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The choice of dog and cat food is vast. That makes buying online convenient, but also confusing. An eye-catching packet, terms like "natural" or a high percentage of meat don't always tell the full story. The right choice depends mainly on the species, age, activity level, portion size and the complete ingredient list.
In this buying guide, you'll find out what to look out for when choosing dry dog food, wet dog food, puppy food, senior dog food, adult cat food and kitten food.
If chicken, salmon or beef is prominently displayed on the packaging, check how much of it is actually in the product. For example, Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot states that the total product contains 1.7% salmon and 1.7% sea fish. The rest of the ingredients include cereals, meat and animal derivatives, vegetable protein extracts, oils, fats and minerals.
So a flavour mention is not the same as a high proportion of that ingredient. Always look at the full ingredients list.
Grain-free dog food contains no cereals, but it may contain other carbohydrate sources such as peas, lentils or sweet potato. That doesn't automatically make it suitable for every dog. With dog food for sensitive dogs, it's important to first look at the ingredients your pet has reacted to before.
If symptoms persist or you suspect a food intolerance, it's wise to consult a vet. A general product claim is no substitute for individual dietary advice.
Check whether the packaging states that it is complete and balanced pet food. A complete food is intended as a daily meal for the specified life stage. Dog treats are usually complementary foods. For example, the Pedigree Jumbone Mini Chicken & Lamb is a complementary treat for adult small dogs and should not replace the main meal.
Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs. So never choose based on flavour alone. Look for labels such as:
The product description for Purina One Junior Kitten states that this food is intended for kittens from weaning up to twelve months. Whiskas Junior Classic Selection is also a wet food for kittens, with feeding guidelines per age stage.
Dry dog food is practical to portion and often suitable for storage. Pay attention to the kibble size, the weight of the bag and the daily amount. Purina Beneful Adult Beef & Garden Vegetable comes in a 1.4 kg bag. The product information states 15% protein, 8% fat and 12% moisture.
Wet dog food usually contains a lot of moisture and comes in a tin, tray or pouch. Cesar Classic Chicken and Cesar Alu Classic Beef are 150 gram portions and are offered as complete wet food for adult dogs according to the product information. Once opened, leftovers must be kept refrigerated and used within the stated time.
The same distinction applies to cats. Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot is a dry food in an 800 gram pack and is intended for adult cats. Whiskas 1+ Dry Adult Chicken is a larger 3.8 kg bag. A large size can be economical, but only if your cat accepts the food well and you store it dry, sealed and within the shelf-life period.
As well as the ingredients, compare the analytical constituents:
These values can only be compared properly when you take into account the difference between dry and wet food. Wet food contains much more moisture, so the protein percentage on the label may appear lower than with kibble. Also look at the nutritional additives, minerals and any feeding instructions.
Note that brand claims about, for example, skin, coat, digestion or joints may come from product marketing. According to the manufacturer's own information, Eukanuba Life Care Adult Small/Medium Lamb & Rice contains, among other things, a fibre blend with prebiotics and beet pulp. This is a product feature, not a guarantee of an individual result.
Why this suits the profile: A manageable size for anyone buying adult dog food for the first time and wanting to try it out first.
The product information lists specific analytical values and a feeding guide based on body weight, rather than just flavour claims.
Complete food for adult dogs; 1.4 kg; 15% protein and 8% fat according to the product data.
Why this suits the profile: For dog owners looking for a large pack and a comprehensive ingredients list with multiple animal sources.
The ingredients list names the individual animal sources and the analytical values, including 38% crude protein and 18% fat.
11.4 kg; complete food for dogs in all life stages according to the product information; a gradual transition is recommended.
Why this suits the profile: Aimed at puppies of different breeds and suitable for households that need a large supply of puppy food.
The product description clearly states the target group, the grain-free composition, the protein content of 38% and the recommended gradual transition.
11.4 kg; intended for puppies from weaning; feeding guides per age and weight are listed with the product.
Why this suits the profile: For adult dogs of different breeds when you consciously want to compare a recipe without grains.
The product information mentions the alternative carbohydrate sources, such as peas and sweet potato, alongside the absence of grains.
For adult dogs of all sizes; 3 kg; recipe with venison and fibre blend according to the product description.
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.
That depends on your pet and your daily routine. Dry food is easy to store and portion. Wet food can be handy for portion control and contains a lot of moisture. With both types, check whether the product is complete and suitable for the life stage.
This varies by product. Unopened food remains usable until the date on the packaging when stored correctly. Opened wet food should generally be kept refrigerated and used within one to two days. Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions.
No. Compare the price per kilogram, the daily feeding amount, the ingredients and the suitability for age and size. A larger bag can be cheaper per kilogram, but it's only practical if your dog tolerates the food well and the product is used up in time.
