Joybuy Insights

Choosing dog and cat food: how to compare ingredients, portions and suitability

When you buy dog and cat food online, you’ll soon come across terms such as premium, grain-free, natural ingredients and high meat content. On their own, these words don’t tell you much. The composition, nutritional value and suitability for your pet determine whether a product meets their daily needs.

For dog and cat owners in the Netherlands, three pitfalls are particularly important:

  • Confusing a standout protein source with a complete meal. A product containing horse, game or beef may be appealing, but always check whether it is labelled as a complete pet food.
  • Assuming grain-free dog food is automatically more suitable. Grain-free describes the composition; it’s no guarantee that it’s a better choice for every pet. Check the full ingredients list and analytical constituents too.
  • Counting treats as a main meal. Cat treats and dog snacks are intended as extras. For example, G’woon Beef Strips advises that snacks should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake.

What to look for in dog and cat food

1. Check the legal description

Look for “complete pet food” on the packaging if you plan to serve the product as your pet’s everyday main meal. Bonzo MP 12P Round Chicken/Lamb in Sauce is described as complete food for adult dogs. The Farmina N&D and Ziwi PEAK products in this selection are also labelled as complete food.

A complementary product, such as a treat or topper, does not automatically provide all the nutrients your pet needs. INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef, for example, is a cat treat. You can use these tubes for hand-feeding or as a topping, but they are not a substitute for complete cat food.

2. Look at the protein source and the full composition

A description such as dog food with game, dog food with horse or dog food with beef only tells you which animal ingredients are present. Also check:

  • the order of the ingredients;
  • the stated percentage of the protein source;
  • the crude protein and fat content;
  • grains, pulses and other plant-based ingredients;
  • added vitamins and minerals.

Farmina N&D Pumpkin Wild Boar Adult Medi/Maxi features wild boar in its product name, while the composition provided lists ingredients including fresh and dehydrated venison. That’s exactly why you shouldn’t rely on the front of the bag alone. Read the current packaging and check the composition before buying.

3. Choose a format and quantity that suit your household

Wet dog food contains a lot of moisture and is often sold in pouches or tins. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within the stated period, according to the product information. Bonzo meal pouches are practical if you want to measure out each meal or combine wet food with dry food.

Dry dog food is convenient for everyday portions and larger households. If you’re buying a 9.7, 10 or 11.4 kg bag, check the recommended amount in grams for your dog’s weight and activity level. For example, Acana Classic Pasture Poultry gives separate guidelines for inactive and active dogs. A food with a higher energy density may require a smaller portion, so comparing the cost per day is more useful than looking at the bag price alone.

For adult dog food, your dog’s age, size and activity level should match the product information. If your dog has a medical condition, a suspected food allergy or ongoing digestive problems, it’s best to speak to a vet rather than switching to hypoallergenic dog food on your own.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Bonzo MP 12P Round chicken lamb in sauce

Bonzo MP 12P Round/chicken/lamb in Sauce

Why it suits this profile: The meal pouches are easy to serve in portions and can be fed on their own or with dry food. They’re a good fit for households looking for a straightforward way to get started.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is complete food for adult dogs. Be sure to check the current packaging and feeding guide.

Key benefit & highlights

Portion-sized pouches, a sauce texture and suitability as complete food for adult dogs, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Orijen Original Prey Dog Food 11.4 kg

Orijen Original Prey Dog Food – 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: For owners who want to compare a detailed ingredients list and high analytical values. The recipe contains chicken, turkey, herring, cod and egg.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The composition lists individual animal ingredients and analytical constituents, including 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat. This makes it easier to compare products in more detail.

Key benefit & highlights

11.4 kg pack, complete food for all life stages according to the product information, and a detailed feeding guide.

Suitable for: Specific needs & experienced users
Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison 390g

Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison 390g

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this wet food lists venison as its animal protein source and comes in a handy tin size.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The product information lists the composition and analytical values. If your dog has sensitivities, check the full label and consult a vet if needed.

Key benefit & highlights

390 g wet food, at least 10% crude protein and a recommended gradual transition over seven days.

Suitable for: Cat owners looking to supplement their cat’s diet
INABA Churu Multipack Chicken Beef 20 pcs

INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: The tubes are designed as interactive cat treats, toppers or a way to help give medication, not as everyday main meals.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The product information explicitly describes it as a treat or topping. With 91% moisture and 6 calories per tube, its purpose is clear.

Key benefit & highlights

20 tubes, 91% moisture, and suitable as a hand-fed treat or a topping for wet and dry food.

Switching safely and ordering online

Gradually mix the new food with the old food. Several product descriptions recommend a transition over seven days; some dry foods suggest seven to ten days. Keep an eye on your pet’s stools, appetite and body weight, without attributing health claims to a product.

When buying premium pet food online, don’t just compare prices. Work out the cost per kilogram or per daily portion, and check:

  1. Is the product complete or complementary?
  2. Is it suitable for your dog or cat’s life stage?
  3. Is the protein source suitable for your pet?
  4. How should you store it once opened?
  5. Is the pack size practical for how much you use?

If you’re also considering raw food, you’ll find more options in the raw dog food category. Pay particular attention to chilled or frozen delivery, storage temperature and hygienic preparation.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about dog and cat food

Is wet dog food better than dry food?

That depends on your dog’s preferences, nutritional needs and your daily routine. Wet food usually contains a lot of moisture and is easy to serve in portions. Dry food is often easier to store and measure out. Above all, check that both options are complete and follow the feeding guide on the packaging.

How many dog treats can I give my dog?

Use treats as extras and adjust your dog’s main meal if needed. G’woon Beef Strips recommends limiting treats to a maximum of 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The right amount varies depending on your dog’s size, age and activity level.

When might hypoallergenic dog food be suitable?

A food with one or a limited number of protein sources can be useful if you want to carefully exclude certain ingredients. That doesn’t automatically mean the product treats a medical condition. If you suspect an allergy or your dog has persistent symptoms, choose a suitable food together with your vet.