Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food: a practical guide for every cat and every nutritional need

Buying cat food seems straightforward, until you have to choose between dry cat food, wet food, grain-free recipes, treats and food for a specific life stage. Packaging is often covered in terms such as “natural”, “for sensitive cats” or “supports the urinary tract”. These descriptions only mean something when you compare them with the ingredients list, analytical constituents and nutritional status.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I therefore start by looking at verifiable product information. This helps you avoid paying for attractive packaging and choosing a product that does not suit your cat’s age, activity level or daily needs.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat food

1. Mistaking an appealing claim for complete nutrition

Not every product containing meat or added vitamins is suitable as a main meal. Check that the packaging states that it is complete food. Cat treats and snacks are usually complementary food and should not replace your cat’s daily meal.

For example, INABA Churu is intended as a treat or topping. According to the product information, the snack contains 86 to 91% moisture, but it is not a complete meal. Follow the recommended amount and continue to provide complete cat food as normal.

2. Assuming grain-free automatically means suitable

Grain-free cat food contains no grains, but that does not automatically mean every cat will tolerate it better. A recipe may contain other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas, tapioca starch or quinoa. So check the full composition rather than just the front of the bag.

If gastrointestinal problems, itching or changes in urination persist, it is advisable to consult a vet. Food can form part of your cat’s daily care, but it is not a substitute for professional assessment.

3. Underestimating portion sizes and shelf life

Dry food contains little moisture, making it practical to store. At the same time, a cat can easily eat too much if the portion is not weighed. Wet food and liquid snacks provide more moisture, but once opened they should be stored according to the packaging instructions.

A large bag is only good value if your cat accepts the food well and you can store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Otherwise, a smaller pack may be the wiser purchase.

What should you look for when choosing cat food?

1. Complete or complementary food

Choose a product labelled complete food for cats as the basis of your cat’s diet. Also pay attention to the intended group:

  • adult cats;
  • kittens;
  • senior cats;
  • spayed or neutered cats;
  • cats with sensitive digestion;
  • cats with specific dietary preferences.

A snack such as INABA Churu or a dental-care snack belongs to the complementary food category. Give it alongside the main meal and adjust the total daily calorie intake if necessary.

2. Protein, fat, fibre and moisture

The analytical constituents help you compare products more fairly. According to the product information, Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb contains 36% crude protein, 20% crude fat, 2% crude fibre and 10% moisture, for example. The composition lists fresh and dried lamb, herring meal, quinoa, peas and fish oil.

For a cat with a sensitive stomach, the protein percentage is not the only important factor. Also consider the protein sources used, the fibre content and how your own cat responds. Introduce new cat food gradually, usually over around seven days, to minimise sudden changes.

3. The right function for the right cat

Food for a specific need requires a suitable composition:

  • Cat food for sensitive stomachs: check the ingredients, protein sources and fibre content.
  • Cat food for spayed or neutered cats: pay attention to the recommended portion, fat content and energy value.
  • Cat food for senior cats: choose a recipe suitable for your cat’s age and follow the feeding guidelines.
  • Cat food for skin and coat: omega 3 and omega 6 are verifiable nutritional constituents, but avoid definitive health claims.
  • Cat food for urinary tract health: check the product specifications and always ensure fresh drinking water is available.

According to Purina’s own research, the brand reports a 24% reduction in unpleasant faecal odour after 14 days with Purina One Sensitive Adult. This is a brand claim and not a general guarantee for every cat. The product information also lists turkey as the first ingredient and states that no wheat has been added.

Recommended cat food by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Purina One Sensitive Adult Cat Food Turkey & Rice Formula 800g

Purina One Sensitive Adult Cat Food Turkey & Rice Formula 800g

Why it suits this profile: An easy-to-manage 800g pack is practical when you first want to see whether your adult cat accepts the food. This variety is intended as complete food for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the nutritional status and composition. However, always check the current packaging and feeding quantities.

Key benefit & advantages

Turkey is listed as the first ingredient; according to the product description, the formula contains no added wheat.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking premium quality
Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Skin & Coat Quail 300 gr.

Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Skin & Coat Quail 300 gr.

Why it suits this profile: This small pack is suitable for owners who want to try a recipe with specific nutritional constituents without buying a large bag straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details show specific values rather than just making a general skin and coat claim, including omega 3 at 1.20% and omega 6 at 2.00%.

Key benefit & advantages

Grain-free composition; quinoa and fish oil are included in the ingredients list.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
INABA Churu Cat Skin & Coat Multipack 2 Chicken Varieties 20 pcs.

INABA Churu Cat Skin & Coat Multipack 2 Chicken Varieties 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: Handy as a complementary snack, topper or reward. The soft texture and high moisture content suit cats that show little interest in ordinary cat treats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly states that this is complementary food. This makes it less likely that you will accidentally use the snack as a main meal.

Key benefit & advantages

86% moisture; 20 sticks of 14 grams; suitable for giving separately or over dry food.

Suitable for: Owners of a spayed cat
Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula Sterilized Adult Cat Food 800g

Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula Sterilized Adult Cat Food 800g

Why it suits this profile: This complete food is specifically labelled for spayed or neutered adult cats and includes a feeding guide by body weight.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The guidelines specify different portions for cats weighing 2 to 6 kg. This helps you avoid relying solely on your cat’s appetite.

Key benefit & advantages

37% crude protein; 13% fat; a balanced mineral content and feeding guide for spayed adult cats.

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

Which cat food is suitable for a sensitive stomach?

Look for a complete formula with clear ingredients and a limited number of easily recognisable protein sources. Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb lists lamb, herring meal, quinoa and peas. Introduce the food gradually and monitor your cat’s response. If problems persist, consult a vet.

Is dry cat food enough?

Complete dry food can form the daily basis of your cat’s diet if its composition is suitable. As dry food contains little moisture, fresh drinking water should always be available. Some cats drink very little; in that case, combining dry food with wet food or a moist complementary snack may be practical, without losing sight of the total portion.

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

This varies according to the product and your cat’s body weight. According to the product information, INABA Churu usually recommends one to three sticks per day, while other cat treats specify their own maximum. Keep complementary food limited, adjust the main meal if necessary and check that the snack makes up no more than a small part of your cat’s daily calorie intake.