Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without falling for marketing: how to find the right food for your cat

Packaging with words such as “natural”, “premium” or “for sensitive cats” doesn’t tell you much on its own. When choosing cat food, the full product information matters most: is it complete food, which life stage is it intended for, and are the ingredients and portion size right for your cat?

The most common buying mistakes come down to three pitfalls:

  1. Confusing a flavour name with a high proportion of that ingredient. “With beef” doesn’t automatically mean beef is the main ingredient. Check the percentage on the label.
  2. Using a treat as a main meal. Cat treats and other complementary products aren’t intended to replace complete food.
  3. Not adjusting the portion to your cat’s weight and activity level. With neutered cats in particular, unlimited dry food can lead to too many calories without you noticing.

What should you look for in cat food?

1. Check that it’s complete food

Look for a clear statement such as “complete food for adult cats”. This means that, according to the product information, it’s intended as a daily main food. Wet cat food, dry cat food and combinations of the two can all be suitable, as long as you follow the feeding guidelines.

A product labelled “complementary pet food” is a complementary food. For example, INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna falls into this category. This soft treat can be given as a reward, but shouldn’t replace your cat’s daily meal.

2. Look beyond the front of the packaging

When choosing cat food with fish, chicken or beef, it’s important to read the ingredients list. According to the product information, Whiskas Adult Wet Cat Food Beef in Sauce contains 4% beef in the chunks. The rest includes meat and animal derivatives, cereals, vegetable protein extracts and minerals.

That doesn’t automatically make the product unsuitable. But it does give you a more realistic picture than the flavour name alone. So compare:

  • the ingredients, listed in descending order;
  • the stated percentage of chicken, fish or beef;
  • the protein, fat and moisture content;
  • the recommended amount for your cat’s body weight.

3. Choose a texture your cat will actually eat

Wet food generally has a high moisture content and is available as pâté, mousse, chunks in gravy or multipacks. Cat mousse or soft pâté can be a practical choice for cats that prefer a smooth texture. For example, according to the product information, g'woon Cat Mousse With Chicken 85g has a soft mousse texture and contains 8 grams of protein and 84 kcal per 100 grams.

Dry food keeps for longer once opened and is easy to weigh out. However, your cat will always need fresh drinking water. Feeding a combination of wet and dry food can be convenient, but adjust the portions of each to work together.

Special requirements: what does the packaging really mean?

Cat food for neutered cats

A cat’s energy needs may change after neutering. When choosing cat food for neutered cats, don’t rely on the name alone: compare the nutritional values and feeding guidelines. According to the product specifications, Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula is intended for neutered adult cats and contains 37% crude protein and 13% fat. The recommended portion for each weight range is lower than for some standard varieties.

Check your cat’s body weight regularly. If your cat already has urinary tract problems or is gaining noticeable weight, it’s better to speak to a vet than to switch to a diet food on your own.

Cat food for sensitive cats

The term “sensitive” can refer to digestion, food preferences or a reaction to an ingredient. So check the full ingredients list and introduce any new food gradually. According to the product description, Purina One Sensitive Adult Cat Food Turkey & Rice Formula is designed for adult cats with sensitive digestion and contains no added wheat. The claim that, according to Purina’s own research, stools may smell 24% less after 14 days is a brand claim, not a guarantee for every cat.

Grain-free cat food isn’t automatically necessary. It may be the right choice for a particular recipe, but “grain-free” alone says nothing about the overall nutritional quality. Always check whether the product is complete food and whether your cat tolerates it well.

Recommended cat food by shopping profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Whiskas Wet Cat Food Aromatic Adult 1+ Selection Multipack - 12 x 85 g

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

Why it suits this profile: A multipack with four flavour varieties can help you discover your cat’s preferences without having to buy several large packs straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging lists portions by body weight and gives the ingredients for each variety. This makes it clear that flavour names don’t necessarily mean a high percentage of that ingredient.

Key benefits and features

Complete wet food for adult cats, with 12 portions of 85 grams and several varieties.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Ziwi Peak Cat Steam & Dried Fish 800 gr.

Ziwi Peak Cat Steam & Dried Fish 800 gr.

Why it suits this profile: The product specifications state an 87% meat content, several types of fish and at least 40% crude protein, making it a good option for shoppers who compare ingredients closely.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page provides analytical values and an ingredients list. Compare these details with your cat’s needs and feeding guidelines.

Key benefits and features

Steam-dried fish food, with at least 40% crude protein according to the product specifications, and added taurine.

Suitable for: Specific needs and regular users
Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula Sterilized Adult Cat Food 800g

Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula Sterilized Adult Cat Food 800g

Why it suits this profile: Designed for neutered adult cats, with clear feeding guidelines for different weight ranges.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portions are specified for neutered cats. This can help you weigh out dry food rather than topping up the bowl without measuring.

Key benefits and features

37% crude protein, 13% fat and a complete formula for neutered adult cats, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Cats that prefer soft textures
g'woon Cat Pate Salmon 100g

g'woon Cat Pate Salmon 100g

Why it suits this profile: The soft pâté texture and 100-gram portion are handy when you want to serve smaller amounts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging advises keeping any unused food refrigerated and using it within 48 hours.

Key benefits and features

Complete wet food for adult cats, salmon pâté and a handy 100-gram pack.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Is wet or dry cat food better value?

Dry food often costs less per gram and is convenient to store once opened. Wet food has a high moisture content and is usually sold in portions. The actual cost depends on the energy content, recommended daily portion and your cat’s weight. So compare more than just the price of the pack: look at the cost per day too.

How often should I feed my cat?

Many adult cats do well with two meals a day. Follow the guidance on the packaging and, if you like, divide the daily amount into several smaller portions. Weigh dry food using kitchen scales and adjust the amount if your cat’s weight or activity level changes.

How should I switch to a different cat food?

Gradually mix the new food with your cat’s familiar food, over about seven days, for example. Start with a small amount of the new food and increase it step by step. If problems persist, stop experimenting and contact a vet. The same applies to recurring urinary tract problems, reactions to food or noticeable changes in appetite.