Does your cat turn its nose up at the latest treat you bought? You’re not alone! Every cat owner wants to spoil their furry friend, but the treat aisle can look like a confusing jungle of flavors and claims. Finding that perfect, healthy snack that your cat actually loves feels like a never-ending quest.
The problem is that many treats are full of unhealthy fillers or simply don’t appeal to picky eaters. You worry about your cat’s health, but you also want to see that happy tail wag. It’s tough balancing nutrition with undeniable deliciousness. We understand that frustration!
Inside this guide, we break down exactly what makes a cat treat worthwhile. We will show you how to spot the best ingredients, understand different treat types, and finally discover the snacks that will have your cat purring for more. Get ready to become the treat expert your cat deserves!
Top Cat Treat Recommendations
- 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 Lose Their Cool: Just shake the pack, and your favorite feline will come running for their favorite cat treats
- Purr-fect Texture: Cat treats are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the cat snack that keeps them coming back
- Under 2 Calories Per Treat: Each cat treat is under 2 calories, so these little crunchy goodies make the perfect snack or reward that can be given daily
- Trifecta of Tempting Cat Treats: Catnip Fever is a delicious cat snack with a mix of chicken, catnip, and cheese flavors your cat will love
- Value-Sized, Resealable Tub: Treat ’em again and again using the resealable tub that is perfect for keeping cat paws off when you’re not watching
- 【Irresistible Flavor Fusion】Cat grass treats blend wild-caught salmon oil with garden-fresh catnip. Even finicky eaters adore this flavor combo – perfect for rewarding good behavior or coaxing shy kitties out of hiding.
- 【Purr-fect Hairball Solution】Tackle hairballs naturally! Our hairball treatment for cats uses organic oat fiber to gently move ingested fur through the digestive tract. Reduces vomiting and constipation while promoting gut health – no more midnight hairball hacking.
- 【All-Life-Stage Nutrition】Cat grass for indoor cats supports kittens to seniors. Grain-free recipe with added taurine boosts vision/heart health. Low-calorie (under 1.5kcal per treat) prevents weight gain during training sessions.
- 【Mess-Free Freshness】No soil or watering cans! Our resealable tub keeps freeze dried cat treats crispy. Portable for road trips – just shake to grab your cat’s attention during recall training.
- 【Dental Health Powerhouse】Crunchy feline grass treats act like tiny toothbrushes. Infused with catnip to encourage chewing, they scrape away plaque and tartar buildup for fresher breath. Vet-approved alternative to greenies cat treats!
- Each grain free Friskies lil' soups cat food complement in this variety pack is made with real seafood to delight your cat
- Lickable cat treat intended as a complement to your cat's complete and balanced diet and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- These variety pack wet cat food toppers are packaged in cups for convenient serving
- A velvety broth adds yummy flavor to the three recipes in our adult cat food complement variety pack
- With shrimp, tuna and salmon grain free cat food mixers contain no poultry by-product
- 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.
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO USE: Use as a food topper for picky eaters, on its own as a quick treat, or a special reward for bonding time. These multi-use treats will have your cat purring with joy!
- MADE WITH PREMIUM INGREDIENTS YOU CAN TRUST: Crafted with high-quality ingredients and proteins to support your cat’s health and happiness.
- BOOST HYDRATION & SUPPORT FELINE HEALTH: Delivers up to 90% moisture, helping to increase your cat's daily water consumption.
- FREE OF THE BAD STUFF: Spoil your feline friend with a high-quality treat that’s Grain-Free, with NO added fillers or by-products, and NO added preservatives.
- VARIETY PACK: Discover your cat's favorite with this 1.4oz individual pouch collection! Includes 4 savory cage-free chicken & tuna, 4 nourishing wild-caught tuna, and 4 tuna & shrimp flavors.
- 【Natural Fiber for Digestive Support】Crafted with wholesome cat grass and natural fibers, these treats help support your cat’s digestive system and assist with hairball management—making snack time both enjoyable and functional.
- 【Crunchy Texture for Cleaner Teeth】The crunchy texture encourages chewing, which helps gently clean teeth and reduce plaque buildup. A tasty way to support your cat’s daily dental care routine.
