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Cat food: how to choose a complete wet food that suits your feline

Does your cat turn its nose up at their food, quickly tire of a recipe or struggle to digest certain foods? Wet cat food adds variety to mealtimes while significantly increasing your cat’s water intake. But with claims such as ‘natural’, ‘high in meat’ and ‘grain-free’, it’s not always easy to tell useful information from marketing.

Before you fill your basket, there are three things to watch out for.

  • An appetising picture of meat doesn’t guarantee a high meat content. Check the ingredients list and see which ingredients appear first.
  • ‘Grain-free’ doesn’t necessarily mean the food is complete. Wet cat food should state its legal classification and any nutritional supplements it contains.
  • A recipe that cats love won’t necessarily suit every cat. Needs vary depending on each animal’s age, weight, activity level, whether they’re neutered and any sensitivities.

What to check when choosing wet cat food

1. Complete or complementary food?

For everyday meals, look for the words ‘complete food for adult cats’ or an equivalent statement. This means the product is designed to meet your cat’s nutritional needs when served according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The products featured here are listed on their respective product pages as complete foods for adult cats. Some products may be available in several variants, so always check the label on the product you receive. For a senior cat, a recipe specially formulated for older animals may be a good choice. If your cat has a diagnosed condition or is on a prescribed diet, ask your vet for advice before changing their food.

2. Read the ingredients rather than relying on the packaging

Wet food that’s high in meat should be judged by its ingredients list, not just by its pictures. Some recipes, for example, state that meat, offal and broth make up more than 60% of the ingredients. Heart and liver are commonly used ingredients in cat food.

The single-protein label may appeal to owners who want to limit the number of animal protein sources in their cat’s diet. However, it can’t diagnose a food sensitivity on its own, and it’s no substitute for veterinary advice if your cat has an unusual reaction.

3. Check for cereals, sugars and additives

Grain-free cat food is a good option if you want to avoid wheat, maize or rice. But this alone isn’t enough to judge the whole recipe. Also check for added sugars, vegetable by-products, thickeners and flavourings.

According to their product pages, the MjAMJAM recipes featured in this selection are grain-free, gluten-free and contain no added sugars. The Gourmet Gold multipack, on the other hand, lists sugars and vegetable by-products in its ingredients. This is worth bearing in mind if you’re looking for natural cat food with a short ingredients list.

Which texture and pack size suit your routine?

Cat mousse has a smooth texture that may appeal to cats who prefer soft foods. 85 g tins make portioning easy, while cat food pouches let you serve an individual portion without having to store an opened tin.

The 125 g formats can be handy for cats who have several wet meals throughout the day. Once opened, MjAMJAM recipes should be kept in the fridge and used within 24 hours, according to the brand. If you have several cats or your cat eats wet food regularly, a cat food multipack can help cut down on repeat trips to the shops. Remember to check the best-before date and storage instructions.

Recommended for : Beginners and small budgets
Gourmet Gold Mousse Cat Food Variety Pack - 4 x 85g

Gourmet Gold Mousse cat food – assorted pack of 4 x 85 g tins

Why this is a good fit for this profile : This pack of four 85 g tins lets you try several flavours — beef, turkey, liver and tuna — without ending up with a large stock of a recipe your cat might refuse.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The variety pack reduces the risk of accumulating several tins of a flavour your cat turns their nose up at. The product page also states that no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives are added. However, the ingredients list includes sugars and vegetable by-products.

Key benefit and highlights

A mousse texture, 85 g portions and a complete food for adult cats, according to the product page.

Recommended for : Premium food enthusiasts
MJAMJAM Quetschie Pure Cat Wet Food Horse 125g

MJAMJAM Quetschie Pure cat food – horse, 125 g

Why this is a good fit for this profile : This horse recipe is for those who prefer a short ingredients list and a less common protein source.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product page states that the recipe contains 67 % horse — meat, liver, lungs, heart and stomach — as well as 32 % broth. It’s listed as grain-free and gluten-free, with no synthetic preservatives.

Key benefit and highlights

A complete food for adult cats, with 1 500 mg/kg of taurine and 79 % moisture, according to the product page.

Recommended for : Specific needs and frequent use
Felix Classic Cat Wet Food Skin & Coat Coat Care 88 Pouches x 85g

Felix Classic cat food – skin and coat care, 88 x 85 g pouches

Why this is a good fit for this profile : This large pack is ideal for households that serve pouches every day and want to switch between beef, chicken, tuna and salmon flavours.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The individual 85 g portions help limit leftovers. However, the product page states that each recipe contains at least 4 % of the highlighted ingredient. It’s best to check the ingredients before ordering.

Key benefit and highlights

A pack of 88 pouches in four flavours, and a complete food for adult cats according to the information provided.

Looking for other options ?

We’ve put together a comprehensive selection, updated in real time, of products that meet these exacting criteria and European food safety requirements.

Frequently asked questions about wet cat food

Can you give an adult cat wet food every day?

Yes, as long as it’s labelled as complete food and served in the recommended amounts. Adjust the portions to suit your cat’s weight, activity level and body condition. Make sure they always have access to fresh water, too.

How long can you keep an opened tin or pouch?

Put any leftovers in the fridge and follow the instructions on the label. Several recipes in this selection recommend using the food within 24 hours of opening. Serving it at room temperature may also make it more appealing to your cat.

Which wet food should you choose for a sensitive cat?

Wet food for sensitive cats may have a short ingredients list, just one animal protein source and no cereals or added sugars. However, introduce any new food gradually. If the problems persist, ask your vet for advice rather than repeatedly switching recipes.