Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food in 2026: a practical guide to complete meals, wet food and treats

Buying cat food seems straightforward—until you have to choose between pouches in gravy, tins of mousse, dry cat food and multipacks with different flavours. Marketing copy often highlights words such as “premium”, “natural” or “high protein”, while the information you actually need is somewhere on the back.

This guide helps you compare cat food by completeness, life stage, composition, texture and cost of use. That way, you can avoid buying something your cat will not eat or that does not fit into its daily feeding routine.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. Confusing a tempting flavour with complete nutrition

A product containing chicken, salmon or beef is not automatically suitable as a complete meal. First, check the legal product designation on the packaging. If it says “complete pet food for adult cats”, it is intended as daily nutrition when given in the recommended quantity. If it says “complementary pet food”, it is a treat or supplement and does not replace a complete meal.

For example, MjAMjAM Cat Cream Chicken & Salmon is explicitly described as complementary food. The product is therefore suitable as an extra treat, not as a replacement for complete cat food.

2. Overestimating a highlighted ingredient

“Contains salmon” does not mean that the product consists mainly of salmon. According to the product information for Iams Naturally, the salmon variant contains 4.1% salmon and 4.1% rice. The ingredient list starts with dried chicken and turkey. This does not make the product unsuitable, but it does show why you should check the full ingredients list.

The same applies to cat food with chicken, cat food with beef and cat food with salmon. Look at the stated percentage rather than relying solely on the name on the front of the pack.

3. Buying a multipack without knowing your cat’s preferences

A cat food multipack can be economical and convenient, but it often contains several flavours. That is useful for cats that enjoy variety, but less suitable if your cat only eats gravy, jelly or mousse. If you are unsure, try a small pack before purchasing a larger multipack.

Also consider the shelf life, storage space and quantity per serving. A multipack of 60 pouches weighing 85 grams each, such as Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets, contains a total of 5.1 kilos of wet food. This is particularly practical for households with a dedicated storage area.

Important specifications to check

Complete or complementary cat food

For daily meals, look for complete cat food that is suitable for your cat’s age. The products in this guide are primarily intended for adult cats. For kittens, senior cats or cats with specific nutritional needs, follow the age indication and feeding advice on the packaging.

Cat treats, broth and creamy treats are usually complementary. Give them in limited quantities and reduce the main meal if necessary. For example, the Catisfactions packaging states a maximum of 20 treats per day for adult cats. The recommended amount may vary by product.

Wet food, dry food and moisture content

Wet cat food generally contains a high proportion of moisture. Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets list 80% moisture, while Felix wet food in jelly lists 82%. The difference may seem minor, but it matters when comparing nutritional values per 100 grams.

Dry cat food is more concentrated and easy to measure. According to the product information, Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food contains 33% protein and 15% fat. Always provide fresh drinking water alongside dry food. Use the feeding guidelines as a starting point and adjust the quantity according to your cat’s weight, activity level and body condition.

Texture, ingredients and claims

Cats respond differently to texture, so choose accordingly:

  • Cat food in gravy for cats that enjoy soft pieces with plenty of sauce.
  • Cat food in jelly for a firmer texture in a convenient pouch.
  • Cat mousse for cats that prefer a smooth, soft meal.
  • Mini fillets for cats that enjoy small pieces.

Claims such as “without artificial colourings” should not distract you from the full composition. According to the product information for various Gourmet and Felix variants, no artificial colourings have been added. However, always check the current packaging for each variant, as recipes may differ.

Recommended choices for different types of cat owners

MATCH FOR: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Premium Cat Food Vegetable Mix 12 x 85 g

Felix Premium Cat Food Vegetable Mix 12 x 85 g

Why it fits: A convenient multipack with 12 jelly pouches, making it a manageable first stock-up and simplifying portion control.

Avoids the pitfall

The packaging identifies it as complete wet food for adult cats, so it is not merely a complementary treat.

Objective advantages

12 portions of 85 grams, assorted flavours and a stated moisture content of 82%.

MATCH FOR: Fans of stocking up
Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets Chicken Rabbit Beef Salmon 60 x 85 g

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets – 60 x 85 g

Why it fits: Ideal for households that buy wet food regularly and like to rotate between different flavours.

Avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as complete pet food for adult cats, not as an occasional treat.

Objective advantages

60 pouches of 85 grams, four stated flavours and 80% moisture according to the product specification.

MATCH FOR: Dry food as a daily staple
Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon and Rice

Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon & Rice

Why it fits: A practical option for cat owners looking for an easy-to-store daily food.

Avoids the pitfall

The product information identifies it as complete food for adult cats and presents the composition transparently.

Objective advantages

33% protein, 15% fat and 4.1% salmon and rice according to the supplied product specification.

MATCH FOR: Targeted use and treat time
Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks Salmon 40 g

Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks – Salmon, 40 g

Why it fits: For adult cat owners who want to add a dedicated chewing moment to their cat’s daily routine.

Avoids the pitfall

The manufacturer’s dental-care claim is not presented as a guarantee; follow the instructions and supervise your cat.

Objective advantages

The product information states calcium and taurine levels, 35% protein and a clear maximum daily amount.

Want to explore more options?

Browse a current selection of products and compare flavours, pack sizes and occasions before ordering.

Practical buying tips for cat owners in the Netherlands

  • When introducing a new flavour, start with a small pack. This helps prevent waste if your cat refuses to eat it.
  • Compare the price per 100 grams rather than looking only at the price per pouch or tin.
  • Do not switch completely to a new food overnight. Gradually mix it with your cat’s familiar food.
  • Store unopened wet food in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate opened portions in a covered container and follow the storage period stated on the packaging.
  • Give treats as a supplement. Catisfactions and Whiskas Cat Sticks are not complete daily meals.
  • A product intended for dogs, such as Rosewood Dog Treats Chicken Fillets, is not suitable as cat food. Always check the intended animal species before ordering.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Is wet food or dry cat food more suitable?

That depends on your cat’s preferences, your feeding routine and the product’s composition. Wet food usually contains a high proportion of moisture and is often sold in individual portions. Dry food is easier to store and measure. In both cases, check that the product is complete and suitable for adult cats.

How much cat food does an adult cat need per day?

Use the feeding guidelines on the packaging as a starting point. The appropriate amount depends on body weight, activity level, age and the rest of the diet. For Gourmet Perle, for example, the recommendation for a cat weighing around 4 kilos is 3 to 4 pouches per day, divided across at least two meals. Adjust this if your cat’s body condition or weight changes.

How often can I give my cat treats?

Follow the maximum amount stated on the packaging and deduct treats from the daily food allowance. Products such as Catisfactions, Whiskas Cat Sticks and dental-care cat treats are complementary. They should not replace a complete main meal. If you have concerns about weight, allergies or a tailored diet, consult your vet.