What’s the secret ingredient to a purr-fectly happy cat? Often, it’s a delicious treat! We all love seeing our feline friends perk up and race over when they hear that crinkly bag. But walking down the pet store aisle can feel like navigating a jungle. Chicken, salmon, grain-free, dental health—the choices overwhelm even the most dedicated cat parent.
Choosing the wrong treat can lead to a picky eater or, worse, tummy troubles for your beloved companion. You want to reward them, but you also need to ensure those snacks fit into their healthy diet. It’s a balancing act that leaves many owners wondering: Am I giving my cat the best?
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a cat treat worthwhile, from ingredient quality to portion size. By the end of this post, you will feel confident selecting treats that your cat craves and that you feel good about giving. Let’s dive into the world of tasty rewards and discover the secrets to happy treat time!
Top Cat Treats Recommendations
- 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.
- 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: Just shake the pack, and your favorite feline will come running for their favorite Temptations treats for cats
- Purr-fect Texture: Crunchy cat treats with a soft inside make it the cat snack that keeps them coming back
- Under 2 Calories Per Treat: Each pet treat is under 2 calories, so these little crunchy cat snacks make the perfect reward that can be given as part of a daily routine
- Trifecta of Temptations seafood cat treats: Surfer's Delight is a delicious snack with a mix of tuna, shrimp, and salmon flavors your cat will love
- Value-Sized, Resealable Tub: Treat 'em again and again using the Temptations dry cat treats resealable tub that is perfect for keeping cat paws off when you're not watching
- 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
- #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
- 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
- Cats Can't Resist: Your cat can't wait to get their paws on these irresistible crunchy cat treats that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, so shake the pack and they'll come running
- Under 2 Calories Per Treat: Feel good about rewarding your cat every day because these crunchy and soft cat treats are each under 2 calories and can be used as cat snacks, meals, or cat food toppers
- 100% Complete and Balanced for Adult Cats: Feel great about treating your phenomenal feline with Temptations treats for cats that are 100% nutritionally complete and balanced for adult feline maintenance
- Convenient Stay-Fresh Pouches: Resealable cat treats Temptations variety pack pouches make for easy treating and keep 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
- These Purina Friskies treats for cats are made with wild-caught tuna for the seafood taste cats crave and with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Our wholesome cat snacks contain two calories per piece
- Natural cat treats crafted with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients and featuring a crunchy texture that helps keep cat teeth clean
- Feed adult cats up to one of these Purina cat treats for each 1 pound of body weight, with a maximum of 10 treats daily
- Friskies Party Mix cat treats are available in a variety of delicious flavors for even more exciting snacking opportunities
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Treats
Treats make cats happy. They help you bond with your furry friend. Choosing the right treat is important for your cat’s health. Use this guide to find the best snacks.
Key Features to Look For
Good cat treats have several important features. These make them safe and appealing to your cat.
1. Texture and Form
- Crunchy Treats: These often help clean your cat’s teeth a little. They are fun to chew.
- Soft and Chewy Treats: These are great for older cats or cats with sensitive teeth. They are easy to eat.
- Lickable Treats (Pouches): Cats love these creamy snacks. They are good for quick rewards or hiding medicine.
2. Size and Shape
Treats should be small. A cat should be able to eat one in one or two bites. Big treats can make your cat choke or eat too many calories too fast.
3. Palatability (Taste Appeal)
Does your cat actually like the flavor? Most cats prefer meat or fish flavors. Look for treats that use real meat as the first ingredient.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the treat matters most. You want high-quality stuff.
Protein Source
Cats are carnivores. Treats must have real animal protein. Look for ingredients like:
- Chicken
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Turkey
Nutritional Value
Some treats offer extra benefits. These are often called “functional treats.”
- Skin and Coat: Look for Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Dental Health: Some treats have special shapes to scrub teeth.
- Digestive Health: Treats with added prebiotics or probiotics help the tummy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all ingredients are created equal. Pay attention to the label to avoid low-quality fillers.
Quality Boosters
High-quality treats limit unnecessary extras. Good treats feature whole, recognizable ingredients. Treats made with minimal processing usually taste better and are more nutritious.
Quality Reducers (Ingredients to Limit)
Watch out for these ingredients, especially if they are high on the list:
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: These add nothing good for your cat.
- Excessive Grains: Cats do not need a lot of corn, wheat, or soy.
- By-products: These are lower-quality parts of the animal compared to whole meat.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use treats affects your choice.
Training and Bonding
For training, you need quick, small rewards. Soft, tiny treats work best because you can give many without overfeeding. Use treats to reward good behavior, like using the scratching post.
Pill Hiding
If your cat needs medicine, you need a very moldable treat. Soft, dough-like treats are excellent for hiding pills. You simply wrap the medicine inside.
Portion Control
Remember, treats are not a meal. They should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. Choose treats that come in resealable bags to keep them fresh and help you track how many you give out.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cat Treats
Q: How often should I give my cat treats?
A: You should give treats sparingly. Aim for a few small treats a day, but make sure they are only a small part of the total food intake.
Q: Can treats make my cat overweight?
A: Yes. Treats are often high in calories. Too many treats lead to weight gain and health problems.
Q: What is the best flavor for picky cats?
A: Most cats prefer strong flavors like tuna, chicken, or salmon. Try a few different single-protein options to see what your cat loves most.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better?
A: Not necessarily. While cats do not need grains, some grain-free treats use other high-carb fillers. Look for high-protein content instead of just focusing on the “grain-free” label.
Q: Should I buy treats with dental benefits?
A: Dental treats can help a little bit with breath and minor plaque. However, they do not replace regular brushing or professional vet cleanings.
Q: What does “limited ingredient” mean?
A: Limited ingredient treats use very few components. This is great for cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs because it is easier to figure out what might be causing a reaction.
Q: Are freeze-dried treats better than baked treats?
A: Freeze-dried treats often retain more natural nutrients because they use less heat. They taste very strong, which cats enjoy.
Q: Can I give my dog’s treats to my cat?
A: No. Cat treats have different nutrient needs, especially higher levels of protein and taurine. Dog treats do not meet a cat’s specific dietary needs.
Q: When is the best time to give a treat?
A: Use treats during training sessions or as a special reward after a good grooming session or play time. Routine times help build positive associations.
Q: How long do soft treats last once opened?
A: Soft treats usually last about 4 to 6 weeks after opening, provided you seal the bag tightly and store them in a cool, dry place.