Cat food: how to choose the right diet without paying for marketing promises

Choosing a cat food isn’t simply a matter of picking a chicken or fish recipe. Between wet food marketed as a treat, kibble that promises the world, and packs in wildly different sizes, it’s easy to compare products that aren’t actually meant for the same purpose.

Three pitfalls crop up time and again among cat owners in the UK:

• Confusing complete food with complementary food: a product sold as a treat or supplement doesn’t necessarily cover your pet’s daily nutritional needs.
• Relying solely on the recipe name: a claim like “with chicken” or “with salmon” needs to be checked in the ingredients list. For several of the products featured here, the highlighted ingredient makes up just 4% of the recipe, in line with the threshold for the “with X” claim.
• Underestimating the importance of pack size: a large tin can lower the cost per portion, but it isn’t always practical for a single-cat household or a light eater. Individual portions also make storage after opening much simpler.

What to check before you buy

1. Your cat’s age and profile

Adult cat food doesn’t meet the same needs as food for a kitten. During their growth phase, kittens require a recipe with nutritional levels tailored to that stage. The Purina One Bifensis Kitten Food Chicken – 1.35 kg is suitable for kittens from weaning up to 12 months old, as well as for pregnant or nursing queens.

For an adult cat, check the wording on the pack: “complete food for adult cats” or, for a specific formula, “complete food for neutered adult cats”. A recipe designed for a neutered cat isn’t automatically right for a kitten.

2. The difference between wet food and dry food

Wet cat food generally contains a lot of water. Gourmet Gold mousses, for example, have 82% moisture, while some Purina One wet recipes show 79%. Wet food should be served at room temperature and kept in the fridge after opening, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Dry cat food is easier to portion and store. Its water content is much lower: the Purina One Adult fish recipe has 8% moisture. So you need to leave a bowl of fresh, clean water available at all times. Dry food also lends itself better to bulk buying, as long as you reseal the bag properly and store it in a dry place.

3. Ingredients and analytical values

At a minimum, check:

• the complete food label;
• the target species and age category;
• the levels of protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture;
• the highlighted ingredients and their percentages;
• the recommended daily feeding amount.

You can’t compare analytical values directly without accounting for moisture. A wet food with 9% protein and a dry food with 34% protein aren’t directly equivalent, because their water content is very different.

Finally, any change of dry cat food should be done gradually, typically over seven days according to the recommendations for Purina One products. This transition helps minimise digestive upset and sudden changes in eating habits.

Our pick for your needs

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget

Gourmet Gold cat mousse variety pack – 12 x 85 g

Why this suits this profile: This pack of 12 x 85 g tins lets you try several flavours and serve separate portions, without having to store a large opened tin of wet food. It’s designed for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states it’s a complete food for adult cats. The varied pack also stops you buying a large quantity before you know what your cat prefers.

Key benefit and highlights

Wet mousse in 85 g portions, with chicken, salmon, kidney and rabbit recipes depending on the selection.

Recommended for: Premium food fans

Sheba Délices du Jour aux Poissons – 18 x 50 g

Why this suits this profile: The 50 g pouches are ideal for cats that prefer small, freshly served portions, and for households that like to vary recipes between fish, chicken, turkey and duck.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The individual format reduces storage time after opening. The information also states no added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Key benefit and highlights

18 x 50 g pouches, complete food for adult cats, with fine pieces in sauce.

Recommended for: Specific needs and heavy users

PURINA chicken dry cat food for neutered indoor cats – pack of 5, 7.5 kg

Why this suits this profile: This 7.5 kg pack is designed for neutered or spayed adult cats that live mainly indoors. It’s ideal for households that prefer to buy in bulk and shop less often.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The age category and “neutered and indoor” profile are clearly stated. The feeding guide recommends adjusting the portion to your cat’s activity level and body condition, rather than serving the same amount every time.

Key benefit and highlights

Chicken dry cat food, 7.5 kg pack, with chicory fibre and Lactobacillus bacteria in the declared ingredients.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

How much food should I give an adult cat?

It depends on your cat’s weight, age, activity level, the type of food and their body condition. Wet and dry food have different energy densities. Start by following the guidelines on the pack, then adjust gradually. Regular weighing helps prevent overfeeding, especially with dry food.

Can I mix wet and dry cat food?

Yes, as long as both products are suitable for the same profile and the total portion stays appropriate. When you add wet food, reduce the amount of dry food rather than giving two full portions. If one of the foods is new, it’s best to introduce it gradually.

How long can I keep opened wet food?

Put any leftover wet food in the fridge and follow the time stated on the pack. The products featured here generally recommend using it within 24 to 48 hours. Serve it at room temperature and throw away anything that looks, smells or feels unusual.