Choosing cat food without a costly mistake: how to find the right option for your cat

Buying a bag or tin of cat food seems simple, until you have to choose between wet food, dry food, kitten food, different flavours and a range of pack sizes. Marketing terms such as “natural”, “with chicken” or “complete” don’t always tell the whole story.

The main pitfalls are:

• Choosing the wrong life stage: kitten food is intended for young cats, while adult cat food is for cats that have reached adulthood. These varieties aren’t automatically interchangeable.
• Reading too much into a flavour claim: “with beef” or “with fish” doesn’t always mean that ingredient is the main component. Check the full ingredients list and any percentages given.
• Overlooking the packaging: a 405 or 415 g tin might seem like good value, but it has a limited shelf life once opened. A multipack of 100 g portions may be more practical if your cat eats small meals.
• Mistaking a dog product for cat food: always check the animal type and intended audience. The range also includes dog products, such as Bonzo Mini Menu Adult Beef Lamb. This isn’t cat food.

What to look for on the label

1. Life stage and animal type

First, check whether the product is intended for kittens or adult cats. Kitten food is generally tailored to the growth stage, while adult cat food is offered as everyday food for cats from adulthood onwards.

A product described as complete cat food or “complete and balanced” is intended to provide a full diet, according to the product information. Always check the packaging, as recipes and feeding advice can vary between products.

2. Ingredients and flavour

The flavour name is a useful guide, but it doesn’t give you a full nutritional breakdown. When choosing cat food with chicken, fish or beef, check:

• Which ingredients are listed first.
• Whether the named ingredient is given with a percentage.
• Whether the recipe contains cereals, vegetable protein extracts or animal by-products.
• Whether your cat may be sensitive to chicken, fish, beef or cereals.

For example, g’woon Chicken & Turkey in Jelly is described as containing meat and animal by-products, including chicken and turkey. The supplied product information doesn’t specify the analytical values for protein, fat and fibre. If you want to compare nutritional values, it’s best to check the current label.

3. Wet or dry cat food

Wet cat food in jelly or sauce contains plenty of moisture and is available in tins, trays and pouches. Jelly and sauce are mainly different in texture and presentation. Your cat may eat one variety but leave the other.

Dry cat food keeps for longer once opened and is easy to portion. However, you should always make sure your cat has access to fresh drinking water. When choosing dry food, check:

• The recommended daily amount.
• The size and shape of the kibble.
• The weight of the bag.
• How to store it after opening.

Use the feeding guidelines as a starting point, then adjust the amount according to your cat’s age, activity level and body condition, as well as any advice from your vet.

Recommended cat food for different shopping needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

G'woon Chicken & Turkey in Jelly 405g

Why it suits this profile: A 405 g tin is an easy introduction to wet food for adult cats, with chicken and turkey in jelly.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The intended audience, animal type, flavour and net quantity are clearly stated in the product information. Check the current label for any analytical values that aren’t listed.

Key benefit & highlights

Wet food in jelly, chicken and turkey flavour, a 405 g tin and suitable for adult cats.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

G'woon Salmon-trout Pieces in Sauce 415 g

Why it suits this profile: For adult cats that prefer fish flavours and wet food in sauce to kibble or jelly.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging identifies it as food for adult cats, with salmon and trout in sauce. If your cat has a sensitivity, check the full ingredients list.

Key benefit & highlights

Fish variety with salmon and trout, a sauce texture and a 415 g tin.

Suitable for: Specific needs & regular users

g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish 2kg

Why it suits this profile: A 2 kg bag of dry cat food suits households that feed kibble every day and want to reorder less often.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This variety is clearly labelled as dry food for adult cats with fish. Store the bag tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.

Key benefit & highlights

Dry kibble with a fish flavour, a 2 kg pack and practical storage for everyday use.

Suitable for: Households with a kitten

g'woon Chunks in Jelly Fish and Meat Variation Junior 12 x 100g

Why it suits this profile: The 100 g portions are handy for kittens that have several small meals and are offered a variety of flavours.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it’s intended for kittens and isn’t suitable for adult cats. This helps you avoid choosing food for the wrong life stage.

Key benefit & highlights

Junior wet food, a fish and meat variety, jelly and 12 individual 100 g portions.

Handy tips for everyday feeding

• Introduce a new variety gradually alongside your cat’s current food. This makes it easier to see how your cat responds.
• Always provide fresh drinking water with dry cat food.
• Store opened tins and portions according to the label, usually covered in the fridge.
• Compare the price per 100 g rather than just the total price.
• Choose a pack size that suits your cat’s daily portion. Large packs aren’t always practical if your cat eats little at each meal.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Is wet cat food better than dry cat food?

It depends on your cat’s preferences, the nutritional information and your daily routine. Wet food is available in jelly or sauce and is often sold in individual portions. Dry food is easy to store and portion. For both types, check whether the product is complete food and follow the feeding advice on the packaging.

How long does cat food keep once opened?

Always follow the instructions on the label. The product information for several of the wet food products mentioned says that leftovers should be refrigerated and used within two days. Store dry food in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.

Which cat food is right for a kitten?

Choose a product labelled for kittens, junior cats or a similar growth stage. For example, the g'woon Junior multipack is specifically intended for kittens. Don’t routinely feed a kitten adult cat food without first checking the feeding advice or asking your vet.