Joybuy Insights

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

Choosing cat food seems straightforward until you start comparing labels, flavours, life stages and nutritional claims. A bag of dry food may seem attractively priced, while wet food can look more expensive per serving. Terms such as “sensitive”, “urinary” or “natural” also don’t automatically mean a product is right for your cat.

As Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus on the most important information, using verifiable product details. That way, you can avoid choosing based on packaging or a brand name alone.

Three common cat food pitfalls

1. A prominent ingredient doesn’t tell the whole story

“Chicken cat food” or “salmon cat food” sounds clear enough, but always check the percentage listed in the ingredients. In some products, the named flavour makes up only a small part of the overall recipe. So check both the ingredients list and the analytical constituents, such as protein, fat, fibre and moisture.

2. “Sensitive”, “urinary” and “sterilised” aren’t medical solutions

A recipe for sensitive digestion, sterilised cats or urinary health is designed for a specific nutritional need. It’s not a substitute for a diagnosis or treatment. If your cat has recurring symptoms, difficulty urinating, vomiting or a noticeable change in weight, it’s a good idea to speak to a vet.

Also be aware of the difference between hypoallergenic cat food and a product that contains none of the 14 major EU allergens. That claim doesn’t automatically mean the food is suitable for a cat with a diagnosed food allergy.

3. A large pack isn’t always better value

Once opened, dry cat food is more practical to store than wet food, but it needs to be kept dry and sealed properly. A 10 kg bag may seem like a good deal, but only if your cat takes to the food and you can use it before its best-before date. For wet cat food, follow the instructions on the label after opening. Some packs need to be refrigerated and used within a few days.

Important things to check

1. Age and life stage

First, choose between kitten food, adult cat food and senior cat food. Kittens need a recipe suited to their growth. Purina One Junior product information states that it can be fed from weaning until 12 months, and to pregnant or nursing cats. It contains ingredients including chicken, dried poultry protein, cereals, minerals and fish oil.

Purina One Senior Chicken & Whole Grain Formula is intended for cats aged 7 and over. According to the product description, this complete food lists chicken as its first ingredient and contains nutrients to support, among other things, the gut microbiome and kidneys. These are claims made by the brand; always check that the life stage and feeding instructions are right for your cat.

2. Complete food or complementary meal

The label should clearly state whether the product is complete food. Complete food is designed to be fed as a daily meal, following the recommended portion. A complementary snack or meal can’t simply replace your cat’s usual food.

Wet cat food has a relatively high moisture content. For example, according to the product details, Gourmet Nature’s Creation Rich in Beef contains 79,5% moisture. Sheba Mini Fillets in Gravy lists 82% moisture and comes in 85-gram portions. So compare more than just the price per pack: check the recommended daily amount too.

3. Portions, energy and water

The feeding guide on the packaging is a starting point. Adjust the amount according to your cat’s weight, activity, age and body condition. If you feed a mix of foods — for example, dry cat food alongside wet cat food — reduce the portions of both to avoid overfeeding.

Always provide fresh drinking water when feeding dry food. For special formulas, such as urinary cat food, the product information also advises making sure that enough drinking water is available. A urinary formula is not a reason to treat symptoms yourself.

Our product picks for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Whiskas Adult Dry Cat Food with Beef 1.9kg

Whiskas Adult Dry Cat Food with Beef 1.9kg

Why it suits this profile: A 1.9 kg pack is a manageable size for an adult cat and a good way to try dry cat food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that this is complete dry food for adult cats. Still check the portion size, and make sure you don’t accidentally give too many treats alongside it.

Key benefits and highlights

1.9 kg pack, adult formula and, according to the product description, no added artificial colours or flavours.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Purina One Adult Salmon Whole Grains 800 g

Purina One Adult Salmon - Whole Grains - 800 g

Why it suits this profile: A good option if you’re looking for an adult formula with salmon and want to compare the ingredients beforehand.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description lists salmon as the first ingredient. That’s easier to verify than relying on the image or flavour name on the packaging alone.

Key benefits and highlights

800 g pack, complete food for adult cats and a recipe with salmon and wholegrain cereals, according to the product details.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent users
Purina One Urinary Care Chicken Urinary Health Adult Cat Food 800g

Purina One Urinary Care Chicken Urinary Health Adult Cat Food 800g

Why it suits this profile: For adult cats whose owners are considering a urinary formula, for example after discussing food choices with a vet.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is a complete adult formula and gives specific analytical values, including 34% protein and a maximum of 12% moisture. If your cat has symptoms, you should still seek advice from a vet.

Key benefits and highlights

800 g pack, chicken as the stated flavour and feeding guidance by body weight. Always provide fresh drinking water.

Suitable for: Families with a growing kitten
Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken Grain Formula 800g

Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: The age guidance makes it easier to choose kitten food that’s suited to your cat’s growth stage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifically states that it’s for use from weaning until 12 months. That means you don’t have to guess based on flavour alone.

Key benefits and highlights

800 g pack, chicken as a stated ingredient and DHA, according to the product description. Adjust portions as your kitten grows.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Is dry or wet cat food better?

It depends on your cat’s preferences, the feeding guide and your daily routine. Dry food is easy to portion and store. Wet food generally contains plenty of moisture and is often sold in individual portions. For both types, check whether the food is complete and adjust the daily amount accordingly.

How should you switch to a different cat food?

Gradually mix the new food with the old food. Start with a small amount of the new food and increase it step by step over several days. Keep an eye on your cat’s appetite, stools and behaviour. Don’t stop feeding a prescribed diet without first speaking to a vet.

How long does cat food keep once opened?

Store dry food in a cool, dry place and seal it well. Check the best-before date on the packaging. Once opened, wet cat food should be stored according to the instructions. For example, Sheba Mini Fillets advises that leftovers should be refrigerated and used within two days.