Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without falling for marketing traps: how to find the right meal for your cat

A bag of cat food with an appealing claim isn’t automatically right for your cat. One cat may need a complete everyday meal, while another may do better with wet food, smaller portions or a formula for sterilised cats. Taste matters too: cats don’t all enjoy chicken, fish or lamb cat food equally.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I check product information against verifiable features. That way, you can avoid paying extra just for eye-catching packaging or a broad health claim.

Three common cat food pitfalls

1. A flavour name tells you little about how much of that ingredient is included

The front of the pack may feature “chicken” or “salmon” in large letters, even if the actual percentage in the ingredients list is limited. So always check the ingredients. For example, Purina One Urinary Care lists 17% chicken in its ingredients. That’s more specific than simply naming a flavour.

2. “Complete” and “complementary” don’t mean the same thing

Complete food is intended as an everyday meal, in line with the feeding guidelines on the packaging. Cat treats, soups and liquid snacks are usually complementary foods. INABA CHURU CAT Chicken, for example, is clearly labelled as a treat and not a replacement for complete food. Rosewood Cat Soup Chicken Flavor is also intended as a treat or complementary food.

So give these products alongside your cat’s main meal, and adjust the total amount to avoid overfeeding.

3. A large pack isn’t always better value

A multipack of cat food or a bag weighing several kilos may reduce the price per gram, but only if your cat actually eats the food. With wet food, you’ll also need to consider refrigeration after opening and its limited shelf life. If you’re trying a new flavour, buy a small pack first before stocking up.

What should you look for when choosing cat food?

Age and life stage

Choose food to suit your cat’s age. Adult cat food is generally formulated for cats from around one year old. Kittens need a junior formula because their nutritional needs are different as they grow. G'woon Chunks in Jelly Fish and Meat Variation Junior, for example, is designed for kittens and comes in portions of 12 x 100 grams.

Activity levels can change after sterilisation or neutering. A formula for sterilised cats, such as Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula, lists an adjusted protein-to-fat ratio and balanced minerals. These are product specifications; they don’t mean the food prevents medical problems.

Dry food, wet food or a combination

Dry cat food is practical to portion and easy to store. Check the recommended daily amount in grams and always provide fresh drinking water. Iams Cat Adult Chicken 10kg is a large pack for households that feed dry food every day. According to the product description, this formula contains 87% animal protein. Check the packaging to confirm this brand claim.

Wet cat food usually contains plenty of moisture and is often available as pâté, mousse, jelly or gravy. G'woon Cat Pate Salmon 100g, for example, is described as having a soft pâté texture. Check the packaging for its moisture content. A combination of wet and dry food can be convenient, but adjust the portions to account for both.

Ingredients and analytical constituents

Don’t just compare the first few ingredients. Also check:

  • Crude protein and fat: relevant to the food’s nutritional value and energy density.
  • Moisture content: especially important for wet food.
  • Crude fibre and ash: additional values that can help you compare products.
  • Taurine and vitamins: many complete cat foods list these as added nutrients.
  • Grains and potential allergens: grain-free cat food isn’t automatically necessary. Choose it only if it suits your cat’s tolerance or your preferences.
  • Feeding guidelines: use these as a starting point, then adjust the amount to suit your cat’s weight, activity and body condition.

Claims such as “supports urinary health”, “helps the immune system” or “promotes healthy skin and coat” should be read as information provided by the brand. According to Purina’s own information, the Urinary Care formula contains balanced minerals and ingredients to support urinary health. If your cat already has symptoms, ask a vet to advise on their diet; cat food is not a substitute for treatment.

Product choices for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Whiskas 1+ Dry Adult Chicken 3.8kg

Whiskas 1+ Dry Adult Chicken 3.8kg

Why it suits this profile: A practical choice if you’re looking for dry cat food in a medium-sized pack for everyday use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging says this is complete and balanced food for adult cats. Check the current ingredients list and feeding guidelines before buying.

Main benefit & highlights

Dry food in a 3.8 kg pack; lists taurine, vitamin E and fibre among its ingredients.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Ziwi Peak Cat Steam & Dried Fish 800 gr.

Ziwi Peak Cat Steam & Dried Fish 800 gr.

Why it suits this profile: For shoppers considering a dried fish formula with a high stated meat and protein content.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the ingredients and analytical constituents, including a minimum of 40% crude protein and a maximum of 12% moisture. Compare these values with your cat’s needs.

Main benefit & highlights

Dried fish formula; lists omega 3, taurine and a full analysis of protein, fat, fibre and moisture.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent use
Purina One Urinary Care Chicken Urinary Health Adult Cat Food 800g

Purina One Urinary Care Chicken Urinary Health Adult Cat Food 800g

Why it suits this profile: For adult cats whose owners are looking for a formula that lists minerals and features intended to support urinary health.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications list analytical constituents, feeding guidelines and balanced minerals. If your cat has symptoms, consult a vet.

Main benefit & highlights

Complete food for adult cats; lists 34% crude protein, 14% fat and a recommended daily portion for each weight range.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

What is suitable food for an adult cat?

Choose a product labelled as complete food for adult cats and follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging. Also compare protein, fat, moisture and ingredients. The right amount depends on your cat’s weight, age, activity and body condition.

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

It depends on your cat and their overall diet. Wet food contains plenty of moisture and comes in different textures. Dry food is easy to store and measure. If you feed a combination, reduce the portions so your cat’s total energy intake remains appropriate.

How long can you keep opened cat food?

Cover opened wet food and keep it in the fridge, following the storage guidance on the packaging. Many products recommend using it within 24 to 48 hours. Dry food keeps for longer when the bag is properly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. Always check the use-by date and smell of the food.