Buying pet food online: how to choose food that really suits your pet

Buying pet food online may look simple, but packaging often uses terms that say little about day-to-day suitability. “Premium”, “natural” and “grain-free” are not a guarantee on their own of a suitable meal. Start by looking at the species, nutritional status and composition.

Common pitfalls when buying pet food

1. Mistaking a snack for complete pet food

Not every product with meat or fish is suitable as a daily meal. A broth, soup or cat snack may be intended primarily as a supplement. Check whether the packaging states complete pet food. If it says “complementary” or “supplementary”, give it alongside regular food and not as a replacement.

INABA Broth and Bisque products, for example, are intended as a treat or hydration top-up. They contain lots of moisture, but they are not a complete meal for cats.

2. Assuming grain-free is automatically better

With grain-free dog food and grain-free cat food, grains are replaced with, for example, potato, peas or chickpeas. That can fit a specific preference or feeding strategy, but in itself says nothing about the overall nutritional value. Always check the protein source, fat content and the nutrition claim for the correct life stage.

3. Confusing marketing claims with verifiable information

Terms such as “natural”, “for sensitive animals” or “supports digestion” call for extra scrutiny. According to a brand’s own research a product may have certain properties, but such claims are not automatically a personalised nutrition recommendation. Base your choice on the ingredients list, analytical constituents and the directions on the packaging.

Which details should you check for cat and dog food?

1. Species, age and life stage

Cat food and dog food are not interchangeable. Also look for labels such as:

• adult cat or kitten;
• adult dog, puppy or senior;
• neutered or spayed cat;
• small, medium or large dog;
• normally active or highly active animal.

A product for a neutered cat is aimed at a different nutritional situation than standard adult cat food. Follow the feeding guide and adjust the amount based on weight, activity and body condition.

2. Complete or complementary

A complete product contains, according to the product information, the nutrients needed for daily feeding within the stated target group. A complementary snack has a different role.

Practical examples:

• Dry cat food is often intended as the main diet, if it is labelled as complete food.
• Wet cat food can be complete, but some broths and fillets are complementary.
• Cat treats should be given in limited amounts alongside the normal meal.
• A hydrating cat snack with a high moisture content can be handy as an extra source of fluids, but it does not replace complete food.

3. Protein source, moisture and analytical constituents

Look beyond the name on the front. Check:

• which ingredients are listed first;
• whether one or multiple animal protein sources are present;
• the percentage of moisture;
• crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and crude ash;
• the net quantity and feeding instruction.

With cat food with fish, herring, tuna or salmon may be the main protein source. With dog food with lamb or dog food with duck, it’s important to check whether other animal ingredients also appear in the composition. That doesn’t automatically make a product unsuitable, but it is relevant for a strict feeding plan.

Recommendations by type of pet owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets - Chicken, Rabbit, Beef & Salmon Cat Food - 60 x 85 g

Why this suits the profile: The multipack contains 60 portions of 85 grams and, according to the product information, is complete cat food for adult cats. That makes it straightforward for anyone who wants to alternate multiple flavours.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The label clearly states “complete pet food”, making the distinction from a complementary cat snack easy to see.

Key benefit & highlights

60 x 85 g; moisture content of 80%; four varieties with chicken, rabbit, beef and salmon.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Farmina N&D Ocean Cat Herring with Orange 300 gr.

Why this suits the profile: Suitable for owners of adult cats who want a grain-free, fish-based main diet and like to compare the analytical data closely.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition lists fresh and dried herring separately. That lets you verify the main protein sources instead of relying solely on “ocean”.

Key benefit & highlights

Complete food for adult cats; according to the product specification 44% crude protein, 20% crude fat and 8% moisture; grain-free composition.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison 390g

Why this suits the profile: An option for dog owners who want to compare wet food with a single declared animal protein source and a high proportion of animal ingredients.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states “complete canned food” and lists the full ingredients. Always check that the life stage and portion are right for your dog.

Key benefit & highlights

390 g per tin; declared composition with venison as the only named animal protein source; according to the product specification 92% venison, organs and bones.

Suitable for: Cats that don’t drink much

INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe 40g

Why this suits the profile: This complementary cat treat can be given as a broth or topping when your cat is attracted to a wet texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly describes this as a hydrating treat and not a complete meal. Always provide fresh drinking water as well.

Key benefit & highlights

40 g; 93% moisture according to the product specification; chicken broth, chicken and salmon as the named ingredients.

Practical tips for ordering online

• Compare the price per kilogram or per portion, not just the pack price.
• Check the best-before date and storage advice before ordering a large pack.
• Store dry food sealed and cool. Refrigerate opened wet food as per the label and use within the stated timeframe.
• Transition gradually when introducing a new main food, for example following the switching instructions on the packaging.
• Check ingredients for known sensitivities. If symptoms persist, consulting a vet is wiser than repeatedly switching on your own.
• Count cat treats and hydrating snacks towards the total daily amount.

Frequently asked questions about buying pet food online

Is buying pet food online cheaper?

That depends on the pack, portion size, shipping costs and offers. A large bag of dog food can lower the price per kilogram, but it’s less practical if your dog doesn’t tolerate the food well. So compare the unit price and the suitability for your animal.

What is the difference between wet and dry food for cats?

Wet food generally contains more moisture and is often sold in trays, pouches or tins. Dry food is more concentrated and keeps longer once opened, provided it is properly sealed. Both types can be suitable if they are complete and fit your cat’s age, weight and activity level.

How do I know if pet food is complete?

Look on the label for the designation complete pet food for the relevant species and life stage. If it says complementary or complementary pet food, the product is intended as a snack, topping or extra. The feeding instructions on the packaging remain the guiding principle.