Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food without falling into marketing traps: a practical guide for every cat

A bag of cat food may seem like a quick choice, but the packaging does not always tell the whole story. Words such as “with chicken”, “with fish” or “natural” can suggest that one ingredient makes up the majority, while the composition tells a different story. An attractive multipack can also prove impractical if your cat only likes one flavour.

With this guide, you can compare wet cat food, dry cat food and different food options based on verifiable information. That way, you can make a more targeted choice for a kitten, adult cat or neutered cat.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. “With chicken” does not automatically mean lots of chicken

Always check the composition. For many products, the stated percentage refers to a specific amount of the highlighted ingredient. For example, Felix Original Mix Selection usually lists 4% of the named ingredient per flavour, such as beef, chicken, tuna or salmon. That is different from a recipe in which chicken is the main ingredient.

So do not just look at the front of the packaging. Also check:

  • the full ingredients list;
  • the percentage of the named meat or fish;
  • the protein, fat and moisture content;
  • whether it is labelled complete food for cats or complementary food.

2. A tasty addition does not replace a complete meal

Soup, snacks and some treats are intended as additions. According to the product information, Felix Soup Farm is described as complementary food for adult cats. Such a product can add variety, but it is not automatically suitable as a daily main meal.

For everyday feeding, look for a clear label such as complete food for adult cats or complete food for kittens. Also check the recommended amount on the packaging and include snacks in the daily total.

3. A large pack is not always better value

A cat food multipack can reduce the price per portion, but only if your cat eats all the varieties. With wet food in pouches, 85 grams is easy to portion for each meal, while a bag of dry food lasts longer once opened. With both types, pay attention to shelf life and storage.

Store opened pouches of cat food in the refrigerator according to the product information and use them within the stated period. Dry food should be kept tightly sealed and dry. So do not just compare the price of the pack; also compare the price per kilogram or per meal.

Which specifications should you check?

Age and life stage

The age indication is a useful starting point:

  • Kitten food: formulated for kittens from weaning to around 12 months, depending on the label.
  • Adult cat food: generally intended for cats from 1 year onwards.
  • Cat food for neutered cats: pay attention to the specific feeding guidelines and portions for neutered or spayed adult cats.

A kitten does not have the same nutritional needs as a calm indoor adult cat. If the packaging says “junior”, “adult” or “sterilised”, follow the corresponding feeding instructions.

Complete or complementary

The term complete food means that, according to the labelling, the product is intended as a daily food when given in the recommended amount. A complementary product is not a complete replacement for this.

The range includes complete wet food options from Felix, Whiskas, Gourmet and g’woon. Purina One Junior, Purina One Adult and Iams Vitality are dry food options that are offered as complete food according to their product descriptions. Always check the current packaging when buying, as compositions may change.

Moisture, portions and texture

Wet food contains plenty of moisture and is available in pouches, tins, mousse, pâté, gravy or jelly. Dry food is more concentrated and easy to weigh. The two types can be combined if you wish, but adjust the portions accordingly.

An 85-gram pouch is practical when you want to serve a fixed amount at each meal. A 100-gram tin, such as g’woon Cat Pate, can be useful for cats that prefer a soft pâté texture. With dry food, weighing portions in grams is more important than continually topping up a full bowl.

Recommended cat food by shopping profile

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

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

Why it suits this profile: A multipack with 12 portions of 85 grams provides a manageable starting point for an adult cat and makes it easy to plan portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as complete wet food for adult cats and lists the composition for each variety. This allows you to check the claims about beef, chicken, lamb and poultry.

Key benefit & advantages

12 individual portions, several flavours and a stated feeding schedule for cats aged 1 year and over.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Gourmet Gold Mousse Wet Cat Food Tuna 24 x 85 g

Gourmet Gold Mousse Wet Cat Food Tuna 24 x 85 g

Why it suits this profile: The smooth mousse and 85-gram portions are ideal for cats that prefer a soft texture and for households that want to serve food meal by meal.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states that this is complete food and gives a specific guideline of 2 to 3 tins per day for a cat weighing around 4 kg. This makes the packaging easier to compare.

Key benefit & advantages

24 tins, complete adult food and a mousse texture with a tuna variety.

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

Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: This dry food is specifically labelled for neutered or spayed adult cats and includes a feeding schedule based on body weight.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states 37% protein, 13% fat and portions of 35 to 85 grams per day, depending on weight. This means you do not have to rely solely on general marketing terms.

Key benefit & advantages

800 grams of dry food, beef as the named flavour variety and guidance for different weight categories.

Suitable for: Households with a kitten
Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

Purina One Junior Kitten Food Chicken & Grain Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: This variety is intended for kittens from weaning to 12 months and can be served dry or softened with a little water.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage is clearly stated. According to the product description, this is complete kitten food, so you will not confuse it with adult cat food.

Key benefit & advantages

800 grams, chicken flavour and a recipe formulated for the growth stage according to the product information.

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.

Wet or dry cat food?

Wet food is available in pouches and tins, often in flavours such as cat food with chicken, cat food with fish or cat food with beef. It is convenient when you want to serve food meal by meal and offer different textures.

Dry food is compact, easy to weigh and simpler to store for longer after opening. Examples include Purina One Adult Salmon, Iams Vitality Adult and g’woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish. Pay particular attention to portion size and always provide fresh drinking water.

Combining the two can be practical, but follow the feeding guidelines for both products. A pouch of wet food alongside a full portion of dry food could otherwise unknowingly add up to too much.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Which cat food is suitable for a kitten?

Choose kitten food that is clearly intended for your kitten’s age, usually from weaning to 12 months. Check whether the product is labelled as complete food and follow the guideline based on age and weight. If you have concerns about growth, appetite or changing food, you can consult a vet.

How long does opened wet food stay fresh?

Always follow the label. The product information for the varieties mentioned generally states that opened wet food should be covered, stored in the refrigerator and used within 24 to 48 hours. It is best served at room temperature, and any leftovers should be thrown away if they have been left out for too long.

Is a cat food multipack better value?

That depends on the price per kilogram, the number of portions and how much your cat actually eats. A multipack such as 44 pouches of 85 grams can be practical for everyday use, while a smaller pack may be more convenient if you want to try a flavour first. Compare both the unit price and the recommended daily portion before ordering.