for adult dogs of medium-sized breeds. Variants are also available for small and medium-sized dogs.
  • Senior dogs: According to the product information, Eukanuba Life Care Senior Small Chicken is intended for small senior dogs aged 11 and over. Beneful Happy Adult is aimed at older dogs aged 7 and over.

Pay attention to the age ranges stated on the packaging. These can vary depending on breed size and product.

Breed size and kibble size

A small dog will often benefit from smaller kibble that is easy to pick up and chew. According to the product description, the Pedigree Adult Small Dog variant was developed for adult dogs weighing under 10 kg and has a suitably sized kibble.

For medium and large dogs, look for formulas specifically intended for those categories. For puppies, it is particularly important that the kibble suits their jaws and that the feeding guidance takes their expected adult size into account.

Protein, fat and energy

Compare the protein and fat percentages listed under the analytical constituents. A higher percentage is not automatically suitable for every dog. A calm family pet may have different energy requirements from an active working or sporting dog.

For example, Orijen Original Prey Dog Food lists 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat. Pedigree Adult Small Dog lists 22% protein and 13% fat. These figures show that the recipes differ considerably, but on their own they do not determine which product is right for your dog.

Always use the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point, then adjust the portion according to body condition, activity level and weight.

Recommended dog food by type of dog owner

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

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

Why it suits this profile: A straightforward pack for small adult dogs. The product description states that the kibble is intended for dogs weighing under 10 kg and provides a daily feeding guide for dogs weighing 1 to 10 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This variant is specifically labelled for small adult dogs. However, check that the stated cereals and animal ingredients suit your dog.

Key benefit & advantages

1.4 kg pack, kibble for small dogs and 22% crude protein according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers 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: For owners of adult dogs who are considering a recipe containing multiple animal ingredients and a high percentage of protein.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page provides a detailed ingredients list and analytical composition. This lets you compare specific percentages rather than relying on packaging claims alone.

Key benefit & advantages

11.4 kg pack, 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food 12 kg

BUDDY Free-range Duck Dog Food 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: A large pack for big, active or working dogs. According to the product information, the recipe contains duck and sweet potato and is free from grains and gluten.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the main ingredients and a kibble size of approximately 1.2 to 1.6 cm. Check beforehand that this size is suitable for your dog.

Key benefit & advantages

12 kg pack, duck as an important source of protein, plus glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate listed in the composition.

Suitable for: Puppy owners
Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 11.4 kg

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

Why it suits this profile: For puppies of different breeds that need a specific growth formula and whose owners are considering a grain-free recipe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page states the target group, protein and fat percentages, and recommends a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days. This makes it easier to check the product beforehand.

Key benefit & advantages

11.4 kg pack, grain-free recipe and 38% crude protein according to the product information.

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 tips for buying dog kibble

  • Choose the life stage first: puppy, adult or senior.
  • Check whether the variant is intended for small, medium or large dogs.
  • Compare crude protein, fat, fibre and ash on the label.
  • Introduce new dog food gradually, usually over approximately 7 to 10 days.
  • Monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust the portion accordingly.
  • Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water.
  • Keep the bag properly sealed and check the best-before date.

Frequently asked questions about dog food

How often should I give my dog dry food?

Adult dogs are often fed two meals a day. Depending on their age, puppies need smaller meals more frequently. Follow the feeding schedule on the packaging and adjust it according to weight, activity level and body condition.

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

This varies depending on the product and storage conditions. Seal the bag properly, store the dog food somewhere dry and cool, and use the date and instructions on the packaging as a guide. Do not buy a larger bag than you can use within a reasonable period.

Is grain-free dog food suitable for every dog?

No. Grain-free dog food may be an option if you want to avoid grains, but it is not automatically necessary for every dog. Check the full composition and discuss persistent symptoms or a suspected intolerance with a vet.