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

Buying cat food and cat treats seems simple until you compare the labels side by side. A crunchy snack, liquid reward or portion of wet food may look appealing, but it is not always suitable for your cat’s age, weight or daily eating habits.

Three common pitfalls are:

• Mistaking a snack for a complete meal. Many cat treats and liquid cat snacks are complementary food. They do not automatically contain all the nutrients your cat needs every day.
• Reading marketing claims without checking the product specifications. Words such as “with chicken” or “with fish” do not always tell you how much of that ingredient is present. Check the composition and percentage on the label.
• Ignoring calories and portion size. A small snack may seem harmless, but several rewards a day soon add up. Deduct snacks from the main meal when the packaging advises you to do so.

What should you look for in cat food and cat treats?

1. Complete or complementary food?

First, check the legal designation. Complete pet food is intended as a daily main meal, while complementary pet food is given as a reward, topping or extra treat.

One example is Gourmet cat food. Gourmet Gold Tender Treats with Sea Fish 85 g is described as complete food for adult cats. The feeding instructions state that a cat weighing approximately 4 kg should receive several tins per day. This is different from a snack such as INABA Churu, which is intended as a supplement.

Wet cat food can also be complete or complementary. So do not just check the flavour. Also look at:

• the age group, such as kitten or adult cat;
• the recommended daily amount;
• the moisture content;
• the energy content;
• the instruction to adjust the main meal.

2. Moisture content and format

For cats that do not drink much, a moist product may be appealing as an extra treat. According to the product information, INABA Churu Cat Tuna contains 91% moisture and provides 6 calories per treat. The manufacturer describes it as a complementary snack that can be given by hand, over dry food or as a topping. It does not replace drinking water or complete food.

According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps contain 93% moisture, with varieties such as chicken, tuna, scallop and salmon. The product can be given on its own or mixed with regular food. After opening, follow the storage instructions and always use a clean food bowl.

Dry cat food generally has a lower moisture content. G'woon Adult Crunchy Meat and Fish Chunks is a 2 kg bag for adult cats. The product information advises adjusting the portion to your cat’s age, weight and activity level, and always providing fresh drinking water.

3. Ingredients, calories and age

A flavour name is not a complete ingredients list. For example, Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout lists cereals, animal derivatives, oils and fats, with 31.5% crude protein and 15.5% fat. The feeding instructions state a maximum of 12 g or approximately 80 pieces per day for an adult cat weighing 4 kg.

For low-calorie cat treats, specific figures are more useful than general terms. INABA Churu states 6 calories per treat. Catisfactions Salmon contains fewer than 2 calories per piece. Even so, do not give unlimited amounts: the total quantity depends on your cat’s main food, weight and activity level.

Also consider possible sensitivities when choosing fish and chicken cat treats. A product containing tuna, salmon or chicken will not suit every cat. If your cat has a known food allergy or medical condition, it is wiser to consult a vet than to switch between flavours yourself.

Recommendations for different types of cat owner

The choices below are based on verifiable information from the product details, such as moisture content, pack size, composition and feeding advice.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Felix Crispies Cat Snack Salmon & Trout 45g

Why it suits this profile: The small bag and clear daily amount make this crunchy snack easy to manage for anyone buying cat treats for the first time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is complementary food for adult cats and gives a maximum of 12 g per day.

Key benefit & advantages

45 g, salmon and trout flavour, an airy texture and 31.5% crude protein according to the product details.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

INABA Churu Cat Tuna

Why it suits this profile: A soft tuna-flavoured treat for cats that would rather lick than chew.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states 91% moisture, 6 calories per treat and complementary use.

Key benefit & advantages

A soft texture, tuna as the only named animal protein source and a guideline of 1 to 2 sticks per day for adult cats.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users

Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks - Cat Snack - Salmon 40g

Why it suits this profile: For owners looking for a daily chew treat for adult cats and wanting to monitor portions carefully.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to Purina’s own research, the porous, crunchy texture is linked to a claim about plaque and tartar. This is not a substitute for checks or care from a vet.

Key benefit & advantages

Salmon variety, 35% protein, 13.3% fat and a stated guideline of 17 snacks per day for a cat weighing 2.5 kg.

Suitable for: Multi-cat households

INABA Churu Multipack Tuna & Chicken 50 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: The multipack with 50 tubes is practical when you often need a small reward or topper.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion is defined per tube and the product information states 6 calories per treat. Adjust the amount to suit the main meal.

Key benefit & advantages

91% moisture, tuna and chicken combinations, and 50 tubes of 12 g according to the product details.

Frequently asked questions about cat food and cat treats

What is the difference between wet cat food and cat snacks?

Wet cat food can be complete food and therefore form part of a daily meal. A cat snack is usually complementary food. Always check the legal designation and feeding instructions on the packaging.

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

This depends on the product, your cat’s weight and the rest of its diet. Follow the stated maximum amount and adjust the main meal accordingly. For example, Felix Crispies states a maximum of 12 g per day for an adult cat weighing 4 kg. Snacks should never replace complete cat food.

Are fish or chicken cat treats suitable for every cat?

No. Cats can be sensitive to certain protein sources. Check the ingredients list for fish cat treats, chicken cat treats and mixed varieties. If symptoms persist or you are unsure about your cat’s diet, seek advice from a vet.