What to Look for in a Complete Dry Dog Food
Feeding your dog the right food supports their health, keeps their coat looking good, and gives them the energy they need each day. With so many dry dog foods available, it can be hard to know what to look for. Some owners focus on price, others on ingredients, and many choose a food based on what their dog enjoys. But if you're looking for a complete dry dog food that covers all bases, there are a few key things worth checking
1. Clear Labelling and Ingredient Breakdown
Check the label first. It should list all ingredients clearly, in order of weight. If a product says “with chicken” or “with beef”, meat or animal-based ingredients should appear near the top. The terms used should be straightforward. Named ingredients like “chicken” or “beef” give you a clear idea of what your dog is eating.
Some foods use meat and animal derivatives. This is common and not always a bad thing. These ingredients can include parts of the animal that are rich in protein and nutrients, though not always the ones humans would eat. What matters is that the recipe is balanced and provides complete nutrition.
Cereals are often added to provide energy and fibre. When used well, they help round out the diet, but they should not be the main source of protein.
Favour Original with Chicken and Favour Original with Beef are clear about what they contain. Both list meat and animal derivatives, cereals, oils, and added vitamins and minerals. The ingredients are laid out simply, with no hidden extras. This gives dog owners confidence in what they’re feeding.
2. Complete and Balanced Nutrition
A complete dry dog food provides all the nutrients your dog needs in the right amounts. It must meet nutritional standards set by pet food regulators. In the UK, this includes following FEDIAF guidelines, which define what makes a food "complete".
This means the food gives your dog the right levels of protein, fat, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Your dog should not need supplements or extra food to meet daily needs.
Favour’s food is "complete", which means you can feed it daily without adding anything else. It includes vitamins A, D3, and E, as well as calcium and other minerals that support bones, joints, and overall health.
3. Meat and Animal Protein
Dogs need protein for muscle growth, energy, and repair. Meat is the most natural and effective source of protein for dogs. When choosing dry food, check the protein percentage on the label. This is usually shown in the nutritional analysis section.
Both Favour Original with Chicken and Favour Original with Beef include 23% protein. This is a solid figure for adult dogs. It means the food provides enough protein to support normal activity levels and maintain muscle.
The recipes also use meat and animal derivatives, which help give the food its taste and nutritional value. While some owners prefer food with only one named meat, a well-formulated mix of animal proteins can still be a good choice, especially when balanced with other ingredients.
4. Carbohydrates and Energy
Dogs also need carbohydrates to stay active. Dry dog foods often include cereals like wheat or maize to provide energy and support digestion. Carbs are not bad when used in the right amounts. They help provide a steady energy release and add fibre, which supports gut health.
Both Favour Original recipes use cereals to give your dog energy throughout the day. They are designed to be filling without overloading the dog with unnecessary calories. This helps avoid weight gain while keeping dogs satisfied after each meal.
5. Added Vitamins and Minerals
Even the best protein and carbs are not enough on their own. Dogs need a range of vitamins and minerals to support things like immune function, vision, skin condition, and bone strength.
Favour adds key nutrients to its food, including:
● Vitamin A: helps with vision and immune health
● Vitamin D3: supports strong bones and teeth
● Vitamin E: protects cells from damage and supports the immune system
● Zinc, Copper, and Iron: help with skin, coat, and blood function
These added elements turn a basic food into a balanced meal. It helps keep dogs in good health, not just full.
6. Digestibility and Palatability
A good dog food should not only be healthy, but also easy to digest and tasty. Digestibility affects how well your dog absorbs nutrients. If a food is hard to digest, your dog might produce more waste or experience discomfort.
Favour’s dry food is designed to be gentle on the stomach. Many owners find it suitable for dogs with average appetites and no special dietary needs. The taste of the chicken or beef appeals to most dogs, and the crunchy texture supports dental health too.
7. Affordability and Convenience
Dry dog food needs to be practical as well as healthy. That means good value for money and easy storage. The Favour range comes in large bags (such as 12kg), which work well for multi-dog households or owners who want fewer trips to the shop.
The price point of Favour is one of its biggest strengths. It offers a complete meal at a lower cost than many premium brands, without cutting corners on core ingredients. This makes it ideal for dog owners who want reliable nutrition that doesn’t stretch the budget.
8. Life Stage and Feeding Needs
Dogs need different things depending on their age, breed, and size. Puppies, adults, and older dogs all have different feeding needs. Some brands offer life stage-specific food, while others, like Favour Original, provide a balanced recipe suitable for most adult dogs.
The key is feeding the right amount. The back of the bag provides a clear feeding guide based on your dog’s weight. This helps avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Stick to this guide, adjust if needed, and monitor your dog’s condition to see how they respond.
9. Consistent Product Quality
When dogs enjoy a food, it helps to keep the recipe consistent. Sudden changes can cause upset stomachs or refusal to eat. Some brands tweak their ingredients often, which can confuse owners and dogs alike.
Favour has been around for over 40 years and has built a reputation for consistency. Our dry food recipes remain stable, so your dog gets the same taste and nutrition each time. That means fewer issues and more peace of mind for you as the owner.
10. Backed by a Trustworthy Brand
Lastly, consider the brand behind the product. A trustworthy brand offers clear information, maintains quality standards, and listens to customers. Favour is a Northern Irish based company with decades of experience in pet nutrition. They focus on offering practical, well-made dog food with no gimmicks.
Favour stands for good value, good nutrition, and no fuss. That attitude carries through in how we make and market our food. It is built for people who care about their dogs and want something reliable.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a dry dog food can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. Look at the label, check for complete nutrition, and focus on foods with clear ingredients and balanced recipes.
Favour Original with Chicken and Favour Original with Beef tick the boxes. They offer complete, balanced meals with added vitamins, solid protein levels, and a good mix of energy sources. The price is fair, and the brand is trusted by owners across the UK.
If you want a no-nonsense option that keeps your dog healthy, full, and happy, Favour Original is a strong choice.