Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food: how to find the right nutrition without wasting money

Buying a bag of cat food sounds simple, until you have to choose between dry cat food, wet cat food, kitten food, snacks and all the different options for sterilised cats. Marketing copy often highlights flavour, natural ingredients or a particular benefit. That does not always tell you whether the food suits your cat’s age, lifestyle and daily needs.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. Mistaking a treat for complete food

Not every product is intended to be a complete meal. Complete cat food contains, according to the product description, all the nutrients needed as part of a cat’s daily diet. Complementary cat food, such as cat soup, cat broth and many cat treats, is intended as an extra.

Always check the legal classification on the packaging. A product with a high moisture content may appeal to cats that drink very little, but it does not automatically replace their main meal.

2. Looking only at the flavour name

“Cat food with chicken” or “cat food with fish” sounds clear, but you should also check the ingredients list. Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight. Also look at the stated percentage of the named animal ingredient. For example, each variety of Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly contains a stated proportion of the highlighted ingredient; the exact composition varies by flavour.

A flavour preference is useful, but life stage and nutritional classification matter more than the picture on the packaging.

3. Buying a large pack without doing the maths

An 800 g pack of cat food is useful when you want to try a product first. A cat food multipack may seem better value, but only if your cat actually eats the flavours. With wet food, you also need to consider how long it can be kept after opening. Store opened portions covered in the fridge and follow the time limit on the label.

For dry food, a securely resealable bag or storage container is important. An appropriate accessory, such as the Xiaomi Smart Pet Food Feeder 2 Desiccant Cartridge GL, is only suitable for the specified Xiaomi Smart Pet Food Feeder 2 GL. Check compatibility before ordering.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Age and specific circumstances

Choose kitten food for kittens during the growth stage and cat food for adult cats from the age stated on the packaging. According to the product information, Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g is intended from weaning to 12 months, as well as for pregnant or nursing cats. Feeding guidelines should be adjusted as a kitten grows.

For a sterilised or neutered adult cat, you can look for a variety specifically formulated for this situation. Pay attention to the feeding guide and energy content. An adjusted balance of protein and fat or balanced minerals is a product feature, not a guarantee of a particular result.

2. Complete or complementary food

Do not just look at the front of the pack; look for the full product name and nutritional classification. Felix Soup Farm wet cat food 6 x 48 g is described as complementary food for adult cats. According to the product specification, INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe contains 93% moisture and is intended as a hydrating treat. Products like these complement the main food; they are not intended to replace it regularly.

For wet cat food, the moisture percentage is a measurable specification. With dry cat food, pay attention to factors including protein, fat, fibre, ash and the recommended daily amount.

3. Ingredients, portions and changing food

Compare products based on:

  • the first ingredients and the percentage of chicken, fish or another animal ingredient;
  • the analytical constituents, such as protein, fat, moisture and crude fibre;
  • the daily portion for your cat’s body weight;
  • whether it is suitable for kittens, adult cats or sterilised cats;
  • storage instructions and shelf life after opening.

Switch to new food gradually. Over several days, mix an increasing proportion of the new product with the food your cat is used to. If your cat has a food intolerance, persistent symptoms or another specific dietary need, do not base your choice on flavour alone; ask a vet for advice.

Recommended cat food by buying profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly 44 x 85g

Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly - Wet Cat Food - 44 x 85g

Why it suits this profile: A multipack containing 44 portions provides a good supply for households with an adult cat that enjoys different flavours in jelly.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is complete food for adult cats. However, check each individual flavour and follow the storage instructions for opened portions.

Main benefit & advantages

44 pouches of 85 g, four flavour varieties and feeding guidelines provided for adult cats.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Purina One Adult Salmon Whole Grains 800 g

Purina One Adult Salmon - Whole Grains - 800 g

Why it suits this profile: This 800g variety is intended for adult cats aged 1 year and over, with salmon listed as the first ingredient.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage and composition are clearly described. Claims about the gut microbiome and tartar are based on Purina’s own research; do not regard them as guaranteed results.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete food for adult cats, salmon as the first ingredient and an 800 g pack.

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

Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: This variety is formulated for sterilised and neutered adult cats and includes a specific feeding guide based on body weight.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description for sterilised cats prevents you from choosing based on the flavour name alone. The daily amount should be adjusted to your cat’s activity level and body condition.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete food, beef as the stated flavour variety, 800 g contents and feeding advice for cats weighing 2 to 6 kg.

Suitable for: Cat owners who want to offer extra moisture
INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe

INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe

Why it suits this profile: This cat broth is a small, ready-to-serve addition for cats that could benefit from extra moisture in their daily routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is clearly labelled as complementary food rather than a complete meal. This means the main food remains part of your cat’s daily diet.

Main benefit & advantages

50 g per pack, 93% moisture according to the product specification and a recipe containing chicken broth, chicken and salmon.

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 cat food is suitable for a kitten?

Choose kitten food labelled for the correct life stage, for example from weaning to 12 months. Kitten food is formulated for growth and is usually given in several small portions. Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and always provide fresh drinking water.

Is dry cat food or wet food better?

That depends on your cat’s preference, the composition of the food and your daily routine. Dry food is easy to portion and store. Wet food generally contains a lot of moisture and can add variety. For both types, check whether the product is complete or complementary food.

How long can opened wet food be stored?

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge and follow the instructions on the packaging. Products in this selection generally state that they should be used within 24 to 48 hours of opening. Serve wet food at room temperature and discard any leftovers that have been left out of the fridge for too long.