Buying cat food seems straightforward, until you start comparing the labels. One packet highlights chicken, fish or wild boar, while another focuses mainly on “natural ingredients” or “premium cat food”. On their own, these terms say very little about whether a product is suitable for your cat.
Instead, pay particular attention to the nutritional status, composition, moisture content and portion size. This will help you avoid using a supplementary treat as a meal, paying too much for a vague recipe or buying a large pack that does not suit your cat’s eating habits.
“Cat food with chicken” or “cat food with fish” does not automatically mean that chicken or fish is the largest ingredient. Check the ingredients list and see whether the percentage of the named animal species is stated. Some products use broader categories such as “meat and animal derivatives” or “fish and fish derivatives”.
This makes comparisons more difficult. A clear composition helps you keep your expectations about flavour and ingredients realistic.
Cat treats and liquid snacks can be useful as a reward or topper, but they are not always intended to be a complete meal. INABA Churu Cat Tuna, for example, is described as complementary pet food. The product contains 91% moisture and is intended as a treat, not as a replacement for your cat’s daily food.
So always check whether the packaging says “complete pet food” or “complementary pet food”. This distinction determines how you should include the product in your cat’s feeding routine.
Grain-free cat food may suit a particular preference or dietary choice, but “grain-free” does not automatically make a product suitable for every cat. Also consider the overall recipe, analytical constituents and feeding instructions.
According to the product description, Farmina N&D Prime Cat Wild Boar 1.5 kg contains no grains and 38% of its analytical composition consists of crude protein. These are measurable product details, but your cat’s individual needs remain the deciding factor.
For everyday feeding, complete cat food is a practical choice: it is formulated to be given as a complete diet according to the instructions on the packaging. Wet cat food such as Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets is offered as complete food for adult cats. The packaging also provides feeding advice for a cat weighing around 4 kg.
Complementary products, such as Churu sticks or liquid treats, should be given in smaller quantities. Deduct the amount of treats from your cat’s daily intake if they cause her to eat less of her main meal.
Wet food generally contains considerably more moisture than dry cat food. The supplied product information gives, for example, a moisture content of 78% for Purina One Sensitive Adult Wet Cat Food and 80% for Gourmet Perle. INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps contain even 93% moisture, but this product is complementary and not a complete meal.
Dry food is easier to portion and store. Farmina N&D Prime Cat Wild Boar 1.5 kg lists 8% moisture, 38% crude protein and 22% crude fat. g’woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish comes in a 2 kg bag. A larger bag can be convenient for everyday use, but seal it properly and store the food in a dry place.
When choosing cat food for adult cats, select a product whose life stage is clearly stated on the label. Adjust the amount according to your cat’s weight, activity level and body condition; feeding guides are recommendations, not fixed rules that apply to every cat.
When switching to a different dry food, the Farmina product information recommends a gradual transition over 5 to 7 days. This helps prevent an abrupt change to your cat’s daily diet. Also make sure fresh drinking water is always available, particularly if you mainly feed dry food.
Why it suits this profile: The 2 kg pack is practical for anyone who feeds dry food every day and wants a straightforward feeding routine. The recipe contains grains, fish and fish derivatives, meat and animal derivatives, and vegetable protein extracts.
The ingredients list makes it clear that this is not grain-free cat food. You are therefore buying based on the actual composition, rather than the flavour name alone.
Dry food for adult cats; fish variety; 2 kg bag; easy to portion and store.
Why it suits this profile: This variety is aimed at shoppers looking for a grain-free recipe with a high proportion of animal protein. The composition includes fresh and dehydrated wild boar, herring, egg and fish oil.
The product information states both “grain-free” and the analytical values: 38% crude protein, 22% crude fat and 8% moisture. This allows you to make a well-informed choice based on specific details.
Complete dry food; grain-free formula; 1.5 kg pack; feeding advice by body weight.
Why it suits this profile: This tuna treat is ideal for anyone looking for a small addition to complete cat food, for example as a topper or reward.
The packaging clearly states that this is complementary pet food. The recommended amount is 1–2 sticks per day for adult cats; it does not replace a complete meal.
91% moisture; 6 calories per stick according to the product information; suitable as a treat or topper.
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.
Not necessarily. Both wet and dry food can form part of your cat’s diet, provided the product is complete and the portion is suitable for your cat. Wet food generally contains more moisture, while dry food is easy to portion and store. When combining the two, check the total daily amount.
Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Opened wet food should generally be covered and stored in the fridge. INABA Churu Cat Tuna states that an opened stick should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Store dry food somewhere cool and dry, in a tightly sealed container or bag.
No, not automatically. Grain-free cat food is a specific recipe choice. Also compare the protein, fat and moisture content, and check whether the food is complete. If your cat has ongoing dietary problems or a suspected allergy, it is advisable to consult a vet.