- 【Pure and Clean Ingredients】 — Made with 100% natural cat grass and fiber our grain-free formula contains no artificial colors or preservatives making it ideal for cats with sensitive stomachs
- 【Freeze-Dried to Preserve Goodness】Our gentle freeze-drying process locks in nutrients and flavor, delivering a nutrient-rich snack that cats love and pet parents trust.
- 【Great for Training & Convenient On-the-Go】Perfect for rewarding good behavior or bonding during playtime. The resealable tub keeps treats fresh and makes them easy to take anywhere. Low-calorie and easy to serve.
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Picking the Best Cat Treats
Choosing the right treats for your feline friend can be exciting! Treats are great for training, bonding, and just showing your cat some love. This guide helps you pick the best options available.
Key Features to Look For
The best cat treats offer more than just a tasty snack. Look closely at these main features:
- Texture: Do you need crunchy, chewy, or soft treats? Crunchy treats can help clean teeth. Soft treats are often easier for older cats to eat.
- Size and Shape: Treats should be small enough for your cat to eat quickly. Tiny bites prevent choking. Some treats are shaped specifically for easy catching during play.
- Nutritional Value: Treats should complement your cat’s main diet, not replace it. Check if they offer added benefits, like Omega-3s for a shiny coat.
- Portion Control: Many good bags include serving suggestions. This helps you avoid overfeeding your cat.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the treat matters a lot for your cat’s health. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat!
Primary Protein Sources
Always look for real meat as the first ingredient. Good sources include:
- Chicken or Turkey (Look for “deboned” or “real” meat.)
- Fish (Salmon or Tuna)
- Lamb
Ingredients to Limit or Avoid
While some fillers are okay in small amounts, too many can lower the treat quality:
- Excessive Grains (Corn, Wheat)
- Artificial Colors and Flavors (If you see long chemical names, be cautious.)
- High levels of unknown “by-products.”
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a cat treat directly impacts your cat’s happiness and health.
Quality Boosters:
Treats that are freeze-dried or air-dried often retain more natural nutrients. Treats boasting limited ingredients are usually higher quality, especially for cats with sensitive stomachs. Natural preservatives, like Vitamin E, are preferred over chemical ones.
Quality Reducers:
Treats made mostly of plant proteins or sugars offer very little nutritional benefit to a cat. Very crumbly treats create a mess, which reduces the user experience for you!
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how and when you plan to use these treats. This affects what you should buy.
Training and Positive Reinforcement
For training sessions, you need small, highly desirable treats. Soft, strong-smelling treats work best because cats focus quickly on them. Keep these near your training area.
Bonding and Snacking
If you give treats just for bonding time, texture matters more. Some owners prefer dental treats they can give at night. Others use lickable purees that require you to spend time closely interacting with your cat.
Special Dietary Needs
Does your cat need low-calorie options? Or perhaps treats free from poultry? Always match the treat to your cat’s specific health needs. Consult your vet if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cat Treats
Q: How often should I give my cat treats?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. Usually, a few small pieces a day is enough.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better?
A: Grain-free is often better because cats do not need grains. However, check the label; sometimes, manufacturers replace grains with other fillers like potatoes.
Q: Can I give my dog’s treats to my cat?
A: No. Dog food and treats lack the high levels of protein and taurine that cats need to stay healthy.
Q: What is ‘taurine’ and why is it important in treats?
A: Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats. They cannot make enough of it themselves. It supports heart and eye health.
Q: Are freeze-dried treats worth the higher price?
A: Often, yes. Freeze-drying keeps the meat very close to its natural state, locking in nutrients and flavor.
Q: How long do soft treats last once opened?
A: Soft, moist treats usually last about 2 to 4 weeks after opening. Store them in the refrigerator if the package suggests it.
Q: What is the best treat for a picky eater?
A: Picky cats usually prefer strong flavors, like tuna or salmon. Try single-ingredient treats first, as they are very simple and appealing.
Q: Should I worry about the sugar content in treats?
A: Yes. Cats do not taste sweetness well, and too much sugar is unhealthy for them. Look for treats with zero added sugars.
Q: What does ‘limited ingredient’ mean?
A: It means the treat uses only a few ingredients, usually just one protein source and maybe a vitamin. This is great for cats with allergies.
Q: How do I transition my cat to a new type of treat?
A: Mix the new treat slowly with the old one over several days. Start with a tiny amount of the new treat and gradually increase it.