Joybuy Insights

Choosing Cat Food in 2026: A Practical Guide to Wet Food, Dry Food and Treats

Cats can be fussy, but the most challenging part of choosing cat food is often the label. Packaging highlights flavour, vitamins or a particular ingredient, while important information is printed in smaller type. Relying solely on the front of the pack can therefore lead to buying a product that does not suit your cat’s age, daily needs or feeding routine.

This guide from the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer helps you compare cat food objectively. You will learn what to look for in complete cat food, when wet cat food or dry cat food is practical, and how to responsibly add kitten food, cat broth and cat treats.

Common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. Mistaking a flavour name for a high percentage of meat or fish

“Made with chicken”, “with salmon” or “with beef” does not automatically mean that the food consists mainly of that ingredient. On some products, for example, the label may state that the named animal ingredient accounts for just 4% of the recipe. Always check the full ingredients list rather than relying solely on the image or flavour name.

2. Using complementary food as the main meal

Cat broth, liquid treats and some snacks are complementary pet food. They are intended as an extra and not as a replacement for a complete meal. A product labelled “complete pet food” is designed to provide the daily nutrition required for the stated life stage. Always check the legal product designation on the packaging.

3. Overlooking the life stage

Kitten food is formulated for growth, while cat food for adult cats is designed for a different life stage. A kitten aged, for example, between 2 and 12 months has different nutritional requirements from an adult cat. For a neutered, senior or less active cat, you should also adjust the portion according to body weight and activity level. Follow the guidance on the packaging and consult a vet if in doubt.

The key specifications to check

1. Complete or complementary pet food?

First, look for the following information:

  • Complete cat food: suitable as a daily main diet when used according to the feeding guide.
  • Complementary cat food: intended as a snack, reward or addition to a complete meal.
  • Life stage: check whether the product is suitable for kittens, adult cats or senior cats.
  • Feeding guidance: use your cat’s weight, age and activity level as the starting point.

A multipack is particularly useful for rotating flavours, but having several varieties does not automatically make a product complete or more suitable.

2. Moisture content and format

Wet cat food generally contains a high proportion of moisture and is supplied in pouches, cans or trays. This can be useful for cats that drink little from a water bowl, but wet food does not replace fresh drinking water. Dry cat food is easy to portion and store. Always provide clean water alongside it.

The INABA Broth products, for example, state a moisture content of 93%. According to the product description, these broths are intended as a complementary treat or hydration supplement, not as a complete meal. Felix Soup is also complementary food and should be served alongside a complete diet, according to the product information.

3. Portion size, packaging and storage life

Do not look only at the price of a cat food multipack. Also consider:

  • the total weight;
  • the weight per pouch or can;
  • the recommended daily amount;
  • the shelf life after opening;
  • the storage space required at home.

A box containing 44 pouches of 85 g is practical for households with several cats or for anyone who prefers to keep a regular supply on hand. Smaller 50 g portions can help reduce waste when your cat eats smaller meals. Store opened portions in the refrigerator according to the label and serve wet food preferably at room temperature.

Recommended cat food for different purchasing profiles

MATCH FOR: Budget-conscious starters
Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection in Jelly Wet Cat Food 44 x 85 g

Felix Every Day Party Mix Selection in Jelly Wet Cat Food 44 x 85 g

Why it suits this profile: A large multipack with portion-sized pouches is practical for households that regularly serve wet food and want to offer a range of flavours.

How it avoids the pitfall

The product description clearly states that this is complete food for adult cats. The 85 g portions reduce the need to open and store leftovers.

Key benefit

44 pouches, four listed flavour varieties and feeding guidance of up to three pouches per day for a cat weighing approximately 4 kg.

MATCH FOR: Growing kittens
Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken and Grain Formula 800 g

Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800 g

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this dry food is developed for kittens from weaning to 12 months, as well as for pregnant or nursing cats.

How it avoids the pitfall

The intended age group and life stage are specified in the product details. There is no need to use adult cat food for a kitten.

Key benefit

800 g of dry food, with chicken listed as the first ingredient and feeding guidance that can be adjusted throughout the growth period.

MATCH FOR: Cats that prefer smaller portions
Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry cat food

Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry

Why it suits this profile: The 50 g portions are suitable when your cat enjoys variety or regularly eats smaller meals.

How it avoids the pitfall

The smaller packs make it easier to use opened portions in good time and reduce food waste.

Key benefit

Complete food for adult cats, with separate chicken, duck and turkey recipes and stated daily feeding guidance.

MATCH FOR: Cats that benefit from extra moisture
INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe

INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe

Why it suits this profile: This broth is an option for owners looking for a moist addition to serve alongside their cat’s usual food.

How it avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly describes it as a hydration treat. Do not use it as a replacement for complete cat food.

Key benefit

50 g per pack, with a stated moisture content of 93% and chicken broth, chicken and salmon in the recipe.

Wet food, dry food or treats: what suits your routine?

A combination can be practical, provided the main food is complete and you monitor the total amount. Wet cat food is easy to serve in portions. Dry cat food can be left out for longer, but it is best portioned with a measuring cup rather than topped up without limits.

Cat treats, such as Felix Deli Moments Salmon, are complementary food. The product information recommends a maximum of one 10 g pouch per day and states that the main meal should be adjusted accordingly. Felix Soup Fish is also complementary; the stated guideline is one pouch per 4 kg of body weight per day alongside a complete diet.

For a sensitive cat, it is wise to introduce a new flavour gradually. Check the chicken, fish, grains and other ingredients if your cat has previously reacted poorly to certain foods. If symptoms persist or your cat requires a therapeutic diet, your vet should be your first point of contact.

Want to explore more cat food?

Browse the current range of cat food, wet food, dry food, kitten food and complementary treats. Compare the packaging, life stage, ingredients and feeding guidance before placing your order.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

How long does opened wet food keep?

Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Many products recommend storing opened portions covered in the refrigerator and using them within 24 to 48 hours. Discard leftovers if the food smells unusual or has been left out of the refrigerator for too long.

Is more expensive cat food automatically more suitable?

No. Start by comparing the objective information: complete or complementary, life stage, portion size, ingredients, analytical constituents and feeding guidance. A large cat food multipack can offer good value if your cat accepts the flavour and you use the portions in time.

Can I combine wet and dry food?

Yes, provided both products are suitable for the same life stage and you adjust the total daily amount. Use the feeding guidance on both packages as a starting point. Always ensure your cat has access to fresh drinking water.