Ever watch your cat turn up their nose at a brand-new toy, only to go absolutely wild for a tiny, crunchy treat? It’s a universal truth for cat owners: treats hold a special kind of magic for our feline friends. But that magic can quickly become a minefield when you stand in the pet store aisle, staring at walls of colorful packaging. How do you choose the best option without overloading your kitty with sugar or mystery ingredients?
The pain point is real. We want to reward our cats, strengthen our bond, and maybe even sneak in some extra nutrients, but sorting through fillers, artificial colors, and endless flavors is exhausting. You worry about dental health, weight gain, and whether that “natural” label actually means anything good. Finding that perfect, guilt-free reward feels like a full-time job.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down the essential things you need to know about cat treats—from understanding ingredient lists to matching the right treat to your cat’s specific needs, whether they are a playful kitten or a senior sweetheart. Get ready to become the ultimate treat expert.
Top Cat Treat Recommendations
- Cats Lose Their Cool: Your cat can’t wait to get their paws on these irresistible 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 cat treats are under 2 calories each and can be used as cat snacks, meal, or cat food toppers
- 100% Complete and Balanced For Adult Cats: Feel great about treating your phenomenal feline with crunchy cat treats that are 100% nutritionally complete and balanced for adult cat maintenance
- Convenient Stay-Fresh Tub: Resealable tub make for easy treating and keeps your cat’s paws off when you’re not watching
- 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
- Irresistible Crunch with Creamy Delight: Meow Luv Delights' crunchy cat treats offer a tantalizing texture with a creamy center your furry friend will adore. Each bite satisfies their natural craving for variety, transforming treat time into a captivating sensory experience, perfect for cats that love crunchy cat treats. Spoil them with both texture and taste, creating moments of pure joy and bonding as you reward their playful antics.
- Soy-Free, Guilt-Free Treating: At under 2 calories each, these cat treats provide a mindful choice for health-conscious pet parents. Crafted without soy, they cater to kitties with dietary sensitivities, ensuring your cat enjoys delicious cat treats healthy enough for everyday indulgence. Delight in the comfort of treating without compromise, constantly showering your feline with love and optimal nutrition.
- Perfect for Indoor Lifestyle: Tailored for cats who relish indoor living, Meow Luv Delights' treats are an ideal fit; satisfy their need for stimulation and engagement. Offer cat treats for indoor cats that encourage interaction and playful hunting instincts, supporting a happy and vibrant feline lifestyle in the comfort of home. Encourage companionship and comfort, sharing quality time as you nurture your bond with fun and flavor.
- Crafted for Purr-fection: With a focus on quality, Meow Luv Delights ensures each treat maintains the highest standards. Calm your mind with treats designed with your pet's well-being in mind, offering wholesome ingredients and flavorsome rewards. Witness the joy in every tail twitch and purr; the commitment to excellence is evident in treats that delight and nourish, securing your cat’s approval and trust.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Advanced Heart & Vision Support：Specially formulated with Taurine for cats and Coenzyme Q10, these healthy cat treats are designed to support optimal heart function, sharp vision, and overall cellular energy. As a vital part of your cat essentials, they deliver the core nutrients every feline needs to thrive.
- Cat Immune Booster: Enriched with a comprehensive cat multivitamin complex that includes Vitamins C & E, these cat treats provide all-in-one immune and nutritional support.
- Crunchy Texture for Benefits：The crunchy texture make it as a effective cat teeth cleaning treats, helping reduce tartar buildup as your cat chews. This texture supports oral health while providing essential daily nutrition.
- Irresistible Chicken Flavor for Easy Feeding:These cat snacks treats feature a delicious chicken flavor that even picky eaters adore. They make daily supplementation simple and stress-free.
- Perfect for Training & Daily Rewards：Ideal as cat training treats, these cat treats are perfectly sized and flavored, making them a convenient and bonding experience for pet parents.
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Treats
Finding the right treat for your feline friend can be exciting! Treats are great for training, showing love, or just making your cat happy. This guide will help you pick the best options available.
Key Features to Look For
Good cat treats offer more than just flavor. Look for these important features:
- Texture: Treats come in soft, crunchy, or freeze-dried forms. Soft treats are good for older cats with sensitive teeth. Crunchy treats help clean teeth slightly. Freeze-dried treats are often pure meat and highly appealing.
