🐶 The Ultimate Dog Food Buyer’s Guide
Introduction
Choosing the right dog food is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your dog’s health and happiness. With so many choices on the shelves — from grain-free recipes to special diets for sensitive stomachs — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Not all dogs are the same. What works for a young, energetic spaniel might not suit an older Labrador or a dog with allergies.
That’s why this guide exists: to help you navigate the world of dog nutrition and find the perfect food for your pet.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
The different types of dog food available
How to choose the right food for your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health needs
Common health issues that can affect feeding choices
Highlights of trusted brands like Skinners, Dr. John, Burns, and Chudleys
Tips for finding great value without compromising quality
By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a diet that keeps your dog healthy, happy, and thriving.
Types of Dog Food
Let’s look at the main categories you’ll find when shopping for dog food.
Dry Kibble
Dry dog food remains the most popular choice for many owners because it’s:
You’ll find dry food tailored for puppies, adults, seniors, weight management, and specific health needs.
Wet Dog Food
Wet food comes in tins or pouches and offers:
Higher moisture content, useful for dogs who don’t drink much
Strong aroma and taste, helpful for fussy eaters
However, wet food can be pricier per meal and sometimes messier to serve.
Raw Feeding (BARF Diets)
Some owners choose raw diets for a more natural approach. These typically include:
BARF stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” or sometimes “Bones and Raw Food.” The idea is to feed dogs a diet closer to what their wild ancestors might have eaten. Many believe raw diets can improve coat condition, digestion, and overall health.
However, raw feeding isn’t without risks. It requires careful balancing of nutrients to avoid deficiencies or excesses. There’s also a higher risk of bacterial contamination if not handled properly.
⭐ Tip: Always speak to your vet or a qualified canine nutritionist before switching your dog to a raw diet.
Grain-Free Dog Food
Grain-free diets are designed for dogs with cereal sensitivities. However:
It’s wise to check with your vet before making the switch.
Working Dog Food vs Pet Dog Food
Brands like Skinners and Dr. John often label certain dog foods as “working dog food.”
These recipes:
Have higher protein and fat levels for dogs with physically demanding jobs
They are usually VAT-free, which often makes them better value per bag since there is no pesky tax
⭐ However, it’s worth noting: a lot of working dog food is labelled that way mainly for tax reasons, not necessarily because it’s radically different from standard dog food.
If your dog isn’t a very active dog, these richer diets might be too high in calories and could cause weight gain. For most pet dogs, regular maintenance diets can be the safer choice.
Hypoallergenic Dog Foods
Ideal for dogs prone to:
Skin issues
Itchy ears
Upset stomachs
Hypoallergenic dog foods avoid common allergens like beef, wheat, or dairy. Burns is especially well known for gentle, limited-ingredient recipes.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Food
Not all dog foods are created equal, and not every dog has the same needs. When choosing the best food for your dog, consider the following:
Age / Life Stage
Dogs have different nutritional requirements at different stages of life:
Puppies need higher protein and calories to fuel growth and development.
Adult dogs require balanced maintenance diets tailored to activity levels.
Senior dogs often need lower calories but additional support for joints and digestion.
⭐ Tip: When browsing our website, you can filter our dog food range by life stage [puppy, junior (adult), senior] to quickly find the best options for your dog.
Activity Level
A dog’s energy requirements vary based on how active they are:
Body Condition
Is your dog:
Special formulas exist for:
Weight gain (higher calorie, nutrient-dense)
Weight control (lower calorie, higher fibre)
Burns Weight Control and certain Skinners Lite options are excellent choices for managing your dog’s body condition.
Coat and Skin Health
A dull coat, itching, or skin irritation can be a sign of:
Hypoallergenic dog foods like Burns Sensitive or Skinners Sensitive can help support skin and coat health.
⇒Chech out our full Hypoallergenic / Sensitive Range here
Sensitive Stomachs and Digestion Issues
Some dogs have delicate digestive systems, leading to:
Loose stools
Excess gas
Vomiting
Look for foods labelled:
“Gentle digestion”
“Sensitive stomach”
“Hypoallergenic”
Limited ingredient diets or single-protein recipes can be beneficial.
