Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food: a practical guide for kittens, adult cats and senior cats

Choosing the right bag or pouch of cat food seems simple, until you compare the ingredients, age indication and portion size. Packaging often uses terms such as “natural”, “premium” or “for a healthy cat”. On their own, such words say little about whether the food is suitable for your pet. Always start by checking verifiable product information.

Common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. Mistaking a prominent ingredient for the main composition

“With chicken”, “with fish” or “with lamb” does not automatically mean that this ingredient makes up the largest part of the food. Check the ingredients list. This is usually shown in descending order by weight. For example, Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Lamb & Rice lists dried chicken and turkey before lamb; according to the product information, lamb accounts for 4.1%.

The exact composition is also important when choosing cat food with fish. Purina One Adult Salmon lists salmon as the first ingredient. This is more specific than simply using a flavour name on the front of the pack.

2. Automatically assuming grain-free cat food is more suitable

Grain-free cat food contains no grains, but that does not make it necessary for every cat. Ingredients such as peas, chickpeas or potato may be used instead of grains. Compare the full label, analytical constituents and intended nutritional group.

According to the product description, Farmina N&D Pumpkin Series Cat Food with Quail Meat is a grain-free, complete food containing fresh and dehydrated quail, herring, pumpkin, peas and chickpeas. This provides more information than the term “grain-free” alone.

3. Looking only at the price per kilo

A large pack may seem like good value, but it is not always practical. Once opened, dry cat food is best kept tightly sealed and stored in a dry place. A smaller pack may be the wiser choice if your cat needs to try a new flavour first. Only buy in bulk once you know your cat accepts the food and that the variety suits their life stage.

Storage time after opening is also important with wet cat food. According to the product information, Perfect Fit Natural Vitality recommends keeping opened portions refrigerated for a maximum of two days.

The key information on the label

1. Check the life stage and intended use

Choose kitten food for young cats, adult cat food from the stated age and senior cat food when this is specified on the packaging. Examples from the range include:

  • Purina One Junior is intended from weaning to 12 months and, according to the product information, is also suitable for pregnant or nursing cats.
  • Adult cat food such as Iams Vitality Adult is intended for cats aged one year and over.
  • Purina One Senior is formulated for cats aged 7 and over.
  • For cats that live mainly indoors, there is indoor cat food such as Purina One Bifensis Indoor Adult.
  • For spayed or neutered cats, there are varieties with an adapted nutritional composition, such as Purina One Sterilcat and Farmina N&D Prime.

The term “complete food” means that, according to the product information, the product is intended as a complete daily diet. Always check this on the current packaging.

2. Check both the composition and analytical constituents

Pay attention to:

  • the animal-based ingredients listed;
  • the percentage of protein and fat;
  • fibre and crude ash;
  • added vitamins, minerals and taurine;
  • the quantity per meal.

A high protein percentage is not the only factor to consider. Your cat’s age, activity level, body condition and any food sensitivities all matter. For example, Purina One Adult Chicken lists 34% protein and 14% fat. Purina One Sterilcat lists 37% protein and 13% fat, and is intended for spayed or neutered adult cats.

3. Adjust the portion to your cat’s weight and activity level

Use the feeding guidelines on the packaging as a starting point. An indoor cat often gets less exercise than a cat that goes outside, but this varies from one animal to another. Weigh out portions of dry cat food rather than topping up the bowl without limits. If you feed a combination of dry and wet food, adjust the quantities accordingly.

Always provide fresh drinking water. When introducing a new variety, make the change gradually over approximately five to seven days, as advised for Farmina N&D Prime. If your cat has persistent symptoms, a significant change in appetite or you are unsure which diet is suitable, it is best to consult a vet.

Our recommendations for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: The 800g pack is a practical way to try kitten food first. This variety is intended for kittens from weaning to 12 months.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The age indication and feeding guidelines are clearly stated, making it less likely that you will buy adult cat food for a kitten.

Key benefit & advantages

Complete food for kittens; according to the product specification, contains chicken, grains, DHA, vitamins and minerals.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Series Cat Food with Quail Meat, 5kg

Farmina N&D Pumpkin Series Cat Food with Quail Meat, 5kg

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for shoppers looking for a large pack and a grain-free formula with quail and pumpkin.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description lists the full composition and explains that it is a complete and balanced food, rather than relying on a marketing term alone.

Key benefit & advantages

5kg contents; grain-free formula; ingredients such as fresh quail, dehydrated quail, herring and pumpkin.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Purina One Bifensis Indoor Adult Cat Food Turkey & Grain Formula 800g

Purina One Bifensis Indoor Adult Cat Food Turkey & Grain Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: This variety is aimed at cats that live mainly indoors, for whom portion control and a suitable composition are important.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This variety is not selected on flavour alone. It is explicitly labelled for indoor cats and includes detailed feeding guidelines.

Key benefit & advantages

With turkey and wholegrain cereals; according to the product description, contains fibre and balanced minerals.

Suitable for: Households with several adult cats
Iams cat adult chicken 10kg

Iams cat adult chicken 10kg

Why it suits this profile: A 10kg bag can be convenient for several adult cats or households with regular consumption.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The large pack means you are less likely to run out of food quickly with daily use, provided you store the bag airtight and in a dry place.

Key benefit & advantages

10kg contents; adult variety with chicken; according to the product description, the formula contains omega 3 and 6 and a fibre blend.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

How long can you keep dry cat food?

Keep dry cat food in its original, tightly sealed packaging in a cool, dry place. Check the best-before date and follow the instructions on the label. Once opened, the quality may deteriorate more quickly due to exposure to air and moisture.

Is wet cat food necessary alongside dry food?

Not necessarily. A product labelled as complete food may be intended as a complete meal. Wet food can provide variety and usually contains plenty of moisture. When combining foods, check the feeding guidelines to ensure your cat does not unknowingly consume too many calories.

Which cat food is suitable for a spayed or neutered cat?

Look for cat food for spayed or neutered cats with an explicit target-group indication and feeding guidelines. Purina One Sterilcat and Farmina N&D Prime Complete Cat Food for Neutered Cats are examples from the range. Adjust the portion according to your cat’s weight, activity level and body condition; the product name does not replace an individual assessment.