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Buying pet food online seems simple: choose a brand, compare the price, and place your order. However, attractive packaging and general claims can lead you to choose a food that isn't a good match for your pet's age, size, or daily routine. This can result in waste, extra costs, or a difficult switch to a different food.
This practical checklist helps you avoid the most common buying mistakes when it comes to cat food, dog food, puppy food, and kitten food.
Words like chicken, turkey, or fish on the front of the pack don't automatically tell you how much of that ingredient is in the product. That's why you should always check the composition on the label. For some products, the percentage of chicken or turkey listed might only apply to specific kibble or pieces, not the entire product.
A multipack may also contain different recipes. This is handy for variety, but you should check that each variety is labelled as complete pet food. A complementary product is not intended to be a complete daily diet.
A kitten has different nutritional needs from an adult cat. The same goes for puppies and adult dogs. So, look out for terms like kitten food, puppy food, adult, or senior. For dog food, you should also consider the dog's expected size. A large bag isn't automatically a good deal if the kibble size or nutritional value isn't suitable for your dog.
For example, the product description for Felix Double as Nice Junior states that the food is intended for kittens from 6 to 52 weeks old. According to its product information, Felix Double the Tasty Senior is aimed at cats aged 7 and over. Use these age indicators as a first filter, but always compare them with the guidelines on the packaging.
A large bag of dry food often has a lower price per kilogram, but wet food is sold in smaller portions and can therefore seem more expensive. Don't just compare the packaging; also consider:
With wet food for cats or dogs, you also need to consider fridge storage. Many packages advise using opened portions within a maximum of two days.
Look for a clear indication such as complete and balanced pet food or "complete pet food". According to their product descriptions, Felix Double as Nice for adult cats, Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food, and Sheba Delicacies in Jelly are all complete foods for their specified target group.
Note that "complete" is always linked to a species and life stage. Cat food is not suitable for dogs, and puppy food is not automatically suitable for an adult dog. If in doubt, you can consult the brand's feeding guide or a vet.
The ingredients list shows which raw materials have been used. The analytical constituents show the percentage of protein, fat, fibre, crude ash, and moisture, among other things. These figures are useful for making a fairer comparison between dry and wet food.
Wet food usually contains a lot of moisture. This makes the protein percentage on the label appear lower than that of dry food, so you can't directly compare the two products based on that single figure. Also, check for the presence of taurine in cat food and look at the nutritional additives listed on the label.
Claims about things like coat, digestion, or natural immunity are brand claims. According to the brand's own research or information, certain ingredients may contribute to these benefits, but these are not guaranteed effects. For example, the product description for Iams mentions a fibre blend and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; this is information from the manufacturer, not a personal guarantee.
Feeding recommendations are usually based on weight, age, and activity level. An active dog may need a different amount than a less active dog of the same weight. Treats count towards the daily energy intake.
When switching to a different food, a gradual transition over several days is advisable. This also allows you to better monitor how your pet reacts to the new food. Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water and store pet food according to the instructions on the packaging.
Why it fits this profile: An 800 g bag of dry food is a manageable size for anyone buying cat food online for the first time, allowing you to see if your cat likes the flavour before committing.
The product information specifies it's an adult cat food with a complete, balanced composition. Double-check this on the label when your order arrives.
Dry food with chicken and turkey, offering two flavours in one product. According to the product description, it contains no colourants.
Why it fits this profile: Ideal for households specifically looking for puppy food with a detailed ingredients list and who want to buy in bulk.
The product description mentions puppies of various breeds and provides feeding guidelines by age and weight. Check that the kibble size is suitable for your puppy.
An 11.4 kg bag of dry food, with 38% stated crude protein and chicken, turkey, egg, and fish on the ingredients list.
Why it fits this profile: A practical option for owners of medium-sized adult dogs who are looking for a large bag of chicken-based dog food.
The product information specifies the target group: medium-sized adult dogs aged 1 to 7 years. This makes it a more specific choice than just searching for "dog food".
A 15 kg bag, with chicken as the named animal source and a fibre blend containing prebiotics and beet pulp, according to the product description.
Dry cat food is easy to portion out and practical if you're not at home during the day. Store an opened bag sealed in a cool, dry place. Wet cat food is often sold in single servings and can be a good choice for cats that enjoy different textures or flavours. A multipack, such as Gourmet Gold Mousse Turkey Multipack or SHEBA Delicacies in Jelly Turkey & Chicken Multipack, offers variety without you having to order multiple separate boxes.
For dogs, a multipack of Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food can be a great option if you want to serve small portions. For a medium or large dog, a bag of dry food like Eukanuba or Orijen is often more straightforward for daily use. Always compare the portion size with your dog's weight.
We've put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
It depends on the size, daily portion, special offers, and delivery costs. Compare the price per kilogram as well as the estimated cost per day. With multipacks, the price per serving can be clearer than with individual packs.
Dry food generally stays fresh for longer when stored in a well-sealed container in a dry place. According to most product labels, opened wet food should be covered, stored in the fridge, and used within a maximum of two days. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
A gradual transition over several days is usually more advisable than an immediate switch. Mix a little more of the new food with the old each day, and keep an eye on your pet's appetite, stools, and general reaction. If you notice any persistent problems or if your pet is on a special diet, consult your vet.
