Animal feed online: choose the product and the ration

1. Defining the animal and exact use

Note the species, age, current weight, level of activity, and physiological status where relevant. A race photo or a word like "natural" does not define a nutritional need. Identify the regulatory category: a complete food is formulated to cover a daily ration, while an additional food must be associated with other intakes. Products intended for specific nutritional purposes must be used within the indicated framework, and a medical situation requires professional advice.

• Species, age and weight taken into account.
• Category of food identified.
• Medical need separated from a current purchase.

2. Compare homogeneous information

Remove the name, composition, analytical components, declared additives, quantity and recommendations for use available. Compare two foods with comparable category and humidity, because a wet box and dry croquettes do not read the same way. Beware of the lists of ingredients highlighted without context and the absolute benefits. A formula can evolve: check the package received before starting the transition, even if you have already purchased the reference.

• Comparable categories face-to-face.
• Composition and components recorded.
• Package received checked before use.

3. Calculate ratio, duration and daily cost

Use the manufacturer's recommendation as a starting point, then adapt with the professional who follows the animal. Calculate how many days the package can cover and cost per day, rather than the price per kilogram alone. A large bag can lose quality if it remains open too long or be ill adapted to a small animal. Integrate the treats and supplements into the entire ration to avoid that a multiplication of small products alters the balance or masks the real cost.

• Estimated duration from ration.
• Daily price calculated.
• Fried goods and supplements recorded.

4. Receiving, storing and observing

Upon receipt, check integrity, lot, date and absence of moisture or abnormal odour. Store the product closed, dry and as indicated, keeping the packaging that bears the traceability information. A food change is gradually being prepared when recommended. Observe appetite, digestion, weight and behaviour without assigning any variation to an isolated ingredient. In case of unusual reaction or recall, stop use according to instructions and keep the lot number.

• Lot and date retained.
• Storage in accordance with the package.
• Organized transition and observation.

Fictional example · No merchant prices

Compare the same period using the product’s ration

Fictional budget example, not nutritional advice: at an assumed ration of 120 g a day, a 6 kg bag lasts 50 days. Over 100 days, two €36 bags cost €72 versus €60 for a 12 kg bag of the same food. The large bag saves €12 only if storage and preservation are suitable.

• Use the ration suited to the animal and food, not this example’s.

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