Joybuy Insights

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

Choosing cat food is not simply a matter of comparing flavours or bag sizes. Between “rich in…” claims, recipes designed for a specific age and family-sized formats, certain mistakes can lead to an unsuitable purchase — or even waste.

Here are the main points to check before choosing dry cat food, kitten food or cat treats.

Common pitfalls when buying

1. Confusing complete food with complementary treats

Complete food is formulated to meet an animal’s daily nutritional needs when given according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A treat, by contrast, is a complementary food: it does not replace the main meals.

Catisfactions chicken treats, for example, are presented as treats for adult cats. The recommendation is up to 12 pieces a day, depending on the animal’s weight, activity level and metabolism. Their calories should be deducted from the usual daily ration to avoid overfeeding.

2. Relying solely on the word “chicken” or “salmon”

The presence of an ingredient in a product name does not necessarily mean it is the main component of the recipe. Check the ingredients list and the percentage shown on the packaging. In Catisfactions salmon treats, salmon accounts for 4% of the composition. This is therefore a flavour, rather than a recipe made primarily from fish.

European regulations on pet food labelling govern claims relating to ingredients. The quantitative ingredient declaration, or QUID, can help you verify descriptions such as “with chicken” or “with salmon”.

3. Buying a large bag without considering your cat’s needs

A 7 kg bag can be worthwhile in a household with several cats. However, it may be less suitable if your pet quickly tires of its food or if its needs are likely to change. Also check its age and neutering status. A recipe for a neutered adult cat is not suitable for a kitten or a pregnant or nursing female.

What to check on the label

Complete or complementary food

For everyday meals, look for the wording complete food for cats or complete food for kittens. Treats, reward bites and snacks generally carry the wording complementary food.

This distinction is particularly important for the following products:

  • Dry food for adult cats: suitable for an animal that has finished growing.
  • Dry food for kittens: formulated to support growth, generally up to 12 months depending on the product.
  • Dry food for neutered cats: designed for neutered adult cats, with the daily ration adjusted according to weight and activity level.
  • Chicken or salmon cat treats: to be given in limited quantities alongside meals.

Age, weight and neutering status

A growing kitten does not have the same nutritional needs as an adult. The Purina One Bifensis Kitten chicken recipe is advertised for kittens from weaning to 12 months, as well as for pregnant or nursing females. Its product information includes 41% crude protein and 20% crude fat.

For a neutered adult cat, the Whiskas range shown here is indicated from 1 year onwards. The recommended quantities range from 30 to 45 g per day for a cat weighing 2 to 3 kg, up to 65 to 75 g for a cat weighing 5 to 6 kg. These figures are only a guide: monitor your cat’s weight and adjust the ration if necessary, seeking advice from a vet or another animal health professional where appropriate.

Composition, analytical constituents and storage

Do not focus solely on the protein level. Also check the fat, fibre, crude ash and nutritional additives. Water content is another useful indicator when comparing dry cat food with wet food.

After opening, reseal the bag or pouch carefully. The product information for the items featured recommends storing them in a cool, dry place and consuming them within four weeks for certain products. Always make sure your cat has access to a bowl of fresh water.

Our selection based on your household’s needs

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
WHISKAS Chicken Dry Cat Food 1.4kg

WHISKAS chicken dry food for cats, 1.4 kg

Why this choice suits this profile : Its 1.4 kg format lets you try it out without tying up a significant part of your budget in a large bag.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies that this is a complete food for neutered adult cats aged 1 year and over, rather than a recipe intended for kittens.

Main benefit and key features

30% crude protein, 11.5% crude fat and feeding recommendations based on weight.

Recommended for : Premium food enthusiasts
Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten with cod, 1.5 kg

Why this choice suits this profile : Its 1.5 kg format is ideal for owners who prefer to try a specific recipe before moving on to a larger bag.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This product is clearly intended for kittens. Even so, check the composition and feeding quantities shown on the packaging before buying.

Main benefit and key features

A cod-based recipe in a medium-sized format, making it easy to test whether your kitten enjoys it.

Recommended for : Specific needs and intensive users
Purina One Bifensis Kitten Food Chicken 1.35 kg

Purina One Bifensis Kitten with chicken, 1.35 kg

Why this choice suits this profile : The feeding recommendations for each age range make it easier to monitor a kitten throughout its growth.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The recommended age range is clearly stated as from weaning to 12 months, helping you avoid accidentally choosing adult cat food.

Main benefit and key features

17% declared chicken, 41% crude protein and a 1.35 kg format.

Recommended for : Everyday reward moments
Catisfactions Salmon Treats for Cats and Kittens 360 g

Catisfactions salmon treats for cats and kittens – 6 pouches

Why this choice suits this profile : The resealable pouches and six-portion pack make it practical to give rewards regularly.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information confirms that these are complementary treats, with a stated limit of 20 pieces per day for an adult and 6 for a kitten.

Main benefit and key features

4% declared salmon, fewer than 2 kcal per treat according to the product information, and easy-to-store resealable pouches.

Looking for more options ?

We have put together a complete selection, updated in real time, of products that meet these selection criteria and comply with European safety regulations.

Practical tips before changing recipes

  • Make the switch gradually over several days by mixing the old food with the new.
  • Weigh out portions rather than filling the bowl by eye.
  • Keep the packaging so that you can check the batch number, composition and feeding recommendations.
  • For chicken or salmon cat treats, slightly reduce the main daily ration if rewards are given frequently.
  • If your cat is unwell, loses its appetite or experiences a significant change in weight, ask a vet for advice.

Cat food FAQs

How much dry food should you give an adult cat?

The amount depends on weight, age, activity level, recipe and neutering status. Refer to the table on the packaging, then regularly monitor your cat’s body shape and weight.

Can you give kitten food to an adult cat?

A kitten recipe is designed to support growth and may be richer in nutrients. It should not be chosen as an adult’s everyday food without a specific reason. Always check the target age stated by the manufacturer.

Do cat treats replace meals?

No. Both Catisfactions chicken and salmon treats are complementary foods. They are intended as rewards or snacks and should remain a small part of your cat’s daily food intake.