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

The choice of cat food in Dutch online shops is extensive. You will find dry food, wet cat food, kitten food, grain-free recipes and all kinds of cat treats. However, eye-catching packaging says little about whether a product is right for your cat.

Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

• Mistaking a snack for a complete meal: complementary food, such as creamy sticks or broth, does not replace a complete meal.
• Taking marketing claims too literally: terms such as “natural”, “premium” or “supports hydration” only have real value when the ingredients and analytical constituents make this clear.
• Looking only at the price per kilogram: a large bag of dry food may seem good value, but it is not always practical if your cat eats a smaller portion or is less keen on the food once it has been opened.

1. Check first whether the food is complete or complementary

The label will tell you whether you are dealing with complete petfood or complementary pet food. Complete food is intended as a daily main food within the stated life stage. Complementary food is intended as an extra, reward or topper.

This distinction is important for products such as:

• wet cat food in pouches or trays;
• cat treats and snacks;
• a hydrating cat snack with a high moisture content;
• creamy products that you mix into dry food.

According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna contain 93% moisture and are intended as complementary food or a hydration aid. INABA Bisque Cat Chicken Recipe also contains 93% moisture according to the label and can be used as a topper. These products may be useful for a cat that drinks very little, but they should be given alongside complete main food.

Also pay attention to the recommended serving size. Extras contain calories and can increase the total daily intake. Adjust the amount of main food if you regularly give your cat snacks.

2. Consider age and life stage

A kitten has different nutritional needs from an adult cat. For young animals, choose kitten cat food or kitten food that clearly states the age from which it is suitable.

Check the following, among other things:

• the stated age, for example from weaning to 12 months;
• the energy content and recommended amount;
• the presence of taurine, vitamins and minerals;
• the size and texture of the pieces;
• whether the product is complete food.

The product description for Purina One Junior states that it is suitable for kittens from weaning to 12 months. Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod lists kittens and pregnant or nursing cats as its target group. IAMS Cat Kitten Ocean Fish is available in 3 and 10 kg packs. A small pack is practical for trying the food first; a large bag may offer better value when your kitten tolerates the food well and eats it every day.

Change over gradually when switching foods. Farmina’s product information recommends a transition lasting around seven days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old food, then increase it step by step. Stop or slow down the transition if persistent digestive problems occur, and ask a vet for advice if necessary.

3. Compare the ingredients rather than just the front of the pack

The ingredients list and analytical constituents provide more useful information than pictures of chicken or fish on the packaging. When looking at chicken cat food or fish cat food, pay attention to the ingredient’s position in the list and to the percentages stated.

Useful points to check include:

1. Protein and fat: compare the percentage for each product, but take into account the difference between dry and wet food. Because of its high moisture content, wet food will automatically appear lower in protein and fat.
2. Moisture: wet food and hydrating snacks generally contain considerably more water than dry food.
3. Grain-free: grain-free cat food is not automatically suitable for every cat. Look at the full composition and life stage.
4. Taurine and added nutrients: check whether these are listed on the label for complete food.
5. Serving size and shelf life: smaller portions help limit waste, while larger packs can reduce stock-up costs.

For cat food for neutered cats, the daily portion is particularly important. Farmina N&D Prime Complete Cat Food for Neutered Cats – Chicken lists 38% crude protein, 16% crude fat and feeding guidance based on body weight. Neutered cats may need less energy, but the correct amount also depends on activity, age and body condition.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: The 800 g pack is a manageable choice for a first purchase, and the product information states that it is suitable for kittens from weaning to 12 months.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage and feeding instructions are clearly stated. This helps prevent you from buying adult cat food for a kitten.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete food for kittens according to the product information; recipe with chicken, grains, DHA and taurine.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: This kitten food lists cod as a named main ingredient and states that it has a grain-free composition with DHA and EPA.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition includes specific analytical values, including 44% crude protein and a maximum of 8% moisture, rather than relying only on general advertising language.

Main benefit & advantages

Grain-free recipe; the product information lists cod, herring oil, DHA and EPA.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users

INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna

Why it suits this profile: Suitable as a complementary treat or topper for cats that could benefit from extra moisture in their daily routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is clearly identified as complementary food. This keeps the main meal recognisable as the foundation of the feeding routine.

Main benefit & advantages

93% moisture; four stated flavours: chicken, tuna, scallop and salmon.

Suitable for: Cats that need hairball snacks

G'woon Cat Treats Anti-hairball

Why it suits this profile: This complementary snack is intended for owners looking for a product specifically positioned as supporting hairball care.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The feeding instructions state a daily amount of approximately 5 to 10 snacks. This allows you to factor the extra calories into your cat’s feeding plan.

Main benefit & advantages

4% crude fibre according to the product information; intended as a snack between meals.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

Not every type of food suits every cat. Dry cat food is easy to portion and store. Wet food generally contains more moisture and may be appealing to cats that drink very little. Always check whether the product is complete food, and adjust the portion according to your cat’s weight, activity level and body condition.

How long does cat food stay fresh after opening?

Store dry food in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Wet food and liquid snacks should be stored according to the label. INABA products, for example, state that they should be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. Other products may have a different recommended period. Always check the packaging and do not leave opened portions at room temperature unnecessarily.

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended amount and take the calories from the main meal into account. Snacks are complementary and should not replace complete cat food. If in doubt, give smaller amounts, particularly for a neutered cat or an animal with a low activity level. If your cat has specific dietary problems, it is advisable to consult a vet.