Joybuy Insights

Choosing wet food for dogs and cats: a practical guide to making the right purchase

Wet food for dogs and cats might seem simple to choose: pick a flavour, check the weight and place your order. Yet many purchases go wrong because of unclear labels, incorrect portions or a product that doesn’t suit the species or life stage. With these checkpoints, you can compare wet dog food and wet cat food in a practical way.

Common pitfalls with wet food

1. Confusing a high moisture content with complete nutrition

Wet food typically contains a lot of water, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s suitable as a complete daily meal. So look at the legal designation on the packaging:

  • Complete food is intended to be given as a daily meal, according to the feeding guide.
  • Complementary food is intended as a treat, topping or extra alongside complete food.
  • For INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon and INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna, the packaging states that these are complementary cat foods. Both varieties contain 93% moisture according to the product information, but are not intended as a complete meal.

A product with high moisture can be practical for cats that don’t drink much, but it doesn’t replace a balanced cat food when the label says complementary.

2. Not checking marketing claims against the ingredients

Words like “premium”, “natural” or “high-quality proteins” don’t mean much on their own. Check the full composition, analytical constituents and species.

For example: CESAR Classic Chicken contains 10% protein, 5% fat, 0.4% crude fibre, 2% inorganic matter and 81% moisture according to the product information. These are verifiable figures. For other products, certain analytical values are not stated in the supplied product information. In that case, it’s wise to consult the packaging before making a comparison.

Claims from a brand about performance or suitability should not be taken as guaranteed results. According to the brand’s own research or product information, a particular composition may be linked to, for example, palatability, but individual dogs and cats can react differently.

3. Buying a large tin or multipack without planning the storage time

A 405g or 1.24kg pack might seem convenient, but once opened, wet food must be refrigerated and used within the recommended period. Common guidelines include:

  • opened dog food in a tin or opened tray: keep refrigerated for a maximum of around 48 hours;
  • opened cat food in a tin: check the packaging; different products state a maximum of two days;
  • INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna: after opening, cover, refrigerate and use within 24 hours;
  • always cover unused portions and do not leave them at room temperature.

A multipack of pet food is handy for stock and variety, but only when the portions match the number of pets and their daily needs.

The key specifications to check

1. Species, age and nutritional status

First, check whether the product is intended for a dog or a cat. Wet dog food is not automatically suitable as wet cat food, and vice versa. Also pay attention to the life stage:

  • wet food for adult dogs for adult animals;
  • wet food for adult cats for cats from the stated age;
  • senior food, such as g'woon Senior 7+ Pâté with Beef and Poultry, when the label is specifically aimed at older dogs;
  • food for puppies or kittens requires a different composition and feeding guide.

The designation “complete wet food” is more important than the flavour name. A chicken, beef or lamb variety may sound appealing, but the nutritional status determines how you use the product.

2. Texture and moisture content

The texture affects how easily your pet eats the food and how much variety you can offer:

  • dog food in gravy contains chunks with a liquid gravy;
  • cat food in jelly consists of chunks in a firmer jelly;
  • dog pâté and cat mousse have a smooth texture;
  • broth products are usually complementary treats or toppings.

For cats that don’t drink much, hydrating cat food or a complementary broth can be practical. INABA Broth Chicken with Salmon and Tuna consist of chicken broth, chicken and either salmon or tuna, according to the product information. Always provide fresh drinking water as well.

3. Portion, packaging and transition

Don’t just compare the price of a tin or pouch, but also the net weight and the number of portions. Examples:

  • Gourmet Gold Mousse: 8 × 85g;
  • INABA Churu Multipack Chicken & Beef: 20 tubes, with 6 calories per tube and 91% moisture according to the product information;
  • g'woon Adult Chunks in Jelly: 12 pouches;
  • RENO Dog Chunks Sauce Beef: 1.24kg;
  • Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison: 170g or 390g, depending on the variant.

When introducing a new food, transition gradually, for example over several days. Always follow the feeding guide on the packaging and adjust the amount according to weight, age, activity and any combination with dry food.

Recommendations by user type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
CESAR Classic Wet Dog Food Chicken 150g

CESAR Classic Wet Dog Food Chicken 150g

Why this fits the profile: The 150g portion is manageable for a household that wants to try a flavour and texture first.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the species, portion size and analytical values. This means you don’t buy a large stock straight away without knowing whether it will be accepted.

Key benefit & highlights

Complete wet food for adult dogs; 150g per pack; 81% moisture according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison 390g

Ziwi PEAK Dog Cans Venison 390g

Why this fits the profile: This complete dog food uses venison as a single animal protein source and has a clear composition for those who compare labels carefully.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging lists the ingredients and analytical constituents, including a minimum of 10% protein and a maximum of 78% moisture. Always check the actual packaging though.

Key benefit & highlights

390g content; complete food for dogs; venison as the primary protein source; available with a separate feeding guide.

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

INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna Recipe

Why this fits the profile: This complementary cat food works well as a broth-like extra, topping or hydration incentive alongside complete cat food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The label explicitly states complementary food. This makes it clear that you shouldn’t use it as a complete daily meal.

Key benefit & highlights

50g per pack; 93% moisture; chicken broth, chicken and tuna as listed ingredients.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about wet food

Is wet food suitable as a daily meal?

Yes, when the label states that it is complete food and the product matches the age and species. Complementary broths, treats and cat mousse are not automatically suitable as a complete meal. Follow the feeding guide and pay attention to any combination with dry food.

How long can you store opened wet food?

This varies by product. Many packs state a maximum of 48 hours refrigerated. INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna states 24 hours. Store leftovers covered in the fridge and always check the instructions on the packaging.

Is wet food more expensive than dry food?

Compare the cost per kilogram and the daily portion, not just the price per tin. A multipack can be practical, while smaller portions result in less waste. The final cost depends on the energy content, your pet’s weight and the ratio of wet to dry food.