Choosing cat food without a costly mistake: a practical guide for every cat

A bag of cat food with eye-catching packaging can seem like a good choice at first. But a flavour name, a picture of fish or a claim such as “for a sensitive stomach” doesn’t tell you enough. The most important details are usually in the small print: which life stage the food is for, whether it is complete and how much to feed your cat each day.

Cat owners in the Netherlands commonly fall into three traps:

• Mistaking complementary food for a complete meal. Cat soup, liquid cat treats and some snacks are intended as extras. They don’t automatically provide all the nutrients your cat needs every day.
• Choosing based on flavour alone. “Salmon” or “chicken” on the front doesn’t mean that ingredient makes up most of the recipe. Always check the ingredients list.
• Buying a large pack without working out how quickly you’ll use it. A cat food multipack may look like good value, but it won’t always suit your cat’s appetite, age or preferences. With wet food, you also need to consider how long it keeps after opening.

What to look for when comparing cat food

1. Check whether it’s complete or complementary food

The label usually states whether the product is complete pet food or complementary pet food. Complete food is intended as a daily meal for the stated life stage. Complementary products, such as cat treats, cat soup and liquid treats, are given alongside your cat’s main food.

For example:

• Wet cat food in pouches or tins is often a convenient main meal when the label says “complete pet food”.
• Dry cat food is concentrated and easy to store. Measure out a portion rather than topping up the bowl without limits.
• Cat soup contains plenty of moisture, but is usually complementary food.
• Cat treats are suitable as rewards or toppers, not as a meal replacement.

2. Choose food to suit your cat’s age and circumstances

A kitten has different nutritional needs from an adult cat. Check the guidance on the packaging:

• Kitten food: suitable from weaning until the stated age, often up to 12 months.
• Adult cat food: intended for adult cats.
• Food for neutered cats: may suit cats if the manufacturer specifies an adapted nutritional composition.
• Food for sensitive cats: check which ingredients are included and which are not. “Sensitive” is not a medical diagnosis or a guarantee.

According to the product information, Purina One Junior on this page is intended for kittens from weaning to 12 months, and for pregnant or nursing cats. The manufacturer lists chicken, cereals and DHA among its ingredients. Always follow the feeding guide on the packaging and adjust the amount as your kitten grows.

3. Consider moisture, portion size and storage time

Wet food usually contains plenty of moisture, and some cats find its soft texture and aroma appealing. Dry food is easier to store and portion, but your cat should always have access to fresh drinking water.

Keep these practical points in mind:

1. Compare the recommended amount with your cat’s weight, age and activity level.
2. Include treats in the total to avoid overfeeding.
3. Store opened wet food in the fridge, following the packaging instructions.
4. If your cat leaves cold food, serve wet food at room temperature.
5. Choose small portions if your cat is fussy or you want to avoid waste.

A product described as “premium”, “natural” or “high protein” isn’t automatically the right choice. Check the analytical constituents, the full ingredients list and the stated life stage.

Recommendations for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Cat Pate Salmon 100g

Why it suits this profile: A single 100g portion is a handy size if you want to see whether your cat takes to the soft pâté texture before buying more. According to the product information, this wet food is intended for adult cats.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The packaging gives the weight, intended audience and feeding advice. That means you can try the flavour and texture before buying a large supply.

Key benefit & highlights

Soft pâté, salmon listed as an ingredient and a 100g portion. Store any opened food according to the packaging instructions.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Ziwi Peak Cat Steam & Dried Fish 800 gr.

Why it suits this profile: According to the product specifications, this dried cat food contains a high proportion of animal ingredients and at least 40% protein. It is intended as complete food for cats at every life stage.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information gives specific analytical values and feeding advice. This lets you compare the protein claim with details you can check.

Key benefit & highlights

At least 40% crude protein, no more than 12% moisture and an 800g pack. Adjust portions to suit your individual cat.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent use

Purina One Sensitive Adult Cat Food Turkey & Rice Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this dry food is intended for adult cats with sensitive digestion. Turkey is listed as the first ingredient, and the recipe contains no added wheat.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The “Sensitive” label is backed up by specific information about the intended audience and ingredients. Purina cites an effect on stool odour based on its own research; this is a brand claim, not a guarantee.

Key benefit & highlights

800g of dry food, turkey as the first ingredient and no added wheat, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Multi-cat households

Whiskas Wet Cat Food Aromatic Adult 1+ Selection Multipack - 12 x 85 g

Why it suits this profile: The multipack contains four varieties, with 12 portions of 85g in total. It’s practical if you feed several adult cats or want to offer them some variety.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The individual pouches help reduce waste and make portions easier to divide. Just check that all your cats are adults and can tolerate the different recipes.

Key benefit & highlights

12 portions, four flavours and complete wet food for adult cats, according to the product information.

Extra products for care and variety

Alongside cat food, many cat owners in the Netherlands look for additional products:

• Felix Soup and Rosewood Cat Soup are complementary soups with a high moisture content. Give them alongside complete food and follow the storage advice after opening.
• INABA Churu Cat Tuna and liquid Vitakraft treats are snacks. The product information states that they don’t replace a complete meal.
• For a neutered cat, Farmina N&D Prime Complete Cat Food for Neutered Cats may be worth considering if its life-stage guidance and feeding recommendations are suitable. The product specifications list 38% crude protein and 16% crude fat.
• A flea collar for cats or flea drops for cats must be suitable for your pet’s age and weight. For example, Knock products specify minimum ages and weight limits. Check for irritation and ask a vet for advice if you’re unsure.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

Not necessarily. Wet food usually contains more moisture, and some cats like its texture. Dry food is easy to store and measure. Above all, check that the product is complete food and suits your cat’s age, weight and activity level.

How often should I feed my cat?

Follow the feeding guide on the packaging and, where possible, divide the daily portion across several meals. The right amount depends on factors including your cat’s weight, age, activity and any treats. Weigh out portions if your cat is gaining weight quickly.

How should I switch to a different cat food?

Gradually mix the new food with the old food, for example over about seven days. Start with a small amount of the new food and increase it step by step. Keep an eye on your cat’s appetite, stools and behaviour. If problems persist or you’re unsure about the food, it’s best to speak to a vet.