Buying meat snacks and pet food online: how to choose wisely

If you’re looking to buy meat snacks and pet food online, you’ll soon find dozens of options. A mini salami for when you’re out and about, beef jerky for lunch, halal corned beef for a hot meal or everyday dog food: the products may look similar, but they can differ significantly in ingredients, portion size and intended use.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

• A high protein percentage doesn’t tell you everything. Snacks for people can be high in salt. With pet food, you also need to check whether it’s a complete food or a complementary feed.
• ‘Natural’, ‘premium’ and ‘grain-free’ aren’t enough to make your choice. Always check the ingredients list, analytical constituents and whether the product is suitable for its intended user.
• A larger pack isn’t automatically better value. A product that needs to be used up quickly once opened may be less practical than several smaller portions.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Ingredients and nutritional values

Compare the composition per 100 grams. For meat products and savoury snacks, protein, fat, saturated fat and salt are particularly important. According to the product information, Bifi Mini Original contains 24 grams of protein and 4.2 grams of salt per 100 grams, for example. Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Original lists 41 grams of protein per 100 grams, but portion size and salt intake still matter.

For international products such as Chinese meat snacks, take extra care to check for allergens. According to the label, Wanderfort Spicy Duck Wings contains wheat and fish, among other ingredients. AUTHENTIC Pork Floss contains soya and gluten. So a product may seem suitable based on its main ingredient, but still contain ingredients you want to avoid.

2. Complete food or complementary snack

For pets, this distinction matters more than marketing terms such as ‘high-protein dog food’ or ‘grain-free pet food’.

• Complete food is intended as a daily meal when fed according to the recommended guidelines.
• Complementary feed is a snack or addition and doesn’t replace a complete meal.
• Always check which animal, age group and size the product is intended for.

According to the product description, Rosewood Deli Strips Salmon Cat Snacks are suitable only as a treat for adult cats. Vitakraft Beef Stick is a complementary feed for dogs; according to the feeding instructions, snacks should provide no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.

3. Packaging, shelf life and portions

Check the net weight, packaging seal and storage instructions. Dry sausage, chorizo and mini salami are handy to keep in stock, but should be stored in a cool, dry place and sealed properly after opening. With Stegeman Chorizo, you need to remove the casing before slicing; it isn’t edible.

For pet food, resealable packaging is practical for everyday use. An 11.4 kg bag may be good value for a larger household, but you’ll need enough dry storage space and a secure seal.

Recommended choices for different types of buyer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Bifi Mini Original Salami Sausages - 10 x 10 g

Why it suits this type of buyer: The individual portions are handy for lunchboxes, days out or a small savoury snack without having to open a large pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The weight of each sausage is clear: 10 pieces of 10 grams each. The packaging also lists the nutritional values and ingredients.

Key benefits and features

10 individual mini salamis; smoked dry sausage; according to the product information, made without added flavour enhancers, artificial flavourings or colourings.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality

Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with Red Meat Adult Dog Food 11.4 kg

Why it suits this type of buyer: A good choice for dog owners looking for a large bag of complete food with a specified composition and several animal protein sources.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states 38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and recommends a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days.

Key benefits and features

11.4 kg pack; described as complete food in the product name; ingredients and analytical constituents are listed in detail.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent users

Jack Link's Beef Jerky Original 12 x 25 g

Why it suits this type of buyer: The small bags are practical for walks, travel and work, or for keeping portions in the cupboard.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The multipack contains 12 bags of 25 grams each, so you won’t need to keep reopening a large bag.

Key benefits and features

300 grams total; 25-gram portions; according to the product information, 41 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Suitable for: Cat owners with a regular treat time

Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor

Why it suits this type of buyer: A practical complementary treat for adult cats, alongside their complete cat food meals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that it’s a complementary feed for adult cats and gives a daily feeding guideline.

Key benefits and features

240 grams total; chicken flavour; 24% crude protein; according to the product information, made without artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings.

Also worth exploring: meat products and international snacks

If you’d like to try different flavours, there are plenty of options beyond mini salami and beef jerky. For example:

• Dry sausage: Huls Drenthe Koster Sausage lists 31 grams of protein and 4.4 grams of salt per 100 grams.
• Chorizo: Stegeman Chorizo has a spicy flavour with paprika, garlic and pepper.
• Halal corned beef: Exeter 340 g Halal Corned Beef lists 93.5% cooked beef and 25 grams of protein per 100 grams.
• Chinese meat snacks: Wanderfort Duck Wings and AUTHENTIC Pork Floss are ready to eat, but each has its own allergen and storage guidance.
• Biltong: If you’re after dried meat snacks with a firm bite, you can also browse the biltong range.

For every order, check the current product page, packaging, best-before date and delivery information. Product recipes and packaging may change.

Frequently asked questions

What matters more when buying pet food online: protein percentage or ingredients?

Both are important. First, check whether the product is a complete food or a complementary feed. Then compare the animal-based ingredients, protein percentage, fat content and recommended serving amount. A high protein percentage alone doesn’t tell you whether the food is right for your pet.

How long do meat snacks keep once opened?

It varies from product to product. Dry snacks usually need to be stored in a cool, dry place and sealed securely. Some products need to be refrigerated after opening and eaten within a set period. Always follow the instructions on the packaging, rather than relying only on the general product description.

Is grain-free pet food suitable for every dog or cat?

Not necessarily. ‘Grain-free’ describes one feature of a product’s composition; it doesn’t guarantee that it’s suitable for every pet. Check the full ingredients list, nutritional status and guidance for age, size and activity level. If your pet has known intolerances or specific dietary needs, it’s a good idea to speak to a vet.