Joybuy Insights

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

Choosing cat food might seem straightforward, but packaging often uses terms such as “premium”, “natural” and “grain-free” without making it clear what they actually offer your cat. A large multipack might also seem like good value, but your cat may not like the flavour, or the food may need to be used quickly once opened.

Use these practical checks to compare wet cat food, dry cat food, complete cat food and cat treats based on the information that really matters.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. Confusing “premium” with a complete meal

The term premium cat food doesn’t tell you on its own whether a product is suitable as your cat’s everyday food. So first check whether the packaging says it is complete food. A complete product is intended to be fed as your cat’s main food, in the recommended portions. A complementary product, such as many cat treats, isn’t intended for this purpose.

For example, according to the product information, INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef contains 91% moisture and around 6 calories per tube. It’s intended as a treat, topping or way to help give medication, not as a replacement for a complete meal.

2. Assuming grain-free cat food is automatically a better choice

Grain-free cat food may suit an owner’s preferences, but “grain-free” doesn’t automatically mean the food is a better fit for every cat. Always check the full ingredients list, protein content, fat content and nutritional status.

For example, Farmina N&D Pumpkin Cat Quail lists quail, herring, pumpkin, peas and chickpeas in its ingredients. The absence of grains is just one part of the decision. The daily amount should also be appropriate for your cat’s weight and activity level.

3. Buying a multipack without testing the flavour

A cat food multipack is practical when your cat already knows and likes the flavours. With a new type of food, a large pack could lead to waste. Try a small pack first, such as an 85-gram portion, before buying several boxes.

Also check the use-by date and storage instructions. Any leftover wet food often needs to be refrigerated and used within a limited time, according to the packaging. Dry food should be sealed properly after opening and stored in a cool, dry place.

Which specifications should you check before buying?

1. Complete food or complementary treat

Look for a clear label such as complete wet food, complete dry food or complete food for adult cats. Treats should be labelled as complementary.

When buying cat food for adult cats, also check that the life stage is right for your cat. Kittens, adult cats and senior cats may have different nutritional guidelines. For a neutered cat, a formula with specific energy or portion guidance may be more practical, but always follow the instructions on the packaging.

2. Ingredients and analytical constituents

Check both the ingredients list and the analytical constituents. Look in particular at:

  • Crude protein and crude fat: useful for comparing products within the same category.
  • Moisture content: wet food generally contains much more moisture than dry food.
  • Crude fibre and ash: additional information about the composition.
  • Animal protein sources: such as lamb, fish, quail or wild boar.
  • Additives: such as taurine, vitamins and minerals.

Cat food with lamb, fish or game isn’t automatically suitable for every cat. Check that your cat tolerates the protein source well, and switch foods gradually. According to product information from various brands, a transition over several days is recommended.

3. Portion size, packaging and ease of use

Compare the pack size with how much you use each day. A 1.5 kg bag of dry food is handy for a one-cat household, while a 5 or 10 kg pack needs topping up less often but should be sealed carefully.

For wet food, small trays, tins or pouches are handy for serving a set portion. Sheba Classic Pâté With Chicken, for example, comes in 85-gram portions and is sold as complete wet food for adult cats. The product information lists 82.5% moisture and 9.5% protein, among other details. Always check the current packaging for the correct feeding guidelines.

Our recommendations for different types of cat owners

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Sheba Classic Pâté With Chicken 85g

Sheba Classic Pâté With Chicken 85g

Why it suits this profile: The 85-gram portion makes it easy to try wet food without buying a large multipack straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as complete wet food for adult cats. This makes it clear that it’s more than just a complementary treat.

Key benefit & highlights

85 grams per pack, a pâté texture and an analytical composition listing 82.5% moisture.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Ziwi PEAK CAT CANS Venison 185 gr.

Ziwi PEAK CAT CANS Venison 185 gr.

Why it suits this profile: If you’re looking for wet food with a specific animal protein source, you can compare this product’s ingredients directly with other options.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list names venison, organs and green-lipped mussel. You can check what’s inside rather than relying only on the front of the packaging.

Key benefit & highlights

Complete wet food according to the product information, with 78% moisture and a 185-gram pack size.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Neutered Cat Lamb 1.5 kg.

Farmina N&D Pumpkin Neutered Cat Lamb 1.5 kg.

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this formula is intended for neutered cats and lists lamb as a protein source.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging names a specific target group, so you don’t have to guess whether the food is intended for neutered cats.

Key benefit & highlights

Grain-free composition according to the product information, 1.5 kg pack size and a stated seven-day transition period.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious treat buyers
INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef 20 pcs.

INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: The 20 individual tubes are handy for households that regularly give their cat a small treat or topping.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is complementary food. This makes it easy to distinguish from complete cat food.

Key benefit & highlights

20 tubes, two named protein sources and around 6 calories per tube according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Is wet or dry cat food more practical?

It depends on your cat’s preference, your storage space and your feeding routine. Wet food usually has a high moisture content and comes in individual portions. Dry food keeps for longer once opened and is easy to weigh out. With both types, check that the food is complete and follow the portion instructions on the packaging.

How should I switch to a different cat food?

Gradually mix the new food with your cat’s usual food. Increase the amount of new food over several days. The exact transition period varies by product; several packs recommend around five to seven days. Don’t stop feeding the old food straight away if your cat reacts sensitively.

Are cat treats necessary alongside complete cat food?

No, treats are complementary. Give them in limited amounts and take the calories from other food into account. According to the product information, a product such as INABA Churu is intended as a treat, topping or aid when giving medication, and doesn’t replace a complete meal.