Top 5 Healthy Cat Treats: Your Essential Review Guide

Does your cat turn its nose up at that expensive treat, or perhaps you worry about the ingredients hidden in those colorful bags? We all love to spoil our feline friends, but navigating the world of cat treats can feel like a minefield. You want to show affection, but you also want to keep those purrs healthy for years to come. The biggest challenge is sorting through labels packed with confusing chemicals and fillers, leaving you unsure if you are truly nourishing your pet or just adding empty calories.

Choosing treats shouldn’t cause stress. You deserve simple answers that lead to happy mealtimes and a healthier cat. This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a treat truly healthy, reveal the sneaky ingredients to avoid, and show you easy ways to incorporate nutritious snacks into your cat’s daily routine.

Ready to upgrade your treat game from guesswork to confidence? Keep reading to discover the best, wholesome options that your discerning kitty will actually devour.

Top Healthy Cat Treats Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Vital Essentials Salmon Bites Cat Treats, 1.1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Single Protein | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free

FREEZE-DRIED RAW SALMON CAT TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Cat Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw cat treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut salmon.
BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried cat treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our cat treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
MADE WITHOUT: Cat treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw cat food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and cats with allergies!
RAW CAT TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.

Bestseller No. 2

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats, Grain-Free Treats for Cats Made with Natural Ingredients, Great for Training, Tasty Chicken Flavor, 12-oz. Tub

REAL MEAT FIRST: These Blue Buffalo cat treats are made with real chicken as the first ingredient for a taste cats love
CRUNCHY CAT TREATS: BLUE Wilderness grain-free cat snacks satisfy their wild side with the crunch they crave
GREAT FOR TRAINING: BLUE Wilderness cat treats are the ideal reward for any feline friend
WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These natural cat treats contain no chicken (or poultry) by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Contains: One (1) 12-oz tub of BLUE Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats, Chicken Flavor

Bestseller No. 3

Purrly Lickable Wet Cat Treats Healthy Grain-Free Chicken Variety Pack (18 Count) Squeezable Creamy Purée with Human-Grade Protein Sources and Functional Nutrients Non-GMO No-Artificial-Additives

HUMAN-GRADE PROTEIN SOURCES - Purrly uses only human-grade meat and fish as the primary protein source, exceeding industry standards and ensuring exceptional taste and unmatched nutritional value for your cat. These exquisite treats elevate snack time beyond ordinary treats, offering a truly gourmet experience that satisfies your feline's discerning palate. Each pouch serving unparalled quality and nutrition.
CLEAN & TRANSPARENT INGREDIENTS - Purrly proudly avoids artificial additives, grains, by-products, fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors and colors, providing you with complete peace of mind about what your cat is consuming. Our commitment to clean and transparent ingredients allows you to trust that you're giving your cat the best possible, allowing you to feel confident in your choice.
ESSENTIAL HYDRATION & ENTICING AROMA - Purrly treats are meticulously formulated with natural chicken and fish broth, providing an enticing aroma that cats love and additional hydration, especially beneficial for cats who might not drink enough water. This added hydration plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's overall health and well-being.
FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION - Purrly goes beyond just taste and aroma, being enriched with essential nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This combination creates a comprehensive and functional treat that nourishes your cat from within, not just satisfying their taste buds.
LOW CALORIE - Purrly treats are formulated to be low in calories compared to traditional dry treats. Less than 6 calories per serving. This makes them a guilt-free way to reward your cat while helping them maintain a healthy weight. The lower calorie content allows for easier portion control, which is crucial for cats prone to overeating or weight management concerns.

