Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without falling into marketing traps: how to find the right food

A bag of dry food with a picture of chicken, a tin labelled “natural” or a recipe described as “grain-free” may sound appealing. However, the front of the packaging does not always tell you enough about whether it is suitable for your cat. The right choice depends on their life stage, the ingredients, portion size and whether the food is complete or complementary.

Common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. “With chicken” does not mean that chicken is the main ingredient

According to the product description for Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Lamb & Rice, this dry food contains 4.1% lamb and 4.1% rice. However, the first ingredients are dried chicken and turkey, followed by ingredients including maize and wheat. You should therefore read the description “with lamb and rice” in the right context.

Looking to buy cat food with chicken, lamb or fish? Check the full ingredients list rather than just the flavour shown on the front.

2. Grain-free is not automatically a guarantee of a better choice

Grain-free cat food contains no grains, but it may include other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas, potato or quinoa. According to their own product descriptions, Farmina N&D products contain a high proportion of animal protein and have a grain-free recipe. These are verifiable product features, but they do not on their own determine whether the food is right for your cat.

Also check the analytical constituents, recommended serving size and life stage the food is intended for.

3. Wet food, broth and treats are not always complete food

Wet cat food can help increase your cat’s fluid intake, but check whether the packaging states “complete pet food” or “complete feed”. According to the product information, INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe contains 93% moisture and is described as a hydrating treat. You should therefore not use it automatically as your cat’s complete daily food.

A complementary product can be given alongside complete cat food, as long as you keep an eye on the total amount and nutritional balance.

The most important points on the label

1. Start by choosing according to life stage and circumstances

  • Kitten food is intended for growth and has different nutritional requirements from food for adult cats.
  • For neutered cats, a tailored energy density and feeding guideline can be useful. According to the product description, Farmina N&D Prime Neutered Cat Chicken contains less fat than some other varieties.
  • For adult cats, it should be clearly stated that the food is complete and intended for adult animals.
  • If your cat has a sensitive digestive system, it is sensible to keep the ingredients limited and easy to understand. Product claims about supporting digestion come from the brand; do not treat them as medical effects.

2. Check the analytical constituents

The table showing crude protein, fat, fibre, crude ash and moisture provides a useful way to compare products. For example, according to the product details, Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb 1.5 kg contains 36% crude protein, 20% fat and 10% moisture. Farmina N&D Prime Neutered Cat Chicken 10 kg contains 36% crude protein, 14% fat and 9% moisture.

A higher protein percentage does not automatically mean that the food is suitable for every cat. Always consider age, activity level, body condition and the feeding guidelines on the packaging.

3. Consider portions, pack size and shelf life

A large bag of dry food may seem good value, but only if your cat accepts the food well and you can store it in an airtight container. Keep dry food in a cool, dry place, close the packaging securely and use it according to the information on the label.

Wet food in 85 or 100 gram portions is convenient when you want to serve it fresh and reduce leftovers. Once opened, follow the storage instructions. Always provide fresh drinking water with both dry and wet food.

Our recommendations for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Lamb & Rice

Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Lamb & Rice

Why it suits this profile: A complete dry food option for adult cats, with practical daily feeding guidelines and a standard-sized pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and analytical values are clearly listed. This shows that “with lamb and rice” does not mean these are the largest ingredients by proportion.

Key benefit & advantages

33% crude protein, 15% fat and a complete recipe for adult cats according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Prime Cat Lamb 1.5 kg

Farmina N&D Prime Cat Lamb 1.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: Designed for cat owners looking for a grain-free recipe with lamb, fish and a high proportion of animal-based ingredients.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The grain-free claim is supported by a specific ingredients list containing fresh and dried lamb, lamb fat, herring, egg and fish oil.

Key benefit & advantages

36% crude protein, 20% fat and a 1.5 kg pack; described as complete cat food according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific needs & 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: A large pack for households with a neutered cat that eats the same complete food every day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This variety is specifically labelled for neutered cats. You should still follow the feeding guidelines and adjust them according to your cat’s weight and activity level.

Key benefit & advantages

36% crude protein, 14% fat, a grain-free recipe and 10 kg contents according to the product details.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets Mix Turkey & Tuna Multipack

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets Mix Turkey & Tuna Multipack 12x85g

Why it suits this profile: Convenient portions of wet food for adult cats that enjoy variety in texture and flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The multipack contains individual 85-gram portions. Always check the daily amount on the packaging rather than basing it solely on your cat’s preferences.

Key benefit & advantages

12 portions, sauce with fine pieces and complete food for adult cats according to the product description.

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 dry or wet food more suitable for cats?

That depends on your cat’s preferences, portion control and the recipe. Dry food is easy to store and weigh out. Wet food generally contains lots of moisture and is often sold in small portions. You can combine both, but adjust the quantities so your cat does not consume too much energy.

How should I switch to a different cat food?

Mix the new food gradually with the old food, usually over about seven days. Start with a small amount of the new food and increase it step by step. Stop or slow down the change if your cat refuses the food or develops clear digestive problems. Consult a vet if symptoms persist.

How long does cat food keep after opening?

Store dry food sealed, in a cool, dry place. Use opened food according to the instructions on the packaging. Keep opened wet food chilled and follow the time limit on the label; for some products, this is a maximum of two days. Always check the use-by date, smell and texture before serving.