Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without costly mistakes: how to find the right food for your cat

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:

  • “With chicken” or “with fish” does not mean that the product mainly consists of chicken or fish. Check the percentage of the named ingredient. In some recipes, this may be as little as 4%.
  • A complementary product is not a complete meal. According to the product information, Felix Soup Fish is complementary food for adult cats. Give it alongside complete cat food, not as a replacement for every meal.
  • A large pack is not automatically better value. With wet food, you need to consider how long it can be kept after opening. A multipack with portion pouches can help reduce waste, while a 400-gram tin is only convenient if your cat eats the contents quickly.

The key points when choosing cat food

1. Check the life stage and purpose

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.

2. Check whether it is complete or complementary food

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.

3. Compare portions, composition and storage instructions

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:

  • the ingredients list and the percentage of named meats;
  • the analytical constituents, such as protein, fat, fibre and moisture;
  • the additives, such as vitamins, minerals and taurine;
  • the best-before date and storage period after opening;
  • the feeding guidelines for each weight and life stage.

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.

Our recommendations for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Whiskas Adult Wet Cat 1+ Food Mixed Selection in Sauce 12x85g

Whiskas Adult Wet Cat 1+ Food Mixed Selection in Sauce 12x85g

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is complete wet food for adult cats. The 85g portions help to limit leftovers after opening.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete food, 12 pouches of 85g and a choice of several meat and fish varieties.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Prime Complete Cat Food for Neutered Cats Chicken 300g

Farmina N&D Prime Complete Cat Food for Neutered Cats - Chicken - 300g

Why it suits this profile: This dry food is specifically labelled for neutered cats and includes detailed ingredient and analysis information.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The feeding guidelines specify quantities according to body weight. This allows you to portion the food more accurately than with unlimited feeding.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete food for neutered cats, with chicken, fish oil, vitamins, minerals and taurine according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken Grain Formula 800g

Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The age indication helps prevent you from accidentally using adult cat food as the main food for a kitten.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete kitten food with chicken, grains, vitamins and minerals; the kibble can be served dry or with a little water.

Wet food, dry food or a combination?

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.

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

How often should I feed my cat?

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.

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

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.

How long does opened cat food stay fresh?

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.