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Buying cat food: how to choose nutrition that suits your cat

Buying cat food seems simple until you are faced with a shelf or online shop offering dozens of options. Terms such as “natural”, “grain-free” and “high protein” may sound appealing, but they do not always tell you enough about whether a product is suitable for your cat. The right choice mainly depends on your cat’s life stage, energy needs, ingredients and daily portion.

Common pitfalls when buying cat food

1. Mistaking a prominent claim for a complete meal

“With fish”, “with lamb” or “with chicken” does not automatically mean that this ingredient makes up most of the product. Check the ingredients list and look for confirmation that it is complete pet food. A snack or complementary food should not replace a complete meal.

For example, INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps are intended as a treat or topper. According to the product description, they contain 93% moisture and should be given as complementary food, not as a main meal.

2. Looking only at the protein percentage

A high percentage of crude protein may be relevant, but it should be assessed together with fat, fibre, moisture and life stage. A kitten has different energy needs from an adult or neutered cat. The recommended daily amount also matters: portions that are too generous can quickly increase total energy intake.

3. Assuming grain-free automatically means suitable

Grain-free cat food contains no grains, but that does not automatically make it suitable for every cat. Some formulas use ingredients such as potato, peas or chickpeas instead. So look at the full composition and your cat’s response. If problems persist or your cat has been prescribed a specific diet, it is wise to consult a vet.

Three specifications to check before buying

1. Life stage and intended use

Choose food that is clearly intended for:

  • Kitten food for growing cats.
  • Adult cats with normal activity levels.
  • Cat food for neutered cats with an adjusted composition.
  • Cat food for weight management when portion control and a lower fat content are important.

Also check whether the product is complete or complementary pet food. The product information and packaging are the best sources for this.

2. Analytical constituents

Pay attention to the combination of:

  • Crude protein: indicates the proportion of protein in the product.
  • Crude fat: relevant to energy density.
  • Crude fibre: can help you compare fibre levels.
  • Moisture: particularly important for wet cat food.
  • Calcium, phosphorus and taurine: check whether these nutrients are included in the declaration.

Do not compare percentages blindly between wet and dry food. Because wet cat food has a much higher moisture content, its figures may appear lower, while the calculation on a dry-matter basis gives a different picture.

3. Ingredients, packaging and changing food

The first ingredients are generally listed in the largest quantities. If you are looking for cat food with fish, for example, check whether herring or cod actually appears at the top of the list. The same applies to cat food with lamb.

When changing food, start with small amounts of the new food. The product descriptions for several Farmina varieties recommend a transition of around seven days. Store dry food sealed in a cool, dry place. According to the product information, opened wet food should be covered and kept in the fridge, then used within the stated period.

Recommended choices for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Premium Quality Junior Cat Food Mixed Flavors 12×85g

Felix Premium Quality Junior Cat Food Mixed Flavors 12×85g

Why it suits this profile: A multipack with 85-gram portions is practical when you want to offer different flavours without opening a large pack straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is complete wet food for kittens. Check the portion guidelines according to age and weight.

Key benefit & highlights

12 portions of 85 grams, four varieties and 77.5% moisture according to the product details.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Ocean Cat Herring with Orange 5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Cat Herring with Orange 5 kg

Why it suits this profile: This large pack is suitable for households with an adult cat that eats dry food every day and prefers a fish recipe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list begins with herring, dehydrated herring and hydrolysed fish. The analytical values are also stated, so you do not have to rely on marketing language alone.

Key benefit & highlights

44% crude protein, 20% crude fat and 5 kg capacity according to the product details; grain-free according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Farmina N&D Ocean Neutered Cat Herring 5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Neutered Cat Herring 5 kg

Why it suits this profile: Designed for adult, neutered cats when you are looking for a product with a specific nutritional profile.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details explicitly name neutered cats as the target group and state 11% crude fat. Adjust the portion according to your cat’s weight and activity level.

Key benefit & highlights

46% crude protein, 11% crude fat and 5.1% crude fibre according to the stated analytical composition.

Suitable for: Growing kittens
Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: A suitable size for trying kitten food first, with cod as the stated protein source and a composition designed for kittens.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states “complete food for kittens” and provides a seven-day transition schedule. This allows you to check the life stage and intended use before buying.

Key benefit & highlights

1.5 kg capacity, at least 44% crude protein and at least 20% crude fat according to the stated analytical figures.

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 buying cat food

Which cat food is suitable for a kitten?

Choose kitten food that clearly states the relevant life stage and check that it is complete pet food. A recipe for adult or neutered cats is not automatically suitable for a growing animal. Give small portions according to the packaging and change over gradually.

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

Wet and dry cat food have different properties. Wet food generally contains more moisture, while dry cat food is easy to portion and store. Combining the two can be practical, provided you monitor the total daily amount.

How long does opened cat food stay fresh?

Once opened, dry food remains suitable for use depending on the packaging, shelf life and storage conditions. Seal the bag securely and store it somewhere cool and dry. Opened wet food should be covered and kept in the fridge. Always follow the time limit on the label and discard any leftovers if their smell, colour or texture changes noticeably.