Joybuy Insights

Cat and dog food 2026: how to choose everyday food without falling into marketing traps

A bag of cat or dog food with an eye-catching flavour name may seem like an obvious choice. However, “with salmon”, “natural” or “grain-free” does not automatically mean that the food is right for your pet. The right choice depends on the animal species, life stage, portion size, composition and the difference between complete pet food and complementary food.

In this buying guide, Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer sets out the key points to check. You will also find some popular choices for different situations, from kitten food to fish-based dog food and handy multipacks.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat and dog food

1. A flavour name does not tell you how much fish it contains

“With salmon” may mean that salmon makes up only a limited percentage of the composition. For example, Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon & Rice lists 4.1% salmon and 4.1% rice in its ingredients. This is easier to verify than simply seeing a large picture of a fish on the packaging.

Looking to buy salmon cat food or fish-based cat food? Check:

  • the percentage of the named ingredient;
  • the order of the ingredients;
  • whether it is fresh fish, a dried fish ingredient or fish derivatives;
  • whether your cat has previously shown sensitivity to fish or grains.

2. Complementary food is mistaken for a complete meal

Not every wet food, pot or snack is intended to be a daily main meal. According to the product information, Purina One Hydralife Adult Cat Complementary Wet Food is complementary food. MjAMjAM Cat Cream Chicken & Salmon is also intended as a snack or treat and must not replace a complete diet.

Therefore, check the legal product name on the label:

  • Complete pet food: intended as daily food when you follow the feeding guidelines.
  • Complementary pet food: intended to be given alongside the main meal, for example as a snack, topping or extra variety.

A cat food multipack can be convenient, but always check that all varieties are complete pet food.

3. A larger pack is not always better value

A 12 kg bag may have a lower price per kilogram, but only if your dog tolerates the food well and the packaging remains dry and sealed after opening. For a small dog, a smaller pack may be more practical. Wet food has a limited shelf life after opening and generally needs to be kept refrigerated.

So do not compare just the purchase price. Also consider:

  • price per kilogram or per portion;
  • recommended daily amount;
  • shelf life after opening;
  • storage space at home;
  • waste caused by unopened or rejected food.

Important specifications to check

Animal species, age and size

Cat food and dog food are not interchangeable. Nutritional needs also vary depending on life stage. Kitten food is designed for young cats, while adult cat food is intended for cats from the stated age onwards. For dogs, there are separate varieties for puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs.

Also pay attention to your dog’s size. According to the product description, Eukanuba Grain Free Dog Adult Small/Medium Ocean Fish 3 kg is intended for adult dogs of small and medium-sized breeds. Farmina N&D Ocean Salmon Adult Medi/Maxi 12 kg is aimed at adult dogs of medium to large breeds.

Completeness and analytical constituents

As well as the ingredients, check the analytical constituents. Important values include:

  • crude protein;
  • fat content;
  • crude fibre;
  • crude ash;
  • moisture content.

These figures are particularly useful for comparing products within the same category. A higher protein percentage does not automatically make a product suitable for every animal. Weight, activity level and the feeding guidelines on the packaging remain decisive.

Dry food, wet food or a combination

Dry cat food is easy to portion and convenient to store. Examples include Iams Cat Adult Salmon 3 kg, Iams Cat Adult Tuna 3 kg and Perfect Fit Adult Cat Food Salmon 1+ Dry Food.

Wet cat food contains plenty of moisture and is often supplied in pouches, pots or tins. Perfect Fit Natural Vitality Adult Cat Food Sea Fish & Salmon and Gourmet Gold Salmon Mousse are examples of wet varieties. According to the product information, smaller portions can help reduce leftovers, but always check the storage instructions.

A combination of dry and wet food may suit your routine, provided you adjust the total amount according to the feeding guidelines. Extra snacks must be included in the calculation too.

Recommended choices for different types of pet owner

MATCH FOR: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish 2 kg

g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish 2 kg

Why it’s a good fit: A practical bag for households with an adult cat that eats dry food every day.

How it avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it is for adult cats, contains fish and comes in a 2 kg pack. Before buying, check the full composition on the label.

Key benefit

Dry food in a clearly labelled pack, with fish as the named variety and straightforward storage.

MATCH FOR: Fans of fish-rich dog food
Farmina N&D Ocean Salmon Adult Medi Maxi 12 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Salmon Adult Medi/Maxi 12 kg

Why it’s a good fit: Designed for adult dogs of medium to large breeds that use a large bag of dry food.

How it avoids the pitfall

The product description lists 20% salmon, 20% dried salmon protein, 10% cod and 10% dried cod protein. Compare these percentages with other formulas.

Key benefit

The stated analysis contains 30% crude protein and 18% fat. According to the description, the product is complete pet food.

MATCH FOR: Households with a kitten
Iams Cat Kitten Ocean Fish 3 kg

Iams Cat Kitten Ocean Fish 3 kg

Why it’s a good fit: A dry food option for kittens, in packaging suitable for keeping the food sealed.

How it avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions kitten food and DHA, taurine, vitamins and minerals. Check the age recommendation and feeding amount on the current packaging.

Key benefit

According to the product information, the formula contains a fibre blend with prebiotics and beet pulp.

MATCH FOR: Dog owners with a senior dog
Eukanuba Grain Free Dog Senior Small Medium Ocean Fish 3 kg

Eukanuba Grain Free Dog Senior Small/Medium Ocean Fish 3 kg

Why it’s a good fit: Developed for small and medium-sized senior dogs from the age stated on the packaging.

How it avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it has a grain-free formula with ocean fish and sweet potato. “Grain-free” is not a reason to overlook age, size and individual tolerance.

Key benefit

According to the brand description, the formula contains prebiotics, beet pulp, omega-3 and omega-6. These are product specifications, not a guarantee of an individual result.

Want to see more options?

Browse a current selection of cat and dog food with salmon and other fish varieties, including dry food, wet food and snacks.

Helpful everyday buying tips

  • When switching food, make the change gradually, for example over around a week, if recommended by the product instructions.
  • Weigh out portions rather than relying on guesswork.
  • Store dry food in a cool, dry place and keep it well sealed.
  • Refrigerate unused wet food according to the label.
  • Give snacks such as salmon dog treats as an addition, and adjust the main meal if necessary.
  • If symptoms persist, your pet has specific dietary needs or you are unsure about allergies, ask a vet for advice.

Frequently asked questions about cat and dog food

Is fish-based cat food suitable for every cat?

Not automatically. Check the ingredients, age recommendation and any known sensitivities. A fish-based product may fit into a normal diet, but individual tolerance varies.

How long does dry food stay fresh after opening?

This depends on the best-before date, packaging and storage method. Seal the bag properly and store the food in a cool, dry place. If in doubt, follow the instructions on the packaging.

Can I combine wet and dry food?

In many cases, yes, but add up the total daily amount. Use the feeding guidelines for both products as a starting point and adjust portions according to your pet’s weight, activity level and condition.