Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat food: how to find dry food that suits your cat and your household

There is a huge range of cat food to choose from. You will see terms such as “natural”, “premium”, “with fresh chicken” and “grain-free”, but these words do not always tell you whether a product is suitable for your cat. A large bag may seem like good value, but your cat may reject the flavour or the food may lose its quality quickly after opening.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I therefore start by looking at verifiable information: life stage, composition, nutritional statement, packaging and daily feeding amount. This allows you to compare dry cat food without relying solely on marketing claims.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat biscuits

1. Confusing a flavour name with the main ingredient

“With chicken”, “with salmon” or “with lamb” does not automatically mean that this ingredient makes up the largest part of the recipe. Check the ingredients list. Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight. For example, the product information for Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon & Rice lists dried chicken and turkey before salmon and rice. The “with salmon” claim is linked to a salmon content of 4.1%.

The same applies to tuna cat food, lamb cat food and chicken cat food. Do not just look at the front of the packaging; also check the percentage and the full composition.

2. Mixing up kitten food and adult food

Kittens have different nutritional needs from adult cats. Kitten products often contain different levels of energy, protein and added nutrients. The product information for Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod therefore explicitly describes it as “complete food for kittens”. Iams kitten/junior chicken is also intended for kittens.

For cats from around one year old, formulas such as Iams Adult Chicken, Salmon, Tuna or Lamb are intended. Always check the life stage on the packaging, especially if you feed several cats of different ages.

3. Buying a large pack without a storage plan

10 kg cat food can be practical for a household with several cats or for a cat that happily eats the same food over a longer period. For one cat, however, a 3 kg, 1.5 kg, 800 g or 300 g bag may be more convenient. An opened bag must be properly sealed and stored in a dry place.

According to the product information for Iams Naturally Lamb & Rice, the packaging should be resealed after opening and used within six weeks. If necessary, divide a large bag between airtight containers, but always store the food in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Check these specifications before buying

1. Life stage and nutritional statement

Look for a clear legal designation, such as complete food for adult cats or complete food for kittens. In the product information, “complete and balanced cat food” means that it is intended to provide complete nutrition when used according to the stated feeding instructions. This makes it suitable as a staple food, as long as you follow the feeding guide.

Also check:

  • the recommended age;
  • the body weight to which the portion applies;
  • the activity level;
  • the transition period when changing food;
  • whether fresh drinking water is available.

When changing food, the product information provided generally recommends a gradual transition over approximately seven days. This helps prevent an abrupt change to your cat’s daily eating pattern.

2. Analytical constituents

Compare the percentages of crude protein, fat, crude fibre, crude ash and moisture. These values are usually shown on the label. They do not tell you everything about the quality of the recipe, but they do make products easier to compare.

For example, Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg lists a minimum of 44% crude protein and a minimum of 20% fat. Iams Naturally Adult Lamb & Rice lists 33% crude protein and 15% fat. These are product specifications, not a guarantee of a particular outcome for every cat.

Grain-free cat food contains no grains, but it is not automatically necessary for every cat. According to their product information, Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod and Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb are made without grains. In other recipes, such as Purina One Adult Salmon Whole Grains, whole grains are specifically part of the formula.

3. Packaging, flavour and daily feeding amount

A 3 kg bag of cat food is a useful size for trying a flavour for the first time. An 800 g or 300 g pack reduces the risk of being left with a large, unused supply. Once your cat accepts the food happily, a larger bag may become more attractive financially and practically.

You can choose from chicken, salmon, lamb, tuna, cod and ocean fish, among other flavours. Your cat’s preference is personal. A salmon recipe is therefore not automatically more suitable than a chicken or lamb recipe. Also check that the feeding scale is correct: some product information provided contains unusual or unclear portion units. Always use the up-to-date feeding guide on the packaging.

Product choices for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Purina One Adult Salmon - Whole Grains - 800 g

Purina One Adult Salmon - Whole Grains - 800 g

Why it suits this profile: A compact pack for anyone who wants to try a salmon recipe without immediately buying a large supply.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack is smaller, and the product information clearly states that it is complete food for adult cats. The ingredients list names salmon as the first ingredient.

Key benefit & advantages

800 g, a salmon recipe and whole grains; a practical choice for a first purchase.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: For kitten owners looking for a grain-free cod formula with a detailed nutritional profile.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage is stated as kitten, and the product details specify protein, fat, DHA, EPA and taurine, among other nutrients.

Key benefit & advantages

1.5 kg, cod as a key ingredient and a grain-free composition according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent buyers
Iams cat adult chicken 10kg

Iams cat adult chicken 10kg

Why it suits this profile: A large pack for households with several adult cats or for a cat that already happily eats this recipe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states that it is intended for cats from one year old and mentions a complete formula with daily feeding guidance on the packaging.

Key benefit & advantages

10 kg, chicken flavour and, according to the product description, 87% animal protein; suitable for stocking up.

Suitable for: Cats that prefer lamb
Iams cat adult lamb 3kg

Iams cat adult lamb 3kg

Why it suits this profile: A medium-sized bag for adult cats whose owner wants to try an alternative to chicken, salmon or tuna.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 3 kg size makes it easier to try first than a 10 kg bag. The product description states that it is intended for cats from one year old.

Key benefit & advantages

3 kg, lamb as a flavour option and an adult formula with omega-3 and omega-6 according to the product information.

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

How much dry food does an adult cat need per day?

This depends on body weight, age, activity and the product’s energy value. Use the feeding guide on the packaging as your starting point. Weigh out portions instead of continually topping up the bowl. Only adjust the amount gradually when your cat’s body condition or activity level changes.

Is grain-free cat food necessary?

No, not as standard. Grain-free cat food is a specific compositional choice, not a general requirement. Check that the product is complete food and review the full ingredients list. If your cat has a known food intolerance or persistent symptoms, it is wiser to consult a vet than to keep changing recipes on your own.

How long does an opened bag of cat biscuits stay fresh?

Follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions and the date on the packaging. Store biscuits in a cool, dry place, sealed and away from direct sunlight. Do not buy a 10 kg bag solely because of the lower price if your cat will not eat the food within the recommended period of use. A smaller pack may then offer better value because you waste less.