Joybuy Insights

Choosing wet cat food: a practical guide to flavour, ingredients and price

A cat may enjoy the same flavour for years, then suddenly refuse to eat it. At the same time, shelves of wet cat food can look straightforward, even though products can vary significantly in ingredients, nutritional value and how they’re used. If you only look at the front of the packaging, you may end up paying for an appealing flavour name without realising whether the product is a complete food or just a supplement.

Common pitfalls when choosing wet cat food

1. A flavour name doesn’t tell you how much of that ingredient is in the product

Packaging may say ‘with chicken’, ‘with beef’ or ‘with tuna’. So check the ingredients list and the percentages. For example, each variety of Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly contains 4% of the named ingredient, such as beef, chicken, tuna or salmon, according to the product information. That’s different from a recipe where chicken or fish is the main ingredient.

2. Complementary food is mistaken for a complete meal

A pouch or tray isn’t automatically suitable as your cat’s everyday main food. Complete wet food for adult cats contains all the nutrients the manufacturer has formulated for a complete meal, according to the product labelling. INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna Recipe contains 93% water according to the label and is a complementary pet food. So use it as a treat or to provide extra moisture, not as a replacement for every meal.

3. ‘Grain-free’ or ‘single-protein’ isn’t automatically right for every cat

Grain-free cat food contains no grains, but that doesn’t mean every cat needs it. With single-protein cat food, it’s important to read the full ingredients list: check that only one animal protein source is listed, and look out for ingredients such as fish, poultry or broth too.

If your cat has recurring digestive problems, food reactions or a significant change in appetite, it’s better to speak to a vet than to experiment for a long time on your own. A product description isn’t a medical diagnosis.

Three details to always check

1. Complete or complementary?

Look for the legal description, such as ‘complete pet food for cats’ or ‘complementary pet food’. A complete product is intended to be used as a main food, following the feeding guidelines on the packaging. Broths, snacks and cat treats are usually complementary foods. When giving treats, take your cat’s total daily food intake into account.

2. Ingredients and analytical constituents

Don’t just look at the protein figure on the front. Check:

  • the order of the ingredients;
  • the proportion of the named animal ingredients;
  • the moisture content;
  • crude protein, fat, crude fibre and crude ash;
  • added nutrients, such as taurine, vitamins and minerals.

According to the product information, Ziwi PEAK CAT CANS Venison contains 92% venison, organs and bones, with 78% moisture, 10% crude protein and 4% fat. The Chicken variety lists 55.3% chicken and 78% moisture. These figures are provided by the manufacturer and should always be checked against the current packaging.

3. Packaging, portions and storage

Tinned cat food is often handy if you want to store larger portions, but once opened it needs to be sealed and kept in the fridge. Smaller cat food trays and cat food pouches are convenient for a single meal and help reduce leftovers. Always check the storage instructions on the label. For various products, the information provided says to refrigerate after opening and use within 24 to 48 hours.

A multipack can work out cheaper per portion, but only if your cat eats the different flavours. A cat food multipack with a selection of varieties can be a good way to find out what your cat likes. Don’t buy a large supply of an unfamiliar flavour straight away.

Which option is right for your cat?

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly - Wet Cat Food - 44 x 85g

Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly - Wet Cat Food - 44 x 85g

Why it suits this profile: The pack contains 44 portions of 85 grams and several flavours. This makes it easier to offer variety without buying several different packs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information describes it as a complete food for adult cats. The ingredients for each flavour are listed separately, so you don’t have to rely on the flavour name alone.

Key benefit & highlights

A large supply, 85-gram portions and four flavours in jelly.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Ziwi PEAK CAT CANS Venison 185 gr.

Ziwi PEAK CAT CANS Venison 185 gr.

Why it suits this profile: If you prefer a recipe that lists venison as its only animal protein source, this tin gives you clearly specified ingredients.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists 92% venison, organs and bones, with no grains, potato or tapioca starch. Check these details on the tin again when you buy it.

Key benefit & highlights

185 grams per tin, complete wet food and an analytical moisture content of 78%.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent use
INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna Recipe 40g

INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna Recipe 40g

Why it suits this profile: Handy as a small addition alongside dry or wet food, for example if your cat enjoys a liquid treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly labels it as a complementary pet food. This makes it easy to distinguish from a complete meal.

Key benefit & highlights

93% moisture according to the product specifications and a 40-gram portion. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 24 hours.

Suitable for: Households looking to vary flavours
Whiskas Wet Cat Food Aromatic Adult 1+ Selection Multipack - 12 x 85 g

Whiskas Wet Cat Food Aromatic Adult 1+ Selection Multipack - 12 x 85 g

Why it suits this profile: The multipack contains four varieties, including pork, chicken, ocean fish and salmon. It’s a practical choice for cats that quickly tire of one flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information says it’s a complete food for adult cats and lists the four varieties separately.

Key benefit & highlights

12 pouches of 85 grams, four flavours and feeding guidelines for different body weights.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.

Frequently asked questions about wet cat food

Is wet cat food better than dry food?

It depends on the overall ingredients, your cat’s nutritional needs and their preferences. Wet food generally contains a lot of moisture and can be a practical choice for cats that don’t drink much. Above all, check that the product is complete and adjust the portion to suit your cat’s weight, age and activity level.

How long can you keep opened cat food?

Always follow the label. Many product descriptions say that opened food should be sealed, kept in the fridge and used within 24 to 48 hours. Check the food and smell it before feeding to make sure it seems normal; don’t leave leftovers at room temperature for long.

How do you switch to a different wet cat food?

Gradually mix the new food with your cat’s usual food, over about seven days, for example. Start with a small amount and increase it step by step. Keep an eye on your cat’s appetite, stools and body weight. If problems persist, ask a vet for advice.