Joybuy Insights

Choosing Cat Food Without the Marketing Traps: A Practical Guide for Every Cat

Choosing cat food might seem straightforward – until you start comparing labels. An appealing flavour name, a health claim or a large value pack doesn’t always tell you enough about whether it’s right for your cat. Age, nutritional status, moisture content and the daily portion size are far more important.

In this guide, compiled by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, you’ll find verifiable points to help you buy cat food without unnecessary mistakes.

Three Common Pitfalls When Buying Cat Food

1. Confusing a Flavour Name with a High Meat Content

“With chicken” or “chicken and beef” doesn’t automatically mean the product is mostly made up of those ingredients. Always check the ingredients list and the percentage. In some products, meat or animal by-products are described in broad terms, while the named flavour only makes up a small proportion.

2. Mixing Up Complete Food and Treats

A product with a high moisture content, such as an INABA broth or liquid treat, can be a nice addition. However, it isn’t automatically a complete meal. Look at the legal classification:

  • Complete pet food: intended as daily nutrition when you follow the feeding guide.
  • Complementary pet food: intended as a treat, topper or extra.
  • Cat treats and cat snacks: count on top of the normal energy intake.

A hydrating cat treat can therefore be useful as a supplement, but it doesn’t replace a complete dry cat food or wet cat food.

3. Only Looking at the Packaging and Ignoring the Life Stage

Kitten food, adult cat food and senior cat food all have different nutritional goals. A kitten needs food that supports growth. For cats aged 7 years and over, there are varieties with an adjusted formulation for the senior stage. With urinary cat food, you also need to distinguish between daily support as per the product information and a diet prescribed by a vet.

Does your cat have recurring urinary tract issues, kidney problems, overweight or a food intolerance? Then always consult a vet first.

Which Specifications Should You Check Before Buying?

1. Life Stage and Legal Product Status

Check whether the food is suitable for:

  • kittens from the stated age;
  • adult cats;
  • cats aged 7 years and over;
  • all ages, when it concerns a complementary treat.

According to the product information, Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula is intended for kittens from weaning up to 12 months, and for pregnant or nursing cats. Purina One Senior Chicken & Whole Grain Formula is intended for cats aged 7 years and over, according to the product information.

2. Moisture Content and Its Role in the Feeding Plan

Dry food generally contains much less moisture than wet food or broth. In the product information provided, various INABA broths contain 93% moisture. INABA CHURU CAT Chicken states 90.5% moisture. This makes these products suitable as a moist supplement, but not as a replacement for complete cat food.

For a cat that doesn’t drink much, you can mix a small portion of complementary broth into its regular food. Always provide fresh drinking water as well.

3. Ingredients, Analytical Constituents and Portion Size

Pay attention to these details:

  • Crude protein and fat: help you compare varieties within the same product group.
  • Moisture content: important when comparing dry and wet food.
  • Crude ash and fibre: provide extra information about the composition.
  • Feeding guide: portions vary depending on body weight, age and activity level.
  • Packaging and shelf life: store dry food in a cool, dry place and seal the bag well.

Purina One Urinary Care Chicken, for example, states 34% crude protein, 14% fat, a maximum of 4% fibre and a maximum of 12% moisture. The product information gives a guideline of 55 to 70 grams per day for an adult cat weighing 3 to 4 kg. Use the packaging as a guide and adjust the portion according to your cat’s body condition.

Recommended Cat Food by Buyer Profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Iams Vitality Adult Cat Food with Fresh Chicken 800g

Iams Vitality Adult Cat Food with Fresh Chicken 800g

Why this fits the profile: A straightforward 800g bag for anyone looking for regular dry cat food for an adult cat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it is 100% complete and balanced food for adult cats. Always check the current feeding guide on the packaging.

Key benefit & highlights

Made with fresh chicken according to the product description; contains 87% animal protein and omega 3 and 6, according to the manufacturer.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

Why this fits the profile: Aimed at cat owners who want to choose age-specific kitten food rather than a general adult variety.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated target group is clear: kittens from weaning up to 12 months. This makes the life stage easy to verify.

Key benefit & highlights

800g; chicken listed at 17%; according to the product information, the formula contains DHA, protein and minerals for the growth stage.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Purina One Urinary Care Chicken Urinary Health Adult Cat Food 800g

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

Why this fits the profile: For adult cat owners looking for a variety with urinary positioning and clear analytical nutritional data.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that it is a complete food for adult cats. The urinary positioning is a product claim; if your cat has health issues, veterinary advice is still needed.

Key benefit & highlights

34% crude protein, 14% fat and a maximum of 12% moisture according to the product specification; chicken listed at 17%.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna Recipe

INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna Recipe

Why this fits the profile: A small supplement for cats that don’t drink much or enjoy chicken with tuna.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The legal classification is complementary pet food. This makes it clear that you should not use it as a complete main meal.

Key benefit & highlights

50g per pack; according to the product specification, 93% moisture, with chicken broth, chicken and tuna.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Food

How often should I feed my cat?

Follow the feeding guide on the packaging and, ideally, divide the daily amount into at least two meals. Take into account age, weight, activity level and any treats. An active cat may need a different amount than a quiet indoor cat.

Is wet cat food better than dry cat food?

That depends on the total nutritional intake and your cat’s preference. Wet food generally contains more moisture, while dry food is practical to portion and store. A combination can work, as long as you monitor the total daily portion and check that both products are complete pet food.

How many cat treats can a cat have?

Use the feeding instructions for the specific product. Complementary treats should only make up a limited part of the daily intake. For INABA CHURU CAT Chicken, the product information states, for example, one to two sticks per day for adult cats. Adjust the amount if your cat also receives other cat treats or wet food.