Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food: how to compare dry food, wet food and treats without making the wrong purchase

A bag of cat food may seem easy to choose at first glance. However, products can vary considerably in ingredients, portion size, texture and intended use. A low price per pack may be less appealing if your cat leaves the food untouched, for example. A large multipack can also be inconvenient if your cat quickly loses interest in a particular flavour.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus mainly on verifiable product information. Marketing terms are only useful when they can be linked to a clear ingredient list, nutritional category or pack format.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. “With chicken” or “with salmon” does not always tell you how much it contains

A flavour name does not automatically mean that a product is rich in that ingredient. For example, several wet food varieties in the range state that the named meat or fish makes up 4% of the composition. Always check the ingredients list rather than relying solely on the front of the pack.

This applies to cat food with chicken, cat food with fish and cat food with salmon. A recipe containing fish derivatives is also not the same as a product made with one clearly identified fish source.

2. A treat is not a replacement for a meal

Cat treats and biscuits are intended as a supplement. INABA Churu is described in the product information as a complementary treat. According to the packaging, the tubes contain 91% moisture and 6 calories per tube, but they are not intended to replace your cat’s daily food.

Use treats as a reward, interactive snack or topping. Include them in your cat’s daily intake, particularly if your cat is not very active.

3. A large multipack is not always better value

A cat food multipack often reduces the price per portion, but check the following first:

  • the total contents, such as 24 x 85 grams or 60 x 85 grams;
  • the number of flavours and how many of each variety are included;
  • the best-before date;
  • storage instructions after opening;
  • whether your cat will actually eat several different flavours.

Wet cat food usually needs to be refrigerated after opening and used within the period stated on the label. A small pouch or tin may therefore be more practical than a large opened tub.

Important points to check

1. Complete or complementary food

Look for complete cat food or “complete pet food” on the label. This means that, according to the product information, the product is intended to provide complete nutrition for the stated life stage. Many of the products mentioned are specifically suitable for adult cats.

A complementary treat, such as INABA Churu, serves a different purpose. Combine it with complete food and follow the recommended quantity on the packaging.

Also check the age indication. Cat food for adult cats is not automatically suitable for kittens, pregnant cats or cats with specific nutritional needs. If your cat is on a veterinary diet or has persistent symptoms, consulting a vet is more sensible than experimenting yourself.

2. Moisture content and texture

Wet food generally contains a high level of moisture. The product specifications provided, for example, list a moisture content of 80% to 82% for various Gourmet and Felix varieties. INABA Churu states 91% moisture. This makes these products suitable for owners looking for a soft texture or extra moisture at mealtimes, without making any medical claims.

Dry food lasts longer once opened and is easy to measure. g'woon Adult Crunchy Meat and Fish Chunks comes in a 2 kg pack of crunchy kibble. The product information describes it as complete food for adult cats, but does not provide analytical values for protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. If you want to compare these values, it is best to check the label or the current packaging.

3. Portions and storage convenience

A 50-gram pack is handy for smaller meals and helps limit leftovers. Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry consists of portions of 6 x 50 grams. For a one-cat household, this may be easier to manage than large tins.

Larger multipacks, such as Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets with 60 pouches of 85 grams or Felix Original Mix Selection with 44 pouches of 85 grams, provide a bigger supply. Compare the price per 100 grams rather than looking only at the price per box. Always follow the feeding guide on the packaging as well; the stated portions for a 4 kg cat are guidelines and may vary depending on weight, activity level and living environment.

Recommended cat food for different shopping profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Adult Crunchy Meat and Fish Chunks 2kg

g'woon Adult Crunchy Meat and Fish Chunks 2kg

Why it suits this profile: The 2 kg bag is practical for daily feeding and reduces the number of individual packs you need. The product information describes it as complete dry food for adult cats containing meat and fish.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack size and food category are clearly stated. Before buying, check the current analytical values on the label, as they are not included in the product information.

Key benefit & highlights

2 kg pack; crunchy kibble; intended for adult cats.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Purina One Adult Salmon - Whole Grains - 800 g

Purina One Adult Salmon - Whole Grains - 800 g

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this dry food is intended for adult cats aged 1 year and over, with salmon as the first ingredient.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage, flavour and net quantity are clearly stated. The claim about reducing tartar is based on Purina’s own research, so do not treat it as a general guarantee.

Key benefit & highlights

800 g pack; salmon listed as the first ingredient; complete food for adult cats according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
INABA Churu Multipack Tuna & Chicken 50 pcs.

INABA Churu Multipack Tuna & Chicken 50 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: The 50 tubes are ideal if you often give your cat a small treat, topping or hand-fed snack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that these are complementary treats. This reduces the risk of accidentally using them as a complete meal.

Key benefit & highlights

50 tubes; 91% moisture according to the product details; 6 calories per treat according to the packaging.

Suitable for: Households looking for variety
Gourmet Perle Sauce Delight Beef, Chicken, Tuna & Salmon Multipack

Gourmet Perle Sauce Delight Beef, Chicken, Tuna & Salmon Multipack

Why it suits this profile: This multipack contains varieties with beef, chicken, tuna and salmon in sauce, allowing you to alternate between several flavours.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The box contains 12 pouches of 85 grams. You are not buying an unclear bulk pack, and the portions can be planned easily for each meal.

Key benefit & highlights

12 x 85 grams; four stated flavour varieties; complete wet food for adult cats according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled 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 cat food

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

According to the product specifications, wet food often contains around 74% to 82% moisture, while dry food contains considerably less. This is a practical difference, but it is not automatically a reason to choose one type for every cat. Consider whether it is complete food, the life stage, the ingredients and what your cat accepts readily. Fresh drinking water should always be available with dry food.

How much food does an adult cat need?

This depends on body weight, age, activity level and the type of food. Manufacturers often provide a guideline for a cat weighing around 4 kg. The product information for several wet food products, for example, states around 3 to 4 pouches or 2 to 3 tins per day, divided between at least two meals. Use this as a starting point and follow the current feeding guide on the label.

How should I store opened cat food?

Store unopened cat food in a cool, dry place. Cover leftover wet food, keep it in the fridge and use it within the period stated on the packaging; for the products mentioned, this is often 24 to 48 hours. Wet food is best served at room temperature, and any leftovers that have been left in the bowl for too long should be thrown away.