Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog and cat food without falling into marketing traps

A bag of dog food, kitten food or a multipack of wet cat food may seem like an easy choice. Yet products can vary considerably in composition, nutritional status, storage requirements and intended use. An appealing flavour name, for example, does not tell you how much chicken or beef the product actually contains. And a snack with a high protein percentage is not a substitute for complete pet food.

With this buying guide, you can compare dog and cat food using verifiable information. This makes it easier to choose the right option for an adult dog, puppy, kitten or cat with a sensitive stomach.

Common pitfalls when choosing dog and cat food

1. Mistaking a flavour name for a high meat content

Words such as “chicken”, “meat” or “fish” on the front of the packaging do not always tell you how much of that ingredient is present. Always check the composition on the packaging. Felix Double the Tasty Beef and Chicken, for example, states that beef and chicken each make up 2% of certain kibbles. That is very different from a recipe made mainly from chicken or meat.

2. Using snacks as a complete meal

Dog treats and dog snacks are intended as an addition or reward. MeatyWay Chicken Thin Tenders, for example, explicitly states that the product is suitable only as complementary or temporary food. Give snacks in moderation and deduct them from the daily allowance if your dog gains weight easily.

3. Automatically assuming that “grain-free” is more suitable

Grain-free dog food may suit an owner’s preferences or a specific dietary choice, but grain-free does not automatically mean that the food is suitable for every dog. Also look at the full ingredients list, energy content and feeding guidelines. If your dog has an allergy or persistent gastrointestinal problems, it is advisable to consult a vet.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Complete or complementary food

Look for a clear description such as complete pet food or “complete food” for the correct animal species and life stage. Complete food is formulated to be served as a daily meal. Complementary products, such as meat strips, chew treats, toppers and some frozen products, do not automatically provide all the nutrients your pet needs.

Kittens need kitten food specifically formulated for growth. According to the product information, Whiskas Junior Classic Selection is complete wet food for kittens. G’woon Chunks in Jelly Fish and Meat Variation Junior is also intended for young cats. Adult cat food, on the other hand, is not automatically suitable for kittens.

2. Age, weight and activity level

Check whether the product is intended for puppies, kittens, adult animals or all life stages. Only then should you consider the daily portion. An active dog may need a different amount from an older dog with lower energy requirements.

For cats, you can choose between wet cat food, dry cat food or a combination of both. Wet food generally contains more moisture than kibble, while dry food is easy to portion and store. Always ensure that your cat has access to clean drinking water when feeding dry food.

3. Ingredients and analytical constituents

Compare at least:

  • the first ingredients listed in the composition;
  • crude protein, crude fat, fibre, moisture and ash;
  • added vitamins and minerals;
  • the packaging and best-before date;
  • storage instructions after opening or defrosting.

Chicken is listed as an ingredient in MeatyWay Chicken Thin Tenders, and the crude protein content is stated as at least 70% per 100 grams. This makes the product interesting as a small training reward, but not as a meal. According to the product information, MeatyWay Chicken and Purple Sweet Potato combines chicken and purple sweet potato and contains at least 20% crude protein. Both products are intended for dogs and should be given under supervision.

According to the product information, frozen pet meat such as Beef Heart Pieces consists of 100% beef. The product must remain frozen until use and should be refrigerated after defrosting. Always check the packaging for the exact preparation and storage instructions.

Recommended choices for different types of pet owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Strips in Sauce with Turkey 85g

g'woon Strips in Sauce with Turkey 85g

Why it suits this profile: The 85-gram portion is easy to manage and is suitable for owners who want to start small with wet cat food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as complete food for adult cats and gives a clear portion size. However, check the daily amount on the packaging.

Key benefit & advantages

85g pack; pieces of turkey in sauce; according to the product description, made without artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with Red Meat Adult Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Whole Prey Healthy Coat with Red Meat Adult Dog Food 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: The large pack is intended for households that use dog food every day and want to compare a detailed ingredients list.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and analytical constituents are listed in detail. This allows you to compare claims about red meat, pulses and additives with the figures.

Key benefit & advantages

Complete food for dogs; 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat according to the product information; 11.4 kg contents.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
MeatyWay Chicken Thin Tenders 100g

MeatyWay Chicken Thin Tenders 100g

Why it suits this profile: The thin texture and breakability make these treats suitable for training, rewarding and portioning into small pieces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists chicken as the only ingredient and clearly states that this is complementary food. It therefore does not replace a complete meal.

Key benefit & advantages

100g pack; at least 70% crude protein per 100g; suitable for dogs of all life stages according to the product information.

Suitable for: Families with a kitten
Whiskas Junior Classic Selection In Sauce Pouches Multipack 12×85g

Whiskas Junior Classic Selection In Sauce Pouches Multipack 12×85g

Why it suits this profile: The portion pouches make it easy to serve kitten food at each meal and alternate between different flavours.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging is specifically intended for kittens and includes portion guidance by age. This helps prevent you from accidentally choosing adult cat food.

Key benefit & advantages

12 portions of 85g; complete wet food for kittens according to the product information; taurine and vitamins are listed as added nutrients.

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.

Frequently asked questions about dog and cat food

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

Not necessarily. Wet food contains plenty of moisture and is often supplied in portions. Dry food is compact, easy to store and simple to weigh out. The right choice depends on your cat’s age, preferences, daily diet and health. Always check whether the product is complete food.

How long can you keep dog food or cat food?

If unopened, follow the best-before date on the packaging. Once opened, dry food should be sealed properly and stored in a cool, dry place. According to the product advice, opened wet food should generally be kept in the fridge. For some products, such as G’woon wet food, use within 48 hours is specified. Frozen products must remain frozen until use and must not be refrozen after defrosting.

How many dog treats can I give my dog?

This depends on the size, energy content and total daily food allowance. Use dog snacks as a supplement, not as a replacement for dog food. Break larger treats into small portions and monitor your dog’s behaviour, weight and activity level. If in doubt, follow the feeding guidance on the packaging or ask your vet for advice.