Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without the guesswork: how to find the right meal for every cat

Choosing cat food might seem straightforward – until you’re standing in front of a shelf or scrolling through a long online list. Wet cat food, dry cat food, gravy, jelly, multipacks and special formulas: the packaging often focuses more on flavour and appealing pictures than on the information you actually need.

Most buying mistakes come down to three common pitfalls:

  • Confusing an appealing flavour name with a high proportion of that ingredient. “With chicken” doesn’t automatically mean chicken is the main ingredient. Always check the composition and the stated percentage.
  • Mistaking complementary food for a complete meal. Cat broth can be a nice treat or a moist addition, but it doesn’t replace a complete cat food.
  • Skipping the life stage. Kitten food, adult cat food and senior cat food aren’t interchangeable. Cat food for neutered cats also has its own nutritional guidelines.

What information on the label really matters

1. First, look at the legal nutritional category

Look for the term “complete pet food” or “complete feed”. This means the product is intended as daily nutrition for the stated life stage. If it says “complementary pet food”, use it as an extra alongside a complete meal.

The INABA Broth with chicken and salmon contains 93% moisture according to the product information and is designed as a hydrating treat. The same goes for the chicken and tuna variant. This cat broth has only 2% crude protein, so it’s not a replacement for complete wet or dry food.

2. Check the age and specific needs

For kittens aged 2 to 12 months, a formula for young cats makes more sense than standard adult food. The Whiskas Junior Classic Selection in gravy is described as complete wet food for kittens. The stated portions increase with age and should be adjusted to the individual animal.

For an adult cat, you can choose from cat food in jelly, cat food in gravy, mousse or kibble. The Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly, Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets and Sheba Mini Fillets are all intended for adult cats according to their product information.

For a cat aged 7 years or older, senior cat food is a targeted option. Purina One Senior Chicken & Whole Grain is designed for cats aged 7 years and over, according to the manufacturer. The packaging mentions vitamin E and C, but treat such brand claims as what they are – according to Purina’s own information, these nutrients are part of the formula.

3. Compare portions, moisture and storage convenience

A multipack with 85g portion pouches is handy if you want to limit waste or offer different flavours. Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection contains 44 pouches of 85g. That works out at 3.74kg of wet food. According to the feeding instructions, a maximum of three pouches per day is a guideline for an average adult cat weighing around 4kg; adjust this based on activity, age and body condition.

Large packs of dry food are practical for daily use, but they need to be sealed properly. Felix Double the Tasty Beef and Chicken and G’woon Adult Crunchy Meat and Fish come in packs of 800g and 2kg respectively. For G’woon, the analytical values are not specified in the product information provided. If you want to compare carefully, check the actual packaging before ordering.

Also pay attention to shelf life after opening:

  • Store unopened pouches, trays and tins in a cool, dry place.
  • Cover opened wet food and keep it in the fridge.
  • Always follow the time frame on the packaging; this varies by product.
  • Serve wet food at room temperature if possible.
  • Always provide fresh drinking water.

Recommended cat food by buyer type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly

Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly

Why this fits the profile: A large multipack with 44 portions is practical for households that regularly feed wet food and want to vary flavours.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion size is clear: 85g per pouch. Just check the recommended amount on the packaging rather than giving each pouch as an extra.

Key benefit & highlights

Complete wet food for adult cats, four fish and meat flavours, and individual 85g pouches.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets Mix Turkey and Tuna

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets Mix Turkey & Tuna Multipack

Why this fits the profile: Suitable for adult cats that appreciate variety in texture and gravy, with 12 portions of 85g.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states it is complete food for adult cats. The composition also lists the analytical values, including 80% moisture and 13% protein.

Key benefit & highlights

Mini fillets in gravy, two flavours and 12 individual portions.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
Purina One Sterilcat Beef and Grain Formula

Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula

Why this fits the profile: Designed for adult neutered or spayed cats that have dry food as their daily staple.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage and suitability for neutered cats are clearly stated. The portion table ranges from 35g to 85g per day, depending on weight.

Key benefit & highlights

800g dry food, 37% crude protein according to the product information, and a formula for neutered adult cats.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Which is better: wet food or dry food for cats?

That depends on your cat’s preference, portion control and your daily routine. Wet food generally contains a lot of moisture and is available in jelly, gravy or mousse. Dry food is easy to weigh out and store. With both types, check that it’s complete food and adjust the portion if you’re combining wet and dry food.

How often should I feed cat food?

Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and, ideally, divide the daily amount into several meals. The right portion depends on weight, age, activity and body condition. Treats, including cat broth, count as extra food.

How do I switch to a different cat food?

Gradually mix the new food with the familiar one. Over several days, increase the proportion of the new variety and keep an eye on appetite and stools. If problems persist or your cat has a medical condition, ask your vet for advice.