Joybuy Insights

Buying pet food online: how to choose cat food and dog food without making a mistake

Buying pet food online might seem straightforward, but product pages often contain terms that promise more than they actually explain. An attractive package tells you little about whether it’s suitable for your cat or dog. Pay close attention to the life stage, the type of food, the ingredients and the recommended portion size.

Common pitfalls with pet food

1. “Grain-free” is mistaken for automatically suitable

Grain-free pet food contains no cereals, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s right for every animal. The recipe may include other carbohydrate sources, such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato. Always check the full ingredients list and see whether the food is intended as a complete diet or a complementary treat.

2. A treat is mistaken for a meal

Cat treats, dog treats and liquid snacks are usually intended as a supplement. The packaging often clearly states whether it’s complete pet food or complementary pet food. INABA Churu, for example, is a complementary treat and should not replace a full meal. Also, keep treats within the recommended daily amount.

3. A larger pack isn’t always better value

A multipack or 12 kg bag of pet food can be practical for households with multiple animals, but only if you use it within the shelf life. Once opened, the smell, taste and texture can deteriorate if the bag isn’t sealed properly. So compare not just the price per pack, but also the price per kilogram or per meal.

Which specifications should you check?

Life stage and size

Kittens, puppies, adult cats and adult dogs all have different nutritional needs. Choose puppy food for a pup, and for dogs also check the intended breed size. Some products are specifically made for small dogs, medium breeds or medium to large breeds.

With cat food, there’s often an age indication, such as “adult” or “1+”. Whiskas Adult Wet Cat 1+ Food Mixed Selection in Sauce is, according to the product information, intended for cats over one year old. A label like this helps you tell products for kittens and adult cats apart.

Complete food or complementary food

Look for a clear mention such as complete pet food or complete food when the product is used as a main meal. A treat or topper has a different function. The INABA Churu Multipack Chicken 20 pcs. is described in the product information as complementary food for cats. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of three to four sticks per day for adult cats and advises limiting treats to no more than 10% of the daily diet.

Ingredients and analytical constituents

Compare the ingredients based on verifiable data:

  • Protein and fat: relevant for energy density and the daily portion.
  • Moisture content: wet cat food often contains a lot of moisture and is sold in portions such as 85 grams.
  • Fibre and ash: listed under the analytical constituents.
  • Animal ingredients: check which animal source and what percentage is specifically mentioned.
  • Additives: look out for vitamins, minerals and other listed additions.

According to the product description, BENEFIL Grain-Free Rich in Chicken with Vegetables contains 25.5% crude protein and 13.5% fat. The recipe lists, among other things, 14% chicken, peas, beet pulp and various vegetable ingredients. This makes it possible to compare this dry dog food with other products based on the stated composition.

Product choices for different households

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Whiskas Adult Wet Cat 1+ Food Mixed Selection in Sauce 12x85g

Whiskas Adult Wet Cat 1+ Food Mixed Selection in Sauce 12x85g

Why this fits the profile: The multipack contains 12 portions of 85 grams and several flavours in sauce. That’s straightforward for an adult cat and handy when you want to compare different varieties first.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as complete wet food for adult cats and includes portion and storage advice. This makes the distinction from a treat clear.

Key benefit & highlights

12 individual pouches, 84.5% moisture and 61 kcal per pouch according to the product data.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Series Chicken Adult Medium to Large Dog Food 12kg

Farmina N&D Pumpkin Series Chicken Adult Medium to Large Dog Food 12kg

Why this fits the profile: This is dry food for adult dogs of medium to large breeds, in a 12 kg bag. It suits owners who want to assess a detailed ingredients list.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product data explicitly states the target group, weight and a grain-free composition. Do check whether the feeding guide matches your dog’s weight and activity level.

Key benefit & highlights

Chicken, dehydrated chicken, herring and pumpkin are listed in the ingredients; net weight 12 kg.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 11.4kg

Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 11.4kg

Why this fits the profile: The product information focuses on puppies of all breeds and describes a protein content of at least 38%. The 11.4 kg bag can suit a large breed or a household with multiple dogs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The recommended transition period of 7 to 10 days and the puppy feeding portions are included in the product description. This helps you avoid switching food abruptly.

Key benefit & highlights

85% animal ingredients is stated according to the product description; the recipe is grain-free and contains 18% fat.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
BENEFIL Grain-Free Rich in Chicken with Vegetables Dog Food 1.2 kg

BENEFIL Grain-Free Rich in Chicken with Vegetables Dog Food 1.2 kg

Why this fits the profile: The 1.2 kg pack is practical when you want to try a new recipe first without buying a large bag straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list includes chicken, vegetables and analytical values. This means you can check whether the product matches your needs rather than relying solely on the term grain-free.

Key benefit & highlights

Suitable according to the product information for adult dogs; contains 25.5% crude protein and 13.5% fat.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Handy buying tips for UK households

  • Compare the price per kilogram, not just the promotional price.
  • Check whether the packaging suits your storage space.
  • Store dry food in a cool, dry place and seal the bag properly after each use.
  • Keep opened wet food covered in the fridge and follow the storage time on the packaging.
  • When introducing a new food, switch gradually, often over several days.
  • Always provide fresh drinking water.
  • For a specific condition, allergy or dietary change, seek advice from a vet.

Frequently asked questions about buying pet food online

Is buying pet food online cheaper?

That depends on the packaging, delivery costs and any multipack discount. A larger pack can lower the price per kilogram, but it’s only good value if you use it in time and store it correctly. So compare the total price per kilogram or per daily portion.

How do I know if cat food is complete food?

Check the legal product name and the text on the packaging. Words like “complete pet food” or “complete food” indicate that the product is intended as a main diet. With treats and toppers, you’ll usually see “complementary” or “supplementary”. Don’t give a complementary treat in place of the daily meal.

Can I just switch to a different dog food?

A gradual transition is usually more practical than a sudden change. Over about 7 to 10 days, mix gradually more of the new food with the old food, following the instructions on the packaging. Adjust the amount to your dog’s weight, age and activity level.