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Choosing cat food without falling into marketing traps: a practical guide for adult cats

A wide choice of cat food is useful, but it does not always make comparing products easy. Packaging often features words such as “natural”, “delicate” or “with chicken”, without making it immediately clear how much of that ingredient is actually present. A large multipack is not automatically better value if your cat dislikes one of the flavours.

This guide helps you compare wet cat food, dry food and multipacks based on verifiable information. It focuses on adult cats and food suitable as a daily diet.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. A flavour name does not tell you how much meat or fish it contains

“Cat food with chicken”, “cat food with fish” or “cat food with beef” may sound appealing. So check the composition. Some varieties, for example, state that a flavour contains 4% chicken, beef, rabbit or salmon. The rest may consist of meat and animal derivatives, vegetable protein extracts, minerals and other ingredients.

So do not look only at the large image on the packaging. The ingredients list and the percentage of the named ingredient provide a more realistic picture.

2. “No artificial colourings” says nothing about whether it is complete

According to product information provided by several brands, certain recipes contain no added artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings. This may be a preference when choosing cat food without artificial colourings, but you should also check whether the label states “complete pet food”.

A complementary product or treat is not intended to fully replace a daily diet. According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites are complementary pet food, for example. They can be given as a treat or an additional source of moisture, but they are not a complete meal.

3. A large pack is not always the most economical choice

A cat food multipack often lowers the price per serving, but only if your cat accepts the varieties and you can store the food properly. A box of 60 pouches weighing 85 grams each is practical for households with a firm favourite. For a cat that quickly tires of the same food, smaller boxes or 50-gram portions may be more convenient.

For wet food, also check the storage instructions. Unopened food should generally be stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within the period stated on the label.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Complete or complementary pet food

For daily meals, look for complete cat food for adult cats. This means that, according to the product information, the product is intended as complete nutrition for the stated life stage. Also check that the feeding guidelines are suitable for your cat’s weight and activity level.

For some wet food products, a cat weighing around 4 kilograms may receive three to four portions per day, divided between at least two meals. Treat this as a starting point. The actual amount your cat needs varies from one cat to another.

2. Moisture content and type of food

Wet cat food generally contains a high proportion of moisture. Product details for various Gourmet varieties, for example, state a moisture content of approximately 79.5 to 80%. This makes pouches and tins suitable for cats that prefer soft food.

Dry cat food is easier to store and often practical to portion. g’woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish is available in a 2-kilogram bag. The composition includes cereals, fish and meat derivatives, vegetable protein extracts, oils, fats and minerals, among other ingredients. With dry food, keeping the packaging tightly sealed is important for preserving its flavour and texture.

3. Portion size, protein and composition

Do not compare only the total weight; also look at the number of individual portions. A 50-gram pouch may suit cats that eat several small meals a day. An 85-gram portion is more suitable for a standard meal or mixed feeding.

Also check the analytical constituents, such as protein, fat, moisture, crude ash and crude fibre. If a value is not listed on the product page, use the packaging as your source. If your cat has allergies or specific medical dietary needs, do not rely on general assumptions; ask a vet for advice.

Recommended cat food by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish 2kg

g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish 2kg

Why it suits this profile: The 2-kilogram bag is practical for everyday feeding and reduces the number of purchases you need to make. According to the product information, this dry food is intended for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and weight are clearly stated. This allows you to compare the price per kilogram rather than looking only at the packaging.

Main benefit & highlights

2 kg pack; fish variety; suitable for adult cats according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets Chicken Rabbit Beef Salmon 60 x 85 g

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets - Chicken, Rabbit, Beef & Salmon Cat Food - 60 x 85 g

Why it suits this profile: This multipack offers four flavours in 85-gram portions: chicken, rabbit, beef and salmon. The product information describes mini strips in gravy and complete pet food for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portions and flavours are clearly specified in advance. According to Gourmet’s own information, no artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings have been added.

Main benefit & highlights

60 pouches of 85 grams; four flavour varieties; moisture content of 80% according to the product details.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Duo Meat Fish Mix 6 x 50 g

Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Duo Meat & Fish Mix 6 x 50 g

Why it suits this profile: The 50-gram pouches are designed for cats that have several small meals. The mix combines chicken with salmon, tuna with beef, and turkey with trout in gravy.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Small individual portions reduce the chance of having opened leftovers. The different combinations make it easier to discover your cat’s preferences without immediately buying a large box.

Main benefit & highlights

6 portions of 50 grams; three meat-and-fish combinations; complete pet food for adult cats according to the product information.

Suitable for: Fans of soft textures
Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna Liver Turkey Beef Multipack

Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna, Liver, Turkey & Beef Multipack

Why it suits this profile: The mousse has a soft texture and combines tuna, liver, turkey and beef. The pack contains eight portions of 85 grams.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The texture and portion size are clearly stated in advance. However, always check the feeding guide on the packaging and adjust the amount to your cat’s activity level.

Main benefit & highlights

Mousse texture; 8 x 85 grams; different flavours; complete pet food according to the product information.

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 food or dry food better for an adult cat?

Both types can form part of a daily diet, provided the label states that they are complete pet food for adult cats. Wet food generally contains a high proportion of moisture and is often sold in portions. Dry food keeps for longer once opened and is easy to weigh out. A combination can be practical, but remember to add together the calories from both types.

How much cat food does a cat need per day?

This depends on weight, age, activity level, whether your cat has been neutered or spayed, and the type of food. Use the guideline on the packaging as a starting point. For some products, the recommendation for a 4-kilogram cat is around three to four portions of wet food per day. Divide the amount between at least two meals and check your cat’s body condition regularly.

How should you store opened cat food?

Store unopened cat food according to the label in a cool, dry place. Cover opened portions of wet food and place them in the fridge. Use leftovers within the period stated by the manufacturer, for example within 24 or 48 hours. Wet food is best served at room temperature, and you should always provide fresh drinking water.