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A bag of cat food featuring an appealing photo, an enticing flavour and terms such as “natural” or “grain-free” can seem like an obvious choice. However, the front of the packaging does not always tell the full story. Your cat’s age, lifestyle and nutritional needs determine which food is suitable.
When comparing dry cat food, wet cat food and complete recipes, always pay close attention to the information on the back of the packaging. This is where you will find the details that help you distinguish marketing claims from verifiable product specifications.
“With chicken”, “with fish” or “with lamb” does not automatically mean that the ingredient makes up the largest part of the recipe. For example, Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Lamb & Rice lists 4.1% lamb and 4.1% rice. The ingredients list begins with dried chicken and turkey, followed by ingredients including maize and wheat.
Looking to buy cat food with chicken, cat food with fish or cat food with lamb? Always check the ingredients and percentages. The product name is only a first indication.
Grain-free cat food contains no grains, but that does not automatically make it suitable for every cat. A recipe may contain other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas, sweet potato or pulses. So look at the complete recipe and the life stage for which the product is intended.
If your cat has a known food reaction or persistent symptoms, it is sensible to consult a vet first. A dietary choice is not a substitute for professional assessment.
A 5 or 10 kg pack can be practical for households with several cats, but not every cat eats the same amount. An opened pack should be properly sealed and stored in a dry place. Some products also state how long they can be used after opening.
When trying a new flavour, consider starting with a smaller pack. This helps prevent you from being left with a large supply if your cat refuses the food.
Choose kitten food for kittens and food for adult cats from the age stated on the packaging. Kittens have different nutritional requirements from adult cats. According to the product information, Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod is intended for kittens and pregnant or nursing cats. The variety contains, among other things, 44% crude protein and 20% fat according to the stated analytical constituents.
For cat food for adult cats, look for the wording “complete pet food for adult cats” or the equivalent wording in Dutch on the packaging. A recipe for adult cats is not automatically suitable for a kitten.
A product described as complete and balanced cat food is intended to be used as a daily diet according to the feeding instructions. Check the legal product designation on the packaging. Treats, complementary food and some wet products are not always intended to be a complete meal.
Also pay attention to:
A high protein percentage alone is not a reason to choose a product. The overall composition and suitability for the cat’s life stage are more important.
After spaying or neutering, a cat’s energy requirements may change. Cat food for neutered cats often has an adjusted nutritional value and specific feeding recommendations. For example, Farmina N&D Prime Neutered Cat Chicken lists 36% crude protein and 14% fat. Farmina N&D Ocean Neutered Cat Herring lists 46% crude protein and 11% fat.
These figures are objective product specifications, but they do not mean that every cat will automatically maintain a healthy weight. Weigh out each portion and adjust the quantity according to body condition, activity levels and any advice from your vet.
Why it suits this profile: A dry food option for adult cats whose owners are looking for a familiar flavour combination and want to measure portions easily.
The composition clearly states that chicken and turkey are the first ingredients and that lamb accounts for 4.1%. This allows you to put the flavour claim into the right context.
Complete dry food for adult cats; 33% crude protein and 15% fat according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for owners of adult cats who are comparing a grain-free recipe with lamb clearly listed as a protein source.
The ingredients list states 28% fresh lamb and 26% dried lamb. Always check the current packaging before placing your order.
Grain-free recipe; 54% stated lamb ingredients; feeding recommendations for adult cats.
Why it suits this profile: For owners of adult, neutered cats who are looking for a fish-based recipe and a low stated fat percentage.
The product information lists 34% herring, 32% dehydrated herring protein and 11% fat. This makes the composition easier to compare than relying on the word “fish” alone.
Grain-free; complete food for neutered adult cats; 46% crude protein according to the stated analysis.
Why it suits this profile: A smaller pack for kittens, allowing you to assess whether they accept a new flavour first.
The legal product designation states that this is complete food for kittens. The pack contains 1.5 kg, so you are less likely to buy more than you need.
Grain-free kitten food; cod as a stated protein source; 44% crude protein and 20% fat according to the product information.
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.
Complete dry cat food can be used as a daily diet according to the product information. Always provide fresh drinking water. Some cats drink very little; in that case, wet cat food can be a practical addition. Check that the wet food is complete pet food and adjust the total daily portion accordingly.
Gradually mix the new food with the old food over approximately seven days. For example, start with a small proportion of the new food and increase it step by step. Keep an eye on your cat’s stools, appetite and behaviour. If clear problems occur, stop and contact a vet.
Store dry food in a cool, dry place and keep it properly sealed. For Iams Naturally, the advice is to reseal the pack after opening and use it within six weeks. Wet food has shorter storage periods: according to the product information, unused Sheba portions should be refrigerated and consumed within the stated period. Always follow the label on the specific product.
