Joybuy Insights

Choosing wet food for adult cats: how to compare flavours, packaging and ingredients

A multipack of cat food in gravy seems convenient: you get several flavours, the portions are easy to manage and you do not need to shop as often. However, not all packs are comparable. If you only look at the front of the box, you could come home with food that is unsuitable for your cat’s age, is not a complete meal or consists mainly of gravy.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I therefore start by checking the verifiable information on the label. Below, you’ll find what to look for in wet food for adult cats, followed by some popular choices for different shopping profiles.

Three common pitfalls when choosing wet cat food

1. An appealing flavour name says little about the proportion of meat

“Beef and chicken” sounds clear, but the amount of these ingredients can vary considerably. According to the product information, Felix Double the Tasty Beef and Chicken contains 2% beef and 2% chicken in the relevant chunks, for example. The legally permitted description is therefore “with beef and chicken flavour”, rather than “rich in beef and chicken”.

So check the ingredients and percentages, not just the product name. The label for Gourmet Gold Cassolette Beef & Chicken, for example, states that it contains 6% beef and 8% chicken within the ingredients.

2. “Wet food” does not automatically mean complete cat food

A product may be intended as a complete meal or as a complementary snack. According to the product information, Felix Crispies and Whiskas Cat Sticks are complementary food. They are therefore not intended to replace your cat’s usual food.

For daily meals, look for the wording complete food for adult cats. Pay attention to age too: kitten food, such as Whiskas Junior, is not the same as food for adult cats.

3. A larger pack is not always better value

A wet cat food multipack can reduce the price per portion, but only if your cat will eat the flavours. An opened pouch or tray must also be stored in the fridge and used within the timeframe stated on the packaging. A smaller multipack may therefore be more practical if your cat is fussy or only has one portion a day.

Which specifications should you check?

Age and nutritional status

Choose a product that clearly states it is suitable for adult cats. Of the products mentioned, Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets, Gourmet Gold Cassolette, Whiskas Adult and Felix Every Day Party are described as complete food for adult cats.

The terms “complete” and “complementary” have a practical difference:

  • Complete food: intended as a daily meal when you follow the feeding guidelines.
  • Complementary food: a snack or treat given alongside a complete diet.
  • Junior or kitten food: formulated for young cats and not automatically suitable for an adult cat.

Texture, moisture content and portion size

Cat food in gravy generally contains a lot of moisture. Gourmet Perle, for example, states 80% moisture; Whiskas Adult states 84.5%. This may suit cats that enjoy soft pieces with gravy, but you should always consider the nutritional value together with the feeding guide.

Also pay attention to the pack size:

  • Pouches and trays weighing 85 grams are handy for a set portion.
  • A multipack of 12 × 85 grams offers a range of flavours without leaving you with a large supply of one variety.
  • A 350-gram pack, such as Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets, is a good option for households dividing food into several portions.
  • A larger 800-gram pack, such as Felix Double the Tasty, requires extra care when it comes to storage and portioning.

Flavour variety and ingredients

A mixed selection can help you try out different preferences. Examples include beef, chicken, lamb, rabbit and salmon. However, check whether the named flavour is listed as an ingredient or simply as a flavour variety. If your cat has a known food sensitivity, it is advisable to read the full ingredients list and seek advice from a vet if necessary. Do not make assumptions based solely on the image on the packaging.

Recommended choices by shopping profile

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: The box contains twelve 85-gram portions and several varieties in gravy. This makes it easy to try Whiskas wet food without immediately buying a large quantity of one flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states that this is complete wet food for adult cats. The individual portions also help reduce waste when trying different flavours.

Key benefit & advantages

12 × 85 g, mixed selection, gravy texture and a stated energy value of 61 kcal per pouch.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets in Sauce Beef, Chicken, Rabbit & Salmon Multipack 350g

Gourmet Perle Mini Fillets in Sauce Beef, Chicken, Rabbit & Salmon Multipack 350g

Why it suits this profile: If you value delicate pieces and a range of meat flavours, this multipack offers beef, chicken, rabbit and salmon in one pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is complete food for adult cats and contains no added artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings. It is always best to check the current packaging.

Key benefit & advantages

350 g total, mini fillets in gravy, four flavour varieties and 80% moisture according to the product details.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent shoppers
Felix Multibox Every Day Party Countryside Selection Wet Cat Food Lamb Beef Chicken 12x85g

Felix Multibox Every Day Party Countryside Selection Wet Cat Food Lamb, Beef & Chicken 12×85g

Why it suits this profile: This multibox is ideal for households that want 85-gram portions combined with a choice of lamb, beef and chicken.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states that this is complete and balanced food for adult cats. The feeding guide recommends adjusting the amount to suit your cat’s individual needs.

Key benefit & advantages

12 portions, three named main flavours, pieces in jelly and 82% moisture according to the label.

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.

Practical shopping tips for home

  • Compare the price per 100 grams rather than just the price of the box.
  • Choose a multipack if your cat accepts several flavours.
  • Store unopened packs in a cool, dry place.
  • Once opened, refrigerate wet food according to the label and use it within the stated period.
  • Serve food at room temperature if your cat leaves chilled food untouched.
  • Adjust the amount according to your cat’s weight, activity level and body condition. The feeding guide on the packaging should always be your main reference.
  • Always provide fresh drinking water.

A product with beef and chicken does not necessarily contain a high proportion of either meat. So check the ingredients, nutritional status, age indication and portion size. This allows you to compare Gourmet cat food, Felix cat food and Whiskas wet food based on practical details rather than isolated marketing terms.

Frequently asked questions about wet food for adult cats

How often should you give wet food to an adult cat?

This depends on your cat’s weight, activity level, age and whether it is fed alongside dry food. Ideally, divide the daily amount across several meals and follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging. If you also give snacks, subtract those calories from the main meal allowance.

Is cat food in gravy suitable as a complete meal?

It can be, but check that the product is labelled as complete food for adult cats. A gravy-based product sold as complementary food is not intended to replace complete cat food on a daily basis.

How long can opened wet cat food be kept?

Follow the instructions for the specific brand and product. Whiskas, for example, states that leftovers can be refrigerated for up to two days. Cover the pack, use clean dishes and throw the food away if its smell, colour or texture changes noticeably.