Fish-based cat food is popular with cats that enjoy variety in their diet. However, an image of salmon or tuna on the packaging does not automatically mean that the food consists mainly of that fish. If you focus only on the flavour name, you could end up buying a product that does not suit your cat’s daily diet, age or drinking habits.
This practical guide helps you focus on the information that really matters. You will then find a selection of targeted recommendations for different situations.
Packaging may say “with salmon” or “with tuna”, even when the exact percentage of fish is limited. Felix Double the Tasty, for example, states that the total product contains 1.7% salmon and 1.7% sea fish. That is very different from a recipe in which fish is the main ingredient.
Always check:
Fish treats and fish soups for cats often contain a lot of water. According to the product specifications, INABA Churu products contain 91% moisture and INABA Broth varieties contain 93%. This makes them suitable as a supplement or hydration boost, but not as a replacement for complete food for adult cats.
Pay attention to the legally defined product name:
Grain-free cat food may be appealing if you consciously want to avoid grains, but the label does not automatically tell you anything about the product’s overall nutritional value. Also look at protein, fat, fibre, ash, taurine and whether the food is suitable for your cat’s life stage. Dry food also always requires fresh drinking water, as its moisture content is much lower than that of wet food.
For everyday use, preferably choose a product that clearly states it is complete food for adult cats when your cat is over approximately one year old. For kittens, the packaging should explicitly state that the product is intended for young cats. g'woon Chunks in Jelly Fish and Meat Variation Junior, for example, is intended for kittens and not as standard food for adult cats.
Use complementary products such as tuna sticks, broth or bisque in limited quantities. If your cat receives several treats every day, you may need to adjust its regular meal accordingly.
Wet cat food generally contains considerably more moisture than dry food. This can be useful for cats that do not drink much from their bowl, but it does not replace access to clean drinking water. According to the product information, products such as Felix Soup Fish and INABA Broth are complementary products with a high moisture content.
A useful combination could be:
Do not just compare the price per bag or multipack; also compare the cost per day. A small portion of wet food may seem more expensive per pack, while a large bag of dry food lasts longer. Check the feeding guidelines on the packaging and adjust the portion according to your cat’s weight, age and activity level.
The following details are particularly relevant for the products below:
Why it suits this profile: This multipack contains a variety of fish flavours in 85-gram portions. It is practical when you want to vary your cat’s meals without opening large tins.
The packaging clearly states that this is complete food for adult cats. The fish percentages are listed for each variety in the composition.
12 portions of 85 grams; several flavours; complete food; with added taurine and vitamins according to the product specifications.
Why it suits this profile: This dry food is intended for adult cats and has a detailed composition including cod, fish oil, spelt and oats.
The fish source and percentages are clearly stated. This means you do not have to rely solely on the words “ocean” or “fish” on the front of the pack.
1.5 kg pack; 27% fresh cod and 26% dehydrated cod according to the composition; taurine and L-carnitine listed as additives.
Why it suits this profile: Suitable for hand-feeding, as a topping on wet or dry food, or as a small reward. The 50 tubes are convenient for regular use.
The packaging states that this is complementary food. You therefore use it consciously as a treat or topping, not as a complete meal.
91% moisture; 6 calories per treat according to the product information; 50 tubes; suitable for hand-feeding or as a topping.
Why it suits this profile: The small pouches are easy to serve alongside your cat’s regular meal, especially if your cat enjoys broth and soft pieces.
The product is clearly labelled as complementary food for adult cats. The recommended amount is one pouch per 4 kg of body weight per day as a supplement.
6 pouches of 48 grams; varieties with cod, tuna and plaice; no added artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives according to the product information.
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.
It can be, provided the packaging states that it is complete food and that it is suitable for your cat’s life stage. A product with salmon as a flavour or ingredient is not automatically fully balanced. Also check the feeding guidelines and any ingredients your cat may be sensitive to.
Not every tuna product is suitable for kittens. Some tuna products, such as Churu or bisque, are complementary treats for different life stages. For a kitten, choose a product that explicitly states it is complete food for young cats, such as a junior variety designed for this purpose.
Dry food often has a lower price per kilogram and is easy to store. Wet food contains more moisture and is usually sold in portions, but it can work out more expensive per day. Compare the cost per recommended daily portion rather than just the price of the pack. With dry food, you must also always provide fresh water.