Allergies and Intolerances
Food allergies can show up as:
Chronic ear infections
Constant itching
Upset stomach
Hypoallergenic recipes avoid common triggers like beef, wheat, and dairy. Burns and certain Dr. John products are well-regarded for dogs with food sensitivities.
Budget
Feeding your dog well doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive food on the shelf. Factors to consider:
Check cost per day, not just cost per bag.
Higher quality feeds may be fed in smaller quantities, stretching your budget further.
Brands like Dr. John (Gilbertson & Page) offer excellent value without compromising nutrition.
⭐ Tip: Think of dog food as an investment in your dog’s long-term health. Spending a bit more on quality can save money on vet bills down the road.
Understanding Grain-Free vs Sensitive Dog Foods
Grain-Free Dog Food
Grain-free dog foods are recipes that exclude grains like:
Wheat
Barley
Oats
Rice
Maize (corn)
Instead, they often use alternative sources of carbohydrates, such as:
Potato
Sweet potato
Peas
Lentils
⭐ Good for dogs who:
Have diagnosed grain allergies or intolerances
Experience skin issues potentially linked to grains
Need a specific diet advised by a vet
Important: Grain-free doesn’t automatically mean “better.” Many dogs digest grains perfectly well and don’t need to avoid them. Always check with your vet before switching diets purely because a food is grain-free.
Sensitive Dog Food
Sensitive foods are designed for dogs with:
Sensitive formulas typically feature:
⭐ Good for dogs who:
Have unexplained digestive upsets
Show mild food sensitivities
Need a gentler diet without harsh ingredients
Unlike grain-free diets, sensitive dog foods don’t necessarily exclude grains. Many sensitive formulas use gentle grains like rice or oats because these are often well-tolerated and provide useful energy.
Key Difference Between the Two
Grain Free = no grains at all. Good for dogs with confirmed grain allergies.
Sensitive = gentle ingredients, may still include grains. Good for delicate digestion or mild sensitivities.
⭐ Tip: When shopping on our website, you can use the “Grain Free” or “Sensitive” filters to quickly see foods tailored to your dog’s needs.
Brand Highlights
When it comes to choosing the right food for your dog, the brand you pick makes a big difference. Here’s a closer look at some trusted names we carry in-store and online, each offering unique benefits to suit different dogs’ needs.
Best known for working dog feeds and sensitive recipes
Offers high-protein, high-energy formulas perfect for active breeds
Also makes sensitive and hypoallergenic options for dogs with delicate digestion
- VAT-free options available for working dogs
⭐ Great choice for: Active dogs, working breeds, or those needing gentle recipes for skin and stomach health.
Best known for budget-friendly complete feeds
Simple, no-nonsense formulas delivering good nutrition at a lower price point
Options available for maintenance, active dogs, and sensitive digestion
Excellent value for multi-dog households
⭐ Great choice for: Owners wanting solid nutrition at an affordable price.
Best known for hypoallergenic and gentle recipes
Uses limited ingredients to reduce the risk of food intolerances
Ideal for dogs with sensitive skin, digestive upsets, or mild allergies
Also offers weight control formulas for dogs needing to slim down
⭐ Great choice for: Dogs with sensitive digestion or skin issues.
Best known for working dog and sporting dog feeds
Formulas tailored for active dogs who need extra energy and stamina
Some products include joint support for hardworking dogs
Balanced nutrition that’s highly palatable
⭐ Great choice for: Active breeds, sporting dogs, and owners looking for solid nutrition from a reputable brand.
Reading Dog Food Labels
Understanding a food bag label can feel like reading a foreign language. But learning how to decode it will help you choose the best food for your dog’s health and needs.
Here’s what to look for:
Ingredients List
Listed in order of weight, so the first ingredient makes up the largest proportion of the food.
Good dog foods list a clear meat source near the top, like:
Avoid vague terms like “meat and animal derivatives” if you’re feeding a sensitive dog.
⭐ Tip: We’re always happy to help you review ingredients in-store if you’re unsure.
