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

Choosing a cat food isn’t about grabbing the brightest bag on the shelf or the most tempting-sounding recipe. Between the “rich in meat” claims, the promises about digestion and the family-size packs, the genuinely useful information can sometimes get lost.

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

• Treating a treat as a complete meal: bites and other snacks are complementary foods. They cannot replace the daily ration.
• Relying solely on the highlighted flavour: a “chicken” or “salmon” recipe may only contain a limited amount of the stated ingredient. Only the detailed ingredients list gives you the full picture.
• Buying a bulk pack without checking compatibility: a large bag of cat kibble brings the price per kilo down, but it’s a false economy if your cat turns its nose up at the recipe or struggles to digest it.

The criteria to check before you buy

1. Your cat’s age and profile

Adult cat food doesn’t cover the same needs as kitten food. During their growth phase, a kitten needs a formula suited to its age. An adult cat, on the other hand, will need a ration calculated according to its weight and activity level.

After neutering, appetite and energy requirements can change. Kibble for neutered cats is formulated accordingly, but it must be served in line with the recommended portions. It doesn’t replace weight monitoring.

A cat that lives mainly indoors generally gets less exercise. Indoor cat kibble can therefore include more fibre or have a tailored energy density. For the daily amount, though, the label is still your best guide.

2. Complete food or complementary food

The term “complete food” means the product can form the basis of your cat’s diet, provided you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cat treats, on the other hand, are complementary foods.

Catisfactions chicken treats recommend up to 12 bites per day for an adult cat, depending on its size, activity and metabolism. Catisfactions salmon treats state up to 20 bites daily for an adult and up to 6 for a kitten from 2 months old. These amounts must be factored into the overall ration to avoid overfeeding.

3. Ingredients, analysis and storage

To compare different recipes, look at:

• Protein and fat content: these give you an initial idea of the nutritional density, but they aren’t enough to judge the quality of a food.
• Fibre and ash content: these values are useful for comparing products within the same category.
• The ingredients at the top of the list: they appear in descending order of weight in the ingredients list.
• The exact percentage of the highlighted ingredients: some recipes state, for example, that they contain 4% chicken or salmon in a particular part of the kibble.
• Storage after opening: reseal the bag carefully and store it in a cool, dry place. Many products recommend consuming the contents within four weeks of opening.

For sensitive cat food, read the full ingredients list and make any transition gradually. If problems persist, you suspect an allergy, or your cat needs a specific diet, it’s best to ask your vet for advice.

Our selection by household profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget

WHISKAS Croq Chicken Dry Cat Food 1.4 kg

Why this choice suits this profile: At 1.4 kg, this bag lets you try the recipe without committing to a large pack straight away. It is designed for adult neutered cats aged at least 1 year.

How this product avoids the trap

The “complete food” label and the weight-based feeding recommendations help you avoid mistaking a simple treat for the daily meal. The advised transition takes place over 7 to 10 days.

Main advantage and key strengths

The product page states 30% protein, 11.5% fat and 4.1% crude fibre. The recipe contains 4% chicken in the brown kibble.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts

PERFECT FIT Sterilised Cat Dry Food 1+, salmon, 1.4 kg

Why this choice suits this profile: This salmon recipe is for owners who want to compare a formula for adult neutered cats using detailed analytical data, all in a medium-sized pack.

How this product avoids the trap

The product page states a metabolisable energy of 386 kcal per 100 g and provides indicative rations by weight. That lets you compare the product on more than just the word “salmon”.

Main advantage and key strengths

The ingredients list mentions 14% salmon, 34% protein and 14.5% fat. The product is presented as a complete food for cats aged 1 year and over.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users

PURINA Cat Dry Food Chicken Indoor Sterilised, pack of 5, 7.5 kg

Why this choice suits this profile: This large format works well for households with multiple cats or those who prefer to shop less often. It is designed for adult neutered cats that live mainly indoors.

How this product avoids the trap

The pack of five 1.5 kg bags stops the whole stock from being exposed to air after opening, unlike a single 7.5 kg bag.

Main advantage and key strengths

The product page states 37% protein, 13% fat and 5.5% fibre. The recipe contains 15% chicken and 2% chicory.

Treats, chicken or salmon: how to choose

Chicken kibble for cats and salmon kibble for cats may suit your pet’s preferences, but the flavour shouldn’t make you forget the essentials: the nutritional value and the product’s status. Always check whether it’s a complete or complementary food.

To reward your companion, chicken cat treats and salmon cat treats are easy to use, as long as you keep the quantities sensible. Catisfactions chicken treats are sold in six sachets, totalling 360 g, and contain fewer than 2 kcal per bite according to the product page. They include 4% chicken. Catisfactions salmon treats also claim fewer than 2 kcal per bite and 4% salmon in their ingredients.

Storage deserves as much attention as choosing the recipe: reseal the sachets properly, stick to the stated consumption period and always leave fresh water available.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

How much kibble should I give an adult cat?

The amount depends on weight, age, activity, neutering status and the energy density of the recipe. Use the table printed on the packaging as a starting point, then regularly monitor your cat’s body condition and weight.

Can I change my cat’s kibble quickly?

It’s best to plan a gradual transition, usually over around 7 days, or 7 to 10 days depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Gradually mix the old and new recipes together to avoid too sudden a digestive change.

Can cat treats replace the main food?

No. Treats are complementary foods and do not replace a complete diet. If you give rewards frequently, slightly reduce the main ration while staying within the limits stated on the packaging.