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.
“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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
The packaging states that this is a complete meal for adult dogs. However, always check the feeding guidelines and your dog’s tolerance.
12 kg pack; kibble texture and added vitamin E are mentioned in the product description.
Why it suits this profile: For dog owners who want to compare a comprehensive ingredients list and a high stated protein content.
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.
38% crude protein, 18% fat, 11.4 kg pack and fish as part of the stated composition.
Why it suits this profile: A large bag for households with an active dog, several dogs or high daily consumption.
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.
14.5 kg pack; 27% crude protein; oats, vegetables and named probiotic cultures in the product information.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for puppies of different breeds, with feeding instructions based on age, weight and breed size.
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.
38% crude protein, 18% fat and a stated composition containing chicken, turkey, egg and fish.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.