Joybuy Insights

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

A large bag of dry food may seem like good value, but it is not automatically suitable for your dog or cat. The same applies to terms such as “natural”, “grain-free” or “with salmon”. These words only mean something when you also look at the full composition, life stage and nutritional value.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I mainly filter products based on verifiable information on the label and in the product description. This helps you avoid paying for a pack that is not suitable for your pet’s age, size or activity level.

Three common pitfalls when choosing pet food

1. Overestimating a prominent ingredient

“With chicken”, “with fish” or “with beef” does not always mean that the ingredient makes up a large proportion of the food. Check the percentages. For example, Felix Double the Tasty Beef and Chicken states that beef and chicken each account for 2% of certain kibbles. The permitted description is therefore “flavoured with”, rather than “rich in”.

When choosing dog or cat food, always look at:

  • the complete ingredients list;
  • the percentage of the named meats or types of fish;
  • the analytical constituents;
  • any added vitamins, minerals and taurine.

2. Assuming “grain-free” is automatically more suitable

Grain-free dog food often contains other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, lentils or sweet potato. That does not automatically make it suitable for every dog. If your pet has a food sensitivity, the complete composition is more important than a single marketing term. If symptoms persist, consult a vet; pet food is not a substitute for a medical assessment.

3. Buying a large pack without calculating how much you use

An 11.4 or 15 kg bag may offer a lower price per kilo, but only if your dog tolerates the food well and the bag is sealed correctly. For a small dog or cat, a smaller pack may be more practical, as dry food can gradually lose its aroma and freshness after opening.

Store dry food in a cool, dry place in a sealed container or tightly closed bag. Once opened, store wet food according to the packaging instructions and generally in the fridge. Unused portions of RENO Dog Chunks Sauce Beef should, according to the product information, be used within 48 hours.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Animal species and life stage

Only choose food that is clearly intended for the correct animal species. Cats, for example, have different nutritional needs from dogs. Then consider the life stage:

  • Puppy food is intended for growth and development. Feeding guidelines may vary according to breed size.
  • Dog food for adult dogs is formulated for an adult animal with a particular weight and activity level.
  • Senior dog food is aimed at older dogs, often with adjusted energy and nutritional values.
  • Adult cat food is intended for cats from the stated age, often from 1 year onwards.
  • Also check whether the food is suitable for small, medium-sized or large breeds.

The packaging should state whether the product is complete food or complementary food. Complete food is intended to be given as a daily meal in accordance with the feeding instructions. Also check the recommended quantity, as this depends on weight, age, exercise and body condition.

2. Comparing analytical constituents

The percentages of crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture help you compare products more objectively. However, remember that dry and wet food cannot be assessed directly using the same percentages: wet food contains considerably more moisture.

Examples from the product information:

  • Acana Classics Series Grasslands Poultry Dog Food contains 27% crude protein, 16% fat and 12% moisture.
  • Orijen Original Prey Dog Food lists 38% crude protein, 18% fat and 12% moisture.
  • Purina One Adult Salmon for adult cats lists salmon as its first ingredient and is intended as complete food for cats from 1 year onwards.

A higher protein percentage does not automatically mean that the food is suitable for every animal. Also consider the energy content, portion size and suitability for the animal’s life stage.

3. Reading ingredients, allergens and nutritional claims

Check whether the food contains grains, fish, chicken, beef or other ingredients to which your pet may be sensitive. The product information for g’woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish, for example, lists grains, fish and fish derivatives. This food is therefore not suitable for a cat that needs to avoid these ingredients.

Claims about gut flora, joints, teeth, skin or coat come from the brands and should be read as product information. According to Purina One’s own product description, the formula helps protect the gut microbiome and the kibble can reduce tartar formation by up to 40%. This is not a guarantee for every animal. Information about glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids or probiotic cultures should also be assessed alongside the complete composition.

Recommended choices for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Pedigree Dry Adult Chicken 12 kg

Pedigree Dry Adult Chicken 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: A large pack of dry dog food for adult dogs, suitable for everyday use when you are looking for a straightforward food option.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is a complete meal for adult dogs. However, always check the feeding guidelines and your dog’s tolerance.

Main benefit & highlights

12 kg pack; kibble texture and added vitamin E are mentioned in the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: For dog owners who want to compare a comprehensive ingredients list and a high stated protein content.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and analytical values are listed in detail. This allows you to compare the claims about animal ingredients and protein directly with the label.

Main benefit & highlights

38% crude protein, 18% fat, 11.4 kg pack and fish as part of the stated composition.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Acana Classics Series Grasslands Poultry Dog Food

Acana Classics Series Grasslands Poultry Dog Food 14.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: A large bag for households with an active dog, several dogs or high daily consumption.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description gives specific percentages for chicken, turkey and oats. This makes it easier to understand what the marketing term “50% animal ingredients” actually means.

Main benefit & highlights

14.5 kg pack; 27% crude protein; oats, vegetables and named probiotic cultures in the product information.

Suitable for: Puppy owners
Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

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

Why it suits this profile: Designed for puppies of different breeds, with feeding instructions based on age, weight and breed size.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description explicitly states that it is for the puppy stage, recommends a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days and highlights the importance of not overfeeding.

Main benefit & highlights

38% crude protein, 18% fat and a stated composition containing chicken, turkey, egg and fish.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Dry or wet food: what suits your household?

Dry dog food and dry cat food are easy to portion and often practical for everyday feeding. Ideally, measure the portion in grams. A measuring cup can be inaccurate, as kibble varies in shape and density.

Wet dog food and wet cat food contain plenty of moisture and are available in pouches, trays or larger packs. According to the product description, Bonzo meal pouches are complete food for adult dogs and can be served on their own or mixed with dry food. For cats, g’woon Adult Chunks in Jelly offers a multipack with 12 pouches in different flavours.

A combination can be convenient, but add up the total daily amount. Do not automatically give a full portion of dry food as well as a full portion of wet food.

Frequently asked questions about dog and cat food

How should I switch to a different pet food?

Mix the new food gradually with the old food. The product information for several of the dog foods mentioned recommends a transition period of around 7 to 10 days. Monitor your pet’s stools, appetite and body condition. If problems persist, it is advisable to seek advice from a vet.

How long does an opened bag of dry food stay fresh?

This varies depending on the brand and packaging. Seal the bag securely after each use, store it in a cool, dry place and follow the best-before information on the label. Do not buy a large bag solely because of the price per kilo if your pet is unlikely to finish the food within a practical period.

Is premium pet food always necessary?

Not necessarily. A higher price may be linked to a different choice of ingredients, a specific life stage or a larger pack, but it does not in itself mean that the food is suitable for your pet. Compare the complete composition, analytical values, feeding guidelines and price per day. This gives you a fairer picture than the front of the packaging.