Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without falling into marketing traps: how to find the right meal or snack

A cat may react enthusiastically to almost any pouch or tub that is opened. However, that reaction does not automatically mean the product is suitable as everyday food. With cat food, complete meals, complementary cat food and cat treats are often confused. Terms such as “natural”, “with tuna” and “high moisture” can also sound clearer than they really are on the label.

Use these practical checks to compare wet cat food, liquid cat treats and multipacks fairly.

Three pitfalls when buying cat food

1. Mistaking a snack for a complete meal

The packaging states whether the product is complete pet food or complementary pet food. Only complete pet food is intended to form the basis of a cat’s daily diet, according to the stated life stage. A liquid cat treat, fillet in sauce or Churu stick is usually a reward or supplement.

Give complementary cat food alongside the usual meal, not as a complete replacement. Also check the feeding guide: some treats contain a relatively high amount of energy per serving.

2. Looking only at the flavour name

“Cat food with chicken”, “cat food with tuna” or “cat food with fish” does not mean that the product consists entirely of those ingredients. Check the composition and the percentages. For example, a tuna recipe may contain 4% tuna, while other ingredients make up the majority.

According to Gourmet Perle’s product information, the beef, chicken, tuna and salmon variants each contain 4% of the named ingredient. This is verifiable information and gives a more realistic picture than the name on the front alone.

3. Treating a high moisture content as a free pass

A product containing 91% or 93% moisture does indeed contain a lot of water, but it may still be a snack. The moisture content also does not tell you how many calories your cat needs each day. Therefore, combine the values for moisture, fat, protein and calories with the recommended serving size.

Always make sure fresh drinking water is available as well. A high-moisture snack can be a practical addition, but it does not replace a suitable feeding routine.

Which specifications should you check?

Complete or complementary pet food

For cat food for adult cats, the description “complete food” is an important starting point. Felix Premium Cat Food Fish Mix 12×85g is described in the product information as complete pet food for adult cats. Gourmet Perle Sauce Delight Beef, Chicken, Tuna & Salmon Multipack is also described as complete food for adult cats.

According to the product information provided, Sheba Filets and INABA Churu products are complementary pet food. They are therefore best suited as a treat, topper or extra.

Moisture content and texture

Compare the moisture percentage on the label:

  • INABA Fun Bites: 93% moisture.
  • INABA Churu Tuna: 91% moisture.
  • INABA Churu Chicken: 90.5% moisture.
  • Sheba Filets: 84% moisture.
  • Felix Fish Mix: 82% moisture.
  • Gourmet Gold Tuna: 77.5% moisture.

A sauce, jelly, mousse or purée also has a different texture. A fussy cat may accept one texture but leave another untouched. If you are unsure, try a small pack first before buying a large supply.

Calories, fat and serving size

According to the product information, INABA Churu products contain approximately 6 calories per treat. This makes them appealing to cat owners looking for low-calorie cat treats, but the total amount still matters. The recommended quantity varies by variant; for some adult cats, 1 to 2 sticks per day is stated.

Sheba Filets Chicken & Tuna lists 40 kcal per 60 g tray. According to the product information, one tray represents approximately 20% of the daily energy requirement of a 4 kg cat. The main meal should then be adjusted according to the instructions on the packaging.

Packaging and stocking up

A cat food multipack is useful if your cat eats a particular flavour regularly and you want to shop less often. A small pack is more sensible when you want to try different flavours or your cat quickly gets bored with the same food.

Pay attention to the storage instructions for opened products. According to the product information, INABA Churu and liquid treats should be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. Sheba Filets can be covered and refrigerated after opening and should be used within 48 hours, according to the product information.

Recommended choices for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Premium Cat Food Fish Mix 12×85g

Felix Premium Cat Food Fish Mix 12×85g

Why it suits this profile: A multipack with 12 portions of 85 g is practical for anyone who wants to give their cat wet food every day and offer several fish varieties.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is complete pet food for adult cats, rather than just a snack.

Key benefit & advantages

12 portions, 82% moisture and varieties including cod, tuna, salmon and plaice.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Sheba Filets Wet Cat Food: Shrimp, Ocean Fish & Chicken

Sheba Filets Wet Cat Food: Shrimp, Ocean Fish & Chicken

Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for individual chicken fillets, fish and prawns in sauce as a complementary treat alongside the main meal.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 60 g serving size and the value of approximately 40 kcal are stated, so you can adjust the main meal accordingly.

Key benefit & advantages

84% moisture, 11.5% protein and a composition containing 30% chicken fillet, 4% tuna and 4% prawns.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
INABA Churu Multipack Tuna 50 pieces

INABA Churu Multipack Tuna 50 pieces

Why it suits this profile: Handy for frequent rewards, as a topper for dry food or when you want to use a small portion to give medication.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The label clearly describes this as complementary pet food and states approximately 6 calories per tube, helping to prevent it from becoming an unintended main meal.

Key benefit & advantages

50 tubes, 91% moisture and 10% crude protein; suitable for feeding by hand or mixing into food.

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

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

That depends on the full composition, your cat’s life stage and its individual circumstances. Wet food generally contains more moisture, but not every wet product is complete food. Always check the label first and do not change your cat’s feeding routine without careful consideration.

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

Follow the instructions on the packaging and give treats as a supplement. For various INABA Churu variants, the guidance states that treats should make up no more than approximately 10% of the daily food intake. Adjust the amount according to your cat’s weight, activity level and usual diet.

How should I store opened cat food?

Always follow the product label. Many liquid cat treats must be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. The product information for Sheba Filets states that they can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours. Do not leave leftovers at room temperature unnecessarily, and always provide clean, fresh drinking water.