Cat Food Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Food

As the head of buying guides at Joybuy, I see hundreds of questions about cat food every day. And I get it: choosing the right kibble or wet food can be a daunting task. Faced with shelves full of marketing promises, it's easy to feel lost. This guide is here to give you simple, effective tips for choosing the best for your companion, without breaking the bank.

But before we get to our top picks, let's review the 3 common pitfalls to watch out for at the supermarket:

1. The illusion of "gourmet" or "natural" labels: Fancy packaging and a poetic name don't guarantee a quality composition. Some products highlight a premium ingredient that, in reality, makes up only a tiny percentage of the recipe.
2. The "grain-free at all costs" trend: While grain-free cat food is an excellent option for cats with a known sensitivity or allergy, it's not mandatory for everyone. For many cats, high-quality grains in reasonable amounts are perfectly digestible. What matters most is the overall quality of the recipe and a high level of animal protein.
3. Forgetting specific needs: A kitten, an adult indoor cat, and a sterilised senior do not have the same nutritional requirements. Opting for an "all-in-one" formula without considering your pet's age, activity level, or sterilisation status is a common mistake.

Key Criteria for Choosing Wisely

To see things more clearly, learn to decode labels by focusing on a few key points.

1. The Ingredient List: Your Best Friend

The rule is simple: ingredients are listed by weight, from most to least abundant. The first item on the list is therefore the star of the recipe.

• Look for animal proteins at the top of the list: Seek out clear terms like "Chicken," "Salmon," or "Beef" rather than vague phrases like "meat and animal derivatives." While animal by-products (liver, heart, etc.) can be nutritious, a well-identified source of muscle meat as the first ingredient is often a sign of higher quality.
• Decode the analytical constituents: Pay close attention to the levels of crude protein (vital for a carnivore) and crude fat (your feline's fuel).

2. Kibble or P?té: The Battle of Textures

There's no clear winner, as each format has its own advantages.

• Cat kibble: Convenient to store and portion, it promotes dental hygiene through chewing. It is also often more budget-friendly.
• Cat p?té (or wet food): Highly palatable, it is especially rich in water (often over 80%). This is a huge advantage for hydration, particularly for cats that don't drink much, and for supporting their kidney function.

The ideal solution? Often, it's mixed feeding (or bi-nutrition), which combines kibble and p?té. It's the perfect compromise that many owners adopt.

3. Tailored Nutrition: Sterilisation, Age, and Sensitivities

Your cat's needs change over time. Food for sterilised cats is specially formulated to combat weight gain and the increased urinary risks that follow the procedure. It generally contains less fat and has controlled mineral levels. Similarly, formulas for kittens, adults, and seniors are tailor-made for each life stage.

Recommended Cat Food Options

To put theory into practice, here is our selection of products that tick all the right boxes, categorised by profile.

PROFILE: BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

FELIX Succulent Grilled Selection in Sauce - 12 x 85g

Why we chose it: A complete and varied wet food at an unbeatable price. Ideal for daily feeding, to add variety to their meals without breaking the bank.

How it avoids the pitfall

This pack doesn't hide behind vague promises: it clearly lists 4 varieties (beef, chicken...) for a complete and balanced meal. Say goodbye to bland, generic food.

Key benefit

Practical and economical multipack format. Contains vitamins D and E, as well as omega-6 fatty acids to support their vitality.

PROFILE: FOR GRAIN-FREE FANS

EDGARD & COOPER Grain-Free Dry Food with Fresh Chicken

Why we chose it: The perfect answer for those who want a recipe rich in fresh meat, without grains, ideal for sensitive stomachs.

How it avoids the pitfall

Here, "grain-free" isn't just a marketing buzzword. The brand goes further by guaranteeing 50% fresh, free-range chicken. This transparency is a true sign of quality.

Key benefit

Rich in fresh meat as the first ingredient. The recipe contains prebiotics to support gut flora and omega-3s for a shiny coat.

PROFILE: FOR PICKY EATERS

GOURMET Nature's Creations Mini P?té - 8 x 85g

Why we chose it: The secret weapon for winning over the fussiest cats. Refined recipes with visible natural ingredients (like real vegetable pieces) for a five-star dining experience.

How it avoids the pitfall

The word "gourmet" is well-deserved: the brand offers genuine flavour combinations (chicken-spinach-tomato) with natural ingredients that justify its premium positioning.

Key benefit

Nature-inspired recipes with high-quality ingredients. No added artificial colourants, flavourings, or preservatives.

PROFILE: FOR BONDING MOMENTS

VITAKRAFT Liquid Snack Duck & Beta-Glucans

Why we chose it: A liquid and fun cat treat, perfect for strengthening your bond. Serve it straight from the sachet or pour it over kibble to make it irresistible.

How it avoids the pitfall

The purpose is clear: this is a treat, not a complete meal. It's impossible to unbalance their diet. Plus, its low-calorie formula allows for a guilt-free indulgence.

Key benefit

Innovative liquid format that cats love. The formula is enriched with beta-glucans to help support their immune defences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I successfully transition to a new food?

To avoid upsetting their digestive system, make the change gradually. Over 7 to 10 days, mix the new food with the old, progressively increasing the amount of the new food until it's a complete replacement.

2. How much food should I give my cat each day?

It all depends on their weight, age, activity level, and the type of food (kibble is much more calorie-dense than p?té). The easiest way is to follow the recommendations on the packaging, then adjust if you notice any weight gain or loss. If in doubt, a call to your vet is always the best solution.

3. Is food for sterilised cats really necessary?

Yes, and it's not just marketing. Sterilisation changes your cat's metabolism: they tend to gain weight more easily, and the risk of urinary problems increases. A dedicated food that is lower in fat and has controlled mineral levels (especially phosphorus and magnesium) is the best way to keep them healthy and avoid these issues.