Does your feline friend turn their nose up at their current snacks? You want to give your cat the best, but walking down the pet store aisle for treats can feel like navigating a minefield. So many packages promise “natural,” but what does that really mean for your beloved companion’s health?
The truth is, many commercial cat treats are packed with fillers, artificial ingredients, and things you cannot even pronounce. This leaves dedicated cat owners feeling frustrated and worried. You want tasty rewards that support your cat’s energy and shiny coat, not just empty calories. Finding treats that are truly wholesome and safe can be a real challenge.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for in high-quality, natural cat treats. You will learn how to spot the good stuff and avoid the junk. Prepare to discover simple, healthy options that will have your cat purring with delight.
Top Natural Cat Treats Recommendations
- 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.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW MINNOWS 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 minnows.
- 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.
- CRUNCHY CAT TREATS: Indulge your cat with these natural, grain free crunchy cat treats; at only 2 calories per treat, Kittles are the purrfect way to show your kitty love; they're not only delicious, but help clean teeth too
- ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS: These treats contain only premium, high quality, all natural ingredients including fruits and veggies; real meat is the number one ingredient
- THOUGHTFULLY MADE: We craft delicious treats with simple, natural, high quality ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits; no meat byproducts, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- FIND THE RIGHT TREATS: Wellness offers a full range of treats to support your cat's specific needs, including kitten and indoor cat treats, grained and grain free, and crunchy and chewy varieties
- WELLNESS NUTRITION: Created by nutritionists, veterinarians and animal lovers, our recipes provide an ideal balance of nature's finest ingredients, carefully selected to nourish and sustain your pet's wellbeing
- 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.
- STARTS with REAL SALMON: Unlike many other brands, these cat treats feature real salmon 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, Seafood
- 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.
- All-natural, salmon-flavored treats have a crispy, crunchy exterior and a flaky interior.
- Made with just 14 ingredients that leaves out the stuff he doesn’t need to eat
- Only 1.9 calories per treat and helps to reduce hunger in between meals.
- Six-petal flower shape provides an interesting texture that appeals to cats.
- Made in the USA by the veterinarian-owned company with about 180 treats per bag.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW CHICKEN BREAST 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 breast.
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Natural Cat Treats
Giving your cat treats is a wonderful way to show love and help with training. But not all treats are created equal! Choosing natural cat treats means picking healthier snacks for your furry friend. This guide will help you find the best options.
Key Features to Look For in Natural Cat Treats
What Makes a Treat Great?
When you look at the label, check for these important features:
- Simple Ingredient List: Good natural treats use very few ingredients. You should recognize most of the names!
- High Protein Content: Cats are carnivores. Look for treats where the first ingredient is real meat, poultry, or fish.
- No Artificial Additives: Skip the bright colors, fake flavors, and chemical preservatives. Natural treats should not have these.
- Appropriate Size and Texture: Does the treat fit your cat’s mouth easily? Is it crunchy for dental cleaning or soft for older cats?
Important Ingredients Matter Most
What Should Be In (and Out) of the Bag?
The quality of the ingredients directly affects your cat’s health.
Top Ingredients to Seek Out:
- Real Meat or Fish: Chicken, salmon, tuna, or turkey are excellent choices. These provide necessary amino acids.
- Limited Carbohydrates: Cats do not need many grains or starches. Treats low in corn, wheat, and soy are better.
- Natural Preservatives: Look for preservation using Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or rosemary extract instead of artificial chemicals.
Avoid ingredients that are vague, like “meat by-products.” These offer little nutritional value.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Treat Quality
How to Spot a High-Quality Snack
The way a treat is made seriously changes its worth.
Quality Boosters:
- Freeze-Dried: This process removes water while keeping most nutrients intact. Freeze-dried single-ingredient treats (like pure chicken breast) are often the highest quality.
- Human-Grade Ingredients: Treats made with ingredients safe for people usually mean better sourcing and handling.
Quality Reducers:
- Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like rice, potato, or excessive vegetable glycerin bulk up the treat but don’t help your cat.
- Rendered Fats: Fats of unknown origin can lead to digestive upset.
User Experience and Use Cases
When and How to Use Treats
Natural treats fit into several parts of your cat’s routine.
Training and Bonding:
Small, easily chewable natural treats work perfectly for positive reinforcement during training sessions. Because they are high-value (tasty!), cats respond well.
Enrichment and Boredom Busters:
Use larger, tougher natural chews (like dried tendons or fish skins) to keep indoor cats busy. This mimics natural foraging behavior.
Dietary Needs:
If your cat has allergies, single-ingredient natural treats are essential. You easily isolate the specific protein source causing problems.
Tip: Always check the calorie count. Even healthy treats should only make up about 10% of your cat’s daily food intake.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Cat Treats
Q: What is the main difference between natural and regular treats?
A: Natural treats use whole, recognizable ingredients and avoid artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives found in many standard treats.
Q: Are natural treats always healthier?
A: Usually, yes, because they have fewer fillers. However, you must still check the ingredient list for hidden sugars or low-quality meat sources.
Q: How often should I give my cat treats?
A: Treats should be a small part of the diet. Offer them sparingly, perhaps a few small pieces throughout the day, mainly for training or bonding.
Q: Can I feed my cat human food as a treat?
A: Some plain, cooked meats or fish are fine in tiny amounts. But processed human foods (like deli meat) often contain too much salt or seasonings for cats.
Q: Do freeze-dried treats last long?
A: Yes. Because the moisture is removed, freeze-dried treats have a long shelf life if kept sealed in a cool, dry place.
Q: What if my cat won’t eat the new natural treat?
A: Cats can be picky! Try warming the treat slightly to enhance the smell, or switch to a different protein source (like switching from chicken to salmon).
Q: Are grain-free treats always better for cats?
A: Since cats are carnivores, low-grain or grain-free treats are generally preferred over those loaded with corn or wheat.
Q: Should I worry about dental treats?
A: Some natural dental treats help scrape plaque, but they are not a replacement for regular brushing or veterinary dental cleanings.
Q: What does “limited ingredient” mean?
A: It means the treat contains only a very small number of components, often just one main protein source, which helps prevent food sensitivities.
Q: Where should I store natural cat treats?
A: Store them in their original airtight container or transfer them to a sealed jar away from heat and direct sunlight to maintain freshness.