Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without falling into marketing traps: how to find the right food and treats

Attractive packaging, an appealing flavour name and words such as “natural” do not automatically mean that a cat food is right for your cat. The difference often lies in the details on the label: is it complete cat food, how much moisture does it contain, which life stage is it intended for and how large is the pack?

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter the most important product information down to practical points. This helps you compare wet cat food, dry cat food and cat treats based on verifiable specifications rather than advertising claims alone.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. Mistaking a treat for a complete meal

INABA Churu cat treats, cat snacks, liquid treats and cat treats are generally complementary pet food. They can be appealing as a reward, topper or extra source of moisture, but they do not replace a complete meal. Always check the legal product description on the packaging.

If it says “complete pet food for adult cats”, the product is intended, according to the product information, as daily food when given in the stated quantities. If it says “complementary pet food”, you need to combine it with complete cat food.

2. Looking only at the flavour name

“Cat food with chicken” or “cat food with fish” can have very different compositions. Check the percentage of the named ingredient. For example, certain varieties in the Gourmet Gold Mousse multipack list 4% chicken, salmon, kidneys or rabbit. Felix Double the Tasty lists, among other ingredients, 1.7% salmon and 1.7% sea fish in the total product.

A flavour name therefore does not always tell you how much of that ingredient is actually present.

3. Buying a large pack without calculating how much you use

A cat food multipack or 2 kg bag may seem convenient, but it is not always practical if your cat is fussy or eats slowly. Once opened, wet food has a limited shelf life and should be refrigerated according to the product information. Dry food stays usable for longer when the bag is properly resealed and stored in a cool, dry place.

When trying a new flavour, start with a smaller pack. A multipack is particularly useful once your cat already accepts the varieties.

Which specifications should you check?

Complete or complementary pet food?

This is the first thing to check. For main meals, look for:

  • Complete pet food for the right animal species and life stage.
  • Feeding guidelines that take weight, activity level and age into account.
  • A clear ingredients list and analytical constituents.

For treats, focus mainly on their complementary function and the recommended daily amount. Whiskas Temptations Beef, for example, is complementary pet food for adult cats. The product information states 411 kcal per 100 grams and recommends adjusting the daily main meal accordingly.

Moisture content in wet food and liquid treats

Wet cat food generally contains considerably more moisture than dry food. Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna, Liver, Turkey & Beef lists a moisture content of 77.5%. Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry lists 81.5% moisture.

According to their product labels, liquid INABA products contain even more moisture:

  • INABA Churu Chicken: 90.5% moisture.
  • INABA Churu Tuna: 91% moisture.
  • INABA Fun Bites: 93% moisture.
  • INABA Bisque Tuna: 86% moisture.

These products are complementary and are not a substitute for complete cat food. Always provide fresh drinking water as well.

Life stage, portions and storage

Kittens have different nutritional needs from adult cats. A product for adult cats, such as Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot, is not automatically suitable as a main food for a kitten. According to the product information, Catisfactions Salmon is suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old, but it remains a treat.

Also pay attention to the storage instructions:

  • Store unopened food in a cool, dry place.
  • Refrigerate opened portions of wet food.
  • Use opened INABA Churu sticks within 24 hours according to the product label.
  • Adjust the amount according to your cat’s weight, activity level and the rest of its diet.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot

Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot

Why it suits this profile: The 800-gram pack is a manageable option if you are looking for complete dry food for adult cats without immediately buying a very large bag.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states that this is complete pet food for adult cats. Protein, fat, crude ash and fibre are also specified.

Key benefit & highlights

800 g contents; 30% protein; fish variety with salmon and sea fish; no added colourings according to the product description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna Liver Turkey Beef Multipack

Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna, Liver, Turkey & Beef Multipack

Why it suits this profile: The smooth mousse and four flavour varieties are practical for adult cats that enjoy variety in their wet food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page describes it as complete food for adult cats and lists a multipack of 8 x 85 g. This makes the portion size clear.

Key benefit & highlights

8 x 85 g; 77.5% moisture; four varieties; feeding guidelines for an adult cat weighing approximately 4 kg.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
INABA Churu Cat Chicken

INABA Churu Cat Chicken

Why it suits this profile: The liquid stick is designed as a cat treat, topper or aid for interactive feeding and contains 90.5% moisture according to the label.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The label clearly identifies it as complementary pet food. The recommended amount of 1–2 sticks per day helps you give the treat alongside the main meal in the right quantity.

Key benefit & highlights

6 calories per treat according to the product information; 90.5% moisture; can be given by hand or used as a topper.

Suitable for: Households that like to vary portion sizes
Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry

Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry

Why it suits this profile: The 50 g portions are convenient when you want to offer variety without keeping a large opened pack for too long.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging and feeding guidelines make the portion size clear. The product is described as complete wet food for adult cats.

Key benefit & highlights

6 x 50 g; 81.5% moisture; varieties with chicken, duck and turkey; refrigerate after opening according to the product information.

More choices for your cat

Alongside this selection, you will also find Felix cat food, Whiskas cat treats, Vitakraft cat treats, cat food with chicken and cat food with fish. Compare the life stage, nutritional status, composition, moisture content and pack size for each product. A suitable kitten variety is important for kittens; food that is suitable for adult cats is not automatically suitable for them.

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 the difference between wet and dry cat food?

Wet food generally contains more moisture and is often sold in portions or pouches. Dry food lasts longer after opening and is easy to weigh out. With both types, check whether they are complete or complementary pet food. The right choice may depend on your cat’s preference, the portion size and how you want to store the food.

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

This varies according to weight, age, activity level and the product’s energy value. Use the feeding guidelines on the packaging as a starting point and adjust the amount if your cat’s body weight changes. Treats such as cat snacks and Churu sticks should be counted alongside the daily main meal.

How long does opened cat food stay fresh?

Always follow the label. Much opened wet food needs to be refrigerated and used within a few days. INABA Churu, for example, states that it should be consumed within 24 hours of opening. Store dry food in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed pack. Also check the best-before date and discard the food if its smell, colour or texture changes noticeably.