Cat food packaging often promises a tasty meal, a balanced formula or high-quality ingredients. However, an attractive front label does not always tell you whether it is suitable for your cat. The most important information is usually on the label: life stage, nutritional status, composition and recommended amount.
For cat owners in the Netherlands, there are three common pitfalls:
Kittens have different nutritional needs from adult cats. Look on the label for a clear indication such as kitten food, junior or “from weaning to 12 months”. According to the product information, Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula is intended for kittens from weaning to 12 months, as well as pregnant or nursing cats.
For cats older than around one year, cat food for adult cats is generally suitable, provided the packaging explicitly states this. For a neutered cat, a product with tailored feeding guidelines may be practical. According to the product description, the Farmina N&D Prime formula is intended for neutered cats. Follow the quantity shown on the packaging and adjust the portion according to weight, activity level and body condition.
Complete cat food is formulated to be given as a daily diet, in line with the guidelines on the label. Wet food, dry food or a combination can all be suitable, provided the total daily amount is correct.
Complementary products, such as soup or certain treats, are intended to add variety. For example, Felix Soup Fish states that one pouch per 4 kg of body weight per day should be given as a supplement to complete food. So do not focus only on flavour or moisture content; pay particular attention to the legal nutritional statement on the packaging.
For wet cat food, 85-gram pouches are easy to portion for each meal. A cat food multipack, such as Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly with 44 pouches of 85 grams, offers several flavours and portions. This is convenient for households with one or more adult cats, but check that your cat accepts all the varieties.
Dry cat food stays fresh for longer after opening if you keep it tightly sealed in a cool, dry place. However, pay attention to its energy density and do not offer unlimited amounts alongside wet food. The recommended quantity should be adjusted when combining both types.
Also check:
Brands may make additional claims about skin, coat, muscles or vitality. Do not treat such claims as guaranteed outcomes. According to a brand’s own research, a product may support certain characteristics, but each cat may respond differently. If your cat has allergies, is overweight or has health problems, it is advisable to consult a vet.
Why it suits this profile: The portion pouches and mixed selection make daily feeding straightforward, without having to buy a large supply of one flavour straight away.
The packaging states that this is complete wet food for adult cats. The 85g portions help to limit leftovers after opening.
Complete food, 12 pouches of 85g and a choice of several meat and fish varieties.
Why it suits this profile: This dry food is specifically labelled for neutered cats and includes detailed ingredient and analysis information.
The feeding guidelines specify quantities according to body weight. This allows you to portion the food more accurately than with unlimited feeding.
Complete food for neutered cats, with chicken, fish oil, vitamins, minerals and taurine according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: The formula is designed for kittens from weaning to 12 months, making its intended use clearer than that of general adult food.
The age indication helps prevent you from accidentally using adult cat food as the main food for a kitten.
Complete kitten food with chicken, grains, vitamins and minerals; the kibble can be served dry or with a little water.
Wet cat food contains plenty of moisture and is often sold in portions. This makes it easy to serve, but opened pouches or tins should be refrigerated and used within the stated period according to the label.
Dry cat food is practical when you are not at home during the day. Keep the bag tightly sealed and always provide fresh drinking water. Combining wet and dry food can be convenient, but calculate the quantities together. A portion of wet food does not automatically replace the same quantity of dry food by weight.
For variety, you can look at cat food with chicken, cat food with fish or mixed selections from Felix cat food, Whiskas cat food, Gourmet cat food and Purina cat food. Check each variety again to make sure the product is complete and suitable for the intended age group.
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.
This depends on your cat’s age, weight, activity level and type of food. Ideally, divide the daily amount across several meals. Use the guideline on the packaging as a starting point and adjust the portion if your cat’s weight or body condition changes.
Neither is automatically suitable for every cat. Wet food offers a soft texture and plenty of moisture, while dry food is easy to store and portion. Above all, check that the product is complete, suitable for your cat’s life stage and compatible with their preferences.
Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Many wet food products recommend refrigeration and use within 24 to 48 hours. Do not leave food at room temperature for extended periods, and throw away leftovers if their smell, colour or texture has changed.