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Finding the right bag or pack of cat food might seem straightforward – until you have to choose between wet food, dry food, multipacks, flavours and various nutritional claims. An attractive packet doesn't always tell you enough about whether it's suitable for your cat's daily needs.
So it's worth paying close attention to what's actually on the label. Here are three common pitfalls when comparing cat food:
For daily meals, the label complete pet food for adult cats is a practical starting point. This means the product is intended as a full diet for the relevant life stage, according to the product information.
A product labelled "complementary pet food" is intended for a different purpose. For example, INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Chicken with Pumpkin is described as a treat or topper, not as a replacement for complete cat food. So use such products alongside the main meal and keep an eye on the total daily amount.
If you're unsure, it's wise to check the full nutritional information on the packaging. An appealing word like "natural", "premium" or "high protein" doesn't on its own tell you how the food fits into a daily feeding plan.
Wet cat food typically contains a lot of moisture. For instance, the product information for Gourmet Gold Mousse states 77.5% moisture, 10.5% protein and 7% fat. Sheba Mini Fillets in Gravy lists 82% moisture, 8.5% protein and 4.5% fat.
Dry food contains much less moisture, which makes the analysis look quite different. Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot lists, among other things, 30% protein and 11% fat in an 800 g pack. So don't compare wet and dry food on just one percentage – the moisture content heavily influences the ratio.
Also pay attention to the feeding guidelines for your cat's weight. The guideline is a starting point; age, activity level, body condition and whether your cat has been neutered can all affect the portion size needed. Always make sure fresh drinking water is available.
The ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. So a flavour name can be broader than the picture on the packet might suggest. For example, the product information for Felix Delicious Fish Strips in Sauce lists different fish varieties and a 4% share of the named fish in each variation.
A portion of 80 or 85 g is handy for serving fresh. Larger packs, such as a cat food multipack of 12, 20 or 60 units, can be good value if your cat enjoys the product and you have enough storage space. Do check the best-before date and follow the storage instructions after opening. Many opened wet foods need to be kept in the fridge and used within a maximum of two days – always follow the label.
Why this fits the profile: The pack contains 8 portions of 85 g and four flavour varieties. That makes it easy to get acquainted with soft cat food without buying a large quantity of just one flavour straight away.
The flavour variation is clearly stated and the portions are individually packed. Do check the individual ingredients for each variety.
Complete wet food for adult cats according to the product information; 8 x 85 g; mousse texture.
Why this fits the profile: If you want to offer different textures and flavours, here you get 60 portions of 85 g with mini fillets in sauce.
The packaging and quantity are clearly stated. Check the stated percentage of chicken, rabbit, beef or salmon for each flavour.
Complete cat food for adult cats; 60 x 85 g; no added artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings according to the product description.
Why this fits the profile: This dry food is intended for neutered adult cats according to the product information, and comes with a recommended feeding table based on body weight.
The target group and recommended amounts are clearly stated. Weigh the portion rather than feeding by eye alone.
1.5 kg pack; 38% crude protein and 16% crude fat according to the analysis; feeding guidelines from 2 to over 5 kg body weight.
Why this fits the profile: The 20 sticks are intended as a complementary snack, topping or hand-feeding treat. That suits owners looking for a small reward alongside their cat's regular food.
The product information clearly states that it is a complementary pet food. The recommended amount is a maximum of 3 to 4 sticks per day for adult cats.
20 sticks of 14 g; 91% moisture according to the product description; suitable as a snack or topping, not as a complete meal.
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.
That depends on your cat's preference, the nutritional composition and your daily routine. Wet food generally contains more moisture, while dry food is easy to portion and store. With both types, check whether the product is a complete food for the right life stage. A combination can be practical, as long as you adjust the total portion.
Always follow the label. Many opened wet foods need to be covered and stored in the fridge, and used within two days. Complementary snacks may have a shorter use-by period; for example, INABA Fun Bites recommends use within 24 hours of opening. Dry food should be sealed tightly and stored in a cool, dry place.
The amount varies by product, body weight, activity level and body condition. Packaging usually gives a guideline, for example for a 4 kg cat. Use that as a starting point, divide wet food into several meals and count cat treats towards the daily total. If you're unsure about your cat's diet or condition, you can discuss the label with a vet.
