Joybuy Insights

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

A bag of dry food or a multipack of wet food may seem like an easy choice. However, products can vary considerably in composition, life stage, moisture content, portion size and price per meal. Packaging may use terms such as “natural”, “premium” or “grain-free”, but these terms do not always tell you whether the food is right for your cat.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus mainly on verifiable information: the stated composition, analytical constituents, target audience, packaging and feeding instructions. This helps you avoid paying simply for attractive packaging or an eye-catching flavour.

Common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. A flavour name does not tell you how much meat it contains

“Cat food with chicken”, “cat food with fish” or “cat food with lamb” may sound clear, but check the percentage on the label. For example, Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Lamb & Rice lists lamb at 4.1% and rice at 4.1%. The ingredients list starts with dried chicken and turkey. So the flavour name does not mean that lamb is the main ingredient.

2. Grain-free does not guarantee suitable nutrition

Grain-free cat food may suit owners who consciously want to avoid grains, but on its own it says nothing about the product’s overall nutritional value or whether it is suitable for every cat. Always check whether the product is described as complete pet food and which life stage it is intended for. A kitten has different nutritional needs from an adult or neutered cat.

3. A large pack is not automatically better value

A cat food multipack or 5 or 10 kg bag can reduce the price per gram, but only if your cat actually eats the food and it is stored properly. Once opened, dry food should be sealed securely. Wet food should be refrigerated and used within the stated period according to the packaging. A smaller pack can sometimes be the wiser choice when you are trying a new flavour.

The key points to check

Complete and balanced cat food

Look for the legally required statement “complete pet food” or a similar wording on the label. This means that, according to the manufacturer, the product is intended to provide a complete daily diet. Products sold as snacks, treats or complementary food are not automatically suitable as the only meal.

Also check:

  • the target audience: kitten, adult cat, neutered cat or all life stages;
  • the recommended daily amount;
  • the protein, fat, moisture and ash content;
  • any added taurine, vitamins and minerals;
  • the presence of ingredients to which your cat has previously reacted sensitively.

If you are unsure about an allergy, illness or specially adapted diet, it is sensible to consult a vet. A brand’s marketing claims are no substitute for personalised nutritional advice.

Wet cat food or dry cat food?

Wet cat food generally contains a lot of moisture. Gourmet Nature’s Creation Rich in Beef, for example, states a moisture content of 79.5%. According to the product information, this is complete food for adult cats and contains 14% beef within the meat and animal derivatives category.

Dry cat food is compact and easy to store. Farmina N&D Prime Neutered Cat Chicken 10 kg states 9% moisture, 36% crude protein and 14% fat. The product description calls it complete food for neutered cats. Portion control is important with dry food, particularly if your cat is not very active or gains weight easily.

A combination of wet and dry food can be practical, but add the total daily amount together. Do not automatically serve the full recommended amount of both products alongside each other.

Life stage and specific needs

For cat food for adult cats, choose a variety that explicitly lists adult cats as the target audience. Kittens need kitten food formulated for growth. According to the product information, Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1,5 kg is described as complete food for kittens and pregnant or nursing cats. The analytical information states, among other things, a minimum of 44% crude protein and 20% fat.

For cat food for neutered cats, look for the specific designation and check the feeding quantity. According to the product information, the Farmina N&D Prime variety for neutered cats contains 36% crude protein and 14% fat. Follow the portion table on the packaging and adjust the amount according to your cat’s weight and activity level.

Product choices by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Gourmet Nature's Creation Rich in Beef Cat Food 85g

Gourmet Nature's Creation Rich in Beef Cat Food 85g

Why it suits this profile: An 85 g portion is a manageable size for owners who want to try wet food for adult cats without immediately buying a large supply.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies adult cats, complete food and clear feeding guidelines. Check the current packaging for the full feeding instructions.

Key benefit & advantages

85 g per tin, 79.5% moisture and 14% beef within the stated meat and animal derivatives category.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1,5 kg

Why it suits this profile: This grain-free kitten food is designed for kittens and contains cod as an important source of protein.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage is clearly stated. This means you do not have to feed adult cat food to a kitten. Introduce the food according to the recommended transition period of around seven days.

Key benefit & advantages

1,5 kg of dry food, a minimum of 44% crude protein, 20% fat and stated levels of DHA, EPA and taurine.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Farmina N&D Prime Neutered Cat Chicken 10 kg

Farmina N&D Prime Neutered Cat Chicken 10 kg

Why it suits this profile: The large pack is practical for households with a neutered cat that already knows and eats this dry food every day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging specifically states that it is for neutered cats and gives portions according to body weight. This makes weighing the food more important than topping up the bowl freely.

Key benefit & advantages

10 kg content, grain-free composition, 36% crude protein and 14% fat according to the product information.

Suitable for: Households that like variety
Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna Liver Turkey Beef Multipack

Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna, Liver, Turkey & Beef Multipack

Why it suits this profile: The multipack contains four varieties in 85 g portions, making it convenient for cats that enjoy alternating between fish, beef and poultry cat food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portions help limit leftovers. However, check the composition of each variety: the product information states, for example, 4% tuna, liver, turkey or beef, depending on the mousse.

Key benefit & advantages

8 × 85 g, complete food for adult cats and a smooth mousse texture.

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.

Practical buying tips for your home

  • Change food gradually: mix the new food with the familiar food over approximately five to seven days.
  • Weigh out dry food: a measuring cup does not always provide the same amount for every type of kibble.
  • Store dry food somewhere cool and dry: seal an opened bag securely and keep an eye on the use-by date.
  • Serve wet food at room temperature: store leftovers in the fridge according to the label.
  • Always provide fresh water: this is also stated in the feeding instructions for the products mentioned.
  • Compare the price per 100 grams: this allows you to compare a tin, multipack and large bag on the same basis.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Is wet food or dry food more suitable for a cat?

That depends on your cat’s preferences, life stage, daily routine and the overall composition of its diet. Wet food generally contains more moisture, while dry food has a longer shelf life and is easier to portion. In both cases, check that it is complete food.

How long does cat food keep after opening?

Always follow the packaging instructions. Dry food should be stored in a sealed container or securely closed bag in a dry place. Opened wet food should usually be refrigerated and used within the stated period. If the food smells or looks unusual, do not give it to your cat.

How much does cat food cost per month?

This depends on your cat’s weight, the food you choose, the daily portion and the balance between wet and dry food. Calculate the monthly cost as follows: price per pack divided by the number of grams, multiplied by the daily amount and approximately thirty days. A large bag may be cheaper per gram, but only if the contents stay fresh and are all eaten.