Joybuy Insights

Dog food: how to choose the right diet without blowing your budget

Choosing a dog food isn’t about comparing bag prices or trusting the promises printed on the packaging. For an adult dog living in the UK, size, weight, activity level and eating habits directly guide the choice of kibble, wet food and treats.

Some mistakes are particularly common:

  • Confusing complete food with complementary food: a treat or a “topper” can enhance a meal, but it doesn’t replace a complete daily diet.
  • Relying only on the name or image of an ingredient: a “chicken” recipe may contain only a small proportion of it. Only the detailed ingredients list gives you a clear picture.
  • Buying a large format without estimating actual consumption: a 10 kg or 12 kg bag can be good value for a large dog, but much less so if the food doesn’t store well or ultimately doesn’t suit your pet.
  • Switching food overnight: a gradual transition over several days helps limit digestive upset and avoids sudden changes.

The criteria to check before buying dog food

1. Complete or complementary food?

The term “complete food” means the product is designed to meet your dog’s daily nutritional needs when served according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is the case, for example, with FIDO Adult dog kibble and certain CESAR terrines for adult dogs.

Dog treats, chews and training bites are generally complementary foods. VITAKRAFT and INABA products state that they are intended to be served as rewards, not as a main meal. Their quantity should remain reasonable to avoid unbalancing the day’s energy intake.

2. Read the ingredients list, not just the brand name

Ingredients are usually listed in descending order by weight. Look in particular at:

  • the presence and percentage of meat or fish;
  • the cereals, legumes or potatoes used;
  • the levels of crude protein, fat, fibre and crude ash;
  • the moisture content when it comes to wet dog food.

Wet food contains a lot of water: a CESAR terrine, for example, has 80 % moisture, compared with around 10 to 12 % for dog kibble. Protein percentages cannot therefore be compared directly between dry and wet food – you need to account for this difference in water content.

Grain-free dog kibble may suit some owners’ preferences, but the absence of grains alone is not enough to judge the quality or suitability of a recipe. Also check the other carbohydrate sources and the full nutritional analysis.

3. Tailor the portion to your dog’s profile

A small dog under 10 kg, a very active adult and a dog prone to weight gain all have different needs. Before buying, check:

  • the weight range covered;
  • the size of the kibble;
  • the recommended daily amount;
  • the energy density, if stated;
  • the transition and storage instructions.

For small dog food, Ultima offers a dry recipe for adult dogs under 10 kg, with a daily portion of between 30 and 120 g depending on weight and body condition. For a dog over 10 kg that needs to watch its weight, the Ultima Light range claims a reduced fat content compared with the brand’s standard adult recipe. These indications do not replace veterinary advice in the case of weight or health issues.

Recommended for: Beginners on a tight budget
PURINA FIDO Adult Dog Food Beef Vegetable 12kg

PURINA FIDO Adult Dog Food Beef Vegetable 12kg

Why this choice suits this profile: At 12 kg, this format is aimed at households that want to reduce the price per kilo for an adult dog that eats kibble regularly.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The listing states it is a complete food for adult dogs and recommends a gradual transition over 10 days.

Main advantage and key strengths

20 % crude protein, 10 % fat and 4 % beef declared in the ingredients.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why this choice suits this profile: This dry recipe is aimed at owners who want to scrutinise the animal sources and analytical values.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list details the main sources used: chicken, turkey, fish and eggs. It doesn’t rely on a vague promise of a meat-rich recipe.

Main advantage and key strengths

27 % crude protein, 17 % fat and an 11.4 kg format suitable for a consistent dry food diet.

Recommended for: Wet meals and convenient portions
ULTIMA Medium Maxi Light Dog Food Chicken 2kg

ULTIMA Medium Maxi Light Dog Food Chicken 2 kg

Why this choice suits this profile: The target is clearly defined: adult dogs of medium or large size, weighing over 10 kg, whose activity and portion need to be monitored.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states the usage limits and recommends monitoring your pet’s weight rather than serving a fixed amount.

Main advantage and key strengths

26.5 % crude protein, 11.5 % fat and large-sized kibble for dogs over 10 kg.

Recommended for: Wet meals and convenient portions
Edgar & Cooper Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Pâté for Adult Dogs

Edgard & Cooper Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Pâté – 9 × 100 g

Why this choice suits this profile: The 100 g portions make it easy to portion wet dog food and allow you to vary meals without opening a large pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The listing states it is a complete food for adult dogs and recommends refrigerating the product after opening.

Main advantage and key strengths

56 % chicken and turkey declared in the ingredients, with 82 % moisture and individual portions.

Looking for other options?

We’ve put together a comprehensive, real-time updated selection of products that meet these strict selection criteria and European safety requirements.

How to organise a balanced diet for an adult dog?

Start by choosing a complete food suited to your dog’s size and weight. Weigh the kibble or follow the recommended number of trays, rather than filling the bowl by eye. If you combine kibble and wet dog food, reduce the quantities of each to maintain a consistent daily intake.

Treats should remain occasional. For its training bites, INABA recommends not exceeding 10 % of daily calorie intake. A bowl of clean, fresh water should also be available at all times.

To change recipes, gradually mix the old and new food over several days. After opening, store wet food in the fridge and follow the time limit stated on the packaging. Kibble should be kept in a dry place, in its resealed bag, away from moisture.

FAQ on dog food

Which cheap dog food should I choose?

Compare the price per kilogram, but also the recommended daily portion. A large bag of dog kibble can reduce the cost per serving for a medium or large adult dog. For a small dog, a more compact format limits the risk of losing freshness and wasting food.

Can I feed an adult dog only wet food?

Yes, provided the wet food carries the “complete food for adult dogs” label and the recommended amount is followed. A complementary wet food or topper should not replace the main meal.

How long does dog food keep after opening?

Always follow the instructions on the label. The terrines featured here generally recommend refrigeration and consumption within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the product. Seal kibble bags tightly and store them in a cool, dry place.