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Choosing cat food without falling into marketing traps: how to find the right meal for your cat

A bag of cat food or a box of wet food may seem like an easy choice. However, products can vary considerably in ingredients, serving size, texture and suitability for different life stages. For example, a cheerful picture of chicken on the packaging does not automatically mean that chicken is the main ingredient. Terms such as “for indoor cats” or “for sterilised cats” should also be considered alongside the nutritional analysis and feeding guidelines.

In this guide, you’ll learn what to look for in wet cat food, dry cat food, kitten food and senior cat food. This will help you avoid paying too much for a product that does not suit your cat’s age, activity level or eating preferences.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. Mistaking the flavour name for the main ingredients

If the front of the pack says “cat food with chicken”, check the label to see how much chicken has actually been added. For some products, “with chicken” means, according to the legally required description, that at least a certain percentage of the named animal ingredient is present. The remainder may consist of other animal by-products, cereals, vegetable protein extracts, minerals and oils.

So always compare the ingredients rather than relying only on the prominent flavour image on the packaging.

2. Confusing complete and complementary food

“Complete pet food” means, according to the product information, that the food is intended to be given as a complete daily diet when you follow the recommended quantity. A complementary product is intended to be given alongside other cat food. This distinction is important for products such as fillets, broth or treats.

For example, the Sheba Fillets products in this selection are described as a complementary meal or treat. So do not automatically use them as your cat’s only daily food.

3. Buying a large pack without calculating how much you use

A cat food multipack or 10 kg bag can be practical for households with several cats, but only if your cat eats the product well and it remains suitable. With wet food, pay attention to how long it can be stored after opening. According to the product information, Felix advises keeping opened portions refrigerated and using them within 24 hours. Larger tins or trays may have different instructions on the label.

A low price per pack does not necessarily mean a low actual cost. Calculate the price per meal or per 100 grams, and check the daily feeding recommendations.

Important features to compare

1. Life stage and lifestyle

Start by choosing a product that matches your cat’s age and circumstances:

  • Kitten food contains a nutritional profile designed to support growth. According to the product information, Whiskas Junior Classic Selection in Sauce is complete wet food for kittens, with feeding recommendations that vary by age category.
  • Cat food for adult cats is intended for the maintenance stage. Felix, Sheba, Gourmet and IAMS have products that, according to their descriptions, are aimed at adult cats.
  • Senior cat food is intended for older cats. According to the product information, Perfect Fit Senior Cat Food 7+ Chicken is suitable for cats aged 7 and over.
  • For an indoor cat, you can look for a formula with a suitable energy and fibre profile. According to the brand description, Purina One Bifensis Indoor Adult Turkey & Grain Formula has been developed for cats that stay indoors most of the time.
  • Cat food for sterilised cats may suit cats with lower energy requirements. The Farmina N&D Prime products in this selection are specifically described as being for sterilised cats. Always follow the serving guidelines and adjust them according to your cat’s weight and activity level.

2. Wet food, dry food and texture

Wet cat food generally contains a high proportion of moisture and is sold in pouches, trays or tins. Jelly, sauce, pâté and mousse also offer different eating experiences. A cat that leaves chunks behind may accept mousse or pâté instead.

Dry food is easy to measure and remains fresh for a long time after opening, provided it is kept sealed and dry. Do pay attention to the serving size, though: kibble is more energy-dense than wet food. IAMS Cat Adult Chicken 10 kg is a large bag of dry food for adult cats. According to the product description, this formula contains fresh chicken, omega 3 and 6, taurine and a fibre blend with prebiotics and beet pulp. These brand claims come from IAMS’ own product information.

3. Ingredients, analysis and portion size

At a minimum, check:

  • Crude protein and fat: useful for comparing products of the same type.
  • Moisture content: particularly relevant when comparing wet and dry food.
  • Taurine, vitamins and minerals: check whether these have been added as nutrients.
  • Calorie information, where provided: this can help you tailor portion sizes more accurately.
  • Feeding guidance by body weight: this is a starting point, not an automatically correct amount for every cat.

If you change to a different cat food, make the transition gradually over several days. Keep an eye on your cat’s weight, stools and appetite. If your cat has a known medical condition, food sensitivity or a noticeable change in eating habits, it is wiser to consult a vet than to experiment on your own.

Recommended choices for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection in Jelly Wet Cat Food 44x85g

Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection in Jelly Wet Cat Food 44x85g

Why it suits this profile: The multipack contains 44 portions of 85 grams in a variety of flavours, making it a convenient way to discover an adult cat’s preferences.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion size and total contents are clearly stated. However, check the ingredients and daily feeding guidance before buying in bulk.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete food for adult cats according to the product information; individual pouches are easy to portion.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Prime Complete Cat Food for Neutered Cats Chicken 300g

Farmina N&D Prime Complete Cat Food for Neutered Cats - Chicken - 300g

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this dry food is specifically intended for sterilised cats and lists 38% crude protein and 16% crude fat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target group, ingredients and daily quantities for each weight category are specified. This means you do not have to rely solely on the wording on the packaging.

Main benefit & advantages

Grain-free formula according to the product description; available in a small 300-gram pack so you can try it first.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Iams cat adult chicken 10kg

Iams cat adult chicken 10kg

Why it suits this profile: The large bag of dry food is suitable for households with several adult cats or a consistent daily usage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly states the weight and target group. Keep the bag securely sealed to preserve quality and freshness.

Main benefit & advantages

87% animal protein according to IAMS’ own product information; with fresh chicken and a fibre blend containing prebiotics and beet pulp.

Suitable for: Families with a kitten
Whiskas Junior Classic Selection In Sauce Pouches Multipack 12x85g

Whiskas Junior Classic Selection In Sauce Pouches Multipack 12×85g

Why it suits this profile: The portion pouches and age-specific feeding guidelines make this practical for kittens that have several meals a day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly identifies the product as kitten food. The label provides quantities for kittens of different ages.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete wet food for kittens according to the product information; 12 individual pouches of 85 grams.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Which is better for cats: wet food or dry food?

It depends on your cat’s preferences, the serving size and its overall diet. Wet food has a high moisture content and is available in a range of textures. Dry food is easy to store and measure. You can combine both, provided the total quantity is appropriate for the feeding guidelines.

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

The right amount depends on body weight, age, activity level and the type of food. For example, products in this selection give a guideline of several pouches of wet food per day for a cat weighing around 4 kg. Always use the label as your starting point and adjust the portion if your cat’s weight changes.

How long does opened wet food stay fresh?

Follow the instructions on the packaging. According to the product information, Felix advises keeping opened portions refrigerated and using them within 24 hours. Other products state a maximum of two days. Cover the food, store it in the fridge and preferably serve it at room temperature.