Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without falling for marketing traps: a practical guide for every cat

A bag of fish-flavoured dry food, a multipack of wet food or a liquid cat treat: there is a huge range of cat food to choose from. However, attractive packaging says little about whether a product is suitable for your cat. Pay particular attention to their life stage, nutritional status and how you plan to use the product.

Three common pitfalls are:

  1. Confusing a complementary product with a complete meal. Cat soup, cat broth and liquid treats often contain plenty of moisture, but they are not automatically complete cat food.
  2. Interpreting a flavour name too broadly. “With tuna” does not always mean that tuna is the main ingredient. Check the percentage and the full composition.
  3. Looking only at the price per kilo. A large bag of dry food may seem economical, while small portions of wet food or treats may be a better fit for a cat that eats little or quickly loses interest.

What should you look for in cat food?

1. Check first: complete or complementary food

The packaging should state whether the product is complete pet food or complementary food. Complete cat food is designed to be given as a daily main food, in line with the feeding guidelines on the label. Complementary products are intended as an extra, topping or way to support hydration.

Examples of complementary food include:

  • cat broth and cat soup;
  • liquid cat treats;
  • INABA Churu;
  • INABA Broth;
  • INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps Tuna;
  • INABA Bisque Cat Tuna Recipe.

These products can be useful for adding variety or extra moisture, but do not use them to replace a complete meal. Always provide fresh drinking water as well.

2. Consider life stage and portion size

Cat food for adult cats is formulated for mature animals. Kitten food has a different nutritional composition and is intended to support growth. For example, the product description for Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod states that it is a complete food for kittens. According to the description, the recommended transition to a new food takes at least seven days.

Pay attention to portion sizes too. Felix Delicious Fish Strips in Sauce comes in 12 pouches of 80 grams. For an adult cat weighing 4 kg, the feeding guidelines recommend 3 to 4 pouches per day, depending on activity levels and body condition. With larger packs, it is sensible to weigh out the daily amount rather than topping up the bowl without limits.

3. Assess moisture content and composition together

Wet food generally contains more moisture than dry food. This makes wet cat food appealing to owners who want to support their cat’s daily fluid intake. For example, the INABA broths in this selection list a moisture content of 93%. Felix Soup Fish Wet Cat Food is also described as a product with a high moisture content.

However, a high moisture percentage does not mean that the product is complete food. Always check the legal product name and nutritional status first. With dry food, energy density, protein content and the recommended amount per body weight play a more important role.

Dry food, wet food or a combination?

Dry cat food is convenient to store and easy to measure. Iams Cat Adult Tuna is available in 3 kg and 10 kg packs and, according to the product description, is intended for adult cats from 1 year of age. The description mentions taurine, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and a fibre blend containing prebiotics and beet pulp. Always check the current nutritional values and feeding guide on the packaging.

Wet food often has a softer texture and higher moisture content. This can suit cats that enjoy gravy, mousse or pâté. Examples include Gourmet Gold Mousse, g’woon Cat Pâté Salmon and Felix Delicious Fish Strips in Sauce.

A combination can be practical: for example, complete wet food as the main meal and a measured portion of dry food at another time. Include treats, broth and toppers in the total daily amount. If you have concerns about your cat’s weight, allergies or a tailored diet, it is wise to consult a vet.

Popular choices for different situations

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Iams cat adult tuna 3kg

Iams cat adult tuna 3kg

Why it suits this profile: A 3 kg pack is a manageable size for anyone wanting to try dry cat food without immediately buying a large supply. According to the product description, this food is intended for adult cats from 1 year of age.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage and pack size are clearly specified. This helps you avoid buying kitten food or a bag that is too large for an adult cat when storage space is limited.

Key benefit & highlights

Dry food for adult cats; 3 kg pack; tuna recipe according to the product name.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Ocean Cat Herring with Orange 5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Cat Herring with Orange 5 kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this complete cat food for adult cats contains herring as a key ingredient and is free from wheat, rice, maize, soya, peas and lentils.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition lists specific fish ingredients and analytical values. That is clearer than making only a general claim about an “ocean recipe”.

Key benefit & highlights

5 kg pack; 44% crude protein according to the stated analysis; DHA and EPA listed separately.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
Felix Soup Fish Wet Cat Food 6 x 48 g

Felix Soup Fish Wet Cat Food 6×48g

Why it suits this profile: The portion pouches are intended as a supplement for adult cats. This suits owners who want to vary their cat’s fish food or add extra moisture to a meal.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description explicitly states “complementary pet food”. This makes it clear that the soup should not be used as a complete daily meal.

Key benefit & highlights

6 pouches of 48 g; varieties with cod, tuna and plaice; refrigerate after opening and use within 2 days.

Suitable for: Cats that prefer a soft texture
Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna Liver Turkey Beef Multipack

Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna, Liver, Turkey & Beef Multipack

Why it suits this profile: The mousse has a soft texture and comes as a multipack with different flavours. This can be practical for cats that care more about texture than kibble.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that this is complete food for adult cats. This clearly distinguishes it from cat treats and broth.

Key benefit & highlights

Multipack of 8 tins of 85 g; complete food; several meat and fish flavours.

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

Is wet food or dry food better for my cat?

It depends on your cat’s preferences, life stage and daily needs. Wet food generally contains more moisture, while dry food is easy to store and measure. With both types, check that the product is complete and follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging.

How can I give tuna cat food safely?

Use tuna cat food according to the instructions on the label. Tuna soup, tuna broth and tuna cat treats are usually complementary and must not replace a complete meal. Introduce new food gradually and monitor your cat’s reaction.

How long does opened cat food keep?

Always follow the packaging instructions. For several products in this selection, the recommendation is to refrigerate opened wet food and use it within 24 to 48 hours. Throw away leftovers if they smell unpleasant, change colour or have been left at room temperature for too long.