Joybuy Insights

How to Choose Cat Food and Avoid Marketing Traps: Finding the Right Meal or Treat

A shop page full of cat food doesn't always make choosing any easier. One cat might only eat wet food in gravy, while another prefers dry cat food. And terms like “premium”, “natural” and “with chicken” don't automatically tell you if a product is complete or suitable for your adult cat.

That's why it's so important to pay close attention to the information on the label. Below, we'll cover the main pitfalls, the key things to check, and some practical choices for different households.

Three Common Pitfalls When Buying Cat Food

1. Confusing a tasty flavour with a complete meal

Cat food with chicken, fish or beef might sound delicious, but the flavour says nothing about its nutritional completeness. Check if the packaging states “complete food” or “complete cat food”. Products labelled as “complementary food” are intended as a treat, topper or little extra, not as a replacement for a daily meal.

The INABA Churu Multipacks are a clear example of this. According to the product information, these are complementary cat treats. They can be fed by hand or spread over wet and dry food, but they do not replace a main meal.

2. Only looking at the main ingredient's name

“With chicken” doesn't always mean that chicken is the main ingredient. Look at the full list of ingredients and pay attention to the percentages. For example, various wet food varieties state a specific ingredient percentage, such as 4% chicken, salmon, tuna or beef.

A product with “fish” on the front may also contain meat and animal derivatives. That isn't necessarily a problem, but it's relevant information if you're specifically looking for cat food with fish or need to consider any sensitivities.

3. Buying a multipack without calculating the daily amount

A cat food multipack might seem like good value when you only look at the total price. But you should also compare the weight per pouch or tin and the recommended daily amount. A multipack of 60 x 85g pouches is a different purchase from 12 small 50g portions.

Also, check the shelf life and storage instructions. According to the packaging, opened trays, pouches and tins often need to be kept refrigerated and used within a specified period.

Important Specifications to Check

Complete or complementary cat food

For an adult cat's main meals, you should ideally choose a product that clearly states it is suitable as complete food for adult cats. The products in the selection below include several options that are sold as complete food for adult cats, according to their product information.

Cat treats, such as Churu cat treats, fall into a different category. Use these as a reward, a topper or an interactive treat. Adjust the amount to fit within your cat's total daily food intake.

Moisture content and texture

Wet cat food generally contains much more moisture than dry food. In the product specifications provided, for instance, the moisture content of various wet foods ranges from 74% to 82%. The INABA Churu treats state 91% moisture in their product analysis. However, this still makes them a complementary food.

The texture can be just as important for your cat's acceptance:

  • Cat food in gravy: Suitable if your cat prefers soft pieces in gravy.
  • Cat food in jelly: Offers a different texture and is often sold in portion-sized pouches.
  • Cat mousse: Soft and smooth, like Gourmet Gold Mousse.
  • Dry cat food: Practical to portion out and easy to store.

Switching between textures can help you offer more variety, but change the food gradually if your cat is sensitive to a sudden switch.

Analytical constituents and portions

Compare the crude protein, fat, moisture and ash on the label. Don't just look at a single percentage. Due to its high moisture content, a wet product will automatically have less concentrated nutrients per 100 grams than dry food.

Use the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point. The recommended amount for a cat of around 4 kg is based on a certain activity level and ambient temperature. Adjust the portion size based on your cat's weight, age and activity. Always provide fresh drinking water.

Choices for Different Types of Cat Owners

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish 2kg

g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish 2kg

Why it fits this profile: The 2 kg bag is handy for daily use and means you don't have to order small packs as often. According to the product information, this is a dry food for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats. Check the current packaging for the full list of ingredients.

Key benefit & plus points

2 kg capacity; fish variety; dry food that can be easily sealed and stored.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Purina One Sensitive Adult Wet Cat Food Chicken Flavour Pouch

Purina One Sensitive Adult Wet Cat Food Chicken Flavour Pouch

Why it fits this profile: According to the product information, this wet food is offered as a complete food for adult cats, with pieces in gravy and an analytical moisture content of 78%.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The "complete food" designation is stated explicitly in the product description. This makes it easier to distinguish from complementary treats.

Key benefit & plus points

Wet food in gravy; 78% moisture; portion-sized pouch; suitable for adult cats according to the label.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
INABA Churu Multipack Tuna & Chicken 50 pcs.

INABA Churu Multipack Tuna & Chicken 50 pcs.

Why it fits this profile: Useful for cat owners who often use a reward, topper or an aid for giving medication. According to the product information, each tube contains 12 grams.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly states that these are complementary cat treats. So, don't use them as a complete cat food.

Key benefit & plus points

50 tubes; 91% moisture according to the analysis; suitable as a hand-fed treat or topper.

Suitable for: Households that want variety
Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets - Chicken, Rabbit, Beef & Salmon Cat Food - 60 x 85 g

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets - Chicken, Rabbit, Beef & Salmon Cat Food - 60 x 85 g

Why it fits this profile: This multipack contains multiple flavours and 85g portions. This is ideal for households that want to vary their cat's food in gravy without having large open packs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states there are 60 individual portions, and the product information describes it as complete food for adult cats. This makes it easier to plan the contents and usage.

Key benefit & plus points

60 x 85g; varieties with chicken, rabbit, beef and salmon; mini fillets in gravy.

Looking for more options?

We've put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cat Food

Is wet or dry food better for cats?

That depends on your cat's preference, their daily nutritional needs and your feeding routine. Wet food generally contains more moisture and is available as a mousse, in jelly and in gravy. Dry food lasts longer after opening and is easy to weigh out. For both types, check that it is a complete food.

How long does opened cat food last?

Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Most opened wet food must be refrigerated and used within 24 to 48 hours. Don't return uneaten food to the main container, and if the label advises, it's best to serve wet food at room temperature.

Can I give Churu cat treats as a meal?

No. According to the product information, INABA Churu products are complementary treats. They are intended as a reward, a topper or a hand-fed treat. You should feed a complete cat food alongside them and account for the extra treats within the daily feeding plan.