SaleBestseller No. 4

Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats, Great for Training, Paw-Lickin' Chicken, 5-oz Bag

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

Bestseller No. 5

Greenies Feline Veterinarian-Recommended Adult Natural Dental Cat Treats, Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor, 9.75 oz. Tub

Perfect Cat Treats For Daily Dental Care: Feline Greenies Natural Dental Treats for Adult Cats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath; and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
#1 Veterinarian-Recommended Treat for Cat Dental Care: Feline Greenies Dental Cat Treats are the #1 veterinarian-recommended cat dental treats that clean teeth and freshen breath
Crunchy Cat Dental Treat Texture Fights Tartar: Including Greenies dental treats for cats into your daily dental 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 treats for teeth cleaning 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 an oven roasted chicken-flavored cat dental treat

Bestseller No. 6

Vital Essentials Chicken Hearts Cat Treats, 1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Single Ingredient | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free

FREEZE-DRIED RAW CHICKEN HEARTS CAT TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Cat Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw cat treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut chicken hearts.
BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried cat treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our cat treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
MADE WITHOUT: Cat treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw cat food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and cats with allergies!
RAW CAT TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.

Bestseller No. 7

Wellix Mini Sunny Bites Freeze Dried Chicken Treats for Cat & Small Dog - Healthy Cat Treats for Indoor Cats - Supports Immunity&Gut Healthy for Training Kitten Snack or Puppy Treat 2.65oz

95% Pets Love It - Wellix sunny bites feature an adorable funny sunny-side-up egg shape and are incredibly delicious—even picky eaters pet love these cat snacks. These freeze-dried pet treats can be fed directly, or used as cat food topper, given for cat training treat, or served as dog&cat dental treats. A fun and easy way to support your pet’s health
Limited Ingredients Treats - Wellix grain-free cat treats made only with fresh, human-grade pet food like chicken, pumpkin, goat milk, egg yolk, and fish oil. No fillers, by-products, artificial colors, or additives—just wholesome and tasty health treats for your pets
Raw Cat Treats Freeze Dried For Peak Freshness - This protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, A high-protein, all-natural snack perfect as kitten treats and cat treats for indoor cats, supporting overall health with every raw, palatable bite
All-In-1 Health Boost - Wellix freeze dried dog&cat treats will naturally boost your pet's immunity, aid gut health digestive support, srong teeth, and promote shiny coats. The high-protein treat help keep your pets stronger and happier
Mini Size - This newly upgraded 2.65oz freeze-dried healthy dog treat is more convenient to carry, letting your beloved pet enjoy deliciousness anytime, anywhere during outings. The canister design locks in freshness and facilitates easy access, delivering lasting flavor

Bestseller No. 8

Fruitables Cat Treats, Healthy Treats For Cats, Low Calorie and Packed with Protein, Crunchy Biscuits, No Wheat, Corn or Soy, Made with Real Tuna and Pumpkin, 2.5oz

IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR FOR PICKY CATS: Even the choosiest cats will crave the delicious combo of real tuna and pumpkin in every bite; With a rich, satisfying crunch and mouthwatering flavor, these treats keep picky eaters excited for treat time
LOW-CALORIE CRUNCH: With fewer than 1 calorie per treat, these light and crunchy snacks are perfect for frequent treating without the extra calories; They’re a smart way to reward your cat while supporting healthy weight and overall well-being
MADE WITH SUPERFOODS: Packed with nutrient-rich superfoods like pumpkin, these treats offer natural vitamins and antioxidants to help support your cat’s immune system; Delicious and wholesome, they’re a treat you can feel good about giving every day
HEALTHY CAT TREATS: Made without wheat, corn, or soy, these treats are perfect for cats with common food sensitivities; They provide a safe, wholesome reward packed with flavor, so you can treat your feline with confidence and care every day
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS: Made with just the good stuff, these treats deliver delicious flavor without any artificial additives, fillers, or by-products; It’s a wholesome way to treat your cat and feel confident about what you’re putting in their bowl

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Healthy Treats for Your Feline Friend

Choosing the right treats for your cat is important. Healthy treats keep your cat happy and support their well-being. This guide helps you pick the best options.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for healthy cat treats, look for specific things. These features tell you if the treat is a good choice.

High-Quality Protein Source

Real Meat or Fish: The first ingredient should be a named meat source, like chicken, salmon, or turkey. This gives your cat necessary building blocks.
Avoid Vague Terms: Steer clear of labels that just say “meat by-products” or “animal digest” as the main ingredient.

