Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without falling into marketing traps: a practical guide for every cat

Cat food packaging is often covered in terms such as “natural”, “premium” and “with beef”. These words do not always tell you what your cat needs every day. If you only look at the front of the packaging, you could end up buying a product that does not suit your cat’s age, activity level or eating habits.

When choosing cat food, focus on three key points: whether it is complete food, which life stage it is intended for and how much your cat actually needs per meal. Below, we clearly compare the main differences between wet food, dry food, snacks and multipacks.

Common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. A prominent flavour does not mean beef is the main ingredient

“With beef” or “cat food with beef” does not automatically mean that the product mainly consists of beef. Some recipes, for example, list 4% beef as part of a wider composition of meat and animal derivatives. So check the ingredients list and the percentage of the named meat.

Cat food with chicken, lamb, fish or beef may also contain several animal-based ingredients in one recipe. This is important if your cat cannot tolerate a particular flavour or if you are specifically looking for a simpler, single-protein recipe.

2. Wet food, snacks and complete food are not the same

Complete food is intended as a daily meal when you follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging. A product labelled complementary pet food, such as some cat snacks, is not a substitute for a main meal.

Felix Crispies Cat Snack Beef & Chicken, for example, is a complementary snack for adult cats. According to the product information, the recommended amount is a maximum of 12 grams per day for a cat weighing around 4 kg. Snacks should also be included in your cat’s daily energy intake.

3. A large pack is not automatically better value

A cat food multipack can be useful if your cat enjoys several flavours, but pay attention to shelf life and storage. A box containing 60 pouches is practical for households with several cats or for a cat that eats wet food every day. For a single cat that eats slowly, however, smaller packs may be easier to keep fresh.

Once opened, wet food should be stored in the fridge according to the product information and used within the stated period. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Important specifications to check

Complete food and life stage

Choose cat food that matches your cat’s life stage:

  • Kitten food contains a nutritional profile tailored to growth. According to the product information, Whiskas Junior Classic Selection in Sauce is intended as complete wet food for kittens.
  • Cat food for adult cats is intended for cats from the stated age, such as 1 year and over.
  • Cat food for sterilised cats may be suitable for cats with lower energy requirements after sterilisation or neutering. According to the product information, Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula is intended for sterilised or neutered adult cats.
  • For cats with medical conditions, allergies or weight issues, it is advisable to consult a vet. A brand’s product claim is not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation.

Wet food or dry food

Wet cat food generally contains a high proportion of moisture and is available as cat food in gravy, pâté, mousse or chunks in jelly. Texture can be important for fussy eaters. Cat pâté is smooth and consistent, while chunks in gravy provide more texture.

Dry cat food keeps for longer after opening and is easy to measure. Whiskas Droog Rund 1+ is available in a 3.8 kg bag, while Whiskas Adult Dry Cat Food with Beef comes in a 1.9 kg pack. Store an opened bag tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.

If you combine wet and dry food, you need to adjust the daily amounts. The manufacturer’s guidelines often indicate how much dry food can be replaced by one pouch of wet food.

Ingredients, portions and analysis

As well as the ingredients, check the analytical constituents, such as protein, fat, moisture and crude ash. These percentages can only be compared accurately when you take moisture content into account. Wet food often contains around 80% moisture, while dry food contains much less.

Use the feeding guidelines as a starting point, but adjust the portion according to your cat’s weight, activity level and body condition. The recommended amount for a 4 kg cat is not automatically suitable for every cat of the same weight.

Recommended choices by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Cat Pate Beef 100g

g'woon Cat Pate Beef 100g

Why it suits this profile: The 100-gram pack is a straightforward option if you want to try a smaller portion of cat pâté first, without immediately buying a large supply.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as complete wet food for adult cats. However, always check the current ingredients on the tin before ordering.

Key benefit & advantages

Soft pâté texture, beef variety and a 100-gram portion; refrigerate after opening and use within 48 hours according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets Chicken Rabbit Beef Salmon

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets - Chicken, Rabbit, Beef & Salmon Cat Food - 60 x 85 g

Why it suits this profile: If flavour variety and keeping a regular supply are important to you, this pack offers four varieties in 85-gram portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The four flavours make it easier to vary your cat’s meals without combining several separate boxes. It is still important to monitor the daily portion.

Key benefit & advantages

60 pouches of 85 grams, complete food for adult cats and, according to the product information, no added artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Purina One Sterilcat Beef Grain Formula 800g

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

Why it suits this profile: This dry formula is designed for sterilised or neutered adult cats and is suitable for dividing into daily portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly states the target group and daily amounts for each weight category. This helps you avoid choosing a product based solely on the “beef” flavour name.

Key benefit & advantages

800 grams of dry food, 37% crude protein and feeding guidelines for sterilised adult cats. Store the bag tightly sealed and in a dry place.

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

What is suitable cat food for an adult cat?

Choose a product labelled complete food for adult cats. Also check the recommended amount, moisture content and ingredients. An adult cat can eat wet food, dry food or a combination of both, as long as the total daily portion is appropriate for its weight and activity level.

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

That depends on your cat’s preference, nutritional needs and feeding routine. Wet cat food offers a soft texture and plenty of moisture. Dry food is easy to store and measure. When feeding a combination of both, reduce the portions of each type so that your cat does not unknowingly consume too much.

How long does opened cat food keep?

Always check the label. Leftover wet food is usually stored covered in the fridge and used within the stated period. Dry food stays usable for longer when the bag is kept tightly sealed in a cool, dry place. Check the smell, texture and use-by date before serving it.