Joybuy Insights

Choosing wet cat food: how to find a suitable meal for every cat

Your cat may enjoy wet food, but that does not automatically mean that every pouch or tin is suitable as a daily meal. The difference between complete wet cat food, a complementary food and a treat is sometimes less prominently displayed on the packaging than the flavour or appealing image on the front.

There are also a few pitfalls when it comes to cat food in gravy, mousse and broth. With the right checks, you can compare products based on age, nutritional value, texture and ease of use, rather than relying solely on the brand name or marketing claims.

Common pitfalls when choosing wet cat food

1. Mistaking a treat for a complete meal

A product may contain plenty of moisture and smell appealing, yet still be intended as complementary pet food. According to the product information, INABA Broth with chicken and salmon or tuna contains 93% moisture and is intended as a hydrating treat. It does not replace complete daily food.

According to the product information, Sheba Filets with chicken, prawn and ocean fish is also offered as a treat. Give products like these alongside a complete meal and adjust the amount of main food when this is stated on the packaging.

2. Overlooking the age indication

A kitten has different nutritional needs from an adult or senior cat. So look for the terms kitten, adult or senior. Whiskas Junior, for example, is intended for kittens, while Whiskas Adult 1+ is suitable for cats over one year old. According to the product description, Whiskas Senior 7+ has been developed for cats aged seven and over.

A general flavour preference is no substitute for choosing the right life stage. If you are unsure about feeding a sick cat or one with a specific condition, it is sensible to seek advice from a vet.

3. “With chicken” does not tell you how much chicken it contains

The name of a variety may suggest a clear flavour, while the proportion of the named ingredient is limited. For example, the composition of various Whiskas and Sheba products states that chicken, beef, lamb or fish accounts for 4% of the relevant chunks. So read the full ingredients list and analytical constituents.

You should also interpret the claim cat food without artificial additives precisely. “Without added artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives” does not mean that a product contains no other additives at all. Always check the current packaging.

The most important information on the label

1. Complete or complementary food

For a daily meal, look for terms such as complete food or complete wet cat food. This means that, according to the product information, the product is intended to provide daily nutrition when you follow the recommended quantity.

Complementary food, such as cat broth, is mainly suitable as an extra or for adding variety. Also check the feeding guidelines for your cat’s weight and activity level. The recommended portion for a four-kilogram cat is a guideline; individual needs may vary.

2. Moisture, energy and nutrients

Wet cat food consists largely of water. The reference products range from approximately 78% to 93% moisture. A high moisture content can be practical for cats that do not drink much by themselves, but the product must still fit into their overall feeding plan.

Also compare:

  • Protein content, for example 7.3% in Whiskas Adult Mixed Selection and 13.5% in Felix Delicious Fish Strips.
  • Fat content, which varies depending on the recipe and product type.
  • Energy per pouch or portion, such as 61 kcal per 85-gram pouch of Whiskas Adult Mixed Selection.
  • Added nutrients such as taurine, vitamins and minerals.

Only compare percentages when you take the moisture content into account. A wet product containing more water may show a lower percentage of nutrients on the label without this automatically saying anything about its overall quality.

3. Texture, portion size and shelf life

Cat food in gravy contains chunks with gravy and is suitable for cats that enjoy licking and chewing. Mousse cat food has a smooth texture and may appeal to cats that do not want to eat biscuits or coarse chunks. According to the product information, g’woon mousse with tuna or salmon is offered in an 85-gram tin.

Small portions of 48 to 85 grams are useful for reducing waste. Multipacks, such as a 12-pouch cat food multipack, are often more practical for households with one or more cats. According to the product information, opened food should generally be kept covered in the fridge and used within a maximum of two days. Always follow the label of the specific product.

Recommendations for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Whiskas Adult Wet Cat 1+ Food Mixed Selection in Sauce 12x85g

Whiskas Adult Wet Cat 1+ Food Mixed Selection in Sauce 12x85g

Why it suits this profile: A multipack with portion pouches and four varieties in gravy makes it easy to feed an adult cat every day while varying the flavours.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is complete food for adult cats over one year old.

Key benefit & advantages

12 pouches of 85 grams, 84.5% moisture and 61 kcal per pouch according to the product details.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Sheba Filets Chicken Breast Chunks in Sauce Cat Food 60g

Sheba Filets Chicken Breast Chunks in Sauce Cat Food 60g

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for anyone looking for a small portion with visible pieces of chicken and gravy to complement their cat’s daily food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states that this is intended as a treat. This makes it clear that you should not treat it as a complete main meal.

Key benefit & advantages

60 grams per portion, with 30% chicken breast according to the product information, and no added artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users
INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna Recipe

INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna Recipe

Why it suits this profile: For owners who want to offer a small, moist extra alongside complete food to a cat that does not drink much.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly describes it as complementary food and provides portion guidelines. This keeps the main meal clearly established as the foundation.

Key benefit & advantages

50 grams per portion, 93% moisture and a recipe containing chicken broth, chicken and tuna.

Suitable for: Families with a kitten or senior cat
Whiskas Junior Classic Selection In Sauce Pouches Multipack 12x85g

Whiskas Junior Classic Selection In Sauce Pouches Multipack 12x85g

Why it suits this profile: The age indication makes this a targeted choice for kittens up to twelve months old, with portion information for each growth stage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that this is complete food for kittens, rather than general adult food.

Key benefit & advantages

12 pouches of 85 grams, 67 kcal per pouch according to the product information, and feeding guidelines for three age groups.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled 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 wet cat food

Is wet cat food suitable as a daily food?

Yes, when the label states that it is complete food for the correct life stage. Check the portion guidelines and adjust the quantity according to your cat’s weight, activity level and other food. Broth or a treat is usually complementary and does not replace a complete meal.

How long can you keep opened wet food?

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge and use them according to the instructions on the packaging. For the products mentioned, this is often a maximum of two days. Throw away food that has been left out of the fridge for too long or looks or smells different.

Which is more convenient: individual tins or a cat food multipack?

Individual portions are useful when you want to try different flavours or textures. A multipack of pouches is practical for everyday use and can help reduce waste. However, compare the price per 100 grams and check that all the varieties in the pack are suitable for your cat’s age.