A bag of dry cat food or a multipack of wet food may seem like an easy choice. However, products can differ greatly in their ingredients, portion size, moisture content and suitability for adult, indoor or neutered cats. Marketing terms such as “natural food”, “high protein” and “grain-free” do not always tell the full story either.
Use these practical checks to compare cat food based on information that can be verified on the label and in the product description.
Grain-free cat food contains no grains, but that does not automatically make it suitable for every cat. Grains may have been replaced with ingredients such as peas, chickpeas, potato or sweet potato. Always check the full ingredients list rather than just the front of the packaging.
For example, Farmina N&D Prime Cat Lamb has a grain-free recipe containing fresh and dried lamb, herring, egg, peas and chickpeas. This gives you a clearer picture than simply relying on the “grain-free” claim.
Brands use different definitions of “animal protein”. Sometimes this refers to the proportion of protein, while in other cases it means the proportion of ingredients of animal origin. So you should also check the analytical constituents, such as crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, crude ash and moisture.
A high protein percentage can be accompanied by a relatively high fat percentage. For a cat that does not get much exercise, the daily serving size is therefore particularly important.
Wet cat food in portion pouches stays fresh easily and is handy for cats that eat several small meals. For example, a Gourmet Mon Petit pack contains six 50-gram portions. This helps reduce leftovers, but the price per kilogram may be higher than for larger tins or a cat food multipack with 85-gram portions.
So compare the price per kilogram, not just the price of the pack. Also check how many pouches or trays your cat needs each day according to the label.
For everyday use, choose a product labelled as complete food or complete pet food for cats and the appropriate life stage. The reference products in this selection are described in the product information as complete food for adult cats, neutered cats or cats in general.
“Complementary food” is intended as a supplement and should not automatically replace a cat’s complete daily diet. If the life stage is not clearly stated, check the packaging or ask the manufacturer for further information.
The recommended amount may vary for an adult cat, indoor cat or neutered cat. An indoor cat often has a different activity level from a cat that goes outside. After neutering, you may need to adjust the portion carefully according to your cat’s weight and activity level.
Use the feeding table on the packaging as a starting point. It is best to weigh dry food using kitchen scales. For example, the product information for Farmina N&D Prime Neutered Cat Chicken 1,5 kg gives guidelines of 30 to 40 grams for a cat weighing 2 to 3 kg and 55 to 70 grams for a cat weighing 4 to 5 kg. These are guidelines; individual needs may vary.
Dry cat food is easy to store, simple to weigh and suitable for offering in portions throughout the day. Always make sure your cat has plenty of fresh drinking water.
Wet cat food generally contains a high moisture content and is often served in small, fresh portions. Pay particular attention to whether it is labelled “complete food”, the recommended daily amount and the storage instructions after opening. An opened pouch or tray usually needs to be refrigerated according to the label and used within the stated period.
Why it suits this profile: A multipack with 12 portions of 85 grams is easy to manage for households that want to serve wet food regularly and try different flavours.
The packaging states that this is complete food for adult cats. The portion size and number of pouches are clearly shown, making it easier to compare the amount and price per meal.
12 portions of 85 grams; a combination of turkey and tuna; no added artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: This large bag of dry food is aimed at shoppers who want to compare a fish recipe with a detailed ingredients list and analytical table.
The product information specifies herring as a main ingredient, along with 44% crude protein, 20% fat and 8% moisture. This allows you to compare the marketing claims around fish-based cat food with measurable data.
5 kg contents; grain-free recipe according to the product description; herring, dehydrated herring and fish listed as protein sources; taurine and fatty acids listed separately.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this variant is intended for neutered cats and comes in a large pack for households that use cat food regularly.
The pack is large, but the product information provides daily guidelines by body weight. This lets you decide in advance whether 10 kg suits your consumption and storage space.
Intended for neutered cats; chicken and herring are listed as animal ingredients; 36% crude protein, 14% fat and 9% moisture according to the stated product specifications.
There are several options for cats that like to switch between flavours. According to the product description, Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb 1,5 kg contains lamb, herring and quinoa, and lists 36% crude protein and 20% fat. Farmina N&D Prime Cat Wild Boar 1,5 kg uses wild boar, herring and egg as its listed ingredients.
If you prefer to serve cat food with chicken, beef or fish in small portions, you could consider Gourmet Mon Petit Meat 6 x 50 grams, Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry or Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Duo Meat & Fish Mix. According to the product information, the variants contain ingredients including beef, veal, lamb, chicken, salmon, tuna, turkey or trout in gravy.
For an indoor cat, Perfect Fit Indoor Adult Cat Food Dry 750 grams is a compact option. The product is described as dry food for adult cats. However, always check the current packaging, ingredients and feeding table for each variant before ordering.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Choose food that is labelled as complete food for adult cats. Adjust the amount according to your cat’s weight and activity level. For an indoor cat, it is advisable to weigh out portions and check their body weight regularly.
According to the product information, complete dry cat food can be used as a daily diet. Always make sure your cat has plenty of fresh drinking water. Some owners combine dry food with complete wet food, but if you do this, reduce the amount of dry food according to the feeding guidelines to prevent overfeeding.
Dry food should be stored in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container. After opening, store wet food according to the instructions on the packaging, usually in the fridge and for a limited period only. The exact storage period, best-before date and storage instructions on the label take precedence.