Choosing dry cat food: how to find the right kibble for your cat

Dry cat food seems easy to compare: choose a flavour, check the weight and place your order. Yet cat owners often pay too much for a product that isn’t well suited to their cat’s age, activity level or nutritional needs.

Three common pitfalls to watch out for:

1. An appealing flavour name tells you little about the ingredients. “With chicken” or “with fish” doesn’t automatically mean that ingredient makes up the largest share. Check the ingredients list and the percentages.
2. “Complete” is mistaken for suitable for every cat. According to the label, complete dry cat food contains the nutrients needed for the stated life stage. However, kittens, senior cats and neutered cats may need a different formulation.
3. A large pack isn’t always better value. A large bag of cat food may look attractively priced per kilo, but freshness declines once it’s opened. Only buy in bulk if your cat accepts the food well and you can store it in an airtight container.

What should you check when choosing dry cat food?

1. Life stage and circumstances

Start with your cat’s age and lifestyle. For kittens, look for kitten food that’s suitable from weaning until the stated age, usually around twelve months. Adult cat food is intended for cats from around one year old. For cats aged seven and over, there are formulas specifically marketed as senior food.

Your cat’s living environment matters too. Indoor cat food is formulated for cats that live mainly indoors. Neutered cats may benefit from a formula with adjusted energy and mineral levels. Always check the label; a brand’s product claims are no substitute for individual nutritional advice.

2. “Complete” and analytical constituents

Look for the designation complete pet food for the right animal and life stage. Also check the analytical constituents:

• Crude protein: shows how much protein is present according to the analysis.
• Fat content: helps you compare the energy content of different kibble.
• Crude fibre: may be relevant for formulas aimed at indoor cats or hairball management.
• Crude ash and minerals: pay particular attention to these in cat food for urinary health or for cats with a medical history.

A high protein percentage doesn’t automatically make a product suitable for every cat. If your cat has urinary problems, kidney disease, food sensitivities, or noticeable changes in drinking or urination, it’s a good idea to speak to your vet. Don’t choose food for a medical condition based on marketing claims.

3. Ingredients, portions and storage

Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight. Don’t just look at the front of the bag; check the full ingredients list too. In cat food with chicken or fish, for example, the named ingredient may make up only a small percentage.

Follow the feeding guide on the packaging and adjust the amount to suit your cat’s body condition and activity level. Always provide fresh drinking water. Store cat food in a cool, dry place, seal the bag securely and, ideally, use an airtight storage container. Gradually mix the new food with the old over several days to help prevent sudden digestive problems.

Our recommendations for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

Felix dry cat food Seaside Sensations 4 kg

Why it suits this profile: A practical choice if you have an adult cat and are looking for a larger bag with a fish flavour. The product description mentions salmon and mackerel, and says the food is complete and balanced.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list gives specific percentages for the dried fish ingredients. This helps you assess the flavour claim more accurately than looking at the packaging alone.

Key benefit & highlights

4 kg pack; intended as complete food for adult cats; according to the product information, no added artificial colourings.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Ziwi Peak Cat Steam & Dried Fish 800 gr.

Why it suits this profile: Aimed at cat owners looking for a fish formula with a detailed ingredients list and a relatively high analytical protein value.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information provides a full analysis, including at least 40% crude protein and no more than 12% moisture. Do check the packaging for the latest feeding guide.

Key benefit & highlights

Fish is the main ingredient in the product description; labelled as complete and balanced food; includes taurine and added vitamins.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users

Purina One Urinary Care Chicken Urinary Health Adult Cat Food 800g

Why it suits this profile: Intended for adult cat owners specifically looking for food to support urinary health. According to the product information, the formula contains 17% chicken and 34% crude protein.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The mineral balance and nutritional analysis are provided, so you don’t have to rely on the word “urinary” alone. If your cat has symptoms, advice from a vet is still essential.

Key benefit & highlights

800 g pack to try first; at least 32% crude protein according to the product page; recommended daily amounts listed by body weight.

Suitable for: Kittens and young cats

Iams cat kitten/junior chicken 10kg

Why it suits this profile: A large pack for households with a kitten or several young cats, provided they take to the food and it’s stored carefully.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The formula is clearly labelled as kitten/junior food. That means you can check it’s right for your cat’s life stage before comparing the price per kilo.

Key benefit & highlights

10 kg pack; chicken flavour; the product description mentions DHA, taurine and a fibre blend with prebiotics and beet pulp.

Frequently asked questions about dry cat food

How long can you keep an opened bag of dry cat food?

It varies by product and packaging. Seal the bag securely after each use and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Check the best-before date and the instructions on the label. An airtight storage container can help keep out moisture and odours.

How much dry food does a cat need each day?

The right amount depends on your cat’s body weight, age and activity level, as well as whether they also eat wet food or treats. Use the feeding guide on the bag as a starting point and check your cat’s body condition regularly. You may need to adjust the portion if their weight changes.

Is dry cat food suitable as a cat’s only food?

A product labelled complete dry cat food is intended, according to the product information, to provide a complete daily diet for the stated life stage. Always make sure your cat has fresh drinking water. If your cat has a medical condition or is on a prescribed diet, speak to your vet first.