Joybuy Insights

Choosing Cat Food: A Practical Guide to Wet Food, Dry Food and Treats

The choice of cat food is vast: from wet cat food in sauce or jelly to kibble, multipacks and small treats. Yet a flashy packet says little about whether it’s right for your cat. A smart purchase starts with the label, the life stage and when you’ll be feeding it.

Common Pitfalls with Cat Food

1. A flavour name doesn’t tell you how much meat or fish is in it

The packet might say “chicken and salmon”, for example, but the proportion of those ingredients can be limited. In various products across the range, the named meat is listed at 4%. So always check the composition and the percentage of the named ingredient, rather than relying on the product name alone.

2. “Succulent” and “high in protein” are no substitute for nutritional information

Wet food often contains a lot of moisture. That can be good for cats that don’t drink much, but it makes the protein percentage look lower than in dry food. So don’t compare wet and dry food purely on the number on the front. Look at:

  • moisture content;
  • crude protein and fat;
  • crude ash and fibre;
  • the recommended daily amount;
  • whether the product is complete cat food or a complementary food.

A product with “high protein” in its name still needs to be judged on its analytical constituents. Gourmet Gold with salmon and chicken, for example, lists 7% protein and 82% moisture.

3. Treats are too easily used as a meal

Cat treats, such as sticks, soft creams and dental snacks, are usually complementary pet food. They don’t replace a complete meal. The INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe, for instance, lists 93% moisture and is intended as a hydrating treat. The MjAMjAM Cat Cream is also, according to the product information, only suitable as a snack or treat.

Give treats according to the packet and reduce the main meal if necessary. If you’re unsure about weight, allergies or a special diet, it’s wise to consult a vet.

What to Look for in Cat Food

1. Check the nutritional status

For daily meals for adult cats, look for the label complete pet food or complete food for adult cats. This information is usually on the packet. Products marked “complementary” or “supplementary” are intended to be given alongside the main food.

This difference matters for both Gourmet cat food and Felix cat food. A multipack with several flavours is practical, but always check whether all the varieties are complete food.

2. Match the texture and moisture to your cat

Wet food comes as mousse, fine pieces in sauce, jelly or broth. Some cats will only eat a smooth mousse, while others prefer pieces. Also pay attention to portion size: pouches and tins of 85g are handy for serving fresh, while a larger cat food multipack can be more economical for daily use.

Dry cat food keeps longer after opening and is easy to portion. Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon & Rice lists, among other things, 33% crude protein, 15% fat and 4.1% salmon. Always provide fresh drinking water with dry food.

3. Compare the price per meal, not just per packet

A large multipack might look cheap, but the daily feeding amount determines the real cost. Divide the price by the number of portions and compare this with the feeding guidelines for your cat’s weight and activity level.

Also look out for:

  • the best-before date;
  • storage instructions;
  • how long opened food should be used within;
  • the portion size;
  • the age the food is intended for.

A packet with lots of flavours can also help with fussiness, but buy a small amount first if you don’t yet know which variety your cat will accept.

Recommended Choices by User Profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Premium Cat Food Vegetable Mix 12×85g

Felix Premium Cat Food Vegetable Mix 12×85g

Why this fits the profile: A multipack with 12 portions and several flavours is straightforward for anyone buying cat food online for the first time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states it is complete food for adult cats, gives a daily feeding guide and lists 82% moisture. So you don’t have to rely on flavour claims alone.

Key benefit & highlights

12 pouches of 85g; varieties including beef, chicken, salmon and vegetables; suitable for adult cats according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets in Sauce Beef, Chicken, Rabbit & Salmon Multipack 350g

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets in Sauce Beef, Chicken, Rabbit & Salmon Multipack 350g

Why this fits the profile: For cats that appreciate variety and a sauce texture, with four flavours in one pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packet states it is complete food for adult cats. The composition and analytical values are available so you can check the claims about flavour and texture.

Key benefit & highlights

Mini fillets in sauce; 12 portions; no added artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon & Rice

Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon & Rice

Why this fits the profile: Dry food is convenient for daily portioning, households with multiple feeding times or cats that prefer kibble.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description gives the ingredient order and analytical values. This means you can judge “with salmon and rice” based on the stated percentages rather than the front of the pack.

Key benefit & highlights

33% crude protein; 15% fat; 4.1% salmon and 4.1% rice according to the product information; intended as complete food for adult cats.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Gourmet Gold Mousse Turkey Multipack

Gourmet Gold Mousse Turkey Multipack

Why this fits the profile: A soft mousse and different recipes are practical when a cat quickly tires of one texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as complete food for adult cats. When you open it, do check the individual labels and the daily amount.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft mousse; multipack with several flavours; intended for adult cats according to the product description.

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

Is wet food or dry food better for cats?

That depends on your cat’s preference, its nutritional needs and your daily routine. Wet food generally contains more moisture and is available in different textures. Dry food is easy to store and weigh out. You can combine both, as long as the total amount suits your cat’s weight and activity level.

How long does opened cat food keep?

Always follow the packet. Unopened food should usually be stored in a cool, dry place. After opening, wet food generally needs to go in the fridge and be used within the stated time. Dry food stays usable for longer if you seal the bag well and store it dry.

Are cat treats necessary alongside complete cat food?

No. Treats are an extra and not a necessary addition to complete cat food. Give them in moderation, keep an eye on the calories and adjust the main meal if the packet says so. That way, daily feeding stays straightforward.