- Size and Shape: Treats should be small enough for quick rewards. You don’t want your cat filling up on treats instead of their main meal. Small, bite-sized pieces work best for quick training sessions.
- Nutritional Value: Treats should complement, not replace, your cat’s balanced diet. Look for treats labeled as “supplemental feeding only.”
- Appeal/Palatability: Does your cat actually like the flavor? Tuna, chicken, and salmon are usually big hits.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the treat matters for your cat’s health. Always check the ingredient list first.
Protein Sources
Cats are carnivores. High-quality treats list real meat or fish as the first ingredient. This could be chicken, turkey, beef, or salmon. These provide essential amino acids.
Avoidance List
Some ingredients should be limited or avoided:
- Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy are often used as cheap fillers. Cats do not need large amounts of these.
- Artificial Colors and Preservatives: These offer no nutritional benefit and can sometimes cause sensitivities in certain cats.
- Too Much Salt or Sugar: Treats should not taste like human snacks.
Specialty Additions
Some premium treats include healthy extras. Look for ingredients like omega fatty acids (good for coat health) or probiotics (good for digestion).
Factors Affecting Treat Quality
Treat quality varies widely based on how they are made and stored.
Processing Methods
The way a treat is processed greatly affects its quality. Freeze-drying retains the most nutrients and flavor because it removes water gently. Baking is common, but excessive heat can sometimes reduce vitamin content. Highly processed, extruded treats (those that look uniform and puffed) often contain more binders and fillers.
Freshness and Storage
Once opened, treats can go stale quickly, especially soft ones. Exposure to air causes fats to go rancid. Always seal the bag tightly after use. If a soft treat smells oily or tastes “off,” throw it away. Dry, crunchy treats last longer if kept in a cool, dark place.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use treats influences which type you should buy.
Training and Bonding
For training, you need small, quick-to-eat treats. A cat should finish the reward in one or two bites so training sessions stay fast-paced. Soft, smelly treats work well here because they grab attention immediately.
Dental Care
If you buy crunchy treats specifically for dental benefits, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal. These treats are scientifically proven to help reduce tartar buildup. They must be chewed thoroughly.
Special Dietary Needs
If your cat has allergies or a sensitive stomach, you must choose single-ingredient or limited-ingredient treats. For example, if your cat is allergic to chicken, buy a fish-only treat to avoid a reaction.
Cat Treat FAQs
Q: How often should I give my cat treats?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s total daily calories. For most cats, this means only a few small treats a day. Too many treats lead to weight gain.
Q: Are “grain-free” treats always better?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free just means they skip wheat or corn. If they replace grains with potatoes or peas, it might not be healthier. Focus on the protein source instead.
Q: What is the main difference between a cat treat and cat food?
A: Cat food (kibble or wet food) is formulated to be nutritionally complete for daily meals. Treats are extra rewards and lack the necessary balance of vitamins and minerals for a full diet.
Q: Can I give my cat human food as treats?
A: Some human foods are safe in tiny amounts (like plain cooked chicken), but many are toxic (like onions or grapes). It is safer and healthier to stick to treats made specifically for cats.
Q: What should I do if my cat suddenly stops liking their favorite treat?
A: Cats sometimes get bored or their tastes change. Try switching the flavor or texture for a while. If the change is sudden, check with your vet to rule out underlying health issues.
Q: Are lickable treats good for training?
A: Yes, lickable treats (often packaged in tubes) are excellent for bonding and positive reinforcement, especially for shy cats. They take longer to consume, which extends the rewarding moment.
Q: Do expensive treats really offer better quality?
A: Often, yes. More expensive treats usually use higher ratios of real meat and fewer artificial additives or fillers. You are paying for better ingredient sourcing.
Q: How do I know if a treat is causing my cat digestive upset?
A: Watch for soft stool, diarrhea, or excessive gas after giving a new treat. If you notice these signs, stop giving that treat immediately.
Q: Should I refrigerate freeze-dried treats after opening?
A: No, freeze-dried treats should generally be kept sealed at room temperature. Refrigeration can sometimes introduce moisture, which reduces their shelf life.
Q: Are dental treats effective for bad breath?
A: Mildly, yes. Some dental treats help scrape away soft plaque. However, they cannot fix serious dental disease. Bad breath usually requires a vet visit and possibly professional cleaning.