Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without costly mistakes: how to find the right food for every cat

A pack featuring words such as “natural”, “premium” or “with chicken” may sound appealing, but that does not automatically tell you what your cat needs every day. When choosing cat food, the key considerations are the right life stage, a complete composition and a format that suits your household.

Many cat owners in the Netherlands come up against the same pitfalls:

  • Mistaking a snack for complete food. A lickable treat such as INABA Churu is complementary food and must not replace the main meal.
  • Taking the flavour name too literally. “With salmon” does not always mean that salmon is the main ingredient. Check the percentage in the composition.
  • Buying too much before knowing your cat’s preferences. A cat food multipack can offer good value, but is less practical if your cat refuses one of the varieties.
  • Overlooking the life stage. Kitten food is formulated for young cats; cat food for adult cats is intended to meet different nutritional needs.

What should you look for when choosing cat food?

1. Check whether it is complete cat food

The label will state whether the product is complete food or complementary food. Complete food is intended to be served as a daily meal, according to the feeding guidelines on the packaging. This applies, for example, to various varieties of Felix cat food, Gourmet cat food and Whiskas cat food in the range.

Complementary products, such as cat treats, are intended as an extra. According to the product information, INABA Churu Chicken & Beef contains 91% moisture and 6 calories per tube, but is described as a snack or topper. So serve this type of product alongside the main food and take the total daily amount into account.

2. Match the food to your cat’s age and life stage

For kittens, kitten food is the logical choice. According to the product description, Felix Double as Nice Junior Chicken, Turkey & Milk is intended for kittens aged 6 to 52 weeks. The kibble contains, among other things, 35% protein and 12% fat according to the stated analytical constituents.

For cats older than around one year, look for cat food for adult cats. Also consider activity levels, body weight and any guidance on the label. A neutered or less active cat may need a different portion from a young, active cat. Always adjust quantities to suit the individual cat and, if in doubt, follow the feeding advice on the packaging.

3. Compare wet food, dry food and portion sizes

Wet cat food in jelly or gravy generally contains plenty of moisture and is often sold in 50- or 85-gram pouches. This is useful if you serve several small meals or want to minimise waste. Gourmet Mon Petit, for example, uses 50-gram portions. A larger pack, such as 800 grams of dry food or a 405-gram tin, may be more practical for households with several cats.

Dry cat food is easy to store and simple to weigh out. Farmina N&D Ocean Cod, Spelt, Oats and Orange Flavor Adult Cat Food is available as 1.5 kg of dry food. The composition lists fresh cod and dehydrated cod as the first ingredients. With dry food, always check the daily portion and provide fresh drinking water.

Texture is also important. Some cats prefer cat food in jelly, while others would rather eat cat food in gravy or a soft mousse. A mix containing chicken, beef, turkey, tuna or salmon can help you discover your cat’s preferences, but introduce new food gradually.

Recommended cat food by shopper profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Every Day Feast Mix Selection in Jelly 12 x 85g

Felix Every Day Feast Mix Selection in Jelly 12 x 85g

Why it suits this profile: The 85-gram pouches are easy to manage and offer variety, including chicken, beef, tuna and salmon in jelly. According to the product information, this is complete food for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging makes it clear that this is complete wet food for adult cats. The small portions reduce the likelihood of unused leftovers.

Key benefit & highlights

12 pouches of 85 grams, a range of flavours and nutritional additives such as taurine and vitamins according to the label.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Farmina N&D Ocean Cod Spelt Oats and Orange Adult Cat Food

Farmina N&D Ocean Cod, Spelt, Oats and Orange Flavor Adult Cat Food 1.5kg

Why it suits this profile: This dry food provides plenty of detail about its composition, including 27% fresh cod and 26% dehydrated cod according to the product information. That makes it easier to compare.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredient percentages are clearly stated. You therefore do not have to rely solely on the “Ocean Cod” flavour name.

Key benefit & highlights

1.5 kg of dry food, cod listed as a main ingredient and additions such as taurine and L-carnitine according to the label.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
INABA Churu Multipack Chicken Beef 20 pieces

INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef 20 pieces

Why it suits this profile: The tubes are suitable for hand-feeding, as a topping or to help administer medication. According to the product information, each tube contains 6 calories.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is complementary food. This makes the distinction from complete cat food clear.

Key benefit & highlights

20 tubes, 91% moisture and two named protein sources: chicken and beef.

Suitable for: Households with a kitten
Felix Premium Quality Junior Cat Food Mixed Flavours

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

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this wet food is intended for kittens. The selection includes varieties with tuna, chicken, salmon and beef in jelly.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage is clearly stated in the product name and description. This helps prevent you from accidentally buying adult cat food for a kitten.

Key benefit & highlights

12 portions of 85 grams, four flavour varieties and analytical values such as 13.5% protein and 77.5% moisture according to the product information.

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 tips for buying cat food

  • Start by choosing the right life stage: kitten, adult cat or senior.
  • Check whether the product is complete food or complementary food.
  • Compare the stated percentage of chicken, fish or another ingredient with the full composition.
  • Work out the price per meal or per kilogram.
  • When trying a new flavour, buy a smaller pack first.
  • Store dry food in a sealed container and follow the storage instructions on the packaging once wet food has been opened.
  • Always provide fresh drinking water and change food gradually.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Is wet cat food better than dry cat food?

That depends on your cat’s preferences, its daily nutritional needs and your feeding routine. Wet food contains plenty of moisture and is available in jelly, gravy or mousse. Dry food lasts longer after opening and is easy to measure out. A combination can be practical, provided you adjust the total portion to the feeding guidelines.

How long can you keep opened cat food?

Always follow the label. The product information supplied for various wet food products advises keeping leftovers covered in the fridge and using them within 24 to 48 hours. Do not leave wet food at room temperature for long periods, and throw away any leftovers that you are unsure about.

How much cat food does a cat need per day?

The right amount depends on weight, age, activity levels and the type of food. An 85-gram pouch of wet food has a different energy value from a portion of dry food. Use the feeding guidelines on the packaging as a starting point and adjust the portion if your cat’s body weight or condition changes. Count snacks such as cat treats towards the daily total.