Nutrient Density

Low in Fillers: Healthy treats use very few ingredients. They should not be packed with cheap fillers that add no nutrition.
Added Vitamins and Minerals: Some good treats include beneficial extras like Taurine (essential for cat hearts) or Omega fatty acids (good for skin and coat).

Texture and Form

Match Your Cat’s Needs: Do you need soft, chewy treats for older cats? Or crunchy biscuits for dental health? Choose a texture your cat enjoys.

Important Ingredients: What to Include and What to Avoid

The ingredient list is your best friend. It tells the whole story about the treat’s quality.

Good Ingredients (Boost Quality)

Whole Foods: Look for recognizable items like sweet potato, peas, or pumpkin in small amounts for fiber.
Natural Preservatives: Vitamin E (tocopherols) is a great natural way to keep treats fresh.

Bad Ingredients (Reduce Quality)

Artificial Colors and Flavors: Your cat does not need bright red or blue dyes. These offer zero nutritional value.
Excessive Grains: Cats are obligate carnivores. Too much corn, wheat, or soy acts only as cheap filler.
Artificial Preservatives: BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are chemicals used to keep food shelf-stable but are best avoided.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality is determined by how the treats are made and what they are made from.

Quality Boosters

Simple Recipes: Fewer ingredients usually mean higher quality. A treat with five ingredients is often better than one with twenty.
Human-Grade Standards: Some premium brands process their ingredients under standards similar to those used for human food. This usually means better sourcing.

Quality Reducers

High Ash Content: Treats high in minerals (ash) can sometimes strain a cat’s kidneys over time, especially if they already have health issues.
Sugars and Syrups: Some treats add molasses or corn syrup to make them tastier for humans who buy them. Cats do not need added sugar.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use treats matters too. Good treats fit into your daily routine easily.

Training and Bonding

High-Value Rewards: Use small, highly appealing treats for training sessions. They should be exciting enough to motivate your cat quickly.
Portion Control: Treats should make up less than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Look for very small, low-calorie pieces so you can reward often without overfeeding.

Special Needs

Sensitive Stomachs: If your cat has allergies, single-ingredient or novel protein treats (like duck or venison) often work best.
Weight Management: For overweight cats, choose freeze-dried options. They are light, airy, and satisfying without many calories.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Healthy Cat Treats

Q: How often should I give my cat treats?

A: Treats should only make up about 10% of your cat’s total daily calories. Offer them sparingly, perhaps a few times a day, depending on the size of the treat.

Q: Are grain-free treats always healthier?

A: Grain-free is often better, but not always. Make sure the grain replacement is not just a high amount of potato or tapioca, which are also low-value carbs for cats.

Q: What does “freeze-dried” mean for a treat?

A: Freeze-drying removes almost all the water from raw meat or fish. This keeps the nutrients locked in without needing many chemical preservatives.

Q: Can I use dog treats for my cat?

A: No, you should not. Cats require different nutrients, like high levels of Taurine, which dog treats often lack.

Q: What is the best ingredient for a cat with a sensitive stomach?

A: Look for novel proteins (proteins your cat has never eaten before) like rabbit or specific fish, or very simple, single-ingredient treats.

Q: How can I tell if a treat is too high in salt?

A: Check the guaranteed analysis section on the bag. If the sodium level seems high compared to other treats, consider another option, especially for older cats.

Q: Are dental treats a replacement for brushing?

A: No. Dental treats help scrape some plaque, but they are not a replacement for regular tooth brushing or professional veterinary dental cleanings.

Q: Should I worry about carbohydrates in treats?

A: Yes. Cats do not need many carbohydrates. Keep the total carb count low by choosing meat-based treats over baked, starchy ones.

Q: What is the shelf life of natural treats versus artificial ones?

A: Natural treats preserved with Vitamin E might have a shorter shelf life once opened. Store them tightly sealed in a cool, dark place.

Q: Is it okay if my cat begs for treats all the time?

A: If your cat begs constantly, they might be bored or overfed treats. Focus on using treats only as rewards for good behavior or training, not free-feeding.