Analytical Constituents
This section shows the percentages of key nutrients, such as:
Crude Protein → Essential for muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health.
Crude Fat → Provides energy and helps keep skin and coat healthy.
Crude Fibre → Helps with digestion and stool consistency.
Ash → Represents mineral content in the food. It’s not harmful, but excessively high ash levels might indicate lower-quality meat content.
Additives and Extras
These can be useful for dogs with specific needs.
Feeding Guidelines
Always check the recommended feeding amounts on the packaging:
Guidelines are based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
More active dogs might need slightly more than the guideline suggests.
Overfeeding leads to weight gain — even with healthy food!
⭐ Tip: We’re always happy to help in-store or on the other end of the phone lines if you’re unsure how much your dog should be eating.
Marketing Terms to Approach with Care
Dog food bags often use enticing phrases like:
“Hypoallergenic”
“Sensitive”
“Premium”
“Complete”
While helpful, these terms aren’t regulated in the same way as human food marketing. Always read the ingredients list and analysis to check if the product truly meets your dog’s needs.
Budget Considerations
Feeding your dog well doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Dog food comes in a wide range of prices, and there are good options at almost every budget level.
Cost Per Day vs. Cost Per Bag
A feed that costs more per bag may actually work out cheaper per day if:
It’s more concentrated, so you feed less.
It provides better nutrition, potentially saving on vet bills later.
⭐ Tip: Don’t judge value solely by the bag price—consider how long the food will last for your dog.
Economy vs Premium Brands
Economy brands like Dr. John offer affordable nutrition for dogs without special health needs.
Premium brands like Burns or Skinners may cost more but often:
Use higher-quality ingredients
Have fewer artificial additives
Provide targeted support for sensitive dogs, weight management, or specific health issues
Think of premium food as an investment in your dog’s long-term health.
Multi-Dog Households
If you have several dogs, look for:
Larger bag sizes (often better value per kg)
Brands offering multi-buy discounts or our ⭐ Star Buys Offers
Affordable brands like Dr. John or Chudleys that still provide good nutrition
⭐ Tip: We’re always happy to help you find the best dog food to fit both your dog’s needs and your budget, whether you’re feeding one dog or a whole pack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is grain-free dog food better for all dogs?
Not necessarily. Grain-free diets can help dogs with specific grain allergies or intolerances, but many dogs digest grains perfectly well. Always check with your vet before switching.
How do I switch my dog’s food safely?
Change food gradually over 7–10 days:
This helps prevent stomach upsets.
How much should I feed my dog?
It depends on:
Age
Weight
Activity level
Individual metabolism
Always check the feeding guidelines on the bag and adjust if your dog is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly.
How do I know if my dog’s food is right for them?
Signs your dog’s food suits them include:
Healthy weight
Shiny coat
Firm stools
Steady energy levels
If you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive itching, or weight changes, speak to your vet or consider trying a different choice.
Should I buy working dog food for my dog?
Working dog foods are often higher in calories and protein, designed for dogs with high physical demands. If your dog istays at home with minimal activity, standard dog foods are usually a better fit.
So, what dog food is better?
There’s no single “best” dog food for every dog. The best dog food for your pet depends on their individual needs, including age, size, breed, health conditions, and activity level. Look for high-quality dog foods that list a named protein (like chicken, beef, or fish) as the first ingredient, try and avoid excessive fillers.
If your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or special health requirements, consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
Remember, when asking which dog food is the best, the right food should help keep your dog healthy, energetic, maintain a shiny coat and good digestion.
Conclusion
Feeding your dog the right food is one of the best ways to keep them healthy, happy, and full of life. Whether you’ve got a lively working dog or a gentle family companion, there’s a perfect dog food out there to suit their needs.
Skinners, Dr. John, Burns, and Chudleys are all trusted brands we carry in-store and online, offering options for every life stage, budget, and health requirement.
Remember: every dog is different. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek professional advice if you’re unsure which food is right for yours.
Check out our shop for a wide selection of dog foods, expert help, and friendly service to keep your dog in the best of health.