Joybuy Insights

Cat food: how to choose the right formats, recipes and treats without wasting

Between tempting recipes, multi-variety packs and economy sizes, choosing cat food can quickly become a headache. A pâté your cat loves isn’t necessarily designed to replace their main meal. And larger packs lose their appeal if opened portions aren’t stored properly.

Here are the criteria to consider before buying adult cat food, mousse, chunks in sauce or cat treats.

Common pitfalls when buying

1. Confusing complete food with complementary food

A pâté or mousse labelled “complete food” is formulated to be the main meal, according to the instructions on the packaging. Conversely, chicken treats, salmon bites, liquid snacks and rewards are generally complementary foods.

This distinction makes all the difference:

  • a complete mousse or pâté can be included in the daily ration by following the manufacturer’s recommendations;
  • a treat should never replace a meal;
  • the amount of kibble and cat snacks must be adjusted to avoid unnecessary intake.

2. Relying only on the highlighted flavour

The mention “with chicken” or “with salmon” doesn’t necessarily mean that ingredient makes up the majority of the recipe. On some products, the highlighted ingredient is only present at 4%, in line with the threshold typically associated with a “with X” claim on pet food labelling.

So take the time to read the full ingredients list and check the variety you’re choosing. Within the same pack, recipes can show different percentages.

3. Choosing a large format without planning for storage

Bulk packs of cat food can lower the price per portion, but they require proper organisation. Once opened, tins and pouches of wet cat food generally need to be kept in the fridge and used within the time stated by the manufacturer, often within 24 to 48 hours.

For dry treats, reseal the pouch carefully and stick to the recommended period after opening. A 60 g format is handy for trying a flavour, while a 360 g pack is better suited for regular use.

What to check before ordering

Nutritional status and the cat’s age

Start by identifying the label that matches the product:

  • complete food for adult cats;
  • complementary food;
  • product suitable for kittens or cats of all ages.

Some products in this selection are for adult cats only, while certain Catisfactions salmon treats can be given to kittens from 2 months old. This information should come before your cat’s taste preferences.

Texture and water content

Cat pâté, mousse and chunks in sauce don’t offer the same experience. A fine mousse will suit a cat that prefers a smooth texture, while pieces in sauce provide more variety.

The wet foods featured here often have a water content between 78 and 82%, depending on the recipe. This information is listed in the analytical constituents and allows you to compare products on an objective basis, without judging quality by the stated texture alone.

Ration, calories and packaging

For treats, check the maximum number recommended per day. Some Catisfactions or Whiskas Temptations references contain less than 2 kcal per unit, but they remain complementary foods. The main ration should be adjusted accordingly.

Also remember to check:

  • the total weight and number of portions;
  • the recommended amount based on the cat’s weight;
  • whether there’s a resealable closure;
  • the storage conditions after opening;
  • whether there’s a variety your cat already accepts.

Our selection based on your buying profile

Recommended for: Budget-conscious beginners
Sheba Délices du Jour à la Volaille Cat Food - 18 x 50g

Sheba Délices du Jour à la volaille – 18 x 50 g

Why this choice suits this profile: The 50 g pouches allow you to serve a controlled portion and limit leftovers in the fridge. The pack brings together three poultry-based recipes: chicken, turkey and duck.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its status as a complete wet food for adult cats is clearly stated, with recommendations tailored to the animal’s weight.

Main advantage and key features

Individual 50 g portions, pack of 18 pouches and three poultry recipes.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts
Vitakraft Poetry Mousse Salmon Wet Cat Food - 1020g

Vitakraft Poetry – salmon mousse for cats – 1.02 kg

Why this choice suits this profile: Its mousse texture and packaging in 12 tins of 85 g will suit those looking for a regular wet food option, with a salmon recipe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page states it is a complete food for adult cats, not simply a treat to add to meals.

Main advantage and key features

A light mousse, 6.8% salmon stated in the ingredients and 1.02 kg of product in total.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users
VITAKRAFT Cat Treats Liver 8 x 40gr

VITAKRAFT – liver treats for cats – 8 x 40 g

Why this choice suits this profile: These soft bites can be used as a reward or to help hide a medication, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page classifies it as a complementary food and reminds you not to exceed the recommended daily amount.

Main advantage and key features

Over 70% meat and animal derivatives stated, a soft texture and a resealable pouch containing 8 portions.

Recommended for: Households that alternate meals and rewards
CATISFACTIONS Chicken Treats For Cats And Kittens - 6 pack (360g)

CATISFACTIONS – chicken treats for cats and kittens – 6 pouches, 360 g

Why this choice suits this profile: The pack of six pouches will suit households that regularly give chicken treats for play, training or rewarding their cat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page states it is a complementary food, with a limit of up to 12 treats per day for an adult cat.

Main advantage and key features

A crunchy outside and soft centre, 360 g in total, resealable pouches and no artificial colours or preservatives.

Looking for other options?

We’ve compiled a complete, real-time updated selection of products that meet these strict criteria and the requirements of European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Can you mix kibble and wet cat food?

Yes, as long as you adjust the total ration to the cat’s weight, age and activity level. The packaging sometimes gives a specific combination, for example a certain number of pouches alongside a quantity of dry food. So avoid simply adding two complete rations together.

How long can you keep an opened cat pâté?

Put it in the fridge as soon as it’s opened and follow the time stated by the manufacturer. For the references shown here, it’s generally recommended to use it within 24 to 48 hours. You can then serve the portion at room temperature if your cat prefers it that way.

Can cat treats replace a meal?

No. Chicken, salmon, liver or catnip treats are complementary foods. They are for rewarding your pet or adding variety, but the basis of their diet should remain a product suited to their age, specifically labelled “complete food”.