An investigation of feeding instructions on cat food labels in Belgium and comparison with European industry energy intake recommendations

BACKGROUND: There is concern that feeding instructions on commercial cat food labels may overestimate energy needs of cats, especially with the high prevalence of overweight and obese cats. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the feeding recommendations provided on cat food labels in Belgium against the Fédération Européenne de l'Industrie des Aliments pour Animaux Familiers (FEDIAF) average recommendations for adult cat energy intake. METHODS: Feeding instructions from cat foods, labelled as nutritionally complete for adults and available in Belgian shops, were analysed. Energy intake recommendations of individual labels and intake medians across groups of labels were evaluated against average energy factors established by FEDIAF. RESULTS: Most of the individual cat food labels analysed recommended a mean daily energy intake within the average FEDIAF-established range. Statistical medians of label recommendations across groups of products were compared with FEDIAF-recommended energy factors in both weight groups. Feeding instructions given in grams aligned more closely with FEDIAF guidelines when compared to those using the package as the measuring unit. LIMITATIONS: Feeding instructions were interpreted based on label content, which may not reflect owner practices. Additionally, some estimates relied on assumed food energy values using information available on the package labels. CONCLUSIONS: While feeding recommendations on cat food labels offer a useful starting point for determining daily portion sizes, this study highlights the importance of cat owners' understanding in how to adjust daily food intake to maintain their cat's ideal bodyweight.