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Anyone looking to buy dog and cat food online will soon come across hundreds of options. Dry food, wet food, grain-free dog food, puppy food, treats and food for sterilised cats differ in more than just flavour and packaging. Suitability for age, size and activity level also plays a role.
However, attractive packaging does not tell you everything. So first, look out for the following common pitfalls.
A package may say “chicken dog food” or “chicken cat food”, even though chicken makes up only a small part of the recipe. So check the ingredients list and the percentages. For example, Felix Double the Tasty Beef and Chicken states that beef and chicken each make up 2% of certain kibbles. The name therefore mainly describes the flavour variety, not necessarily the main ingredient.
Not every product containing nutrients is complete and balanced pet food. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Dog Chicken Wraps is complementary food for dogs. The treat contains 82% moisture and is intended as a reward, not as a replacement for a complete meal.
So give dog biscuits and dog treats alongside your pet’s daily food and adjust the total amount accordingly. This prevents extras from unknowingly making up a large proportion of your pet’s daily energy intake.
Grain-free dog food may suit a specific preference, but grain-free does not automatically mean that the food is suitable for every dog. Age, body weight and activity level remain important too. The same applies to the search term premium dog food: look at the full composition, analytical constituents, feeding instructions and suitability for the relevant life stage.
If your pet has symptoms, a food intolerance or a medical condition, consulting a vet is wiser than relying solely on marketing claims.
Choose food that is clearly intended for:
Puppy food often contains different nutritional ratios from food for adult dogs. According to the product information, Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula is intended for kittens from weaning up to 12 months, as well as pregnant or nursing cats. For an adult cat, cat food for adult cats is the more logical choice.
The legal product description on the packaging helps distinguish between complete and complementary food. Complete food is intended to be given as a daily meal in accordance with the instructions. Also check, among other things:
Do not compare wet and dry food solely on the basis of their protein percentage. Wet food contains much more moisture, meaning that percentages can differ depending on the basis used for calculation. CESAR Classic Wet Dog Food Chicken is a complete wet food for adult dogs. The packaging contains 150 grams and states, among other things, 10% protein, 5% fat and 81% moisture.
A large bag can be cost-effective if you have several dogs, but only if you can seal the food properly and use it before the best-before date. For a small dog or cat, an 800-gram pack may sometimes be more practical for maintaining freshness and variety.
Always follow the feeding table on the packaging. The recommended amount may vary depending on body weight, age, activity level and body condition. Also make sure your pet always has access to clean, fresh drinking water.
Why it suits this profile: The 150-gram portion is easy to manage for an adult dog and is suitable when you want to serve wet food in small quantities.
The product information clearly states that this is complete wet food for adult dogs. Once opened, any remaining food should be refrigerated and kept for a maximum of two days.
150 g per pack, 81% moisture and no artificial colourings according to the product specifications.
Why it suits this profile: This dry food is designed for adult small-breed dogs and, according to the stated composition, uses chicken as its main source of animal protein.
The ingredients and analytical constituents are listed in detail. However, check whether a grain-free composition is suitable for your dog; it is not a general necessity.
7 kg pack, 34% crude protein and 18% fat according to the product information; suitable for adult small-breed dogs.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product specifications, this complete food is intended for adult sterilised or neutered cats.
The target group and feeding guidelines are clearly specified. The recommended portion is adjusted according to weight, activity level and body condition.
800 g pack, 37% crude protein, 13% fat and a feeding table for different body weights.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
That depends on the portion size, packaging and composition. Dry dog food often has a longer shelf life once opened and is easy to weigh out. Wet food contains more moisture, but individual portions may work out more expensive per gram. Compare the price per kilogram, not just the price per pack.
Store dry food in a cool, dry place in a sealed container or properly closed bag. Close the bag securely after each use and follow the storage information on the packaging. Opened wet food should generally be refrigerated. CESAR states that it can be kept in the fridge for a maximum of two days; INABA recommends using opened packs within 24 hours.
Choose a product labelled as intended for sterilised or neutered adult cats. Then follow the feeding table and monitor your cat’s body condition. Purina One Sterilcat is an example of food designed for this specific target group. If your cat gains noticeable weight or develops other problems, a vet can help create a suitable feeding plan.
