Joybuy Insights

Buying snacks and pet food online: how to choose without regretting your purchase

Online, you can quickly find meat snacks, salami snacks, beef jerky, Chinese snacks and food for dogs and cats. The wide range makes comparing products easy, but product photos and brief marketing descriptions do not always tell the whole story. If you focus only on flavour, packaging or a prominent claim, you could end up with a snack that does not suit the occasion, your nutritional needs or the storage space available at home.

This guide helps you take a more structured approach to buying snacks and pet food online. We focus on information you can verify: ingredients, nutritional values, preparation method, portion size, animal species and shelf life.

Common pitfalls when buying online

1. “High in protein” does not automatically mean the product is light or suitable for daily consumption

A snack can contain relatively large amounts of protein while also providing a lot of fat or salt. For example, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Original lists 41 grams of protein per 100 grams, while a dry sausage such as BiFi Mini Original contains 24 grams of protein, 46 grams of fat and 4.2 grams of salt per 100 grams. Always check the full nutritional table rather than relying solely on a claim on the front of the pack.

Portion size also matters with high-protein snacks. A small bag for eating on the go has a different impact from a large pack kept at home to share.

2. “Ready to eat” can mean different things

Some Chinese snacks are ready to eat, such as marinated duck wings. Other products look like snacks but need to be heated first. According to the product information, La Wei Ju Hubei Preserved Pork and Laweiju dried sausage with Sichuan pepper are not ready to eat raw. They must be steamed or heated thoroughly.

Before placing your order, check:

  • Is the product ready to eat?
  • Does it need to be boiled, steamed or fried?
  • Does it need to be chilled or frozen?
  • Is the packaging suitable for eating on the go?

3. An appealing flavour claim does not replace an ingredients list

“Spicy”, “traditional” or “with beef flavour” mainly indicates a flavour profile. According to the product information, the base of Hao Ba Shi Lamp Shadow Vegetable Beef Jerky includes soya protein, wheat gluten and flavourings. It is therefore not ordinary beef jerky made from beef.

When choosing spicy snacks, salami and international products, look out for:

  • The percentage of meat or plant-based protein
  • Added flavour enhancers such as E621
  • Allergens such as soya, wheat, milk, fish or sesame
  • Salt and fat content
  • Preparation instructions

Important parameters for snacks and pet food

1. Check the product status: snack, complementary food or complete food

For people, “snack” usually means something to eat between meals. For pets, things are different. Cat treats and dog treats are often complementary food and do not replace a complete meal. The packaging should clearly state which animal species and life stage the product is intended for.

For cat products such as Whiskas Dental Treats and Felix Crispies, the packaging states that they are complementary food for adult cats. The recommended amount should be balanced against the main meal. Do not give unlimited treats; follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging.

Dry dog food is different when it is sold as complete food. In that case, check the dog’s age, expected adult weight, kibble size and nutritional analysis. Food for adult dogs is not automatically suitable for puppies, senior dogs or dogs with specific dietary problems.

2. Read the nutritional values per 100 grams and per portion

Compare products on the same basis. At a minimum, check:

  • Energy in kJ and kcal
  • Protein
  • Fat and saturated fat
  • Carbohydrates and sugars
  • Salt or sodium
  • Fibre in pet food

A product that is low in carbohydrates can still contain a lot of fat and salt. Huls Drenthe Koster Sausage, for example, lists 31 grams of protein and 4.4 grams of salt per 100 grams. This may be suitable as a small savoury snack, but it is very different from a daily nutritional staple.

3. Consider storage and shelf life

Dry snacks can often be stored in a cool, dry cupboard. Other products require more care. According to the product information, La Wei Ju Hubei Preserved Pork must be stored at -18 °C or below and must not be refrozen after thawing. Marinated duck wings are ready to eat, but must be refrigerated after opening and used within 48 hours.

For pet food, a securely resealable container is practical. It helps keep kibble dry for longer and prevents its smell and flavour from changing quickly. Always check the date and storage instructions on the packaging; these take precedence.

Recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Bifi Mini Salami Sausages 6 pieces 60 g

Bifi Mini Salami Sausages - 6 pcs, 60 g

Why it suits this profile: The six small sausages are easy to take with you in a lunchbox, bag or picnic basket. The portioned packaging makes sharing simple.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that these are smoked dry sausages which can be eaten straight away as a snack. Nutritional values and ingredients are provided.

Key benefit & advantages

60 grams in total, six mini portions, 24 grams of protein per 100 grams and no added flavour enhancers according to the product description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Jack Link's Beef Jerky Original 12 x 25 g

Jack Link's Beef Jerky Original 12 x 25 g

Why it suits this profile: Twelve 25-gram bags are ideal for walks, commuting, travel and keeping in the office cupboard.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The individual portions help reduce waste after opening. The packaging lists the ingredients, storage method and nutritional value per 100 grams.

Key benefit & advantages

41 grams of protein per 100 grams, 300 grams in total and ready to eat according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
Eukanuba Grain Free dog adult all sizes venison 3 kg

Eukanuba Grain Free dog adult all sizes venison 3 kg

Why it suits this profile: This complete food is intended for adult dogs of different sizes and offers an alternative for owners comparing grain-free options.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description identifies the intended dogs, pack size and protein source used. If your dog has sensitivities, always check the full composition.

Key benefit & advantages

3 kg pack, suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and with venison listed as the animal protein source.

Suitable for: Cat owners who want to monitor portions
Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor

Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor

Why it suits this profile: The pack contains six 40-gram boxes. This makes it easier to divide your supply and follow the recommended daily amount.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is clearly labelled as complementary food for adult cats. According to Whiskas’ own research, the product may help reduce plaque or tartar; do not regard this as a replacement for dental care or veterinary advice.

Key benefit & advantages

240 grams in total, chicken listed at 18% and feeding guidance of up to 17 pieces per day for adult cats.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions

Which snacks are convenient for eating on the go?

Choose individual portions that are ready to eat and do not require refrigeration. BiFi Mini and Jack Link’s Beef Jerky are practical examples. However, check the packaging after opening and pay attention to salt, fat and allergens. Small portions are more suitable for children, but supervise them while they are eating.

How can I tell whether cat food or dog food is complete?

Check the legally required description on the packaging. Complete food is intended as a full meal for the stated animal species and life stage. Complementary food is a treat or supplement and does not replace the main food. Adjust the amount of treats to your pet’s daily diet.

How long do dried meat snacks stay fresh?

This varies from product to product. Dry sausage and beef jerky can often be stored outside the fridge when unopened, while chilled or frozen meat specialities have different requirements. Always check the best-before date and storage instructions on the packaging. Use opened products within the stated time limit and discard any damaged packaging.