Does your cat come running the moment you shake a bag of treats? For most feline owners, the sound of a crinkling package is the quickest way to turn a lazy nap into a burst of excitement. Treats are more than just a tasty snack; they are a wonderful way to bond with your pet and reward them for their good behavior.
However, walking down the pet food aisle can feel overwhelming. With so many colorful bags, confusing ingredient labels, and conflicting health claims, how do you know which ones are actually good for your furry friend? Many treats are filled with empty calories or fillers that offer no nutritional value, leaving many owners feeling guilty or unsure about what they are feeding their cats.
You deserve to feel confident every time you offer your cat a reward. In this guide, we will break down exactly what to look for in a high-quality treat. We will cover healthy ingredients to prioritize and common additives you should avoid. By the end of this post, you will have all the tools you need to choose snacks that are both delicious and nutritious.
Let’s dive into the world of cat treats and discover how to pick the perfect reward for your companion.
Top Cat Treat Recommendations
- Cats Can't Resist: Your cat can't wait to get their paws on these irresistible Temptations cat treats for indoor cats that are crunchy outside and soft inside, so shake the pack and they'll come running for their cat snacks treats
- Under 2 Calories Per Treat: Feel good about rewarding your cat every day because these low calorie cat treats deliver a crunchy treat under 2 calories and can be used as a meal, or cat food toppers
- 100% Complete and Balanced For Adult Cats: Feel great about treating your phenomenal feline with cat supplies that are 100% nutritionally complete and balanced cat food treats for adult cat maintenance
- Convenient Stay-Fresh Tub: Resealable dry cat treats tub makes for easy treating and keeps your cat's paws off when you're not watching
- The Purr-fect Pairing: Try all of our irresistible options that come in a variety of flavors cats come running for
- STARTS with REAL CHICKEN: Unlike many other brands, these cat treats feature real chicken as the first ingredient to tempt your feline friend
- TWO TEMPTING TEXTURES: Give your cat the best of both worlds – these crunchy cat treats feature a crunchy shell and a delicious creamy center cats can’t resist
- HEALTHY CAT TREATS: BLUE Bursts treats for cats are packed with the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll feel good about giving
- ONLY WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: BLUE cat treats contain NO poultry by-product meals, NO corn, wheat or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives
- Contains One (1) 5-oz bag of BLUE Bursts Crunchy Cat Treats, Chicken
- MADE WITH WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS YOU CAN TRUST: Every Inaba product is made with yummy high-quality ingredients including farm-raised chicken and/or natural wild-caught tuna
- KEEP YOUR FELINE HYDRATED WITHOUT ADDING CALORIES: Each delicious, creamy Churu tube contains 91% moisture and only 6 calories (a tenth of the calories of traditional dry cat treats), which makes it a healthy snack you can feel good about feeding
- FREE OF THE BAD STUFF: Your feline friend is important to us, which is why we've kept things like grains, preservatives, artificial colors and carrageenan out of our cat treats, but we added things like Vitamin E for immunity
- HAVE THEM EATING OUT OF YOUR HAND: These lickable purée meat tubes for cats were designed to be fed by hand, as an interactive way to spend time with your feline, but you can use as a wet/dry cat food topper or as a way to disguise medication
- ADD SOME VARIETY TO YOUR CAT'S LIFE: Available in eight savory flavors, cats of all stages (kitten to senior) will be able to find a flavor they love
- Cats Can't Resist: Your cat can't wait to get their paws on these irresistible Temptations cat treats for indoor cats that are crunchy outside and soft inside, so shake the pack and they'll come running for their cat snacks treats
- Under 2 Calories Per Treat: Feel good about rewarding your cat every day because these low calorie cat treats deliver a crunchy treat under 2 calories and can be used as a meal, or cat food toppers
- 100% Complete and Balanced For Adult Cats: Feel great about treating your phenomenal feline with cat supplies that are 100% nutritionally complete and balanced cat food treats for adult cat maintenance
- Convenient Stay-Fresh Tub: Resealable dry cat treats tub makes for easy treating and keeps your cat's paws off when you're not watching
- The Purr-fect Pairing: Try all of our irresistible options that come in a variety of flavors cats come running for
- Cats Can't Resist: Your cat can't wait to get their paws on these irresistible cat treats Temptations that are crunchy outside yet soft inside, so shake the pack, and they'll come running
- Under 2 Calories Per Treat: Feel good about rewarding your cat every day with these low calorie cat treats since each crunchy Temptations cat treat is under 2 calories and can be used as a snack, meal, or food topper in a regular feeding routine
- 100% Complete and Balanced For Adult Cats: Feel great about treating your phenomenal feline with cat supplies and cat products that are 100% nutritionally complete and balanced for adult maintenance
- Convenient Stay-Fresh Pouch: Crunchy cat treats come in a resealable tub for easy treating and to keep your cat's paws off the cat food topper when you're not watching
- The Purr-fect Pairing: Try all of our irresistible options that come in a variety of flavors cats come running for
- MADE WITH WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS YOU CAN TRUST: Every Inaba product is made with yummy high-quality ingredients including farm-raised chicken and/or natural wild-caught tuna
- KEEP YOUR FELINE HYDRATED WITHOUT ADDING CALORIES: Each delicious, creamy Churu tube contains 91% moisture and only 6 calories (a tenth of the calories of traditional dry cat treats), which makes it a healthy snack you can feel good about feeding
- FREE OF THE BAD STUFF: Your feline friend is important to us, which is why we've kept things like grains, preservatives, artificial colors and carrageenan out of our cat treats, but we added things like Vitamin E for immunity
- HAVE THEM EATING OUT OF YOUR HAND: These lickable purée meat tubes for cats were designed to be fed by hand, as an interactive way to spend time with your feline, but you can use as a wet/dry cat food topper or as a way to disguise medication
- ADD SOME VARIETY TO YOUR CAT'S LIFE: Available in 19 savory flavors, cats of all stages (kitten to senior) will be able to find a flavor they love
- LARGE VALUE PACK: This variety pack includes 54 individual 0.5oz Squeeze Up tubes, providing plenty of opportunities for daily rewards and special bonding time with your cat.
