Choosing dog and cat food: a practical guide to making the right purchase

When buying dog and cat food online, you will quickly come across terms such as “natural”, “grain-free”, “complete” and “with extra protein”. These words alone do not tell you enough. The right choice depends on the animal species, age, nutritional needs, portion size and how you intend to use the food.

The following checks will help you distinguish marketing claims from relevant product information.

Common pitfalls when choosing pet food

1. A flavour name does not always indicate how much meat it contains

Packaging labelled “beef and chicken” can mean different things. Sometimes these ingredients make up only a small proportion of the product, while the base consists of grains, plant protein extracts or animal by-products. Always check the composition, rather than just the front of the packaging.

For example, Felix Double the Tasty Beef and Chicken states that the product is flavoured with beef and chicken. The composition lists 2% beef and 2% chicken in certain kibbles for each variant. This is different from a recipe consisting mainly of beef or chicken.

2. “Complete” and “complementary” are often confused

Complete food is intended as a daily meal when fed according to the nutritional instructions on the packaging. A snack, topping or chew is usually complementary food and does not replace a complete meal.

For example, INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef is intended as a snack, topping or aid when administering medication. The product information states that each tube contains 6 kcal and has a moisture content of 91%. Use it as a supplement, rather than automatically treating it as a main food.

3. Grain-free does not automatically mean suitable

With grain-free pet food, grains are often replaced with ingredients such as potato, pulses or vegetables. This may suit a particular preference, but it does not in itself mean that the food is suitable for every animal. Check the full ingredients list, analytical constituents and the life stage for which the product is intended.

Does your dog or cat have a diagnosed allergy, medical condition or specific dietary requirement? Discuss your choice with a vet. A marketing term is not a medical assessment.

Three checks before buying dog or cat food

1. Check the animal species and life stage

Cat food and dog food are not interchangeable. Also look for descriptions such as:

• Kitten food for young cats;
• puppy food for young dogs;
• adult food for animals from the stated life stage onwards;
• food for all life stages, if this is clearly stated on the label.

According to the product information, Whiskas Junior Classic Selection is complete wet food for kittens. The packaging contains 12 pouches of 85 grams. G’woon Chunks in Sauce With Beef 415G, on the other hand, is intended for adult cats and is described as unsuitable for kittens.

2. Look at the analytical constituents

The analytical composition provides information on crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, crude ash and moisture, among other things. Only compare products when you know whether they are wet or dry food. Wet food generally contains considerably more moisture, so its percentages cannot be compared directly with those of dry kibble.

For dry cat food or dog kibble, the daily amount and the weight of the bag are also important. A large pack may seem good value, but only if your animal tolerates the food well and the shelf life after opening is manageable.

3. Check portions, storage and use

Pay attention to the practical details:

• Is the packaging suitable for daily portions?
• Does opened food need to be refrigerated?
• How long can an opened pack be kept?
• Is the product a complete meal or a snack?
• Is fresh drinking water available at all times?

For snacks such as dog treats and cat treats, you should also include the quantity in the animal’s overall diet. For example, MeatyWay Chicken Thin Tenders is a 100-gram dog treat containing chicken. The product information states that it is complementary food and recommends supervision while the dog is eating.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Chunks in Jelly Fish and Meat Variation Junior 12 x 100g

Why it suits this profile: The multipack contains twelve 100-gram portions and, according to the product information, is intended as complete wet food for kittens. This makes comparing products and managing portions straightforward.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target animal and feeding instructions are clearly stated. However, always check the current packaging and recommended amount for your kitten.

Main benefit & advantages

12 x 100 grams; a variety of fish and meat; enriched with vitamins and minerals according to the description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

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

Why it suits this profile: For dog owners who want to compare a detailed ingredients list and clear analytical values. The bag contains 11.4 kg and, according to the description, is complete food for dogs at all life stages.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition lists individual animal ingredients and analytical values, including 38% crude protein, 18% crude fat and 12% moisture.

Main benefit & advantages

Large pack; clear analytical composition; instructions to switch gradually over 7–10 days.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for cat owners looking for a small supplement to feed by hand or use as a topping on wet or dry cat food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly states that these are tubes intended for supplementary uses. This helps prevent the product from being used accidentally as a complete meal.

Main benefit & advantages

20 tubes; 91% moisture; 6 kcal per tube according to the product information.

Buying dog and cat food online

Do not just compare the price per pack; also check the price per kilogram or per daily portion. Multipacks and smaller pouches of wet cat food are useful when freshness and portion control are important to you. Dry food can be more practical for everyday use, as long as you seal the bag properly and follow the recommended amount.

For dogs, you can combine complete dog kibble with dog treats, but treats remain a supplement. When considering a product such as MeatyWay Chicken and Purple Sweet Potato, check the ingredients and nutritional values: the product information lists chicken and purple sweet potato, a 100-gram pack and use as complementary food.

Frequently asked questions about dog and cat food

What is the difference between wet and dry cat food?

Wet food generally contains more moisture and is often supplied in portions or tins. Dry cat food keeps for longer after opening and is easy to weigh out. With both types, check that the product is complete and suitable for your cat’s age.

How long does opened pet food stay fresh?

This varies by product. Unused wet food usually needs to be refrigerated and used within the period stated on the packaging. Some products, for example, specify a maximum of 48 hours. Store dry food sealed, in a cool, dry place, and use it before the stated best-before date.

How should you switch to a different dog or cat food?

Mix the new food gradually with the old food, for example over several days. Follow the instructions on the packaging and monitor your animal’s appetite and stools. If problems persist or your pet has specific nutritional needs, it is advisable to consult a vet.