Buying cat food: how to choose the right food without falling into marketing traps

Anyone looking to buy cat food online will soon come across terms such as “natural”, “premium”, “with fish” and “complete meal”. These words do not always tell you what your cat is actually getting. So first check the animal species, life stage, ingredients and portion size.

For cat owners in the Netherlands, these three pitfalls are particularly relevant:

• Mistaking a snack for complete cat food. Cat treats are intended as a supplement. They do not replace a daily meal unless this is explicitly stated on the packaging.
• Putting too much emphasis on the flavour name. “With chicken” or “with tuna” does not automatically mean that this ingredient makes up the largest part of the recipe. Check the percentage in the ingredients list.
• Looking only at the price per kilo. A large bag of dry food may seem good value, but a cat may actually tolerate or prefer small portions of wet food. Once opened, flavour and freshness can also deteriorate if the packaging does not seal properly.

What should you look for when buying cat food?

1. Check whether it is complete or complementary food

Complete cat food is intended as everyday nutrition and, according to the product information, contains the nutrients required for the specified target group. Look for the words “complete pet food” or “complete animal feed”, and check which age group the product is suitable for.

A product offered as a snack, topper or treat has a different purpose. INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef consists of 20 tubes and, according to the product description, is intended for hand-feeding, as a topping or to help administer medication. The packaging also states that each tube contains 6 calories. This makes it practical as a snack, but it is not automatically suitable as a main meal.

2. Consider moisture, energy and portion size

For wet cat food, the moisture content is an important specification. Gourmet Gold Mousse, for example, states a moisture content of 77.5% and a net pack containing 8 cans of 85 grams. Whiskas Adult Wet Cat Food Tasty Mix in Sauce states 84.5% moisture and 62 kcal per 85-gram pouch.

Use figures like these to compare products more fairly. A tray, tin or pouch may have a different energy density from dry cat food because of its higher moisture content. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and adjust the amount according to weight, age and activity level. If you are unsure about your cat’s feeding schedule or notice a change in eating behaviour, it is sensible to consult a vet.

3. Assess the ingredients and practical storage

When choosing cat food with fish or cat food with meat, check which animal-based ingredients are listed and in what proportions. Also look out for cereals, vegetable protein extracts, sugars and added substances. A fish-flavoured variety is not the same as a recipe consisting mainly of fish.

Practical considerations matter too:

• Store dry food in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigerate opened wet food as instructed on the packaging and use leftovers within the stated time.
• Serve wet food at room temperature where the packaging recommends this.
• Always provide fresh drinking water.
• Switch gradually to a different food to avoid sudden changes in diet.
• Check allergens and the full ingredients list, even when a product is described as containing “no artificial additives”.

Also pay attention to the difference between cat products and human snacks. Orion Manyo Fish Tomato Flavor Snack contains, among other things, potato starch, sugar, salt, milk and soya ingredients, and aspartame. This is a snack for human consumption and is not a product to feed to cats.

Our recommendations by buying profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Adult Crunchy Meat and Fish Chunks 2kg

Why it suits this profile: The 2 kg pack is convenient for a household that regularly feeds dry food and prefers not to replenish its supply too often. According to the description, the product is intended for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as complete dry food for adult cats. However, check the analytical constituents on the current packaging, as these are not specified online.

Key benefit & advantages

2 kg content; a mix of meat and fish; designed for adult cats.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna, Liver, Turkey & Beef Multipack

Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for complete wet food for adult cats, with several varieties and a smooth mousse texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It is described as complete pet food for adult cats. The varieties and nutritional values are listed separately in the product information.

Key benefit & advantages

8 cans of 85 g; four listed flavour varieties; 77.5% moisture according to the product details.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users

INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for cat owners looking for a small treat, topper or hand-feeding option alongside a regular meal.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its function as a snack, topping or hand-fed treat is clearly described. This makes it less likely that you will use it as a complete daily meal.

Key benefit & advantages

91% moisture; 6 calories per tube according to the product description; 20 tubes; chicken and beef listed as ingredients.

Suitable for: Households that want variety

Whiskas Adult Wet Cat Food Tasty Mix in Sauce 1+

Why it suits this profile: The mix combines varieties with meat, chicken, turkey, salmon and cod in gravy for cats that enjoy variety as part of an adult feeding routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion and storage advice is clear: refrigerate opened leftovers and preferably use them within 48 hours.

Key benefit & advantages

Wet food in gravy; 85 g per pouch; 62 kcal per pouch according to the product information; suitable for adult cats.

Frequently asked questions about buying cat food

What is a good combination of wet and dry food for cats?

That depends on the feeding guidelines, your cat’s weight, age and activity level. Do not simply combine a full daily portion of both products. Use the guidelines on both packs and reduce the amount of dry food when you also provide wet food. Always make sure fresh water is available.

How long does opened cat food stay fresh?

Follow the instructions on the packaging. For the Whiskas wet food mentioned above, the advice is to keep leftovers covered in the fridge and preferably use them within 48 hours. Take the portion out of the fridge in good time or serve it at room temperature as stated on the label.

Are low-calorie cat treats suitable for cats that need to lose weight?

A low-calorie snack can form part of your cat’s total daily intake, but “low-calorie” does not automatically make a product suitable for every cat. INABA Churu states that each tube contains 6 calories. Count these calories as well, and discuss an adjusted feeding plan with a vet if weight management is needed.