A bag of dry food or a multipack of wet cat food might seem like a quick choice. Yet cat owners often end up paying for a pack that doesn't quite match their cat's age, activity level or preferences. What's more, the product name doesn't always tell you how much chicken, fish or beef is actually inside.
As Joybuy's Product Recommendation Officer, I filter the most important information from product descriptions so you can compare marketing claims with verifiable data. Below, you'll find out what to look for when buying cat food, including practical recommendations for different situations.
A pack labelled "cat food with chicken" or "cat food with fish" can contain a variety of ingredients. So always check the composition. For example, some wet food products state that the named flavour contains just 4% chicken, beef, tuna or salmon. The rest is made up of other animal ingredients, plant-based protein extracts, grains, minerals and other components.
So don't just look at the picture on the packaging – also check:
For daily meals, complete food for adult cats is the practical choice. This means the product is formulated as a daily food for the stated life stage according to the product information. A mousse, pâté, fillet or meal in sauce can therefore be suitable, as long as the label states it is a complete pet food.
A product that is primarily offered as a treat should be judged differently. If in doubt, always follow the nutritional information and feeding guidelines on the packaging.
A cat food multipack can lower the price per portion, but only if your cat accepts the flavour and you can store the portions properly. Once opened, wet food usually needs to be covered and placed in the fridge, and used within the period stated on the label. For different products, this is typically a maximum of 24 to 48 hours.
Dry cat food is easier to portion and store, but make sure you seal the bag tightly after use. This helps preserve the aroma and crunchiness. Also check that your cat is drinking enough water.
For a cat aged one year or older, look for cat food for adult cats. A spayed or neutered cat may need an adjusted energy and mineral profile. For example, Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula states it has an adapted protein-to-fat ratio and balanced minerals for spayed or neutered adult cats.
If your cat has a sensitive digestion, a formula with a limited grain selection could be worth considering. Purina One Sensitive Adult Turkey & Rice states in its product description that it contains no added wheat. This is the brand's product information and not a guarantee that every cat will tolerate it better. If symptoms persist, it's wise to consult a vet.
Wet cat food contains a lot of moisture and is often sold in portions of 85g or 100g. This is handy if you want to give several small meals. Examples include Gourmet Gold, Whiskas, Felix and g'woon.
Dry cat food is compact, easy to portion and often suitable for households where the cat grazes throughout the day. Pay attention to the analytical constituents and the daily feeding guide. According to the product information, Purina One Adult Salmon contains salmon as the first ingredient and is available in an 800g bag. G'woon Adult Crunchy Meat and Fish comes in a 2kg pack; however, the available product information does not list the analytical percentages. This is something to bear in mind when comparing.
A combination of dry and wet food can be practical, but adjust the total amount accordingly. A pouch of wet food is not automatically added on top of the full daily portion of dry food.
Single-serve portions help reduce food waste. A tin or pouch of 85g is convenient for households with one cat, or for cats that enjoy different flavours. Larger packs, such as 24 x 85g, 44 x 85g or 60 x 85g, make more sense if your cat consistently enjoys a particular flavour.
When choosing a multipack, check:
Why this fits the profile: The 2kg bag is practical for daily dry feeding and needs topping up less often.
The product description explicitly states it is complete food for adult cats. However, do check the label for the missing analytical percentages.
2kg of dry food, crunchy kibble and a combination of meat and fish according to the product description.
Why this fits the profile: This variant is designed for adult cats from one year old and uses salmon as the first named ingredient.
The life stage and product type are clearly stated. Check the feeding table and compare the composition with other formulas.
800g of dry food, salmon as the first ingredient according to the product description, and added vitamins and minerals.
Why this fits the profile: The formula is specifically designed for spayed or neutered adult cats.
The packaging doesn't just say "adult" – it also mentions spaying and neutering. This lets you compare a targeted formula with standard food.
800g of dry food, beef as the stated flavour and a feeding guide based on body weight.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
Choose a product that states complete food for adult cats. Then compare the composition, energy content, feeding guide and your cat's preference. A cat aged one year or older needs a different product category than a kitten.
That depends on your cat, your feeding routine and your vet's advice. Wet food contains a lot of moisture and is easy to divide into portions. Dry food lasts longer after opening and is easy to measure out. If you're combining the two, keep an eye on the total daily amount.
Always follow the label. For the products mentioned, opened wet food should usually be stored in the fridge and used within 24 to 48 hours. Store dry food in a sealed container, in a cool, dry place. Use the best-before date on the packaging as a guide, and don't feed any product that smells different, has changed colour or feels dried out.