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Choosing cat food and cat treats: a practical guide for every cat

A cat may react enthusiastically to almost any packet featuring fish, chicken or a creamy filling. That can make choosing difficult. An eye-catching flavour name says little about nutritional value, suitability or everyday cost. When choosing cat food and cat treats, Dutch cat owners are therefore better off paying attention to the label rather than marketing claims.

Common pitfalls when choosing cat food and cat treats

1. Mistaking a treat for complete cat food

Not every product is intended as a complete meal. Complete cat food contains, according to the product designation, the nutrients required for the relevant animal species and life stage. A product labelled complementary cat food is intended as an extra, topper or reward.

Liquid products such as Churu cat treats, soups and other hydrating cat treats may contain a lot of moisture, but they do not replace a complete meal. Give them in limited quantities alongside their usual food.

2. Looking only at the flavour name

“Chicken”, “tuna” or “salmon” on the front does not automatically mean that this ingredient makes up the largest proportion. Check the composition. For example, Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot contains 1.7% salmon and 1.7% sea fish in the total product, among other ingredients. The name therefore mainly indicates the variety, rather than necessarily identifying the main ingredient.

The same applies to cat treats with fish and cat treats with tuna. A tuna recipe may be suitable for adding variety, while a product with a more clearly defined protein source may be a better fit for owners who want to monitor ingredients closely.

3. Treating “grain-free” as a general guarantee of quality

Grain-free cat food may suit a specific dietary preference, but the term alone does not indicate whether a product is complete, low in calories or suitable for your cat. Also consider the life stage, energy content, protein levels and feeding guidelines.

For a sensitive animal, it is wise to check the full ingredients list. A single protein source, as in INABA Bisque Cat Tuna Recipe, makes the contents easier to assess, but it does not guarantee that every cat will tolerate the product.

Three factors you should always check

1. Complete or complementary

For your cat’s daily staple, choose a product labelled complete food for cats, suitable for the correct life stage. For adult cats, Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Tuna, Salmon & Trout, Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry and Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot are described as complete wet food for adult cats, for example.

Treats, toppings and liquid snacks are complementary. Keep the quantity limited. For INABA Churu Multipack Chicken, for example, the recommendation is a maximum of 3 to 4 sticks per day for adult cats, with treats making up no more than around 10% of their daily food intake in total.

2. Moisture content and portion size

Wet cat food generally contains more moisture than dry cat food. This can be useful for cats that do not drink much from their bowl, but a high moisture content does not make a snack a complete food.

INABA Bisque Cat Tuna Recipe contains 86% moisture, while the INABA Churu varieties contain 91% moisture. INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps list 93% moisture. These products can be used as hydration-focused treats or toppers. However, check the storage instructions after opening: some packs need to be refrigerated and used within 24 hours or the following day.

Size also matters. Small 50-gram Gourmet Mon Petit portions are convenient when your cat has several small meals and you want to minimise leftovers.

3. Ingredients, calories and when to use the product

Do not just compare percentages; consider what you are using the product for:

  • Dry cat food: convenient to weigh out and keep in stock, but always make sure fresh drinking water is available.
  • Wet food: suitable for a meal with a higher moisture content.
  • Liquid cat treat: useful as a reward, topper or for making a meal more appealing.
  • Cat treats: practical for training or occasional rewards, but count them towards the total daily amount.
  • Cat treats with chicken or fish: check the composition if you want to avoid certain proteins.

For weight management, calories per portion are more important than terms such as “light” or “natural”. According to the product information, one INABA Churu stick contains 6 calories. This makes portioning easier, but the product is still complementary food.

Our recommendations for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish 2kg

g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish 2kg

Why it suits this profile: A 2 kg bag is practical for a household that uses dry cat food every day and wants to weigh out portions themselves.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the composition and target group: adult cats. This allows you to compare staple foods without focusing solely on the fish flavour.

Key benefit & advantages

2 kg pack, fish variety and intended as complete dry food for adult cats according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry

Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for owners who want to combine small portions, variety and wet cat food in gravy.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Each pouch contains a 50-gram portion. This means you do not have to open a large pack every time your cat has smaller meals.

Key benefit & advantages

Complete food for adult cats, varieties with chicken, duck and turkey, plus a 50-gram portion size.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
INABA Churu Multipack Chicken 20 pcs.

INABA Churu Multipack Chicken 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: Ideal for cats that enjoy extra moisture, or for owners who want to use a treat as a topper or reward.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly states that this is complementary food. With 91% moisture and 6 calories per stick, you can easily include the portion in your cat’s daily routine.

Key benefit & advantages

20 sticks, 91% moisture, chicken as the main ingredient and several ways to use them: by hand, as a topper or with medication.

Suitable for: Cats whose owners prioritise dental care
Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor

Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor

Why it suits this profile: A complementary treat for adult cats where the owner considers texture and purpose as well as flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to Whiskas’ own research, there is scientific evidence that it reduces tartar. Treat this as a brand claim, not as a replacement for regular care or veterinary advice.

Key benefit & advantages

Crunchy treat, 18% chicken according to the composition and a distinct product position focused on cat dental care.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Helpful buying tips for everyday use

  • Weigh out dry food rather than constantly topping up the bowl. This helps you keep track of the total amount.
  • Introduce new food gradually and watch for changes in appetite or stools.
  • Store opened wet or liquid treats according to the label and refrigerate leftovers when instructed.
  • Always provide fresh drinking water, even when you use wet food or a hydrating cat treat.
  • Check whether a treat is suitable for kittens. According to the product information, for example, Whiskas Cat Sticks Chicken Flavor is not suitable for kittens, while other products are offered for all life stages.
  • Do not use dental treats as a replacement for check-ups or care if your cat has obvious dental problems.

Frequently asked questions about cat food and cat treats

What is the difference between complete and complementary cat food?

Complete cat food is intended as daily nutrition for the specified animal species and life stage. Complementary cat food, such as many cat treats and liquid snacks, is an extra. It does not automatically provide all the nutrients required for a complete meal.

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

That depends on your cat’s preferences, condition and nutritional needs. Wet food usually contains more moisture, while dry food is easy to portion and store. Many owners combine both, provided the total amount is appropriate for the daily feeding guidelines.

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

Follow the guidance on the packaging and take the main food into account. As a practical rule, treats should generally make up no more than around 10% of the total daily food intake. If you are unsure about your cat’s weight, allergies or tailored diet, discuss their food choices with a vet.