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Choosing a bag of dry food or a multipack of wet food can seem straightforward. Yet dog and cat owners often pay for features that don’t necessarily mean the food is right for their pet. Attractive packaging, terms such as “premium pet food” and a long list of added ingredients can distract you from the things that matter every day.
This guide will help you compare dog and cat food based on species, age, ingredients, intended use and portion size.
Grain-free dog food contains no grains, but that doesn’t automatically make it more suitable for every dog. Grain-free recipes often use other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato. So check the full ingredients list and make sure the food is intended as a complete food for the right life stage.
If your pet has a known sensitivity, it’s best to speak to a vet. A marketing claim on the packaging is no substitute for an individual assessment.
“Made with chicken” or “made with beef” doesn’t always mean that the main ingredient is exclusively that type of meat. Check the percentages and look out for broad descriptions such as “meat and animal derivatives”. The exact chicken percentage can vary between recipes of chicken dog food.
The claim “free from the 14 main EU allergens” isn’t a general guarantee of quality either. Always check the label if you need to avoid a specific ingredient due to an intolerance.
Cat treats and dog treats are usually complementary foods, so they don’t replace a complete meal. Soft cat treats can be particularly appealing because they contain a lot of moisture, but they don’t automatically provide all the nutrients your pet needs from its main food.
Keep treats to a limited amount and adjust the main meal if the label recommends doing so.
Puppy food is formulated for growth and isn’t the same as adult dog food. For a puppy, check the age guidance and, where relevant, the breed size. A large bag is only practical if the food and feeding guidelines are right for your puppy.
The same applies to cats. Cat wet food may be intended for adult cats, kittens or all life stages. A product labelled “complete food” is intended for daily feeding according to the instructions. “Complementary food” or “treat” serves a different purpose.
The packaging usually lists:
Dry food naturally contains much less moisture than wet food. As a result, the protein and fat percentages on the label aren’t directly comparable. Also check the recommended daily amount and energy information, if provided.
Feeding guidelines are a starting point. Your pet’s age, weight, activity level and body condition will determine whether you need to adjust the portion. Always provide fresh drinking water.
A large cat food multipack can be good value, but only if your cat likes the varieties and you can use the portions in time. Unopened food should generally be stored in a cool, dry place. Opened wet food should be covered and refrigerated as instructed on the packaging; different products recommend using it within 24 to 48 hours.
When switching between dry and wet food, a gradual transition is usually more practical than changing suddenly. Follow the product instructions and keep an eye on how your pet responds.
Why it suits this profile: A 1.2 kg bag is a manageable size if you’re trying dry dog food for the first time. According to the product information, it’s a complete food for adult dogs, made with chicken and vegetables.
You can check the grain-free claim against the listed ingredients. The packaging also gives daily amounts for different weight ranges.
25.5% crude protein, 13.5% fat and a stated source of fibre. The product description also lists omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Why it suits this profile: This dry food is formulated for adult dogs of small breeds. The smaller pack is handy if freshness and portion control matter to you.
The choice is based on breed size and adult life stage, rather than just a flavour claim or the word “premium”.
According to the label, it contains 34% crude protein, 18% fat and 9% moisture. The ingredients include chicken, herring, eggs, peas and chickpeas.
Why it suits this profile: The large bag is designed for households with a growing puppy, a larger breed or several dogs. The packaging gives feeding guidelines by age, weight and breed size.
It’s clearly labelled as puppy food and grain-free complete food. That helps avoid confusing it with adult dog food or a complementary treat.
According to the product description, 85% of the ingredients are animal-based and the food contains at least 38% crude protein. A transition period of 7 to 10 days is recommended.
Why it suits this profile: A multipack of different soft mousse varieties gives adult cats some variety if they don’t want the same texture every day.
It’s labelled as complete food for adult cats, not as a cat treat or snack. Check the portion guidance for your cat’s weight.
Soft mousse, several flavours and feeding advice for a 4 kg cat. According to the product information, opened portions should be kept refrigerated.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
Complete and balanced pet food is intended to be fed daily according to the instructions on the label. Complementary food, such as many cat or dog treats, is an extra and should make up only a limited part of your pet’s daily intake.
Not automatically. Wet food usually contains more moisture, while dry food is easier to portion and store. The right choice depends on your cat’s age, preferences, health and nutritional needs. Always check whether the product is a complete food and follow the portion guidance.
It varies by product. Opened wet food should usually be covered and kept in the fridge. Follow the time limit on the packaging: some products specify 24 hours, while others allow up to 48 hours. Store dry food in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Use the best-before date and the manufacturer’s instructions as your guide.
