Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without falling into marketing traps: how to compare wet and dry food

A wide choice of cat food is useful, but it does not always make comparing products easy. Packaging often focuses on flavour, “premium” formulas or eye-catching ingredients. However, these words do not automatically tell you whether a product suits your cat’s age, lifestyle and nutritional needs.

Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

  • An appealing flavour name says little about the ingredients. If the packaging says “with beef”, for example, check how much beef is actually included. In many varieties, the named ingredient makes up only a limited percentage of the recipe.
  • “Complete” is sometimes confused with a complementary meal. For everyday use, choose a product that clearly states that it is complete cat food or complete pet food.
  • A larger pack is not always better value. A cat food multipack may seem attractively priced, but check the shelf life, portion size and your cat’s preferences. A flavour your cat will not eat is ultimately wasted.

What should you look for in cat food?

1. Check the animal species and life stage

Cat food for adult cats is not the same as kitten food. Kittens have different nutritional needs from adult animals. Therefore, check that the label clearly states which life stage the product is intended for.

For adult cats, there are various options, such as:

  • wet cat food for everyday meals;
  • dry cat food for easy portioning;
  • food for sterilised or neutered cats;
  • multipacks with different flavours;
  • grain-free cat food for those specifically looking for a recipe without grains.

A product for sterilised cats may have an adjusted composition and feeding guideline. This does not mean that every cat needs this type of food. Consider your cat’s individual condition, activity level and portion size. If your cat has a medical condition or you are unsure about its diet, it is advisable to consult a vet.

2. Look at “complete” food and the analysis

The designation complete pet food means that, according to the product information, the product is intended as complete nutrition for the stated animal species and life stage. Also check the analytical constituents, such as protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture.

Wet cat food often contains around 75 to 85 per cent moisture. This means that a portion contains a lot of water and fewer calories per gram than dry food. Dry cat food generally contains around 10 per cent moisture and is therefore more concentrated. So, do not compare wet and dry food solely by the price per pack. Also consider:

  • price per kilogram;
  • recommended daily amount;
  • energy content, if stated;
  • number of portions per pack;
  • the cost when combining wet and dry food.

A claim such as “supports digestion” or “helps natural defences” should be read as a statement from the product’s marketing communications. Based on the brand’s own research or formulation, this is not a guarantee that every cat will experience the same effect. Base your choice first on the stated composition and suitability.

3. Choose a suitable texture and portion size

Texture mainly affects acceptance and ease of use. Options include:

  • cat food in gravy for cats that enjoy a moist meal;
  • cat food in jelly with soft pieces;
  • mousse for cats that prefer a smooth texture;
  • dry food in kibble form for easy storage and weighing.

A 2 kg bag of dry food is practical for everyday use, but it should be sealed properly after opening and stored in a dry place. 85-gram pouches are useful for portion control. Store opened wet food in the fridge according to the label and use it within the stated period. Serving temperature can also make a difference: many packs recommend serving wet food at room temperature.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Whiskas Adult Wet Cat 1+ Food Mixed Selection in Sauce 12x85g

Whiskas Adult Wet Cat 1+ Food Mixed Selection in Sauce 12x85g

Why it suits this profile: A multipack with 12 portions of 85 grams offers an easy way to try different flavours in gravy.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is complete wet food for cats aged 1 year and over, and provides the composition, analysis and feeding guidelines per portion.

Key benefit & highlights

12 x 85 g, different flavours and clear storage instructions for opened wet food.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb 300 gr.

Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb 300 gr.

Why it suits this profile: The small pack is ideal if you want to try a specific formula before buying a larger quantity.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes a complete grain-free food with lamb and quinoa, and an analysis of 36% crude protein and 20% fat.

Key benefit & highlights

Grain-free recipe according to the product description, 300 g contents and feeding advice based on body weight.

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

Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: Designed for adult sterilised or neutered cats, it is suitable as everyday dry food when you want to weigh portions accurately.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging explicitly states the target group, feeding amounts by weight and the composition with beef and grains.

Key benefit & highlights

800 g pack, 37% crude protein according to the product information and a feeding chart for different body weights.

Suitable for: Multi-cat households
Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection in Jelly 44x85g

Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection in Jelly 44x85g

Why it suits this profile: With 44 pouches of 85 grams, this is a practical supply for households serving several meals every day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The label states that this is complete food for adult cats, and includes portion advice and four named flavour varieties in jelly.

Key benefit & highlights

44 x 85 g, individual pouches and storage instructions for unopened and opened portions.

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 wet or dry food more suitable for my cat?

That depends on your cat’s preferences, the feeding guidelines and your daily routine. Wet food generally contains a lot of moisture and is supplied in portions. Dry food lasts longer after opening and is easy to weigh. You can also combine the two, as long as you adjust the total daily amount.

How much cat food does an adult cat need per day?

Always use the feeding guideline on the packaging as your starting point. The right amount varies according to weight, age, activity level and body condition. A guideline for a cat weighing around 4 kg is not automatically suitable for every cat. Ideally, weigh portions and adjust them if your cat’s body weight changes.

How should I store opened wet food?

Cover leftovers and store them in the fridge according to the instructions on the packaging. Many products recommend using them within 24 to 48 hours. Do not leave an opened portion at room temperature for an extended period. Always make sure your cat has access to fresh drinking water.