The range of dog and cat food and treats is vast. However, an eye-catching packet, terms like "natural" or a generous multi-buy offer don't always tell you enough about whether a product is right for your pet. What really matters is whether it suits the species, age, nutritional needs and the occasion it's intended for.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus on verifiable information: the ingredients, analytical constituents, nutritional status, portion size, packaging and usage instructions.
A treat may look nutritious on the packet, but many products are complementary pet food. That means they're intended as a reward, a snack or a topper, not as a daily main meal. So always give a complementary treat alongside a product labelled as complete pet food.
For dogs, this applies to many dog snacks, dog treats and soft reward products. INABA Churu for cats and dogs also falls under complementary feeding.
"With chicken", "grain-free" or "high in moisture" can be relevant, but it doesn't tell you everything. Also check:
A brand's own research might suggest an ingredient has a certain effect, but don't present that as a proven medical fact. When making dietary choices for pets with health issues, it's wise to consult a vet.
A multi-kilogram bag of dry dog food can look like good value, but only if your dog actually eats it well and the shelf life after opening remains practical. With wet food and hydration treats for cats, the storage time after opening also matters.
Many liquid treats need to be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. That's stated on several INABA products, for example. A multipack can be handy, but always compare the portion size and daily usage.
Look on the label for the legal description. Complete pet food is intended to be given as a main feed, while complementary pet food only forms part of the daily diet.
Examples:
A product with a high moisture percentage can be nice as a treat or topper, but it doesn't automatically replace complete food.
The moisture content affects the texture and weight of a product. The product information for INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna, for example, states 93% moisture. The portion for cats weighing 3 to 4 kg is listed as one portion per day. That makes it suitable as a complementary cat treat or topper, not as a full meal.
For INABA Churu for dogs, the product information states a moisture content of at least 90%. The recommended amount is one to two tubes per day, depending on the dog's size and condition.
For training purposes, small, easy-to-dose pieces are often more practical than large chews. A chicken dog treat like MeatyWay Chicken Tenders lists 70% crude protein and a maximum of 5% crude fat according to the product specification. The treat is breakable, so you can adjust the amount per reward.
A grain-free dog treat might suit an owner who wants to avoid grains in complementary food. However, grain-free doesn't automatically mean the product is suitable for every dog. Also look at the full ingredients list and consider any known sensitivities.
Why this suits the profile: A straightforward bag of dry food for adult dogs, offering a practical daily staple.
The product information states that this is complete food for adult dogs, making its nutritional status clearer than with a standalone treat.
1.4 kg pack, designed for adult dogs and can be served as dry food.
Why this suits the profile: Ideal for dog owners looking for a large bag of complete food with an extensive list of animal-based ingredients.
The analytical composition and recommended portions are listed, so you can adjust the daily amount based on weight and activity.
According to the product information, it contains 38% crude protein and is complete food for dogs of all life stages, with a stated exception for Great Dane puppies under 14 weeks.
Why this suits the profile: For cat owners looking for a moist cat treat or topper for a cat that doesn't drink much.
The product is clearly labelled as complementary food. The high moisture content is stated as a product specification and means it is not a replacement for complete cat food.
93% moisture according to the product information, four stated flavour varieties in the pack and a net weight of 146 g.
Why this suits the profile: Practical for training, daily rewards and owners who want to break the treat into smaller pieces.
The packaging lists one ingredient, chicken, and gives analytical values per 100 g. This makes the composition easy to check.
100 g pack, soft jerky texture, maximum 5% crude fat according to the product information and suitable for breaking into pieces.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
That depends on their weight, age, activity level and total daily food intake. Use the recommended amount on the packet and adjust the main meal if needed. A practical guideline for training treats is to use small pieces and keep extras limited within the daily diet.
Wet food usually contains more moisture and is often sold in portion-sized packs. Dry food has a longer shelf life after opening and is easier to portion out in larger quantities. With both types, check whether it's complete or complementary pet food.
No. A hydration treat for cats may contain a lot of moisture according to the product specification, but fresh drinking water should always be available. Also give cat treats as a supplement, not as a replacement for complete cat food.