Joybuy Insights

Choosing wet food for dogs and cats: a practical guide without marketing tricks

Attractive packaging, words such as “natural” and a long list of flavours do not automatically mean that a product is right for your dog or cat. When choosing wet food for dogs and cats, the key considerations are the animal’s species, nutritional status, portion size and how you intend to use the food.

Many Dutch pet owners run into the same problems: a multipack containing flavours their pet refuses to eat, a large pack that needs to be used quickly once opened, or a snack that is accidentally served as a complete meal. The following checks will help reduce the risk of buying something unsuitable.

Three common pitfalls when choosing wet food

1. Confusing a complementary snack with complete wet food

Not every product containing meat, fish or broth is a complete meal. The label will usually state whether it is complete pet food or complementary pet food. Complete wet food is designed to provide the daily diet when served according to the feeding guidelines on the packaging. A snack or topper is not automatically suitable for this purpose.

For example, INABA Churu products are intended as treats, toppers or rewards. According to the product information, they are not a substitute for a complete meal. The same applies to INABA Broth: its high moisture content makes it practical as a complementary product, but it is not complete cat food.

2. Looking only at the highlighted flavour

“ With chicken”, “with beef” or “with salmon” does not always mean that this ingredient makes up the largest proportion of the product. Check the ingredients and the percentage of the named animal ingredient. CESAR Classic, for example, states that the product contains 60% meat and animal derivatives, of which 4% is chicken in the chicken variety. Gourmet Perle lists 4% of the highlighted ingredient in each variety, such as beef, chicken, tuna or salmon.

This does not make these products unsuitable, but it does help you assess the packaging more realistically.

3. Buying a large pack without considering consumption

A 1.24 kg tin or pouch may seem good value, but it is less practical if your dog eats small portions. Once opened, the remaining food should generally be covered, stored in the fridge and used within the period stated on the label. Smaller portions, trays or pouches help to reduce waste.

A wet food multipack is useful for variety and portion control, but first check that all the flavours are suitable for your pet. A multipack is only good value if its contents are actually eaten.

Important specifications to check

1. Animal species and life stage

Wet dog food and wet cat food are not interchangeable. Check whether the product is intended for dogs or cats and whether it is suitable for adult animals, kittens or puppies. The products in this guide are primarily aimed at adult pets.

Also consider specific dietary requirements. If your pet has allergies or is following a diet recommended by a vet, compare the full ingredients list with the dietary advice.

2. Complete or complementary

Look for the legal designation on the packaging. A product labelled “complete pet food” or “complete feed” is intended for a different purpose from a treat. According to the product information, INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties contains at least 90% moisture, but is complementary pet food for dogs. The 20 tubes of 12 grams are intended as rewards, toppers or training treats.

For everyday meals, CESAR Classic, Gourmet Gold Mousse, Gourmet Perle and various g’woon and RENO products are described as complete food. Always check the current packaging, as the composition and feeding guidelines may vary between varieties.

3. Moisture, texture and portion size

Wet food in gravy, wet food in jelly and dog pâté each have a different texture. Gravy may appeal to animals that enjoy licking, while jelly and pâté are easier to portion. A soft mousse or pâté can be practical for small dogs or cats that do not like large pieces.

The moisture percentage is a verifiable product specification, but it does not guarantee that an animal will drink more. According to the product information, INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon and INABA Broth Chicken with Scallop contain 93% moisture. These 50-gram pouches are intended as complementary hydration treats. Always provide fresh drinking water as well.

Recommended products by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food Chicken & Turkey, Beef & Liver, Veal & Poultry, Lamb & Turkey Mix 4×150g

Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food Chicken & Turkey, Beef & Liver, Veal & Poultry, Lamb & Turkey Mix 4×150g

Why it suits this profile: Four 150-gram portions offer variety without requiring you to buy a large supply straight away. The mix is intended as complete wet food for adult dogs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The small portions make it easier to limit waste after opening. However, check beforehand that your dog will eat all four flavours.

Key benefit & advantages

Multipack with four varieties; 81% moisture and clear nutritional values for each recipe.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison 390g

Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison 390g

Why it suits this profile: This complete dog food uses venison as its only named animal protein source and contains, according to the product specification, 92% venison, organs and bone.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition and analytical constituents are listed in detail. This makes it easier to compare products than to rely on general claims on the front of the pack.

Key benefit & advantages

One named protein source; complete tinned food; at least 10% crude protein according to the product specification.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

INABA Churu Dog Multipack 2 Chicken Seafood Varieties 20 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: The tubes are suitable for training, hand-feeding or use as a topper. The pack contains 20 pieces in two chicken and seafood varieties.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product status is clear: this is complementary food, not a meal. This allows you to plan the portion consciously alongside your pet’s usual food.

Key benefit & advantages

At least 90% moisture; 20 tubes of 12 grams; ready to serve or mix with regular food.

Suitable for: Cats that prefer soft textures
Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna, Liver, Turkey & Beef Multipack

Gourmet Gold Mousse Tuna, Liver, Turkey & Beef Multipack

Why it suits this profile: The soft mousse is intended as complete cat food for adult cats. The multipack offers variety, with tuna, liver, turkey and beef.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its status as complete food is clearly described. However, check the individual recipe and feeding guidelines before serving several tins per day.

Key benefit & advantages

Mousse texture; 8 tins of 85 grams; 77.5% moisture according to the stated analysis.

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.

Serving and storing food without waste

  • Allow wet food to come to room temperature before serving, unless the label states otherwise.
  • Cover opened tins and trays and store them in the fridge.
  • Use leftovers within the period stated on the packaging. Product information for various items specifies a maximum of 24 to 48 hours.
  • Include complementary snacks, such as INABA Churu, in the total daily amount.
  • Always provide a bowl of clean, fresh drinking water.
  • When introducing a new complete food, switch over gradually, especially if your dog or cat is sensitive to changes.

Frequently asked questions about wet food for dogs and cats

Is wet food suitable as a daily meal?

Yes, provided the packaging states that it is complete pet food for the correct animal species and life stage. Complementary broth, pâté snacks or Churu tubes should not automatically replace a complete meal.

Which is better value: a tin, tray or multipack?

That depends on the portion size and how much you actually use. A large tin may have a lower price per gram, but small trays or pouches help to reduce leftovers. Compare the price per 100 grams and take the storage period after opening into account.

Is wet food in gravy or jelly more hydrating?

The moisture percentage on the label provides an objective comparison. Gravy and jelly may make the texture more appealing, but on their own they do not mean that an animal will absorb more moisture. With products containing 90% moisture or more, such as certain INABA Broth varieties, it remains important to follow the recommended portion and provide fresh water.