Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without costly mistakes: a practical guide to flavour, ingredients and feeding

A cat may enthusiastically finish one bowl of food, then turn its nose up at the next brand. At the same time, a striking flavour name tells you little about the full ingredient list. When buying cat food, it is therefore better to look beyond the front of the packaging. These three common pitfalls regularly lead to unnecessary expense:

  • A flavour name is mistaken for the main ingredient. ‘With salmon’ does not automatically mean that the food consists mainly of salmon. Check the percentage in the ingredients list.
  • Complementary food is used as a complete meal. Cat snacks, broth and some treats are intended as extras. They do not replace complete cat food.
  • A large pack looks like good value, but does not suit your cat’s eating habits. A multipack is useful when your cat likes the flavours and you use the portions in good time. Otherwise, opened pouches or tins may be left unused.

What should you look for when choosing cat food?

1. Check whether the food is complete or complementary

The label states whether the product is complete pet food or complementary pet food. In practice, this means:

  • Complete cat food: intended as a daily main food, according to the stated life stage.
  • Complementary food: a snack, treat or extra to be given alongside the usual meal.

This distinction is important for cat snacks, broth and soft treats, among other products. For example, the MjAMjAM Cat Cream Chicken & Salmon is described as complementary food in the product information. It is therefore not intended to fully replace a daily meal.

2. Consider life stage and feeding guidance

For an adult cat, cat food for adult cats is more suitable than an arbitrary kitten or senior variety. Also check your cat’s weight, activity level and the recommended amount on the packaging. The daily portion is a guideline: individual requirements may vary from cat to cat.

Cat wet food often lists portions per pouch or tin. Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets is, for example, a multipack containing 60 pouches of 85 grams and provides feeding guidance for an adult cat weighing around 4 kilos. Use such guidance as a starting point and make sure snacks do not unknowingly come on top of the full daily portion.

3. Compare the shape, texture and moisture content

Wet cat food in gravy, jelly, mousse or pâté does not appeal to every cat in the same way. Some cats prefer a soft mousse, while others favour mini fillets or pieces in jelly. Dry cat food is easier to store and portion, but it does need to be kept in a sealed, dry place.

When comparing products, look for verifiable details such as:

  • moisture content;
  • protein and fat content;
  • portion size;
  • order of ingredients;
  • shelf life after opening;
  • intended age range.

A flavour such as cat food with chicken, cat food with salmon or cat food with fish only describes the variety. The product information for various brands, for example, states that the named fish or meat may account for 4% of the recipe. Always read the full ingredients list.

Product choices for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets in Sauce Beef, Chicken, Rabbit & Salmon Multipack 350g

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets in Sauce Beef, Chicken, Rabbit & Salmon Multipack 350g

Why it suits this profile: A multipack with four varieties is practical when you want to offer different flavours first, such as chicken, beef, rabbit and salmon.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that this is complete food for adult cats. However, check the current portion instructions on the packaging.

Key benefit & highlights

Four flavours, mini fillets in gravy and no added artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking premium quality
Gourmet Gold Mousse Turkey Multipack

Gourmet Gold Mousse Turkey Multipack

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for cats that prefer an especially soft texture and benefit from variety, with chicken, salmon, kidneys and rabbit.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The variety is clearly labelled as complete cat food for adult cats, rather than as a standalone treat.

Key benefit & highlights

Mousse texture, several varieties and tinned portions. Store unopened packs in a cool, dry place and follow the label instructions after opening.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks Cat Snack Salmon 40g

Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks - Cat Snack - Salmon 40g

Why it suits this profile: A targeted choice for owners looking for a daily cat snack with a crunchy texture to give alongside complete food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is clearly labelled as a complementary snack. It should therefore be given alongside the main meal and within the maximum amount stated on the packaging.

Key benefit & highlights

Salmon variety, 40 grams and, according to the product description, no added artificial flavourings or colourings. The dental-care effect is a claim made by Purina; follow the feeding guidance and supervise your cat.

Wet food, dry food or a combination?

Wet cat food generally has a high moisture content and is available in pouches, tins, gravy, jelly and mousse varieties. Follow the storage guidance after opening. Many products need to be refrigerated and used within 24 to 48 hours.

Dry cat food is convenient when you want to weigh out and store a portion easily. According to the product information, Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon & Rice is complete food for adult cats. The ingredients list includes dried chicken and turkey, 4.1% salmon and 4.1% rice. So, in this case, the name ‘salmon & rice’ does not mean that salmon is the main ingredient.

A combination can be practical if your cat accepts both biscuits and wet food. Do not automatically give the full recommended amount of both types at the same time. Recalculate the total daily portion using the information on the labels.

Snacks: useful as an extra, not as a staple

Catisfactions and Whiskas cat snacks are complementary food. According to the product information, Whiskas Cat Sticks Salmon are offered as a treat for adult cats, with a recommendation of no more than one stick per day. Catisfactions states a maximum of twenty pieces per day for adult cats. Such quantities depend on the product and the cat; adjust the main meal and take the calorie content into account.

Also avoid confusing dog and cat products. Rosewood Chicken Fillets are dog treats and should not be included in a selection of daily cat 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

What is suitable cat food for an adult cat?

Choose a product whose label states that it is complete food for adult cats. Then compare the ingredients, nutritional values, texture and daily portion with your cat’s weight and activity level.

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

There is no universal choice that suits every cat. Wet food offers a different texture and often contains plenty of moisture, while dry food is practical to portion and store. With both types, check that the product is complete and adjust the amount to suit the individual cat.

How long does opened cat food keep?

This varies by packaging. Follow the storage advice on the label: opened portions of wet food often need to be refrigerated and used within 24 to 48 hours. Seal dry food and snacks in airtight containers and store them in a cool, dry place.