Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without wasting money: how to find food that suits your cat

Attractive packaging and a familiar flavour do not necessarily mean that cat food is suitable for your cat. Many Dutch cat owners buy a large pack, combine wet and dry food without adjusting the portions, or confuse complementary snacks with a complete meal. This can lead to waste, an unbalanced diet or food that your cat simply refuses to eat.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I therefore start by checking the information on the label: life stage, food type, ingredients, portion size and packaging. This allows you to compare wet cat food, dry cat food and multipacks on practical grounds rather than relying solely on advertising claims.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. “With chicken” does not automatically mean lots of chicken

Packaging often features pictures of chicken, salmon or beef. Always check the percentage of the named ingredient in the ingredients list. For example, some Felix varieties indicate flavours such as beef, chicken, tuna or salmon. The exact percentages vary by recipe and are listed on the product packaging.

A short ingredients list is not automatically a guarantee that a product is suitable either. In particular, check whether the product is described as complete cat food or complementary food.

2. Soup and treats cannot replace a main meal

According to the product information, Felix Soup Farm and Felix Soup Fish are complementary food for adult cats. They can add variety, but are not intended to provide complete daily nutrition. The recommended amount for Felix Soup Fish is one pouch per 4 kg of body weight per day, as a supplement to complete food.

Treats, broth and meal mixes can also provide extra calories. Where necessary, deduct these from your cat’s daily allowance.

3. A large pack is not always better value

A cat food multipack can be useful for households with several cats or a cat that eats the same product every day. For a fussy cat, however, a large box containing 44 pouches can be impractical if several flavours are rejected.

Also check how long the food lasts after opening. Wet food should generally be covered and kept in the fridge. Always follow the instructions on the label; Felix Every Day Party Mix, for example, recommends using opened leftovers within 24 hours.

Important points when comparing cat food

1. Check age and specific needs

Cat food for adult cats is not the same as kitten food. Kittens need food specifically labelled for their growth stage. According to the product description, Whiskas Junior Classic Selection in Sauce is intended for kittens and provides separate feeding guidelines for kittens aged 3 to 12 months. Felix Premium Quality Junior Cat Food Mixed Flavors is intended for cats aged 2 to 12 months.

For a sterilised cat, look for food specifically developed for this group. According to the product information, Farmina N&D Prime Complete Cat Food for Neutered Cats is intended for sterilised cats. According to the manufacturer, Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula is intended for sterilised or neutered adult cats.

2. Choose between complete and complementary food

The label should clearly state whether the product is complete food. Complete food is intended to be served as a daily meal in line with the feeding guidelines. Complementary products, such as some soups, are intended to be given alongside a complete meal.

Examples of complete options include:

  • Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection in Jelly: 44 pouches of 85 grams, for adult cats.
  • Whiskas Adult Wet Cat Food Tasty Mix: wet food for adult cats.
  • Purina One Adult Salmon – Whole Grains: dry food for adult cats.
  • Iams Vitality Adult Cat Food with Fresh Chicken: complete food for adult cats.
  • Whiskas Junior Classic Selection: complete wet food for kittens.

Also read the analytical constituents, such as protein, fat, moisture and crude ash. Compare products within the same category, as wet food’s high moisture content means it cannot be compared directly with dry biscuits in the same way.

3. Adjust the portion to your cat’s weight and activity level

The feeding guideline on the packaging is a starting point. An active cat, indoor cat, older cat or sterilised cat may need a different amount. When combining wet and dry food, reduce both portions.

For example, the product information for Felix Seaside Sensations states that an adult cat weighing 4 kg should receive 70 grams of dry food per day, or 50 grams of dry food combined with one pouch of wet food. Always use the table for the product you have chosen and pay attention to your cat’s body condition.

Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water when feeding dry food. Store opened biscuits in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Wet food is best served at room temperature and should be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.

Our recommendations by type 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: A large multipack with individual pouches is practical for daily portions and several flavour varieties. According to the product information, this is complete wet food for adult cats and is also suitable for sterilised cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states the 85-gram portion size and provides feeding guidelines. This allows you to portion out each pouch instead of feeding by eye.

Key benefit & highlights

44 pouches of 85 grams; four named flavour varieties; complete food for adult cats.

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: This small pack is aimed at sterilised cats and contains a clearly stated composition with chicken, fish oil, vitamins and minerals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target group and feeding guidelines are stated explicitly. The 300-gram pack also reduces the risk of the food remaining open for too long.

Key benefit & highlights

Complete food for sterilised cats; 38% crude protein and 16% crude fat according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Purina One Sensitive Adult Cat Food Turkey and Rice Formula 800g

Purina One Sensitive Adult Cat Food Turkey & Rice Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this recipe is intended for adult cats with sensitive digestion. Turkey is listed as the first ingredient and no wheat has been added.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly identifies the target group and ingredients. For individual concerns, always check the label and seek advice from a vet if necessary.

Key benefit & highlights

800 grams of dry food; turkey as the first ingredient; no added wheat according to the product information.

Other practical options

Fans of Felix cat food can also choose dry food options, such as Felix dry cat food Seaside Sensations 4 kg. If you are mainly looking for Whiskas cat food, consider Whiskas 1+ Dry Adult Chicken 3.8kg or Whiskas Adult Wet Cat Food Fish Selection.

For cats that prefer biscuits, Purina One Adult Salmon – Whole Grains and g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish 2kg are straightforward options for adult cats. When switching food, gradually introduce a mix of the old and new food so that you can monitor your cat’s response.

Looking for more options?

We have 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

How often should I feed an adult cat?

Follow the feeding guideline on the packaging and preferably divide the daily amount between at least two meals. Adjust the portion according to weight, activity and body condition. When combining wet and dry food, give less of both.

Is wet or dry food better for cats?

This depends on your cat’s preference, your circumstances and the complete food you choose. Wet food generally contains a lot of moisture and is supplied in portion pouches. Dry food lasts longer after opening and is easy to weigh out. In both cases, check that the product is labelled as complete food for the correct life stage.

How long can opened cat food be kept?

Keep opened wet food covered in the fridge and follow the storage period stated on the packaging. This varies by product: some Felix products recommend using it within 24 hours, while others state a maximum period of 48 hours. Throw away leftovers that have been left out of the fridge for too long.