- HANDHELD LICKABLE TREAT: Make bonding with your cat super easy and rewarding with this interactive and playful handheld cat treat
- BOOST HYDRATION & SUPPORT FELINE HEALTH: Unlike dry treats (often only 10% moisture), Squeeze Up delivers up to 90% moisture, helping to increase your cat's daily water consumption.
- MADE WITH PREMIUM INGREDIENTS YOU CAN TRUST: All Delectables treats are crafted with high-quality ingredients and proteins to support your cat’s health and happiness.
- FREE OF THE BAD STUFF: Spoil your feline friend with a high quality treat that’s Grain-Free, NO added fillers or by-products, and NO added preservatives.
- #1 Veterinarian-Recommended Treat for Cat Dental Care: Feline Greenies Dental Treats for cats are the #1 veterinarian-recommended dental cat snacks that clean teeth and freshen breath
- Crunchy Cat Dental Treat Texture Fights Tartar: Including Greenies cat dental treats into your daily care routine supports 36% less tartar accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Oral Care: This cat dental treat offers clinically proven oral care to help maintain your cat's dental hygiene, and these cat teeth cleaning treats have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline
- Tasty Cat Treats: You'll surely hear happy purrs of joy as your feline enjoys the delicious taste of a savory salmon-flavored Greenies for cats
- Low Calorie Cat Treat: Less than two calories per cat dental treat, Greenies Cat Treats for indoor cats allow you to treat with confidence
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Treats
Finding the right cat treat can feel overwhelming. With so many options on store shelves, how do you pick the best one? This guide breaks down everything you need to know to keep your cat happy and healthy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for treats, always check the label first. High-quality treats should list a real protein source as the first ingredient. Look for chicken, turkey, salmon, or beef. Avoid treats that list “meat by-products” or “animal digest.” You also want to check the calorie count. Treats should only make up about 10% of your cat’s daily food intake.
Important Ingredients
The best treats use simple, natural ingredients. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives like BHA or BHT. Some cats have sensitive stomachs, so look for “limited ingredient” treats if your cat has allergies. Grain-free options are popular, but they are not necessary unless your cat has a specific grain sensitivity. Always prioritize high protein and low sugar.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors determine if a treat is high-quality or low-quality:
- Freshness: Treats should be sealed properly to keep them crunchy or moist.
- Sourcing: Look for brands that source their ingredients from trusted regions like the USA, Canada, or New Zealand.
- Processing: Freeze-dried or air-dried treats keep more nutrients than highly processed, baked snacks.
- Fillers: Treats packed with corn, wheat, or soy are usually lower quality. These are “empty calories” that provide little nutritional value.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you are giving the treat. Are you training your cat? If so, use small, soft treats that your cat can eat quickly. Are you trying to clean their teeth? Use crunchy dental treats designed to scrape away plaque. Some cats also love “lickable” treats. These are great for hiding medicine or keeping a cat calm during grooming.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many treats can my cat eat in one day?
A: Treats should never exceed 10% of your cat’s total daily calories. Check the packaging for specific serving sizes.
Q: Are soft treats better than crunchy ones?
A: It depends on the cat. Soft treats are easier for older cats to chew, while crunchy treats may help clean teeth.
Q: Can I give my cat human food as a treat?
A: Most human food is not safe. Never give chocolate, onions, garlic, or grapes, as these are toxic to cats.
Q: Should I buy grain-free treats?
A: Grain-free is helpful for cats with allergies, but most cats digest grains just fine. Focus on protein content instead.
Q: How do I store cat treats?
A: Keep them in a cool, dry place. Reseal the bag tightly or use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Q: Are freeze-dried treats healthy?
A: Yes! Freeze-dried treats are usually just pure meat. They are excellent for cats on raw or high-protein diets.
Q: Can treats help with hairballs?
A: Yes, there are specific treats formulated with extra fiber to help move hair through the digestive system.
Q: My cat is overweight. Can they still have treats?
A: Yes, but you must reduce the amount of their regular meal to make up for the extra calories.
Q: Are “dental” treats actually effective?
A: They help reduce plaque, but they do not replace regular veterinary dental cleanings.
Q: Can kittens have the same treats as adult cats?
A: Check the label. Most treats are for “all life stages,” but kittens have smaller mouths and need smaller pieces.