Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food: a practical guide to wet food, kibble and treats

A full food bowl does not automatically mean your cat is getting the right cat food. Many packages focus on flavour, visual appeal or terms such as “natural”, while the most important information appears in smaller print on the label. If you only look at the front of the packaging, you could end up paying too much or choosing food that does not suit your cat’s age and daily needs.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. Mistaking a treat for a complete meal

Not every product containing meat, fish or a high moisture content is a complete meal. Complete cat food is intended to be given as daily food according to the feeding guide. Complementary cat food, such as soup, broth or cat treats, is an extra and does not replace a complete meal.

Always check the legally required designation on the packaging. If it says “complementary pet food” or “complementary feed”, give it alongside your cat’s regular food rather than as its sole source of nutrients.

2. Overlooking the age recommendation

Kitten food is formulated for the growth stage, while adult cats need different adult cat food. A product for kittens is therefore not automatically suitable for an adult cat. Look for terms such as “Junior”, “Kitten” or “Adult” and check the recommended age range.

If you are unsure which food is right for a cat with a medical condition, allergy or significantly unusual weight, it is sensible to consult a vet.

3. Looking only at the price per kilo

A large bag of cat biscuits may seem good value, but a multipack of portion-sized pouches can be more practical for everyday use. With wet food, storage time and waste also need to be considered. An opened 85-gram pouch is convenient for one meal, while a large pack may be less suitable if your cat eats small portions.

So do not compare the price alone. Also consider the weight per portion, the daily amount of food and how long it remains usable after opening.

Which specifications should you check?

Complete or complementary cat food

Start with the product category. For daily meals, look for “complete food for adult cats” or “complete food for kittens”. Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection in Jelly, for example, is described as complete wet food for adult cats, supplied in 85-gram pouches. The pack contains 44 pouches, weighing 3.74 kg in total.

INABA Churu Cat Tuna, on the other hand, is complementary cat food. According to the product information, one treat contains 6 calories and the product consists of 91% moisture. This makes it suitable as a reward or topping, but not as a complete meal.

Age, weight and portion size

The feeding guide on the packaging is the starting point. According to the product information for Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly, an adult cat weighing around 4 kg can have an average of 3 to 4 pouches per day, divided between at least two meals. The exact amount depends on activity levels, age and body condition.

Age is even more important for kittens. Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula is intended for kittens from weaning to 12 months. Whiskas Junior Classic Selection in Sauce gives separate quantities for kittens aged 3 months, 4 to 5 months and 6 to 12 months.

Moisture content and ease of storage

Wet cat food generally contains plenty of moisture and comes in a tin, tray or pouch. This is useful for cats that prefer soft food. After opening, keep leftovers covered in the fridge and use them within the period stated on the label.

Dry food, such as cat biscuits, stays fresh for longer after opening if the bag is sealed properly. Felix Seaside Sensations is a 4 kg dry food product with fish varieties such as salmon and mackerel. Always provide fresh drinking water with dry food. Combining wet and dry food can be practical, but adjust the total amount to avoid overfeeding.

Recommended cat food by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection in Jelly Wet Cat Food 44x85g

Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection in Jelly Wet Cat Food 44x85g

Why it suits this profile: A large multipack with four flavour varieties and individual pouches makes everyday feeding easy to manage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is complete food for adult cats. The individual portions help minimise opened leftovers.

Key benefit & highlights

44 pouches of 85 grams; varieties with salmon, beef, chicken and tuna.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Iams Vitality Adult Cat Food with Fresh Chicken 800g

Iams Vitality Adult Cat Food with Fresh Chicken 800g

Why it suits this profile: Ideal for anyone looking for dry food with chicken who wants to check the ingredients and nutritional information.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as 100% complete food for adult cats. This clearly distinguishes it from treats.

Key benefit & highlights

800-gram pack; chicken listed as an ingredient; omega 3 and 6 are included in the product description.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe

INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe

Why it suits this profile: A small addition for cats that enjoy broth-style food or appreciate a little extra variety.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is clearly described as a hydrating treat rather than a complete meal.

Key benefit & highlights

50 grams per pack; 93% moisture according to the product information; chicken broth, chicken and salmon in the recipe.

Suitable for: Owners of young kittens
Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: The age recommendation from weaning to 12 months helps you choose food suitable for the growth stage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It is labelled as complete food for kittens, so it is not confused with complementary food or cat treats.

Key benefit & highlights

800 grams of dry food; chicken listed as an ingredient; feeding advice based on age and weight.

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

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

Wet and dry food each have practical benefits. Wet food contains plenty of moisture and is often supplied in small portions. Dry food is easy to measure out and store. The right choice depends on your cat’s preferences, the feeding guide and your daily routine. With both types, check that the product is complete.

How often should I give my cat food?

Ideally, divide the daily amount between several meals. Follow the guidance on the packaging and adjust the portion according to weight, activity levels and body condition. Treats and complementary food count towards the total daily amount.

How long does opened cat food stay fresh?

This varies from product to product. Many opened pouches need to be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Other products state a maximum of 48 hours. Always check the label, seal the packaging properly and preferably serve wet food at room temperature.