Choosing wet cat food: how to find the right meal or supplement

A bowl of wet cat food might seem simple to choose. Yet products vary widely in nutritional value, portion size, texture and use. An attractive package with words like “sauce”, “fillets” or “natural” doesn’t automatically mean the food is suitable as a daily meal.

These three pitfalls in particular cost cat owners unnecessary money:

• Confusing complementary food with complete food: cat soup and some cat treats are intended as a supplement, not a full meal.
• Only looking at the flavour: “with chicken” or “with fish” doesn’t mean the product consists mainly of that animal. Check the percentage on the label.
• Buying a large pack without portion planning: a multipack is convenient, but less suitable if your cat quickly tires of one flavour or eats little per meal.

What to look for in wet cat food?

1. Check whether the food is complete or complementary

Look on the packaging for the legal designation:

• Complete wet food for adult cats: intended as daily nutrition, when you follow the stated portions.
• Complementary food: suitable as an extra, topping or snack alongside a complete meal.

An example is Sheba Delicacies in Sauce Turkey & Chicken Multipack. The product information states that this is complete wet food for adult cats. The analytical composition lists, among other things, 85% moisture, 7.5% protein and 4.5% fat. The recommended amount depends on your cat’s weight and activity level.

In contrast, there is Felix Soup. This is labelled as complementary food for adult cats. The instructions state one sachet per 4 kg of body weight per day as a supplement to a complete diet. So do not use cat soup as a replacement for the main meal.

2. Look beyond “in sauce”, “in jelly” or “with chicken”

The texture partly determines whether your cat will accept the food:

• Cat food in sauce: suitable for cats that like soft pieces with gravy.
• Cat food in jelly: has a firmer texture and can be handy for cats that prefer jelly.
• Cat food with chicken or fish: always check the exact composition and the stated percentage.
• Fillets and pieces: can be particularly appealing due to the texture, but are not automatically complete food.

According to the product information, the Sheba Delicacies variant contains 4% tuna, salmon or white fish in the pieces per stated fish type. That is quite different from a product that consists entirely of that fish type. For a sensitive diet, it is wise to examine the full label and, if in doubt, ask a vet for advice.

3. Compare moisture, portions and storage instructions

Many wet foods contain a high proportion of moisture. This can help provide hydration through food, but always ensure fresh drinking water is available too. Moisture percentages vary by product. Sheba Delicacies states 85% moisture, while Felix Soup Farm contains 88% moisture according to the product information.

Also pay attention to portion size:

• A tub or sachet of 48 to 85 grams is handy for individual meals.
• A tin or pack of 400 grams can be more economical for multiple cats or a cat that eats larger portions.
• A cat food multipack offers variety, but check how many variants are included and whether all variants are complete food.

After opening, the product labels of the mentioned variants advise storing the food covered in the fridge, using it within two days and discarding leftovers after feeding. Serve wet food at room temperature according to the usage instructions on the packaging.

Our recommendations by type of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Whiskas Adult Wet Cat Food Chicken in Sauce 400g

Why this fits the profile: A larger pack is practical when your cat has cat food in sauce daily and you want to measure portions easily.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states that it is complete wet food for adult cats. This prevents complementary food from accidentally becoming the main meal.

Key benefit & highlights

400 grams per pack; chicken in sauce variety; according to the label 83.8% moisture and 7.1% protein.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Sheba Delicacies in Sauce Turkey & Chicken Multipack

Why this fits the profile: Ideal for those who want to alternate between different flavours while also looking for a complete meal for an adult cat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states complete wet food for adult cats and gives separate compositions for tuna, salmon and white fish.

Key benefit & highlights

Small portions; 85% moisture according to the analytical data; three fish varieties with 4% of the stated fish type in the pieces.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef 20 pcs.

Why this fits the profile: Handy as a cat treat, topping on wet or dry food, or a product to hide medication in, according to the usage information.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is labelled as a supplement. This makes it clear that you are not fully replacing the main meal with a snack.

Key benefit & highlights

20 tubes per multipack; 91% moisture and 6 calories per tube according to the product data; suitable for hand feeding.

Frequently asked questions about wet cat food

Is wet food better than dry food?

That depends on your cat’s needs and preferences. Wet food generally contains a lot of moisture and has a different texture to kibble. If you make a complete switch, check whether the product is labelled as complete food for adult cats. The daily amount must be adjusted according to weight, activity level and any combination with dry food.

How long can you store opened wet food?

Always follow the label. For the products mentioned, it states that opened food can be stored covered in the fridge for a maximum of two days. Do not leave the food at room temperature for long periods and discard leftovers after feeding.

Is cat soup suitable as a full meal?

Usually not. Felix Soup Fish and Felix Soup Farm are labelled as complementary food in the product information. Therefore, serve cat soup alongside complete wet food or dry food and stick to the stated amount. If you want to feed only wet food, choose a product that clearly states it is complete food for adult cats.