Buying dog and cat food online: how to choose food that suits your pet

Online you’ll quickly find dog food, cat food and treats in all sorts of flavours, pack sizes and price points. Even so, a catchy product name doesn’t tell you whether the food is suitable for your pet. If you only focus on terms like “natural”, “grain-free” or “premium pet food”, it’s easy to end up with a product that doesn’t match their age, size or daily needs.

Three common pitfalls when buying pet food online

1. Mistaking a snack for a complete meal

Cat treats, dog treats and cat snacks are usually complementary feed. INABA Churu for cats and INABA Churu Dog, for example, are intended as a treat, topper or reward. They don’t replace a complete meal. Always check whether the packaging states complete food or complementary feed.

A complementary product with a high moisture content can be useful as an extra, but feed the recommended amount and adjust the regular meal if needed.

2. Letting marketing language outweigh the composition

“With chicken” doesn’t automatically mean chicken is the main ingredient. Some products list the percentage of a named ingredient separately. For Felix Double the Tasty Beef and Chicken, for instance, the product information mentions 2% beef and 2% chicken in certain kibbles. That’s different from a recipe where chicken or beef is used as the main ingredient.

So look at:

• the full ingredient list;
• the order of ingredients;
• the percentage of the named meats;
• the analytical constituents, such as protein, fat, fibre and moisture.

3. Skipping age and size

Puppy food is tailored for growth and isn’t automatically suitable for adult dogs. A recipe for large breeds may also have different feeding instructions than adult dog food for small breeds. With cat food, you’ll often see an indication like “adult” or “1+”. Check that this matches your pet’s age and size.

What to look for when buying dog and cat food online

1. Check whether the product is complete or complementary

For daily meals, look for complete food designed for the right species and life stage. A complementary product can be given alongside dry or wet food.

Examples:

• Dry dog food is easy to portion and store.
• Wet dog food generally contains more moisture and can suit dogs who prefer a softer texture.
• A broth or Churu stick is complementary feed, not a complete meal.
• For cat food, the same distinction applies between complete food, wet food, dry cat food and snacks.

2. Consider life stage, breed size and activity

A medium-breed puppy has different feeding instructions than an adult dog. According to the product description, Eukanuba Life Care dog puppy medium chicken 3kg is intended for medium-breed puppies aged 1 to 12 months. Based on the stated information, ACANA Puppy Large Breed is aimed at puppies that will later weigh around 30 kg or more.

For an adult dog, consider:

• weight and body condition;
• daily exercise;
• breed size;
• energy content and recommended portion;
• any food sensitivities.

When switching to new dog food, it’s best to do so gradually. Product information from several brands recommends a transition over about 7 to 10 days. Always follow the feeding guide on the packaging.

3. Compare moisture, portion and shelf life

Wet food and broth contain relatively high moisture. INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna Recipe and INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe both state a moisture content of 93%. According to the product information, these products are intended as a treat or for extra hydration, not as complete food.

After opening, shelf life is limited. The INABA broths mentioned should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours, according to the product information. Rosewood Dog Pâté states a maximum of 48 hours after opening. Store dry food sealed, in a cool, dry place, and compare not only the bag price but also the price per kilogram and the daily portion.

Product choices by buyer type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

Purina Beneful Adult Dog Food Beef & Garden Vegetable Formula 1.4kg

Why this suits the profile: A 1.4 kg pack is manageable if you’re trying dry dog food for the first time or want to buy a smaller stock. According to the product information, it’s intended as complete food for adult dogs of all weights.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states a complete and balanced food, a feeding schedule by body weight and a gradual transition over about 10 days.

Key benefit & highlights

1.4 kg pack; 15% protein and 8% fat according to the stated analysis; feeding guidelines for 5 to 30 kg.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why this suits the profile: Ideal for dog owners who want a large bag and a recipe with multiple animal ingredients. According to the product information, this is complete food for all life stages.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Ingredients and analytical constituents are listed in detail, allowing you to compare on composition rather than just marketing terms.

Key benefit & highlights

11.4 kg pack; 38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and 12% moisture according to the stated analysis.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users

Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison 390g

Why this suits the profile: An option for those seeking wet food with a single named animal protein source and a smaller portion. According to the product information, it’s complete wet food for dogs of all breeds and life stages.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information names venison as the only animal protein source and provides clear instructions for gradual transition, refrigeration and use within two days of opening.

Key benefit & highlights

390 g tin; venison as the named protein source; 10% crude protein and up to 78% moisture according to the stated analysis.

Extra care for sensitive dogs and cats

For dog food aimed at sensitive dogs, don’t just look at “grain-free dog food”. Grain-free doesn’t automatically mean a recipe suits every food sensitivity. Check the full composition and pay attention to other protein sources too.

According to its own product description, Eukanuba Grain Free dog adult all sizes venison features a recipe with venison, peas and sweet potato. Buddy Wild Reindeer Meat Dog Food lists, among other things, game meat and vegetables. These are examples for comparison, not a guarantee that a product is suitable for an individual animal. If symptoms persist, it’s sensible to consult a vet.

For cats, dry cat food is easy to store, while wet food or a moist treat can add variety. According to the product information, INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna and INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon contain 93% moisture and are intended as complementary products. Always provide fresh drinking water.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better value: dry food or wet food?

Dry food often has a lower price per kilogram and keeps longer after opening. Wet food contains more moisture, but you’ll usually need larger daily amounts. So compare the daily feeding cost, not just the pack price.

How do I switch to a different dog food?

Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the familiar food and increase this gradually over about 7 to 10 days. Monitor appetite, stools and body condition. Use the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point.

Can I give cat treats or dog treats every day?

You can within the recommended amount, but treats don’t replace complete food. According to the product information, INABA Churu and similar treats contain a lot of moisture, but they’re complementary feed. Adjust the daily meal if your pet regularly gets extras.