Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog and cat food without falling for marketing traps

Choosing the right dog and cat food isn’t just about taste or brand. Age, body size, activity level, whether your pet has been neutered, and any sensitivities all play a part. Yet packaging is often covered in terms like “natural”, “premium” and “supports health”, without it always being clear what that actually means for you.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information based on verifiable features. That way, you avoid paying for a claim that doesn’t suit your pet.

Common pitfalls with pet food

1. A nice ingredient doesn’t tell the whole story

“With chicken” or “with lamb” doesn’t automatically mean the food is mostly made from that meat. Check the ingredients list and the stated percentage. For example, Purina One Sterilcat contains 16% beef and 14% wheat; the composition is therefore broader than the flavour name might suggest.

With dog food with chicken or lamb, it’s also important to check whether the product is a complete food or a complementary feed. Treats and some wet products aren’t intended as a full daily meal.

2. Grain-free isn’t a universal solution

Grain-free dog food can suit a specific dietary choice, but “grain-free” on its own doesn’t prove a product is more digestible. Grains are just one part of the overall composition. Also look at protein sources, fat content, fibre and the feeding guidelines.

A grain-free formula with pulses or potato could still be unsuitable for a dog that’s sensitive to them. If problems persist, it’s wiser to consult a vet than to keep switching foods.

3. A functional claim doesn’t replace proper care

Products for urinary health, teeth or digestion are not a substitute for professional help. According to Purina’s product information, Urinary Care is formulated with, among other things, balanced minerals and fish oil; that makes it a targeted dietary choice, but not a treatment for urinary tract problems.

Similarly, with dental treats for dogs and cats, brushing or a check-up is still needed if there’s tartar, pain or bad breath.

Which specifications should you check?

Age and life stage

Choose food that matches your pet’s life stage:

  • Puppy food is designed for growth and has a different nutritional balance than adult food.
  • Cat food for adult cats suits cats from adulthood onwards, but an indoor cat or a neutered cat may have additional nutritional needs.
  • Senior dog food is tailored to older dogs, but the age threshold varies by product and breed size.

Always check the legal product name and the recommended age on the packaging. A product for “all life stages” isn’t automatically the most practical choice for every adult animal.

Weight, breed size and kibble size

The energy needs of a small dog differ from those of a medium or large dog. So pay attention to:

  • the weight category the food is intended for;
  • the daily amount in grams;
  • the size and shape of the kibble;
  • the fat and protein content;
  • your pet’s expected activity level.

Dog food for small breeds often has smaller kibble. For dog food for medium and large breeds, the feeding amounts and kibble size are usually different. Weigh portions rather than relying solely on a measuring cup.

Complete food, complementary feed and nutritional values

Look for “complete pet food” when the product forms the main daily meal. A treat, dental stick or hydration product may be a complementary feed. Their calories must be taken into account.

Compare at least the following on the label:

  1. crude protein and fat;
  2. crude fibre and ash;
  3. moisture content, especially for wet food;
  4. ingredients and added nutrients;
  5. feeding advice by weight and activity.

With wet food for cats, the moisture content is usually much higher than with dry food. That can be practical for cats that don’t drink much, but check whether the product is complete or complementary. Always provide access to fresh drinking water with any food.

Product choices by pet type and use

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Purina One Adult Chicken - Whole Grains - 800 g

Purina One Adult Chicken - Whole Grains - 800 g

Why this fits the profile: An 800 g bag is manageable when you’re buying adult cat food for the first time or want to check whether your cat likes the taste.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and analytical constituents are listed, including 17% chicken, 34% protein and 14% fat. This means you can check the packaging rather than relying solely on the flavour name.

Key benefit & highlights

Complete food for adult cats, with a stated feeding guide by weight category and added taurine.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Eukanuba Life Care dog adult medium chicken 15kg

Eukanuba Life Care dog adult medium chicken 15kg

Why this fits the profile: The 15 kg bag is practical for an adult medium-sized dog that gets the same complete food every day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifies adult medium-sized dogs aged 1 to 7 years. This prevents you from choosing a senior or puppy formula for the wrong life stage.

Key benefit & highlights

Fresh chicken as the stated protein source, prebiotic fibre and a kibble shape that, according to the product description, is part of the DentaDefense formula.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Purina One Urinary Care Chicken Urinary Health Adult Cat Food 800g

Purina One Urinary Care Chicken Urinary Health Adult Cat Food 800g

Why this fits the profile: Aimed at adult cat owners who are looking for a urinary health food choice and want to review the composition and feeding guidelines.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states it is a complete food for adult cats and lists protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. The urinary health claim remains a product claim from Purina and not a medical guarantee.

Key benefit & highlights

Chicken as the stated protein source, fish oil and feeding advice by body weight. If your cat already has health issues, consult a vet first.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Additional products for targeted needs

For older small dogs, Eukanuba Life Care dog senior small chicken 3kg and Eukanuba Life Care Dog Senior Small/Medium Lamb & Rice 3kg are options with a clearly stated senior profile. A small adult dog, on the other hand, may suit Farmina N&D Pumpkin Chicken Adult Small Dog Food 2.5 kg. For medium and large breeds, the Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb formulas are among the options available.

For sensitive cats, you could look at Purina One Sensitive Adult Cat Food Turkey & Rice Formula 800g. According to the product information, this product contains no added wheat; always check the full ingredients list and your cat’s reaction.

For the litter tray, Meowmagic-Pet-Cat Litter (Natural Tapioca) - 2.5kg is made from tapioca. Fill the tray according to the instructions, remove solid waste daily and only flush the litter if the packaging explicitly says you can.

Frequently asked questions about dog and cat food

How do I switch to a different pet food?

Mix the new food gradually with the old one. A practical transition takes about seven days: start with a small proportion of the new food and increase it step by step. Keep an eye on your pet’s stools, appetite and body condition. If there are clear problems, stop the new food and ask your vet for advice.

How long does dog and cat food keep after opening?

This varies by product. Store dry food in a cool, dry place, seal the bag well and follow the date on the packaging. Store opened wet food according to the instructions, usually covered in the fridge. Don’t give your pet any opened product that has an unusual smell, colour or texture.

Is more expensive food always a better choice?

Not necessarily. Compare the price per kilogram, the daily amount and whether it’s a complete or complementary food. A larger bag can be better value per kilogram, but only if your pet tolerates the food well and you can use it within the recommended storage period.