Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food: how to find a suitable and complete diet for your cat

A bag of cat food with an appealing flavour or striking health claim may seem like an obvious choice. However, many Dutch cat owners buy a product that is not well suited to their cat’s age, lifestyle or nutritional needs. This is particularly true of dry cat food, where small differences in composition and feeding recommendations can make a big difference in everyday use.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. The marketing name does not tell the whole story

“with chicken” or “with fish” does not automatically mean that chicken or fish is the main ingredient. Check the ingredients list and see where the named ingredient appears. For example, Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon & Rice lists dried chicken and turkey at the top of the composition, while salmon accounts for 4.1%. The product name therefore mainly indicates the flavour variety.

2. A suitable product for the wrong life stage

Kitten food, cat food for adult cats and senior cat food are not simply interchangeable. A kitten has different energy and nutritional needs from an adult or older cat. So check the description on the packaging, such as “junior”, “adult” or “7+”. For a sterilised cat, cat food for sterilised cats with adjusted protein and fat levels can be practical, but the daily feeding recommendation remains important.

3. A large bag is not always better value

A 10 kg pack may have a lower price per kilo, but it is less convenient if your cat eats slowly or needs to switch to a different food quickly. Once opened, the flavour and aroma may deteriorate if the bag is not sealed properly. Choose a size that will be used within the recommended period and store cat food in a cool, dry place, securely sealed.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Does it say “complete pet food”?

For your cat’s main daily meal, preferably choose complete cat food. This designation means that, according to the label, the product is intended as complete nutrition for the stated animal species and life stage. A complementary product, such as INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna, is not a substitute for a complete meal. According to the product information, this product contains 93% moisture and is intended as a supplement or treat.

Also always check:

  • the intended group: kitten, adult cat, senior, indoor cat or sterilised cat;
  • the daily feeding recommendation;
  • whether an expiry date and batch information are provided;
  • the recommended storage conditions.

2. Compare the analytical constituents

The ingredients list shows which raw materials have been used. The analytical constituents include the levels of crude protein, fat, crude fibre, crude ash and moisture. Compare products intended for the same life stage, as a kitten product cannot be directly compared with food for a senior cat.

For example, Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod lists at least 44% crude protein and 20% fat, with a net weight of 1.5 kg. According to the product information, this is complete pet food for kittens and for pregnant or nursing cats. The manufacturer also lists DHA, EPA and taurine, among other nutrients. Treat these figures as verifiable product specifications, not as a guarantee of a particular result for every cat.

3. Pay attention to ingredients that are relevant to your cat

If you are looking for grain-free cat food, read the full composition. Grain-free does not automatically mean that the product is the right choice for every cat. According to the label, Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod contains no grains and uses cod, dried cod and dried prawns as protein sources.

When choosing cat food with fish or cat food with chicken, it is sensible to check how much of the named flavour source is actually present. A cat with a known food sensitivity may also benefit from a short, clear ingredients list and advice from a vet. Do not treat brands’ nutritional claims as medical promises.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Purina One Adult Chicken - Whole Grains - 800 g

Purina One Adult Chicken - Whole Grains - 800 g

Why it suits this profile: The 800 g pack is a manageable choice if you want to try adult food without buying a large quantity straight away. This variety is intended for adult cats from 1 year of age.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and analytical constituents are listed, including 34% protein and 14% fat. This means you can check the composition rather than relying solely on the flavour name.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete food for adult cats; available as chicken and wholegrain varieties; feeding recommendations for different weight ranges.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, the formula is aimed at kittens and contains cod as the named protein source. The composition is suitable for anyone who wants to compare ingredients and nutritional values carefully.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging explicitly states that this is complete food for kittens. Protein, fat, moisture, taurine, DHA and EPA are also specified separately.

Main benefit & advantages

Grain-free composition; at least 44% crude protein according to the label; 1.5 kg pack.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Farmina N&D Prime Neutered Cat Chicken 10 kg

Farmina N&D Prime Neutered Cat Chicken 10 kg

Why it suits this profile: This large pack is practical for households with several cats or for a cat that eats the same food every day. This variety is intended for sterilised or neutered adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly identifies the intended group and provides portions for different weight ranges. With 36% protein and 14% fat, you can compare this food directly with other varieties.

Main benefit & advantages

10 kg contents; chicken as the named animal protein source; grain-free formula according to the product specification.

Suitable for: Indoor cats and established routines
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 intended for cats that spend most of their time indoors. The 800 g bag is a suitable way to try out a new routine first.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging identifies the indoor target group, and the composition contains turkey, wholegrain wheat and chicory. According to Purina’s own research, claims about hairballs and litter-box odour are attributed to the brand and are not presented as a guarantee.

Main benefit & advantages

Indoor variety; 800 g pack; balanced minerals mentioned in 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.

Practical tips for switching and storing cat food

  • Gradually mix the new cat food with the old food over about a week.
  • Follow the feeding recommendation on the packaging and adjust it according to weight, activity level and body condition.
  • Always provide fresh drinking water, especially when you mainly feed dry food.
  • Seal the bag securely after each use and store it in a cool, dry place.
  • Do not buy a large pack until you know whether your cat accepts the flavour and kibble.

If eating problems persist, your cat’s drinking habits change significantly or it has a known medical condition, seeking advice from a vet is wiser than switching between different diet varieties yourself.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Which cat food is suitable for a kitten?

Choose kitten food labelled as complete pet food for kittens. Check the recommended age, feeding recommendation and analytical constituents. According to the product information, Purina One Junior is intended from weaning up to 12 months. According to the label, Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod is intended for kittens and also for pregnant or nursing cats.

How long can you keep an opened bag of dry food?

This varies by product and packaging. Follow the information on the label and seal the bag airtight. Keep dry cat food out of direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place. A smaller bag may be a better choice if your cat eats little or you regularly alternate between several flavours.

Is grain-free cat food always necessary?

No. Grain-free cat food is a specific compositional choice, not a general requirement for every cat. Look at the full ingredients list and nutritional values. If you suspect a food sensitivity, it is best to consult a vet before choosing an elimination diet or special food.