Joybuy Insights

How to choose cat food without falling for marketing claims: find the right option for your cat

Cat food packaging is often covered in tempting pictures and eye-catching claims. But a picture of chicken, fish or beef doesn’t always tell you how much of that ingredient is actually in the recipe. A large bag may also seem like good value, but your cat might not like the food, or it could quickly lose its aroma once opened.

Use this practical guide to focus first on what really matters: the type of animal, life stage, food format, ingredients, portion size and shelf life.

Common cat food pitfalls

1. A flavour name doesn’t always tell you how much of an ingredient is included

“with chicken” or “with beef” sounds clear, but check the percentage in the ingredients. For example, Felix Double the Tasty Beef and Chicken states that the recipe contains 2% beef and 2% chicken. The packaging therefore describes a beef and chicken flavour variety; that’s not the same as a product made mainly from these meats.

So, when choosing chicken, fish or beef cat food, the ingredients list is more important than the front of the packaging.

2. Dry and wet food aren’t directly comparable

Dry cat food contains little moisture and is usually easy to portion and store. Wet cat food in jelly or gravy contains more moisture and is often sold in portions. So a 405 or 415 g tin might look large, but the daily amount varies from product to product and from cat to cat.

The feeding guide on the label is a starting point. Your cat’s age, weight and activity level, as well as any snacks or other food, all affect how much you should give them.

3. A product suitable for kittens isn’t automatically suitable for adult cats

Always check the label on the packaging. Cat food for adult cats is intended for a different life stage from kitten food. A multipack such as g'woon Chunks in Jelly Fish and Meat Variation Junior contains 12 portions of 100 g and, according to the product information, is formulated for kittens. The same information states that it isn’t intended for adult cats.

Pay attention to the type of animal, too. Dog food for adult dogs, such as g'woon Chunks in Jelly With Chicken 415g, isn’t intended as cat food. Chicken dog food isn’t a substitute for a complete cat food either.

Three things to check every time

1. Complete food for the right life stage

Look for a label such as complete and balanced cat food or “complete food” for the right life stage. Also check whether the product is intended for:

  • adult cats;
  • kittens;
  • small or adult dogs;
  • a specific feeding situation stated on the packaging.

A product description may say “complete” or “100% complete and balanced”. Treat this as information from the manufacturer and, if in doubt, check the current packaging.

2. Ingredients and analytical constituents

Don’t just look at the flavour; check the ingredients and analytical constituents, too. For example, Felix Adult dry food with beef and chicken lists 30% protein, 11% fat, 3% crude fibre and 8% crude ash. For other products, some analytical values aren’t included in the available product information.

That doesn’t automatically mean a product is unsuitable. It does mean you should base your comparison on the values that are actually listed. If your cat has an allergy, check the full ingredients list as well. For example, a product containing fish isn’t necessarily suitable for a cat that can’t tolerate fish.

3. Packaging, portions and storage

Choose a pack size that suits how much you use at home. A 2 kg bag of cat food can be practical for a household with one adult cat, but only if you can keep it properly sealed. Smaller packs, such as 800 g cat food, are more convenient if you want to try different flavours.

With wet food, the main differences are between tins and multipacks:

  • a 405 or 415 g tin is suitable if you give larger portions;
  • 100 g portions make serving easier and help reduce leftovers;
  • according to the product information, opened wet food should be covered, stored in the fridge and usually used within two days;
  • store dry food in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container or bag.

Always provide fresh drinking water with dry food. When switching foods, it’s best to mix the new food in gradually over several days to avoid sudden changes.

Recommended cat food by shopping profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Whiskas Adult Dry Cat Food with Beef 1.9kg

Whiskas Adult Dry Cat Food with Beef 1.9kg

Why it suits this profile: The 1.9 kg bag offers a generous size for anyone who wants to portion out dry food every day without buying several smaller packs. According to the product information, it’s intended for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage and food format are clearly stated. The pack is large enough to compare the cost per portion, but it needs to be sealed properly after opening.

Key benefits & features

Dry food for adult cats, in a 1.9 kg bag, with ingredients including meat and animal derivatives.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
G'woon Salmon-trout Pieces in Sauce 415 g

G'woon Salmon-trout Pieces in Sauce 415 g

Why it suits this profile: This wet cat food is intended for adult cats and combines salmon and trout in sauce. It’s a good fit for shoppers who prioritise the food format and flavour variety.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The flavour is clearly described as salmon and trout in sauce. If you want to avoid fish, always check the current ingredients list.

Key benefits & features

415 g of wet food, served in sauce and, according to the product information, intended as a complete food for adult cats.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
g'woon Chunks in Jelly Fish and Meat Variation Junior 12 x 100g

g'woon Chunks in Jelly Fish and Meat Variation Junior 12 x 100g

Why it suits this profile: The 12 portions of 100 g are practical for kittens and make it easier to portion out meals. According to the product information, this kitten food isn’t intended for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It’s clearly labelled for kittens. The smaller portions mean there’s less opened wet food left over after a meal.

Key benefits & features

12 x 100 g, a mix of fish and meat, and a product description focused on kittens.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
G'woon Chicken & Turkey in Jelly 405g

G'woon Chicken & Turkey in Jelly 405g

Why it suits this profile: This wet cat food for adult cats comes in a 405 g tin, with chicken and turkey in jelly. It’s a straightforward choice if you’re looking for a larger portion.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The variety, size and intended age group are clearly stated. According to the product information, leftovers should be refrigerated and used within two days.

Key benefits & features

405 g per tin, jelly as the food format, and chicken and turkey listed as ingredients.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about cat food

What’s the difference between dry and wet cat food?

Dry cat food contains little moisture, is easy to weigh out and can usually be stored for longer after opening if the bag is kept tightly sealed. Wet cat food contains more moisture and is sold in tins, trays or pouches. The right choice depends on your cat’s preferences, your storage habits and the feeding guide on the packaging.

How long can you keep opened cat food?

Always follow the label. For the wet food products mentioned, unused portions should be covered, kept in the fridge and used within two days. Store dry food in a cool, dry place in a sealed container or bag. For every pack, check the use-by date and the food’s smell and appearance, too.

Is cat food in jelly or gravy better value?

That depends on the price per kilogram and the daily portion. So don’t just compare the price of a tin or multipack; work out the cost per 100 g or per day. Factor in leftovers, storage time and whether your cat will eat the whole product.