Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food: how to compare wet food, dry food and treats without making an expensive mistake

A full basket of cat food may seem convenient, but not every pack suits your cat’s age, lifestyle or daily diet. Marketing copy often focuses on flavour, shape or ingredients, while important information appears in smaller print on the label. If you choose based solely on an appealing image or flavour name, you may end up paying too much for a product that is not intended as a complete food.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter the most important product information down to practical points. This helps you compare cat biscuits, wet food for cats, kitten food and cat treats based on verifiable specifications rather than bold promises.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. A flavour name does not tell you how much of it is in the pack

“with chicken”, “with fish” or “salmon recipe” sounds clear, but the percentages can vary considerably. For example, the product specification for Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot states 1.7% salmon and 1.7% sea fish in the total product. According to the label, the fish-shaped biscuits contain 2% salmon and 2% white fish within those specific biscuits.

Always check the full composition. A flavour description is not proof that the product consists mainly of that particular protein source.

2. A treat or cat soup does not replace a complete meal

Cat soups and liquid treats often contain a lot of moisture, but they are not automatically complete cat food. According to the product information, INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon Recipe is complementary food with 93% moisture and a 50-gram contents size. It is intended as a treat or extra, not as a replacement for your cat’s daily meal.

INABA Churu is also a complementary treat. The packaging states, among other details, 6 calories per tube and 91% moisture, but also explains that treats do not replace complete food.

3. A multipack is not always better value for your situation

A cat food multipack can be useful for variety and keeping запасes, but pay attention to the number of portions, shelf life and your cat’s eating habits. A cat that refuses one flavour may leave part of the multipack unused. Small 50-gram portions can be practical if your cat eats several small meals, while larger packs may mean less packaging per meal.

The most important specifications to compare

1. Complete or complementary food?

Look for the legally required description on the packaging, such as complete food for adult cats or complementary food. Complete cat food is intended to be given as a daily diet in accordance with the feeding guidelines on the label. You should give complementary cat soup or treats alongside the main meal.

Kittens need kitten food with a suitable life-stage designation. According to the product information, Felix Double as Nice Junior Chicken, Turkey & Milk is intended for kittens aged 6 to 52 weeks. Do not automatically give adult cat food to a kitten; always compare the age range and feeding advice.

2. Age and lifestyle

Check whether the product is suitable for a kitten, adult cat or all life stages. Calorie requirements can also vary according to weight, activity level, neutering status and body condition. The recommended quantity on the packaging is a starting point. Adjust the portion when necessary and discuss persistent weight or feeding issues with a vet.

For example, Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot is labelled as complete food for adult cats. The product specification lists 30% protein, 11% fat and a net content of 800 grams. This makes the label easy to assess, but it does not in itself mean that every cat will like or need this food.

3. Moisture, portion size and storage life

Wet food for cats generally contains a lot of moisture. The product specification for Felix Every Day Feast Mix Selection in Jelly states 82% moisture and 85-gram pouches. Gourmet Gold Mousse states 77.5% moisture and comes in packs of 8 x 85 grams. For opened packs, follow the storage instructions; leftovers should be kept sealed and refrigerated in accordance with the label.

Dry cat food lasts longer after opening when you seal the bag properly. Fresh drinking water is always important when feeding cat biscuits. Also compare the analytical constituents, such as protein, fat, crude ash and fibre, rather than relying solely on words such as “natural” or “balanced”.

Product choices for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot

Felix Double the Tasty Salmon, Sea Fish & Beetroot

Why it suits this profile: An 800-gram bag is easy to manage if you are looking for complete dry food for adult cats and want to try one variety first.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and analytical constituents are listed. This allows you to check the fish percentages and nutritional values instead of relying solely on the flavour name.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete food for adult cats; 30% protein, 11% fat; no added colourings according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
MjAMjAM Cat - Chicken Fillet & Horse

MjAMjAM Cat - Chicken Fillet & Horse

Why it suits this profile: For cat owners who want to compare a wet food recipe with clearly named animal ingredients.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition lists 30% horse meat and lung, and 20% chicken fillet. However, check the packaging to confirm whether the product is complete or complementary food before giving it as a main meal.

Main benefit & advantages

Clear listing of chicken fillet and horse; suitable for comparing ingredients recipe by recipe.

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

INABA Churu Multipack Tuna & Chicken 50 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: Handy for frequent rewards, as a topping for dry food or for cats that prefer smaller portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product name states that it is a multipack, but the legal description identifies it as a complementary treat. This makes it clear that it should not be used as complete cat food.

Main benefit & advantages

50 tubes; 91% moisture; 6 calories per treat according to the supplied product specification.

Suitable for: Multi-cat households
Felix Every Day Feast Mix Selection in Jelly 12 x 85g

Felix Every Day Feast Mix Selection in Jelly 12 x 85g

Why it suits this profile: The portion pouches and range of varieties make it easy to divide up meals in a busy household with several cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 85-gram portions help limit opened leftovers. However, check the daily amount for each cat to ensure that variety does not lead to unintentional overfeeding.

Main benefit & advantages

12 portion pouches; complete food for adult cats according to the product information; 82% moisture.

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

What is the difference between wet food for cats and dry food for cats?

Wet food generally contains more moisture and is often sold in pouches, trays or tins. Dry food consists of cat biscuits, is compact and practical to store after opening. With both types, check whether the product is complete or complementary food. The choice depends on your cat’s preference, your feeding routine and the advice on the packaging.

How long can opened cat food be kept?

Always follow the brand’s storage instructions. Unused wet food should generally be kept covered in the fridge. Felix’s product information states that opened leftovers should be used within 48 hours; 24 hours is specified for INABA Broth. Store dry food in a cool, dry place and seal it properly. If in doubt, check the packaging.

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

Use treats as a supplement, not as a main meal. The INABA Churu product information recommends a maximum of 3 to 4 pieces per day for adult cats, depending on the variety, and states that treats should make up no more than approximately 10% of the daily food intake. Adjust the amount according to your cat’s overall diet and body condition.