Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without falling into marketing traps: how to find the right option

A bag of dry food or a multipack of wet food may seem like an easy choice. Yet cat owners regularly pay too much for a product that does not suit their cat’s age, eating habits or daily portion. Three pitfalls are particularly common:

  • An appealing flavour name tells you little about the ingredients. “Cat food with chicken”, for example, may contain only a small percentage of chicken. Always check the exact percentage on the label.
  • A complementary product is mistaken for complete food. Soup, treats and certain broths are intended as additions and should not automatically replace a daily meal.
  • A large pack may seem better value, but it is not always eaten fresh. With wet food, opened portions may need to be chilled and used quickly. With dry food, good resealable packaging is important.

The right choice therefore starts not with the most eye-catching claim on the front, but with the food category, ingredients, portion size and storage instructions.

What should you look for when choosing cat food?

1. Check whether it is complete or complementary food

Complete cat food is formulated to be given as daily nutrition during the stated life stage. The packaging should clearly state which animal species and age group the product is intended for. Look for wording such as “complete food for adult cats” or “complete food for kittens”.

A complementary product, such as soup or a treat, does not automatically provide all the nutrients required for a complete meal. Felix Soup Fish Wet Cat Food 6×48g is described in the product information as complementary food for adult cats. The recommended amount is one pouch per 4 kg of body weight per day, alongside a complete food. The product can therefore add variety, but it does not replace a complete daily staple.

2. Choose according to life stage and eating habits

A kitten has different nutritional needs from an adult cat. Kitten food should therefore be clearly labelled for kittens. Whiskas Junior Classic Selection in Sauce Pouches Multipack 12×85g, for example, is intended as complete wet food for kittens. The feeding recommendations vary by age: according to the product information, three-month-old kittens receive a different amount from kittens aged six to twelve months.

For cat food for adult cats, you can choose wet food, dry food or a combination of both. Pay attention to the recommended daily amount and adjust it when combining wet and dry food. Do not give the full portion of both types together without making the necessary calculation.

3. Look beyond “chicken”, “fish” or “no artificial additives”

With cat food containing chicken or fish, the difference between the product name and its actual composition is important. In Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly, each named variety contains 4% of the highlighted ingredient according to the product information, such as beef, chicken, tuna or salmon. The remainder consists of, among other things, meat and animal derivatives, vegetable protein extracts, minerals and sugars.

“Without artificial additives” also does not automatically mean that every ingredient is completely unprocessed. According to the product description, Felix Sensations Sauces Countryside Selection contains no added artificial flavourings or preservatives and no colourings. Always check the full ingredients list and the analytical constituents on the packaging.

Wet or dry food for cats?

Wet food for cats generally contains a high proportion of moisture. This can be practical for cats that do not drink much on their own, but it is no reason to remove the water bowl. Opened pouches, tins or trays should be covered and stored in the fridge according to the product instructions, then used within the stated time.

Dry food is easy to portion and store. A 10 kg pack, such as Iams Cat Adult Chicken 10kg, may be useful for households with several cats or for a cat that eats the same food over a longer period. However, check that you can store the food in an airtight container. A large bag that is frequently left open will lose its aroma and crunch more quickly.

When comparing products, do not look only at the price per pack. Calculate the cost per day:

  1. Note the weight or number of pouches.
  2. Check the daily feeding amount on the label.
  3. Divide the price by the estimated number of days.
  4. Include any treats and complementary food.

Our recommendations by buying profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly - Wet Cat Food - 44 x 85g

Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly - Wet Cat Food - 44 x 85g

Why it suits this profile: A multipack containing 44 pouches of 85 grams provides a convenient supply and several flavours for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that this is complete food for adult cats. The portions are individually packaged.

Key benefit & advantages

44 × 85 g, four named flavour varieties and 82% moisture according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Iams Vitality Adult Cat Food with Fresh Chicken 800g

Iams Vitality Adult Cat Food with Fresh Chicken 800g

Why it suits this profile: This dry food is designed for adult cats and suits owners looking for a consistent, easy-to-portion meal.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage and 800-gram size are clearly stated. This means you can try a smaller quantity before buying in bulk.

Key benefit & advantages

Complete food for adult cats; the product description mentions fresh chicken and 87% animal proteins.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Purina One Sensitive Adult Cat Food Turkey & Rice Formula 800g

Purina One Sensitive Adult Cat Food Turkey & Rice Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: An option for adult cats whose owners pay close attention to the ingredients and are looking for a recipe with no added wheat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description lists turkey as the first ingredient and states that there is no added wheat. If your cat has a specific intolerance, always check the current packaging.

Key benefit & advantages

Complete food for adult cats, with turkey and rice listed as formula ingredients.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Whiskas Junior Classic Selection In Sauce Pouches Multipack 12×85g

Whiskas Junior Classic Selection In Sauce Pouches Multipack 12×85g

Why it suits this profile: A smaller multipack is practical when your kitten needs to try different flavours without you having to buy a large supply straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is complete food for kittens and gives separate feeding amounts for each age group.

Key benefit & advantages

12 pouches of 85 grams, four named varieties, plus taurine and vitamins according to the product specifications.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

How often should I feed my cat?

That depends on age, weight, activity levels and the type of food. Ideally, divide wet food into several meals and follow the guidance on the packaging. When combining wet and dry food, adjust the total daily amount.

Is wet food for cats better than dry food?

Both types can be used as part of a suitable feeding plan. Wet food contains plenty of moisture and is often supplied in individual portions. Dry food is practical to store and portion. Above all, check that the food is complete, suitable for the correct life stage and well accepted by your cat.

Which cat food is suitable for a sensitive stomach?

Do not choose solely based on the term cat food for sensitive stomachs. Check the ingredients, avoid sudden changes of food and introduce a new product gradually. If symptoms persist, your cat refuses food or you suspect an allergy, it is wise to consult a vet.