Quick Answer
Chewy.com is an online retailer that stocks a wide range of dog food, from dry kibble to raw frozen diets. To pick a nutritious option, focus on the ingredient list and the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement. This article explains how to evaluate dog food using those labels, so you can shop with confidence.
This article is based on desk research of published guides; no hands-on testing of individual products was performed.
Main Explanation: A Decision Framework for Choosing Dog Food
Use these four ordered steps to assess any dog food you find on Chewy or elsewhere.
Step 1 – Look for the AAFCO Statement
A complete and balanced dog food should include an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the package. This tells you the food meets minimum nutrient requirements for a specific life stage (e.g., adult maintenance, all life stages). Without this statement, the food may not be nutritionally complete.
Step 2 – Identify the Major Nutrient Sources
Dogs need proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and water as their main nutrients. Read the ingredient list to see where these come from:
- Proteins: meat (beef, lamb), poultry (chicken, turkey), fish (salmon), or plant-based sources like soy.
- Carbohydrates: rice, corn, barley, peas.
- Fats: usually listed as animal fat, fish oil, or plant oils.
A high-quality food will name specific meat sources rather than vague terms like “meat meal.”
Step 3 – Avoid Unnecessary Fillers and Artificial Additives
According to Chewy’s ingredient guide, quality dog food should avoid fillers (e.g., excessive corn or wheat gluten) and artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Look for whole, recognizable ingredients.
Step 4 – Follow Feeding Guidelines and Adjust for Your Dog
Most brands, including Stella & Chewy’s, provide feeding guidelines on the package or website. However, individual dogs may need more or less depending on activity, metabolism, and health. Always monitor your dog’s weight and condition, and consult your veterinarian before making a diet change.
Concrete Example: Reading a Dog Food Label
Imagine you see a bag of dry dog food on Chewy. The front says “Chicken & Rice Recipe.” Turn to the back:
- Find the AAFCO statement, it should say something like “Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.”
- Check the ingredient list, first ingredient should be a named protein (e.g., deboned chicken), followed by a carbohydrate source (e.g., brown rice).
- Scan for fillers, if you see “corn gluten meal” or “artificial flavor” high on the list, consider a different product.
- Note the feeding chart, use it as a starting point, then adjust based on your dog’s response.
- Use the four-step framework every time you evaluate a dog food.
- Chewy’s education page and PetMD’s guide are reliable, sourced references.
- If you have a puppy, senior, or dog with specific needs, check the brand’s guidelines, many foods are formulated for all life stages.
- No article replaces a vet’s advice; discuss diet changes with your veterinarian.
- The Ultimate Guide to Dog Food Ingredients – Chewy Education
- A Guide to Dog Food Ingredients and Reading Dog Food Labels – PetMD
- Food for Specific Pet Needs – Stella & Chewy's Help Center
