Joybuy Insights

Buying dog and cat food: how to choose food and treats without making a mistake

Buying dog and cat food online might seem straightforward. Yet many pet owners face the same questions: is a bag of dog kibble suitable as a daily meal, when is wet dog food a supplement, and how many dog treats fit into a feeding plan? Marketing terms like "grain-free", "premium" or "natural" don't always give you enough information to properly assess a product.

With these checkpoints, you can compare dog food, cat food and treats based on the product description, ingredients and usage instructions.

Three common pitfalls with dog and cat food

1. Confusing a treat with complete food

Not every product that looks like food is intended as a full meal. The packaging usually states whether it is complete food or complementary pet food. For example, INABA Fun Bites and INABA Churu are described in the product information as complementary food. They are intended as a reward, topping or snack and do not replace a complete meal.

A treat can therefore fit perfectly into training, but the daily foundation should consist of food labelled as complete.

2. Only looking at an appealing ingredient

"With chicken" does not automatically mean that chicken is the main ingredient. Check the full ingredients list and also look at the analytical constituents such as crude protein, fat, moisture and crude ash. For example, the product description for Cesar Classic Wet Dog Food Chicken states 60% meat and animal derivatives, of which 4% is chicken. That is more specific than just the name on the front.

Nuance is also needed with grain-free dog food. Grain-free only means that there are no grains in the stated recipe. It does not in itself say that the food is suitable for every dog.

3. Ignoring the life stage and portion size

Puppy food, kitten food and food for adult animals have different nutritional goals. A puppy is still growing, while an adult dog or cat has a different energy pattern. Therefore, check:

  • the stated animal species;
  • the life stage, such as puppy, kitten or adult;
  • the weight and activity level;
  • the recommended daily amount;
  • the shelf life and storage instructions.

A large pack may seem economical, but it is less practical if the food sits around for a long time after opening or loses its freshness.

Which product specifications should you check?

Complete or complementary food

For the main meal, look for the mention complete pet food or "complete pet food". Treats such as dog treats, cat treats, dog snacks and cat snacks are usually complementary. Give them in moderation and adjust the main meal when the packaging advises it.

With wet dog food, also pay attention to the moisture percentage. According to the product data, the INABA Churu Dog Multipack contains at least 90% moisture. This makes the product suitable as a soft reward or topping, but the product information also states that it is not a replacement for a complete meal.

Nutritional values per 100 grams or per portion

Compare products on the same basis. When looking at dog kibble and dry cat food, check:

  • crude protein;
  • crude fat;
  • crude fibre;
  • crude ash;
  • moisture content;
  • energy information, if available.

With treats, the size is important. A small dog can quickly consume several calories per reward. For example, the INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps Chicken with Cheese state 15.6 kcal per pack according to the product description. The recommended amount varies by body weight.

Texture, size and storage time

Soft treats can be handy for training or administering a product, while firmer treats encourage longer chewing. Supervise chew products and choose a size that suits your pet.

Also pay attention to the shelf life after opening. Several INABA products need to be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. Dry food, on the other hand, should be stored tightly sealed, cool and dry. This way, you avoid buying too much and having to throw some away.

Recommended products by use case

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Beneful Healthy Weight Chicken & Vegetables - Dog Food - 1.4 kg

Beneful Healthy Weight Chicken & Vegetables - Dog Food - 1.4 kg

Why this fits the profile: A straightforward bag of dog kibble for adult dogs that you can compare on portion size and ingredients as a daily dry food option.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it is complete food for adult dogs. The portion should be adjusted based on activity and body condition, rather than just the illustration on the bag.

Key benefit & highlights

1.4 kg pack, intended for adult dogs, with a combination of crunchy kibble and soft pieces according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 11.4 kg

Why this fits the profile: For owners who want to compare puppy food on ingredients list, protein content, life stage and pack size.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product data specifies the target group: puppies of all breeds. The ingredients list also mentions concrete ingredients and analytical values, so you don't have to rely solely on "grain-free".

Key benefit & highlights

11.4 kg dry food, 38% crude protein according to the product information, and a recipe with chicken, turkey, egg and fish.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

Why this fits the profile: Handy for training sessions, as a topping, or when you want to alternate between different flavours.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states it is complementary food and gives a guideline of 1 to 2 tubes per day, depending on the dog's size and condition.

Key benefit & highlights

20 portions, two chicken and seafood flavours, and at least 90% moisture according to the product data.

Suitable for: Cat owners with a young animal
Felix Double as Nice Junior Chicken Turkey Milk

Felix Double as Nice Junior Chicken, Turkey & Milk

Why this fits the profile: An option to compare kitten food for cats aged 6 to 52 weeks, with attention to life stage and complete food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description explicitly states the age group and mentions the kibble is 100% complete and balanced. Do check the current packaging when purchasing.

Key benefit & highlights

35% crude protein and 12% fat according to the provided product data, with chicken, turkey, fish and milk derivatives in the ingredients.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about dog and cat food

What is the difference between wet food and dry food?

Wet dog food generally contains a lot of moisture and has a soft texture. Dry cat food has a longer shelf life after opening and is easy to portion. The choice depends on preference, nutritional needs, storage and the instructions on the packaging. Always check whether the product is complete or complementary.

How long can you store dog kibble?

Store unopened dog kibble according to the label in a cool, dry place. After opening, seal the bag tightly to keep out moisture and odours. Pay attention to the best-before date and do not buy a size that won't be used within a reasonable period.

How many dog treats or cat treats can you give?

Follow the guideline on the packaging and take into account your pet's weight, age and activity level. Treats are complementary. If you regularly give chicken dog treats, cat treats or other rewards, reduce the amount of main food if necessary. If you are unsure about a specific feeding plan, you can ask a vet for personal advice.