Joybuy Insights

Buying pet food online: how to choose the right food for your dog or cat

Ordering pet food online is easy, but the vast range makes it hard to compare. A flashy packet, terms like “grain-free” or a high percentage of animal ingredients don’t always tell you whether the product is right for your pet. So start by looking at the life stage, the food category and the analytical composition.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus on verifiable information on the label. That way, you avoid paying for a product that isn’t suitable as a daily meal, doesn’t match your pet’s activity level, or loses its quality quickly after opening.

Common pitfalls when buying pet food online

1. Confusing a treat with a complete food

Not every product containing meat, fish or an appealing nutritional profile is a full meal. Cat treats like Churu are generally complementary pet food. They can be given as a reward or a topper, but they don’t replace a complete cat food.

Always check the legal description:

  • Complete food: intended as the main daily diet, following the feeding guidelines on the packaging.
  • Complementary food: intended as a snack, treat or addition.
  • Life stage: for example, puppy, adult cat or senior.
  • Species: dog food is not suitable as cat food and vice versa.

2. Marketing claims without checking the numbers

A label like “high protein” means little without the percentage of crude protein. Likewise, “grain-free dog food” isn’t automatically right for every dog. Grain-free recipes often contain other carbohydrate sources, such as sweet potato, peas or legumes.

So compare the full composition and analytical constituents. Pay attention to crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. With wet food, the protein percentage often looks lower because the product contains a lot of water. Don’t compare dry and wet food directly on the same percentage.

3. Buying a large bag without a storage plan

A 12 kg or 17 kg bag can be good value per kilogram, but only if your dog eats the food within a reasonable time. After opening, dry food must be sealed properly and stored in a cool, dry place. Wet food and soft treats need extra care: opened portions should be refrigerated or used immediately, as stated on the label.

The key points to check

Life stage, breed size and activity

Puppy food is formulated for growth and has different feeding guidelines than food for adult dogs. A small dog often needs a smaller kibble size and a different energy density than a large breed.

For active dogs, look at the fat and protein content, the recommended portions and the energy information. A high-energy food isn’t automatically suitable for a dog with little exercise. Adjust the amount according to weight, condition and activity.

The same applies to cats. An adult cat has different needs than a kitten. Wet cat food can be handy for cats that don’t drink much, but check whether the product is complete food or just a complementary meal.

Composition and transparency

Ingredients are usually listed in descending order by weight. Check whether the animal ingredients mentioned match what you’re looking for. For a sensitive pet, it’s wise to pay attention to protein sources, grains, legumes and any additives.

Claims about skin, coat, joints, digestion or energy should be read as product information from the brand. According to a brand’s own research, certain ingredients may be associated with such properties, but this is not a medical assessment or a guarantee for your pet.

Food transition and portion size

Don’t switch to a new food all at once. Gradually mix the new product with the old food over about 7 to 10 days, unless the packaging states otherwise. This also lets you see how your dog or cat reacts to the change.

Use the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point. Weigh the kibble if possible and include treats in the daily amount. For Churu products, for example, it’s stated that treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calorie intake.

Recommended choices by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
INABA Churu Multipack Chicken 20 pcs.

INABA Churu Multipack Chicken 20 pcs.

Why this fits the profile: A compact multipack for cat owners who want a treat without buying a large stock straight away. The sticks can be given by hand, as a topper or at feeding time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is complementary food and not a replacement for complete cat food. This keeps the distinction between snack and main meal visible.

Key benefit & highlights

20 sticks of 14 grams; according to the product specification, 91% moisture and approximately 6 calories per treat.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Farmina N&D Premium Chicken Puppy Small Breed Dog Food 800g

Farmina N&D Premium Chicken Puppy/Small Breed Dog Food 800g

Why this fits the profile: Designed for puppies of small breeds and suitable for owners who want to match ingredients, nutritional values and life stage precisely.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is complete puppy food for small breeds. The small bag makes it easier to assess whether the food is suitable first.

Key benefit & highlights

According to the product specification, grain-free, with 36% crude protein, 22% fat and DHA, EPA, glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Acana Active and Agile Dog Food 17kg

Acana Active & Agile Dog Food 17kg

Why this fits the profile: A large bag for active adult dogs and households with a high daily food requirement. The portion should be adjusted according to activity and body condition.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specification gives the energy content of 3,800 kcal/kg and separate feeding guidelines for activity. This lets you adjust the portion more precisely than with a general marketing claim alone.

Key benefit & highlights

According to the product specification, 33% crude protein, 19% fat and 75% animal ingredients; available in a 17 kg bag.

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.

Frequently asked questions about buying pet food online

Is it safe to buy pet food online?

Check that the product page includes clear information about the manufacturer, the EU responsible party, the composition, analytical constituents, shelf life and usage. Compare these details with the packaging when you receive it. Always give your pet access to fresh drinking water and follow the official feeding guidelines.

How long does dog food last after opening?

This varies by product and packaging. Store dry dog food in a cool, dry place and keep it well sealed. Use wet food and opened soft treats according to the instructions on the label. Pay attention to smell, colour and texture, but always use the shelf-life information on the packaging as your guide.

How much does pet food online cost per month?

That depends on your pet’s weight, the daily portion, the type of food and the amount of treats. Calculate the monthly cost by multiplying the price per kilogram or per meal by the daily amount. Don’t forget to include extras like dog treats and cat snacks.