Joybuy Insights

Dog and cat food: how to choose the right diet without being misled by marketing

Buying dry food for dogs and cats seems simple… until you need to compare ingredients, pack sizes and age-related recommendations. Between “premium” recipes, grain-free dog food, formulas for neutered pets and veterinary diets, packaging competes with promises that can sometimes be difficult to decode.

To avoid paying more without any real benefit, focus on three points: the complete feed statement, whether the product suits your pet’s profile and how transparent the ingredients are. A recipe designed for an adult cat is not automatically suitable for an adult dog. Similarly, a formula intended to support kidney function should not be chosen without veterinary advice.

Common pitfalls when buying dry pet food

1. Mistaking a highlighted ingredient for a genuinely suitable recipe

The wording “with chicken”, “with salmon” or “with beef” does not necessarily mean that the ingredient in question makes up most of the recipe. Check the full ingredients list, note the order in which ingredients appear and look at the detailed percentages where provided.

Some adult cat food focuses on a particular shape or flavour, while the recipe also contains cereals, plant proteins and animal by-products. That does not automatically make it unsuitable, but this information lets you compare products based on tangible details rather than their packaging.

2. Assuming that “grain-free” automatically means better tolerance

Grain-free dog food generally replaces wheat or maize with peas, sweet potato, chickpeas or other sources of starch. This feature may suit certain preferences or dietary requirements, but it is not enough to assess the overall quality of pet food.

Digestibility depends on the complete formula, the amount served and each animal’s individual sensitivity. When changing food, make the switch gradually, usually over 7 to 10 days, to minimise digestive problems caused by an overly sudden change.

3. Choosing a large bag without considering actual consumption

7, 12 or 15 kg bags can reduce the price per kilo, but they are less practical for a small dog or a cat that eats slowly. Once opened, the bag should be carefully resealed and stored in a cool, dry place. To preserve the aroma and texture of the dry food, choose a size that will be eaten within a reasonable period.

Criteria to check before ordering

Nutritional status and your pet’s age

Look for the wording “complete feed for adult dogs” or “complete feed for adult cats”. This means that the product is designed to make up the animal’s daily ration, in line with the instructions on the label. Then check the recommended age: some cat recipes are suitable from one year old, while others are specifically formulated for neutered cats.

For dogs, size also plays a role. Dry food for adult small-breed dogs generally has a different size and different feeding recommendations from food intended for medium or large breeds.

Ingredients and analytical constituents

Compare the levels of crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. These figures alone do not provide a complete assessment of a recipe’s quality, but they make it easier to compare products in the same category.

Also examine the protein sources: fish, lamb, chicken, turkey, quail or dehydrated proteins. If you suspect an intolerance, only the full ingredients list will give you a clear picture. For example, a recipe presented as free from chicken protein may still contain chicken fat, as specified in some product details.

Feeding amounts and weight monitoring

The quantities shown on the packaging are guidelines. They should be adjusted according to your pet’s weight, activity level, age, lifestyle and body condition. Weigh portions regularly, especially for a neutered cat or an inactive dog.

For veterinary dog food, particularly when kidney, heart or joint-related needs have been identified, ask a vet for advice before purchase and throughout the period of use. A dietary formula is not a substitute for diagnosis or professional monitoring.

Our selection based on your shopping profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget
PURINA FIDO Adult Dog Food Beef Vegetable 12kg

PURINA FIDO Adult: beef and vegetable dry food, 12 kg

Why this choice suits this profile: A large pack for an adult dog, with a complete recipe and recommendations for a 10-day transition.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details clearly present it as complete food for adult dogs and provide a detailed ingredient list, rather than relying solely on a simple flavour promise.

Main benefit and key features

12 kg pack, 20% crude protein and 10% fat according to the product details.

Recommended for: Premium food enthusiasts
Farmina N&D Prime Chicken Adult Medi Maxi 12 kg

Farmina N&D Prime Chicken Adult Medi/Maxi, 12 kg

Why this choice suits this profile: A grain-free recipe for medium or large adult dogs, featuring chicken and herring among its listed ingredients.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The grain-free claim is supported by an ingredients list that specifies the starch sources, including peas and chickpeas.

Main benefit and key features

12 kg pack and a complete formula advertised for adult dogs of medium and large breeds.

Recommended for: Homes with a neutered cat
WHISKAS Adult Sterilised Cat Dry Food with Chicken 7kg

WHISKAS Adult: chicken dry food for neutered cats, 7 kg

Why this choice suits this profile: This formula is intended for neutered adult cats aged one year and over, with feeding amounts tailored to the animal’s weight.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this recipe is not suitable for kittens or pregnant or nursing cats.

Main benefit and key features

7 kg pack, 30% crude protein, 11.5% fat and detailed recommendations based on weight.

Recommended for: Specific needs and intensive users
Vet Life Canine Kidney Formula 2kg

Vet Life Canine Kidney Formula, 2 kg

Why this choice suits this profile: A dietary food for dogs designed for situations where kidney function requires particular attention, following approval by a vet.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its dietary food status is clearly stated: this formula should not be treated as standard dry food or chosen without professional advice.

Main benefit and key features

A complete formula advertised to support kidney function in cases of temporary or chronic kidney failure, with veterinary consultation recommended.

Looking for more options?

We have brought together a complete, real-time updated selection of products that meet these exacting criteria and European safety regulations.

FAQ about dog and cat food

Should I change my pet’s food if they seem to be doing well?

Not necessarily. If their food is complete and suited to their age and profile, you can continue using it as long as their weight, appetite and digestion remain satisfactory. If any symptoms persist or their general condition changes, ask a vet for advice.

How much dry food should I give an adult dog or cat?

Start by following the feeding amount shown on the bag, then adjust it according to your pet’s weight, activity level and body condition. Indoor cats and neutered pets often require closer weight monitoring. Kitchen scales can help you avoid estimating portions by eye.

Can adult cat food be suitable for a dog?

No. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs. Choose a recipe suited to the species and age and, where necessary, to the animal’s size or specific status.