Choosing cat and dog food: a practical guide to the right nutrition

The range of cat and dog food is vast. That makes buying online easy, but it also increases the chance of making the wrong purchase. An attractive label doesn't always tell you enough about whether it's suitable for your pet.

Pay particular attention to these common pitfalls:

• Confusing a flavour name with a high meat or fish content. If the packaging says "with beef", for example, check how much beef is actually in the ingredients.
• Mixing up complete and complementary pet food. Wet food labelled "complete" is intended as a full meal for the stated life stage. Cat broth, cat soup and some cat treats are often complementary and should not replace a main meal.
• Ignoring the life stage. Kitten food, food for adult cats and senior dog food all have different purposes. A product suitable for adult animals is not automatically right for a kitten or an older dog.
• Buying oversized packs without working out how much you'll use. A multipack can seem good value, but only if your cat likes the flavours and you can store the food correctly after opening.

What to look for in cat and dog food

1. Check the species and life stage

Always start with the legal product name and the information on the packaging. Look for terms like complete pet food for adult cats, "kitten" or "senior". A product for cats should not be given to dogs, and vice versa.

For kittens, a product like Whiskas Junior Classic Selection in Sauce is specifically labelled as complete wet food for kittens. The product information includes feeding guidelines per age group. For older dogs, g'woon Senior 7+ Pâté is designed for senior dogs of all breeds. Always follow the instructions on the packaging when feeding, and adjust the portion according to weight, activity level and body condition.

2. Look beyond the front of the packaging

Marketing terms like "with beef", "with chicken" or "with salmon" only mean something when you check the ingredients list. In many composite recipes, a specific ingredient might be listed at just 4%. That's more reliable than a big picture of meat or fish on the packaging.

Look out for:

• Ingredients in descending order: the first ingredient is usually present in the largest amount.
• Analytical constituents: check the protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture content.
• Additives: see which vitamins, minerals or other substances have been added.
• Allergens and intolerances: check the full packaging, even if a product doesn't list any of the 14 main EU allergens.

According to Sheba's own information, the Delicacies in Sauce varieties contain no artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings. Treat this as a product feature, not a guarantee that every cat will tolerate the food well.

3. Choose texture and packaging based on how you'll use it

Texture affects acceptance and ease of feeding. Cat food in sauce is suitable for cats that enjoy soft chunks with sauce. Cat pâté has a smooth texture. Cat biscuits are dry and easy to portion, but always require access to fresh drinking water.

Portion packs are handy when you want to reduce food waste. With a cat food multipack containing 50g or 85g pouches, you can open the right amount for each meal. A 400g or 415g tin can be more economical for households with multiple pets, but leftovers must be stored in the fridge according to the label.

Complementary products have a different purpose:

• Cat soup and cat broth: mainly intended as an extra or supplement, not as a full meal.
• Cat treats: use them in moderation and factor them into the total daily amount.
• Fillets in sauce: can be a supplement; check whether the label says "complete" or "complementary".

Product choices by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Sheba Delicacies in Sauce Fish Multipack

Why this fits the profile: The 50g portion pouches make portioning easy and offer several fish varieties for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states it is complete wet food for adult cats and provides portion guidelines by body weight.

Key benefit & highlights

300g total, three fish varieties and storage instructions for opened pouches.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets in Sauce

Why this fits the profile: The fine mini fillets in sauce are intended as complete food for adult cats and combine four varieties in one pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and analytical values are listed, including 13% protein, 2.5% fat and 80% moisture.

Key benefit & highlights

Four flavours, 12 portions of 85g and no added artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef 20 pcs.

Why this fits the profile: The tubes are intended as a cat treat, topping or way to hide medication, not as a full main meal.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description clearly states it is complementary food. This means you won't accidentally replace the daily meal.

Key benefit & highlights

20 tubes, 91% moisture and 6 calories per tube according to the product information.

Suitable for: Households with a senior dog

g'woon Senior 7+ Pâté with Beef and Poultry 150g

Why this fits the profile: The smooth pâté texture and the senior dog labelling suit a household with an older dog.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists senior as the target group and mentions beef and poultry in the composition.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft pâté, beef and poultry as listed ingredients and a 150g pack.

Frequently asked questions about cat and dog food

What's the difference between complete and complementary pet food?

Complete pet food contains, according to the product labelling, the nutrients needed for the relevant species and life stage when fed according to the guidelines. Complementary food, such as cat soup, cat broth or some cat treats, is intended as an extra. Always check the legal product name on the packaging.

How long does opened wet food keep?

This varies by product. Many pouches and tins should be covered and stored in the fridge after opening, and used within 24 to 48 hours. The exact time is stated on the packaging. Don't leave wet food at room temperature for longer than necessary, and throw away any leftovers that smell off or have been out of the fridge for too long.

How do I work out the cost of pet food?

Don't just compare the price of a tin or multipack. Calculate the price per 100g and look at the recommended daily amount. Also factor in treats, complementary food and waste from leftovers. This gives you a more realistic picture when you buy pet food.