Joybuy Insights

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

Choosing cat food can quickly become a headache with “natural” recipes, digestion claims and family-sized formats all competing for your attention. However, three simple checks can already help you avoid many poor purchases.

Common pitfalls when buying cat food

1. Confusing complete and complementary food

A treat, soup or liquid snack does not necessarily replace a daily meal. The legal wording “complete food for cats” means that the product can make up the main part of the diet, provided you follow the recommended quantities. By contrast, complementary food should be given occasionally or alongside a complete food.

This is the case with the VITAKRAFT chicken liquid snack: it can be added to cat biscuits or used as a reward, but it should not replace a meal.

2. Relying solely on the flavour shown

“Salmon”, “chicken” or “beef” does not necessarily mean that the ingredient makes up most of the recipe. When an ingredient is highlighted, its proportion must be stated in the composition. Several Gourmet recipes therefore specify 4% of the named ingredient, in line with the quantitative declaration shown.

It is therefore better to compare the ingredients list and analytical constituents rather than relying solely on the picture or flavour shown on the packaging.

3. Buying a large bag without checking how quickly it will be used

A 7.5 kg bag can reduce the price per kilogram, but it requires careful storage. Once opened, cat biscuits gradually lose their texture and aroma if the bag is not properly sealed. For a household with just one cat, a 1.35 to 3 kg format will often be easier to store.

What to check on the label

Age and lifestyle

Kitten food should be suitable for growing cats. For example, Purina One Bifensis Kitten is intended for kittens after weaning and up to 12 months, as well as pregnant or nursing cats. Its stated nutritional content is 41% protein and 20% fat. However, these figures should be considered in the context of the complete recipe and the manufacturer's recommendations.

For an adult cat, look for clear wording such as “complete food for adult cats”. Neutered, indoor or less active cats may also benefit from a formula paired with a suitable daily portion. This does not remove the need to monitor their weight and adjust quantities.

The difference between dry and wet food

Cat biscuits are practical, easy to portion and simple to store. The products featured here generally have a moisture content of between 6 and 10%. A bowl of clean water should always be available.

Cat pâté, in other words wet food, contains considerably more water. The Gourmet Gold and Gourmet Perle recipes featured contain around 82% moisture, while the Purina One Veal & Tuna wet recipe contains 79%. Individual 85 g portions make serving easy, but opened pouches and tins should be refrigerated and used promptly, in accordance with the label instructions.

Portions and changing food

Any change of food should be made gradually. For several Purina recipes, the recommended transition takes place over seven days, gradually mixing the old and new food. This method helps minimise sudden changes in texture and composition.

The right portion depends on your cat's weight, activity level, age and body condition. The guidance on the packaging is a starting point, not a universal rule. Weighing portions regularly can be useful, particularly for a neutered cat or one that lives mainly indoors.

Our selection by household profile

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
Friskies 5 Promises Indoor Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon - 3kg

Friskies 5 Promises salmon biscuits for indoor adult cats – 3 kg

Why this choice suits this profile : This 3 kg format lets you try a product without going straight for a family-sized bag. It is suitable for adult cats that live mainly indoors.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product listing classifies it as complete food for adult cats and states 30% protein, 11% fat and 3% fibre, rather than relying solely on the “salmon” wording.

Main benefit and key strengths

A 3 kg format, a declared complete recipe and biscuits designed for the everyday meals of adult cats.

Recommended for : Premium food enthusiasts
Gourmet Perle Filettine in Sauce Cat Food Variety Pack - 24 x 85g

Gourmet Perle Filettine in sauce for cats – 24 x 85 g variety pack

Why this choice suits this profile : These pouches offer several recipes in sauce, including lamb, rabbit, chicken and veal, for adult cats that enjoy a variety of textures.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Each variety states the proportion of the highlighted ingredient, set at 4%. The product is also identified as complete food for adult cats, rather than simply being a treat.

Main benefit and key strengths

24 x 85 g portions, a declared moisture content of 82% and four flavour combinations in one variety pack.

Recommended for : Specific needs and frequent users
PURINA Dry Cat Food with Beef for Sterilised Cats 1.35kg

PURINA beef biscuits for sterilised cats – 1.35 kg

Why this choice suits this profile : This product is aimed at sterilised or neutered adult cats and suits households that want to manage biscuit portions precisely.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The cat's profile is clearly stated, and the product listing recommends a gradual seven-day transition rather than changing food overnight.

Main benefit and key strengths

1.35 kg, 37% stated protein, 13% fat and 4% fibre, with beef as the highlighted ingredient.

Recommended for : Households with a kitten
Purina One Bifensis Kitten Food with Chicken - 1.35KG

Purina One Bifensis kitten food with chicken – 1.35 kg

Why this choice suits this profile : This product is intended for kittens after weaning and up to 12 months, with portion recommendations for each age range.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target age is clearly stated, helping you avoid accidentally giving adult cat food to a growing animal.

Main benefit and key strengths

1.35 kg format, 17% chicken listed in the composition, and separate recommendations for 6 to 12 weeks and 12 to 52 weeks.

Looking for more options ?

We have put together a comprehensive, real-time selection of products that meet these demanding criteria and European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Can you mix cat biscuits and wet food?

Yes, provided both products are suitable for your cat's age and the total quantity remains under control. You should add up the amount provided by each food to avoid overfeeding. Wet food can provide a different texture, while biscuits are easier to measure and store.

How long can you keep a bag of cat biscuits?

It depends on the date shown and the manufacturer's instructions. Once opened, seal the bag carefully or transfer its contents to an airtight container, away from heat and moisture. For larger formats, make sure your cat will eat them quickly enough to preserve their freshness and flavour.

Can cat treats replace a meal?

No, unless the label specifically says so. Treats and liquid snacks are generally complementary foods. They should remain a small part of your cat's daily diet, with the main meal consisting of complete and balanced cat food.