Joybuy Insights

Choosing dry cat food: a practical guide to cat biscuits, ingredients and pack sizes

Choosing a bag of dry cat food seems simple, until you compare the ingredients, nutritional values and life stage of your cat. Marketing terms such as “natural”, “with salmon” or “grain-free” do not tell the whole story. For example, a recipe may contain only a limited percentage of the named ingredient, while other ingredients appear higher up the list.

A large bag of cat biscuits is not automatically better value either. If your cat refuses to eat the food, the biscuits are too large or the packaging does not reseal properly after opening, you ultimately pay for waste. Use the following points to compare cat food for adult cats, kitten food and varieties for pregnant or nursing cats in a practical way.

Three common pitfalls when choosing dry cat food

1. The flavour name does not always mean what you think

“With lamb”, “with salmon”, “with chicken” or “with tuna” does not necessarily mean that this ingredient is the main component. Check the full composition and the percentages. For example, in Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Lamb & Rice, dried chicken and turkey appear before lamb in the ingredients list. According to the product information, lamb and rice are each present at 4.1%.

The same applies to cat food containing fish. A product may be available in a salmon flavour, but still mainly contain poultry protein. So do not look only at the front of the packaging.

2. Grain-free is not an automatic guarantee of quality

Grain-free cat food contains no grains, but it may contain other sources of carbohydrates, such as peas, chickpeas or sweet potato. On its own, the term says nothing about the total protein content, energy density or suitability for your cat.

For example, Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb states that it has a grain-free composition containing quinoa and peas. The analytical composition lists 36% crude protein and 20% crude fat. These are verifiable details, but they alone do not determine whether the food is suitable for every cat.

3. A large pack may be less convenient

10 kg cat food can be a good option for households with several cats or cats that eat the same food over a long period. For one cat, 1.5 kg cat food or 3 kg cat food is often more practical when trying a new flavour. An opened bag should be sealed properly and stored in a cool, dry place. Always check the best-before date and storage instructions on the packaging.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Life stage and legal designation

First, choose according to your cat’s life stage:

  • Adult cats: look for “complete food for adult cats” or a similar designation.
  • Kittens: kitten food is tailored to the growth stage and has its own nutritional guidelines.
  • Pregnant and nursing cats: check that this is explicitly stated on the label.
  • Spayed or less active cats: compare the nutritional value and recommended daily amount particularly carefully.

A designation such as complete and balanced cat food means that the product is intended to provide complete nutrition according to the information on the label. Follow the manufacturer’s portion guidance, but adjust the amount according to your cat’s weight, activity level and body condition. Always provide fresh drinking water.

2. Ingredients in the correct order

Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight. Pay particular attention to the first five ingredients. Also check:

  • the sources of animal protein, such as chicken, lamb, cod or herring;
  • the percentage of fat and crude protein;
  • the amount of crude fibre and ash;
  • added taurine, vitamins and minerals;
  • any grains or other sources of carbohydrates.

A prominently stated percentage of animal ingredients should always be considered in the context of the complete composition. According to Iams’ own product information, some Advanced Nutrition varieties contain a specified proportion of animal protein. Check the packaging for the current composition and nutritional values.

3. Packaging, transition and portions

Packaging that seals securely helps keep the biscuits fresh for longer. Do not store dry food in direct sunlight and, when introducing a new variety, make the switch gradually over around five to seven days. This makes it easier to assess whether your cat accepts the flavour and how their stools and appetite respond.

Ideally, divide the daily amount between two or more meals. The recommended portion on the packaging is a starting point; an active outdoor cat may have different needs from a calm indoor cat.

Our recommendations for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Lamb & Rice

Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Lamb & Rice

Why it suits this profile: A straightforward adult variety with lamb and rice, suitable for trying dry food without immediately buying a large pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and percentage of lamb and rice are stated, allowing you to check the flavour claim rather than relying solely on the front of the pack.

Key benefit & advantages

33% crude protein, 15% fat and a product designation of complete food for adult cats, according to the product details.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Prime Cat Lamb 1.5 kg

Farmina N&D Prime Cat Lamb 1.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: A compact variety for anyone wanting to compare a grain-free recipe with lamb and several sources of animal protein.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The grain-free composition is described in detail, with lamb, herring, peas and chickpeas, so you can look beyond the term “grain-free”.

Key benefit & advantages

36% crude protein, 20% fat and a 1.5 kg pack; a practical size for reducing waste when introducing a new food.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: Designed for kittens and, according to the product information, also suitable for pregnant or nursing cats, with cod as a prominent protein source.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage is clearly specified. This helps prevent you from choosing adult cat food for a kitten with different nutritional needs.

Key benefit & advantages

The product details list 44% crude protein, 20% fat, DHA and EPA, plus a transition schedule of at least seven days.

Suitable for: Households with several adult cats
Iams cat adult chicken 10kg

Iams cat adult chicken 10kg

Why it suits this profile: The 10 kg pack is intended for regular use when several adult cats eat the same food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The large pack only makes sense if it will be used regularly. Seal the bag properly and choose a smaller size if your cat eats slowly or often changes flavour.

Key benefit & advantages

Adult variety with chicken, omega 3 and 6, taurine and a fibre blend with prebiotics and beet pulp, according to the product description.

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 dry cat food

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

Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Store cat biscuits in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the bag properly after every use. Iams Naturally states that the packaging should be resealed after opening and the product used within six weeks.

Is dry food alone enough for a cat?

A product labelled complete food is intended to provide complete nutrition according to the product information. You should always ensure that plenty of fresh water is available too. Some manufacturers recommend combining dry and wet food; check the feeding guidelines and adjust the total amount accordingly.

Which cat food size is most practical: 1.5 kg, 3 kg or 10 kg?

1.5 kg cat food is convenient for trying a new variety. 3 kg cat food is often suitable for one adult cat that readily accepts the food. 10 kg cat food may offer better value for several cats or high consumption, but it requires proper storage and frequent, regular use.