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

A bag of dry food or a multipack of wet food may seem like an easy choice. But products can vary considerably in their ingredients, moisture content, energy content, portion size and intended use. Particularly with cat food for adult or neutered cats, attractive packaging can promise more than the ingredients list supports.

Watch out for three common pitfalls:

1. “With chicken”, “with fish” or “with lamb” doesn’t always mean it’s the main ingredient. According to the product information for Iams Naturally Salmon & Rice, for example, the recipe consists mainly of dried chicken and turkey; salmon and rice each account for 4,1%.
2. A high protein percentage isn’t automatically comparable between wet and dry food. Wet food often contains around 75 to 80% moisture. So don’t compare label percentages alone: consider the type of product and the recommended daily amount too.
3. “Grain-free” doesn’t guarantee that a meal is right for your cat. Grain-free cat food can still contain peas, chickpeas, sweet potato or other plant-based ingredients. Check the full ingredients list rather than relying on a single claim on the front of the pack.

The key information on the label

1. Check whether it’s complete cat food

For everyday feeding, complete and balanced cat food is important. The label should state which species and life stage the product is intended for, such as adult or neutered cats. A treat, broth or complementary product isn’t a substitute for a complete meal.

According to the product information, INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe contains 93% moisture and is intended as a hydrating treat. So this product shouldn’t automatically replace your cat’s daily main meal.

2. Consider protein, fat and moisture together

Dry food contains little moisture, so its protein and fat percentages are more concentrated. Wet food contains more water, but a lower protein percentage on the label doesn’t automatically mean the product has less nutritional value.

For example:

• Ziwi PEAK CAT CANS Venison contains 10% crude protein, 4% fat and 78% moisture, according to the product specification.
• Farmina N&D Ocean Neutered Cat Herring contains 46% crude protein, 11% fat and 8% moisture.
• Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna, Liver, Turkey & Beef contains 10,5% protein, 7% fat and 77,5% moisture.

These figures are only easy to compare within the same product category. Also check the recommended portion and energy content, especially if your cat is neutered or not very active.

3. Choose a recipe to suit your cat

For a neutered cat, cat food for neutered cats can be a practical choice, as these recipes are specifically formulated for this group. Farmina N&D Prime Neutered Chicken, for example, lists 38% crude protein, 16% fat and a grain-free recipe. Farmina N&D Ocean Neutered Cat Herring lists 46% protein and 11% fat.

For a cat with sensitivities, a recipe with a clearly stated protein source may make it easier to see what’s in the food. Ziwi PEAK Venison’s product description presents venison as its only animal protein source and states that it contains 92% venison meat, organs and bone. This is a product specification, not a guarantee that every cat will tolerate it well. Introduce new food gradually and always check the label for potential allergens.

Product choices for different types of cat owners

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna, Liver, Turkey & Beef Multipack

Why it suits this profile: A multipack with 8 portions of 85 grams makes it easy to try different flavours without buying a large supply of just one variety. According to the product information, this is complete wet food for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion size and varieties are clearly stated. Do check the ingredients and nutritional values for each flavour.

Key benefit & highlights

8 cans of 85 grams; four listed flavours; 10,5% protein and 77,5% moisture according to the product specification.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Ziwi PEAK CAT CANS Venison 185 gr.

Why it suits this profile: The product description lists a recipe with venison as its sole animal protein source, with no grains, potatoes or tapioca starch. This may suit shoppers looking for a short, clearly defined ingredients list.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The claim about 92% venison, organs and bone can be checked against the product information provided. It’s still important to check the current packaging.

Key benefit & highlights

185 grams per can; grain-free recipe; 10% protein, 4% fat and 78% moisture according to the product specification.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent use

Farmina N&D Ocean Neutered Cat Herring 5 kg.

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this dry food is intended for neutered cats and includes herring as a listed protein source. The 5 kg pack can be practical for everyday use in a household with a regular feeding routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The intended audience, grain-free recipe and analytical values are listed. Weigh out portions; having a large bag doesn’t make overfeeding any less likely.

Key benefit & highlights

46% crude protein; 11% fat; 5 kg pack; grain-free according to the product specification provided.

Practical buying tips for everyday use

• Compare the price per 100 grams, not just the price of the pack.
• For dry food, choose a pack size you can use within the recommended storage period.
• Store opened dry food in a cool place in a tightly sealed container. Keep opened wet food covered in the fridge and follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Introduce new cat food gradually, usually over several days.
• Always provide access to fresh drinking water, especially with dry food.
• Use the feeding guide as a starting point and adjust portions according to your cat’s weight, activity level and body condition.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

It depends on your cat’s preferences, the recipe and your day-to-day circumstances. Wet food usually contains more moisture, while dry food is easy to portion and store. Whichever you choose, check that it’s complete food.

Which cat food is right for a neutered cat?

You could choose a recipe that specifically states it’s intended for neutered cats. Also consider portion size and fat content. Even with specialist cat food, it’s important to weigh out portions, as each cat’s energy needs differ.

Is grain-free cat food necessary?

Not for every cat. Grain-free food may be a preference if you deliberately want to avoid grains, but the full ingredients list and nutritional values matter more than the claim on the front of the pack. If dietary problems persist, it’s best to speak to a vet.