Joybuy Insights

Choosing pet food online: how to compare dog and cat food without making the wrong choice

Buying pet food online seems easy, until you have to choose from dozens of options featuring terms such as “grain-free”, “high meat content” and “for optimal vitality”. These words don’t always tell you whether a product is suitable for your dog or cat. The right choice starts with your pet’s life stage and size, as well as the full nutritional information on the packaging.

Common pitfalls when buying pet food online

1. Assuming grain-free automatically means better

Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but that doesn’t automatically make it suitable for every pet. Grain-free recipes often contain other sources of carbohydrates, such as potatoes, peas or chickpeas. So check the full composition and analytical constituents, rather than relying on the front of the bag alone.

A recipe containing traditional grains can also be part of a complete diet. For example, Farmina N&D Traditional Grain Series Chicken for medium to large dogs contains spelt and oats. The product information lists 30% crude protein, 16% fat and 10% moisture. These are figures you can check, and they tell you more than a standalone marketing claim.

2. A high meat percentage doesn’t tell the whole story

A claim such as “high in animal protein” can refer to different ingredients and methods of calculation. So check:

  • which animal-derived ingredients appear near the top of the ingredients list;
  • the percentages of crude protein and crude fat;
  • whether the product is intended as complete pet food;
  • which life stage and breed size the food is made for.

According to the product description, Orijen Original Prey Dog Food contains 38% crude protein, with around 85% of its protein coming from animal sources. This is a product specification, not a guarantee that every pet will tolerate the food well.

3. Choosing the wrong option for your pet’s age or size

Puppy food, adult dog food and cat food have different nutritional aims. A large-breed puppy also has different nutritional needs from a small adult dog. Always check the information on the packaging:

  • Puppy food: for growth and the stated age range;
  • Adult food: tailored to adult animals;
  • food for small dogs: usually with smaller kibble and an appropriate nutritional profile;
  • food for medium and large dogs: often tailored to larger body weights and portion sizes.

A product for adult cats isn’t suitable as dog food. Baby food and savoury meat snacks aren’t pet food either. For example, Olvarit Pumpkin Chicken Potato is baby food for children aged 15 months and over and contains wheat, so it isn’t a product for pets.

Important specifications to check

1. Life stage and intended animal

Start with your pet’s age and expected adult weight. For a puppy, relevant details include the recommended age, calcium and phosphorus levels, and feeding guidelines. According to the product information, Farmina N&D Prime Chicken Puppy Medium/Maxi is a complete food for puppies and comes with a separate feeding chart.

For adult animals, look for the “adult” label and check the recommended daily amount. Eukanuba Life Care Adult Medium Chicken, for example, is intended for adult medium-sized dogs. The 15 kg bag may be practical for a household with a dog that needs larger portions each day, as long as you store the food in a well-sealed container.

2. Analytical constituents and feeding guidance

The terms crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, crude ash and moisture usually appear in the nutritional analysis. They help you compare products more objectively. A higher protein percentage doesn’t automatically mean the food is right for your pet; activity, weight, age and any sensitivities all matter.

Use the feeding chart on the packaging as a starting point. Adjust the portion to suit your pet’s body condition and activity level. When switching foods, introduce the new one gradually, often over about a week. This helps reduce the risk of digestive problems caused by a sudden change.

3. Ingredients, allergens and storage

Read the ingredients list if your dog or cat reacts badly to a particular protein source. Chicken dog food, lamb dog food and fish-based options aren’t interchangeable when following a strict elimination diet. Speak to a vet about persistent symptoms; product information is no substitute for professional advice.

Pay attention to pack size too. A 12 kg bag may work out cheaper per kilogram, but it’s less practical if your pet eats slowly. Store dry food in a cool, dry place, seal the packaging after each use and check the best-before date.

Recommended choices for different types of pet owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
WHISKAS Dry Food 1+ with Chicken

WHISKAS Dry Food 1+ with Chicken

Why it suits this profile: A dry food for adult cats aged one year and over, supplied in a 1900 g pack. A handy choice if you’re looking for a familiar everyday food and want to measure out portions yourself.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information sets out the age range, composition and daily feeding guidelines. That means you don’t have to rely on claims on the front of the bag alone.

Key benefits and highlights

For adult cats; according to the product description, it contains 34% protein and 14% fat. Fresh drinking water should always be available.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Prime Chicken Adult Mini 7 kg

Farmina N&D Prime Chicken Adult Mini 7 kg

Why it suits this profile: Designed for small adult dogs, with a chicken recipe that is grain-free according to the product description.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and analysis are clearly set out: 34% crude protein, 18% fat and 9% moisture. This lets you compare the grain-free claim with measurable information.

Key benefits and highlights

For small adult dogs; chicken is the stated protein source, and the 7 kg bag is suited to regular use.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent users
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: A large pack for households with an active dog or several dogs, provided the composition meets their nutritional needs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists ingredients, analytical values and separate feeding guidelines for adult dogs, puppies, pregnancy and lactation. Make sure this option is right for your dog.

Key benefits and highlights

According to the product description, it contains 38% crude protein and 18% fat, along with several animal-derived ingredients, including chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg.

Suitable for: Puppy owners
Eukanuba Life Care dog puppy medium chicken 3 kg

Eukanuba Life Care dog puppy medium chicken 3 kg

Why it suits this profile: Specifically designed for medium-breed puppies aged 1 to 12 months, with chicken as the stated protein source.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The age range and breed size are clearly stated in the product description. This helps you avoid accidentally choosing adult dog food or an option for small breeds.

Key benefits and highlights

A 3 kg pack; according to the product description, it is complete and balanced for medium-breed puppies, with DHA and a fibre blend.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about buying pet food online

Which dog food is right for a puppy?

Choose puppy food that is specifically intended for your dog’s age and expected size. There are separate options for medium and large breeds. Check the feeding chart, analytical constituents and transition instructions on the packaging. Change foods gradually and ask a vet for advice if you’re unsure.

Is dry cat food enough as an everyday diet?

That depends on the product label. Choose a product marked as complete food for the right life stage. With dry food, such as Purina ONE cat food or Whiskas cat food, follow the recommended portion and always provide fresh water. Combining it with wet food may work as part of a feeding plan, but check the total daily amount.

How long does an opened bag of pet food stay fresh?

The exact period varies by product. Seal the bag airtight or use a suitable storage container, keep the food in a cool, dry place and follow the instructions on the packaging. Don’t buy a larger bag than you can use within a reasonable time. If the food has an unusual smell, colour or texture, it’s best not to feed it to your pet.