Vandaag of morgen in huis
Kwaliteit gegarandeerd
Welkomstaanbiedingen ontgrendelen: GRATIS bezorging | Tot 80% korting | Gratis 30 dagen JoyPlus-proefperiode
Download de app
A large bag, a striking image of meat and terms such as “natural” or “premium”: the packaging of dog and cat food does not always tell the whole story. As a result, pet owners in the Netherlands sometimes pay for a product that is not suitable for their animal’s age, size or daily activity level.
With a few set checks, you can compare products more effectively. Pay particular attention to the complete feed designation, the ingredients, the pack size and the feeding instructions. Below, we set out the key differences between dry and wet food, puppy food, cat food and treats in a clear overview.
Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but that alone does not mean it is suitable for your dog. Grain-free recipes often contain other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas, lentils or sweet potato. Always check the full ingredients list and the analytical constituents.
The same caution applies to hypoallergenic dog food. The term may be used differently from one brand or product range to another. If you suspect a food sensitivity, it is a good idea to discuss the ingredients with a vet.
Not every pouch or tub contains complete feed. According to the product information, for example, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps are complementary pet food and are intended as a reward or snack between meals. They contain 40 grams per pouch and must not replace a meal.
The same applies to dog biscuits and treats: include them in the daily amount and follow the feeding instructions on the packaging.
A 12 kg pack may seem good value, but it is not always practical for a small dog or a household with limited storage space. With wet dog food, the storage time after opening also matters. CESAR Classic Wet Dog Food Chicken contains 150 grams; according to the product information, leftovers should be refrigerated for no more than two days.
So compare the price per kilogram or per meal, not just the price of the bag or box.
Look for complete feed or complete pet food on the label if the product is intended to provide the daily main meal. This applies to dry dog food, wet dog food and cat food.
For puppies and kittens, the life stage should be clearly stated. Puppy food is formulated for growth, while adult dog food and senior dog food may have different nutritional guidelines. According to the product information, Whiskas Junior Classic Selection in Sauce is complete wet food for kittens. Purina ONE Adult Salmon is intended for adult cats aged one year and over.
A medium or large-breed puppy has different portion instructions from a small adult dog. According to the label, Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Puppy Medi/Maxi is intended for puppies of medium and large breeds. The feeding guide lists portions for body weights from 5 to 35 kg.
Also consider energy requirements. An active working dog may need a different feeding routine from an older dog that gets little exercise. Adjust the amount according to weight, activity level and body condition, as stated on the packaging.
Pay attention to:
A high moisture content means that wet food contains fewer dry nutrients per 100 grams than dry biscuits. This makes a direct comparison between dry dog food and wet dog food based on protein percentage misleading. If in doubt, compare the feeding guidelines and the price per daily portion.
The choices below are based on verifiable product information, such as animal type, life stage, weight, packaging and the distinction between complete and complementary feed.
Why it suits this profile: This 150-gram portion is easy to manage for an adult dog and convenient if you do not want to store a large bag. According to the product information, it is complete wet food for adult dogs.
The product description clearly states that this is complete feed. The pack size makes it easy to plan portions and refrigerated storage after opening.
150 grams per pack; according to the label, 81% moisture and 10% protein; suitable for adult dogs.
Why it suits this profile: The large bag is suitable for households with enough storage space and dogs that eat dry food every day. According to the product description, the formula contains 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat.
The product page provides detailed information about the ingredients, analytical constituents and feeding guidelines. However, check whether a high-protein formula is suitable for your dog.
11.4 kg pack; grain-free formula according to the product description; clear feeding schedules for different weights.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this puppy food is intended for medium and large-breed puppies. The packaging lists feeding amounts for weight classes from 5 to 35 kg.
The life stage and breed size are clearly specified. According to the instructions, the recommended transition to the new food takes seven days.
12 kg pack; lamb, herring, pumpkin, peas and chickpeas in the formula; grain-free according to the product information.
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.
For cats, age and texture are important factors to consider. Kitten food includes feeding guidelines for growth, while dry cat food for adult cats often has a longer shelf life and is easy to portion. Wet cat food generally has a high moisture content and is often sold in individual portions.
Whiskas 1+ Dry Adult Chicken is a dry food product for cats aged one year and over, supplied in a 3.8 kg pack. Purina ONE Adult Salmon is also aimed at adult cats and lists salmon as its first ingredient. According to Purina’s own research, as stated in the product description, the product could reduce tartar by up to 40%. Treat this as a brand claim and base your choice primarily on the full ingredients list and its suitability for your cat.
Mix the new food gradually with the old food. Many product instructions recommend a transition period of around seven to ten days. Monitor your dog’s stools, appetite and body condition. If problems persist, contact a vet.
That depends on the brand, moisture content, packaging and daily portion. Compare the price per meal or per kilogram of dry matter, rather than just per tin or bag.
Always follow the label. Many opened portions of wet food should be sealed, refrigerated and used within one to two days. Allow food to reach a suitable temperature before serving, and always provide fresh drinking water.
