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A bag of premium dog food can look convincing at first glance. Attractive photos, words such as “natural” and a long ingredients list all help to build trust. But the packaging doesn’t always tell you what your dog will actually be eating every day. If you focus only on marketing claims, you could end up paying more for food that isn’t right for your dog’s age, size or activity level.
A claim such as “lots of meat” sounds clear enough, but check how the percentage has been calculated. Does it refer to fresh ingredients, dried protein sources or all animal ingredients combined? Fresh meat contains a relatively high proportion of water, so its share of the recipe may be lower after processing than the front of the bag suggests.
So, check the full ingredients list and the analytical constituents for crude protein. These give you a better basis for comparing different types of dry dog food.
Grain-free dog food may suit a dog that doesn’t tolerate certain ingredients well, but “grain-free” is no guarantee of quality across the board. Grain-free recipes can also contain plenty of pulses, potato or other sources of carbohydrates. So, check what the recipe does contain.
A complete food should also be suitable as your dog’s main everyday diet. Check the packaging to see whether the product is labelled as a complete food for adult dogs.
Omega 3, glucosamine, herbs and prebiotics are often highlighted on the packaging. These ingredients may form part of a balanced recipe, but their presence doesn’t automatically prove a specific result. According to the brands’ own information, these ingredients are associated with supporting areas such as skin, coat, digestion or joints. Treat this as product information, not a medical promise.
An active dog will generally have different energy requirements from a less active pet dog. So, compare more than just the protein percentage: look at crude fat and metabolisable energy too.
For example, Acana Active & Agile contains 33% crude protein, 19% crude fat and 3800 kcal/kg. According to the product description, the recipe is designed for active dogs. This makes it a sensible option to compare when looking at dog food for active dogs, working dogs or dogs that get plenty of exercise every day. However, an energy-rich recipe may be less suitable for a dog that isn’t very active. Always follow the feeding guidelines and monitor your dog’s body condition.
Small dogs often benefit from smaller kibble and a feeding routine suited to their lower body weight. According to the product information, Farmina N&D Ocean Salmon Adult Mini is a complete food for adult small-breed dogs.
For medium and large dogs, bag size, kibble size and daily portions are more important. Farmina N&D Ocean Salmon Adult Medi/Maxi is labelled for adult medium- to large-breed dogs and contains 30% crude protein and 18% fat.
Also, check the difference between “adult” and “all life stages”. A food for all life stages isn’t automatically the best choice for every adult dog.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or a known food reaction, pay particular attention to the protein sources. Don’t choose dog food for sensitive dogs blindly: first make a note of any ingredients that have caused problems in the past. Recipes containing salmon, chicken, duck, game or pork may all be tolerated differently.
Introduce new food gradually, usually over about seven days. Mix small amounts of the new food with the old, and keep an eye on your dog’s stools, appetite and weight. If symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to speak to a vet.
Why it suits this profile: An accessible option for owners looking for a complete food for dogs of all breeds, without immediately choosing a highly specialised recipe.
The product information gives specific percentages for fresh chicken and chicken meal, rather than making only a general claim about meat.
27% crude protein, 16% fat, chicken and turkey as animal ingredients, plus grains such as barley and oats.
Why it suits this profile: A good option for owners looking to compare a grain-free recipe with several animal protein sources and a high stated protein content.
The ingredients list chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg separately, so you can assess several protein sources in advance.
38% crude protein, 18% fat, grain-free, with 1% omega 3 stated in the analytical constituents.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for owners of active or working dogs who want to match energy content and nutritional values to their dog’s daily activity.
Alongside the stated proportion of animal ingredients, the product information gives specific values for protein, fat and energy.
33% crude protein, 19% fat, 3800 kcal/kg and a grain-free recipe with chicken, fish, vegetables and fruit.
Why it suits this profile: A recipe worth considering if you’re looking for dog food with salmon, fish as a protein source and a format designed for medium or large adult dogs.
The product details list the fish species and percentages separately, making the “lots of fish” claim easy to check.
30% crude protein, 18% fat, fish oil, and stated glucosamine and chondroitin levels.
We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Not necessarily. Check the life stage, breed size, energy content and ingredients. An energy-rich recipe for active dogs may be less suitable for a dog that gets little exercise. The feeding guidelines on the packaging are a starting point; adjust the amount to suit your dog’s weight and body condition.
Shelf life varies by product. Check the date and batch information on the packaging. Store the bag in a cool, dry place, seal it well and use the food within the recommended period. A large bag is only good value if your dog finishes it in time and the food retains its aroma.
Omega 3 is a nutrient found in some recipes, for example from fish or fish oil. According to brands’ own product information, it is associated with supporting skin and coat. This is no guarantee of a particular result. If skin problems persist, it’s best to speak to a vet first and review your dog’s diet together.
