Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog and cat food without falling for marketing traps

Choosing the right food for your dog or cat might seem straightforward – until you start comparing labels, portion sizes and marketing claims side by side. A large bag of dry dog food can look good value per portion, while a small pouch of treats can work out relatively expensive. Terms like “natural”, “premium” or “grain-free dog food” don’t, on their own, tell you whether a product is right for your pet.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I start by looking at verifiable information: the species, life stage, ingredients, analytical constituents, nutritional status and feeding instructions.

Three common pitfalls with pet food

1. Mistaking a treat for a complete meal

Not every product containing meat or fish is complete and balanced food. Many lickable treats, broths and soft snacks are complementary pet foods. They are intended as a reward, topper or extra, and do not replace a daily meal.

Check the packaging to see whether it says “complete pet food” or “complementary pet food”. This distinction matters for dog biscuits, dog treats, cat treats and cat broth.

2. Taking a marketing claim as a guarantee

According to a brand’s own research, a formula might, for example, contribute to a particular nutritional goal. That is not a personal guarantee for every animal. Claims about digestion, teeth, coat, weight or hydration should therefore be checked against the ingredients list and nutritional values.

A product without added colourings, flavourings or preservatives may be a preference, but it does not automatically mean it is suitable for every dog or cat.

3. Only looking at the bag price

Compare the price per kilogram or per meal. An 800-gram pack is handy for trying something first, while an 11.4 or 15-kilogram bag can be more cost-effective for a large breed or multiple pets. Also pay attention to the recommended daily amount, as this varies by weight, age and activity level.

What to look for in dog and cat food

1. Species, age and size

Start with the basics:

  • Puppy food is designed for growth and has different feeding instructions from adult dog food.
  • Senior dog food is tailored to older dogs; the age threshold varies by product and size.
  • For small, medium and large breeds, kibble size and feeding advice can differ.
  • Adult cat food is not the same as food for kittens or senior cats.
  • Always check the target animal on the packaging, especially with food for all life stages.

A formula for adult cats from one year old, such as Purina ONE Adult, should not automatically be given to a kitten. If your pet has a known condition or a significant change in health, it is wise to consult a vet.

2. Complete or complementary pet food

Look at the legal product description. A complete pet food is intended to be given as daily nutrition according to the feeding guide. A complementary product should be used in smaller amounts.

Examples:

  • Cesar Classic wet food is described in the product information as complete wet food for adult dogs.
  • INABA Churu Cat Chicken is, according to the product information, a complementary food for cats and not a replacement for complete cat food.
  • INABA Broth with chicken and salmon contains 93% moisture according to the label and is intended as a complementary product.
  • INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps are intended as a reward or treat, not as a complete meal.

3. Analytical constituents and moisture content

The analysis on the label helps you compare products more objectively. Look at crude protein, fat, crude fibre, crude ash and moisture. A high moisture content does not automatically mean a product is complete. It can, however, be relevant when comparing wet food, broth and dry food side by side.

With dry food, the moisture content is usually lower and it is important to weigh the portion. With wet food and broth, you are partly paying for water, but portion pouches can be practical for measuring and storage.

Product choices by usage profile

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 1.4 kg bag for adult dogs. The product description states 20% less fat than the original Beneful formula.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target animal and portion information are clearly stated. Compare the daily amount with your dog’s weight and activity level.

Key benefit & highlights

Dry food for adult dogs, 1.4 kg pack and instructions to adjust the portion according to body condition.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why this fits the profile: For owners who want to compare a detailed ingredients list and a high stated protein content.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states 38% crude protein, 18% fat and 12% moisture. This allows you to check the claim against concrete analytical values.

Key benefit & highlights

Complete food for dogs in all life stages according to the product information; grain-free and available in a large bag.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

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

Why this fits the profile: Designed for puppies of different breeds, with feeding advice by age, weight and breed size.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information recommends a gradual transition over 7–10 days and multiple meals per day for young puppies.

Key benefit & highlights

11.4 kg dry food, 38% stated crude protein and a grain-free recipe according to the product description.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
INABA CHURU CAT Chicken

INABA CHURU CAT Chicken

Why this fits the profile: A complementary cat treat product for interactive feeding, as a topper or as a reward.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is not a replacement for complete cat food and recommends 1–2 sticks per day for adult cats.

Key benefit & highlights

90.5% stated moisture and 6 calories per treat according to the product information; refrigerate after opening and use within 24 hours.

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.

Practical tips for buying pet food online

  • Check that the packaging is suitable for dog or cat, and for the correct life stage.
  • Calculate the price per kilogram and per recommended daily portion.
  • When introducing new food, make a gradual transition unless the packaging states otherwise.
  • Store dry food in a cool, dry place and seal the bag tightly.
  • Put opened wet food, broth and soft treats in the fridge according to the label.
  • Always provide fresh drinking water. Extra moisture in a treat or broth does not replace normal access to water.
  • Check the best-before date and, on delivery, make sure the packaging is undamaged.

Frequently asked questions about dog and cat food

Is dry food or wet food better value for dogs?

That depends on the portion, moisture content and energy density. Dry food is often easier to store and measure per kilogram. Wet food contains more moisture and is often supplied in portions. So compare the daily cost, not just the weight of the pack.

How long can you store opened pet food?

Always follow the label. The product information for several soft INABA products states that after opening you should keep them sealed in the fridge and use within 24 hours. For dry food, the general rule is: store in a cool, dry place and keep well sealed. The exact shelf life is on the packaging.

Can I give dog biscuits or cat treats every day?

Yes, as a supplement within the total daily amount, but the portion should be limited. Check whether it is a complementary food and adjust the main meal if necessary. If you are unsure about weight, allergies or a medical condition, follow your vet’s feeding advice.