Choosing a grain-free chicken and turkey pâté for adult dogs sounds simple enough… until you start reading the label. Between claims of "natural" ingredients, high-meat recipes and different pack sizes, some essential information can easily get overlooked.
To avoid a purchase that doesn't quite fit, focus first on clear nutritional information, the mention of complete food for adult dogs and the most practical format for your household. Here are the points to check before ordering wet dog food for adult dogs, along with a selection of Edgard & Cooper products available in 100 g portions.
A grain-free dog pâté contains no cereals. But that alone doesn't tell you whether it can form your dog's main meal. For everyday use, look for the words "complete food" or "aliment complet", together with the indication "for adult dogs".
A complementary recipe can be used as a topper or added to another diet. Conversely, a complete recipe is formulated to cover the nutritional needs stated by the manufacturer when fed according to the feeding guidelines.
The percentage highlighted on the packaging should always be cross-checked against the full ingredients list. In the products we've looked at, the recipe contains 30% chicken and 26% turkey, making 56% in total, plus minerals, fruit and vegetables.
You also need to distinguish the recipe from the analytical constituents. A very moist pâté will naturally show a lower protein level "as fed" than a dry food. Directly comparing the two categories doesn't make much sense without taking their water content into account.
A pack of 18 trays for dogs can save you from placing multiple orders, provided you have a cool, dry place to store them. Once opened, a tray must be kept in the fridge and consumed within 24 hours, according to the instructions given for these products.
If your dog doesn't always eat the same amount, the individual 100 g dog pâté format reduces leftovers and makes meal tracking easier.
For a chicken and turkey dog pâté, check the order of ingredients and the stated percentages. The recipes featured here also contain carrots, cranberries, tomatoes, pumpkin and apples. This variety adds several ingredients to the recipe, without their presence being a medical claim.
The product page also notes the absence of added sugars and artificial additives for the products in question. As always, the label on the product you receive remains the primary source to consult.
The values stated per 100 g are as follows:
These figures allow you to compare recipes within the same category. They do not replace feeding guidelines, which should take into account the weight, activity level and individual needs of each adult dog.
A 100 g tray suits small meals, households that want to minimise leftovers, or anyone looking to try a recipe before buying a larger volume. The 9 × 100 g format offers a good balance between trying something new and having a small stock, while the pack of 18 × 100 g is better suited to regular buyers.
Always leave fresh water available for your dog. If your dog has a specific diet, a known allergy or you're unsure about the portion size, consult a vet.
Why this format works: The individual portion lets you test the recipe, adjust quantities and limit storage after opening.
The 100 g format stops you from overbuying before you've checked how much your dog likes the recipe and whether it fits with their routine.
56% chicken and turkey stated in the recipe, with 9 g protein and 5 g fat per 100 g.
Why this format works: This pack lets you build a small stock while keeping individual portions for daily meals.
The product page clearly states "complete food for adult dogs" – an important criterion if the pâté is intended as the main meal.
30% chicken, 26% turkey, listed fruit and vegetables, plus nutritional supplements including zinc, manganese and iodine per kilogram.
Why this format works: The large pack is designed for households that regularly serve this recipe and want to shop less often.
The 18 trays of 100 g are individually sealed, so you don't have to store a large amount of pâté after opening.
18 portions of 100 g, store in a cool, dry place before opening, then refrigerate after opening and use within 24 hours.
We've put together an updated selection so you can compare the formats and features of products in the range.
The absence of cereals doesn't automatically mean the recipe is right for every dog. Check for the "complete food" label, the ingredients list and the feeding guidelines. If your dog has a food sensitivity or specific nutritional needs, it's best to ask a vet for advice.
Put it in the fridge after opening and use it within 24 hours, following the instructions provided for these products. Serve the portion in a clean bowl and avoid leaving the pâté at room temperature for several hours.
It can be worthwhile if your dog regularly eats this recipe and if the best-before date allows you to use it all up. Compare the price per 100 g tray rather than the total pack price. If you're new to dog food with fruit and vegetables, start with an individual tray or the 9 × 100 g pack before moving to the larger size.