Key Points
- The best cat treats have high-quality, animal-based proteins and minimal fillers or artificial additives.
- Cats have different preferences, so consider options like crunchy, soft, or puree treats based on your cat’s age, dental health, and taste.
- Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake.
Cats are masters of charm, and nothing brings out their playful, loving side quite like the promise of a delicious treat. Whether it’s a crunchy snack or a soft, savory morsel, the right treat can brighten your kitty’s day and strengthen your special connection with them.
With so many cat food brands and types of treats available, it can be overwhelming to choose, but finding the perfect treat doesn’t have to be a challenge. Just remember to follow the 90/10 rule, which says that 90% of your cat’s calories should come from their everyday cat food, and only 10% from treats or human foods.
Read on for the top cat treats with this list of healthy, irresistible options.
1. Cat-Man-Doo Bonita Flakes
The Cat-Man-Doo Bonita Flakes are a cat favorite. The skin of skipjack, a fish related to tuna, goes through a drying process that reduces it to flakes of smelly goodness that cats can’t resist. They work well as a treat or a kibble topper for finicky cats needing extra motivation to finish their meal.
Pros:
- Made from 100% natural skipjack tuna
- Encourages hydration when sprinkled in water
- High in protein with no additives
Cons:
- Fragile texture can make storage messy
- Some cats may not enjoy the strong fishy smell
Price: Approximately $10.49 for a 1 oz bag.
2. Feline Greenies Dental Treats
Feline Greenies Dental Treats are made with no artificial flavors or preservatives and contain only two calories per treat. There are a variety of flavors and bag sizes to please both you and your kitty.These treats supplement a cat’s home dental routine to help reduce plaque buildup. They’re crunchy outside, soft inside, and sure to please.
Pros:
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup
- Low-calorie snack
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons:
- Not suitable as a meal replacement
- May not appeal to cats with picky tastes
Price: Approximately $3.99 for a 2.1 oz bag.
3. Purebites Freeze Dried Cat Treats
Your fierce carnivore does well with one-ingredient treats. Purebites Freeze Dried Cat Treats are freeze-dried raw meat in several cat-pleasing flavors. These treats come in salmon, chicken, duck, shrimp, and even minnow flavors — so all cats are bound to find something to love in these high-quality cat treats.
These soft cat treats are only two calories, which helps prevent overfeeding, and with only one ingredient, they are one of the safest treats you can feed your cat.
Pros:
- Single-ingredient, ideal for cats with food sensitivities
- High in protein and low in calories
- Available in a wide variety of flavors
Cons:
- May crumble easily in the bag
- Pricey compared to other treats
Price: Approximately $12.49 for a 2.3 oz bag.
4. Feline Natural Grain-Free, Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Another top contender in the freeze-dried category, Feline Natural cat treats are healthy, grain-free, and freeze-dried snacks. Freeze drying preserves important nutrients, and these treats will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re feeding your pet healthy snacks. Offered in chicken, lamb, beef, or Hoki (a fish), there is bound to be a flavor your cat will love.
Pros:
- Grain-free and preservative-free
- Retains nutrients due to freeze-drying
- Resealable packaging to keep treats fresh
Cons:
- Expensive for the quantity provided
- Strong fish aroma (a con for your, but a pro for your kitty)
Price: Approximately $15.49 for a 3.5 oz bag.
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats
These crunchy protein-rich cat treats contain no artificial ingredients, by-products, or grains like corn, wheat, or soy. The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Treats offer high-protein goodness in a crunchy low-calorie treat that cats crave.
Pros:
- High-protein and grain-free
- No artificial flavors, by-products, or fillers
- Affordable and widely available
Cons:
- Crunchy texture may not suit older cats or those with dental issues
- Limited flavor options
Price: Approximately $14.99 for a 12 oz container.
6. Shameless Pets Catnip N Chill Treats
Shameless Pets Catnip N Chill Treats contain chicken and sweet potato and are infused with catnip. That should make them absolutely impossible to resist for most cats. They also contain added probiotics and pre-biotics. They have a crunchy texture and are low in calories.
Pros:
- Infused with catnip
- Added probiotics/prebiotics for digestive health
- Low-calorie and made with sweet potato and chicken
- Crunchy texture promotes dental health
Cons:
- Catnip effect varies; some cats may not respond
- Star shapes may not appeal to all cats
Price: Approximately $4.49 for a 2.5 oz bag.
7. Inaba Churu Chicken and Tuna Variety Puree Cat Treats
When your cat needs extra hydration (or extra calories), these purée cat treats are a hit. Designed to be fed by hand for extra interactive time with your kitty, each tube of Inaba Churu Chicken and Tuna Variety Puree Cat Treats is only six calories, way less than traditional treats.
Made with responsibly sourced ingredients, you can feed these lickable treats to your cat guilt-free. Use them as a food topper or to hide pills. Eleven tasty flavors are available to please even the pickiest of kitties.
Pros:
- Hydrating and low in calories (6 per tube)
- Multi-functional as a treat, topper, or for hiding pills
- Available in 11 flavors for variety
Cons:
- Not suitable for free-feeding due to packaging
- Some cats might not like the purée texture
Price: Approximately $39.97 for a pack of 50 tubes.
8. VetriScience Composure Calming Treats for Cats
VetriScience Composure Calming Treats for Cats uses Colostrum, L-Theatine, and thiamine to calm your cat’s nervousness without changing their personality. The soft chews come in a delectable chicken and liver formula and are veterinarian-approved.
Each dose takes about 30 minutes to take effect, but you can use Composure for long-term stress relief as well. Try a calming treat for vet visits, during storms, car rides, or even when you’re introducing a new pet to your household. Amazon customers give these treats high reviews for success.
Pros:
- Clinically proven ingredients for calming kitties
- Safe for daily use
- Easy to adjust dosage
- Positive customer reviews
Cons:
- Effectiveness varies among cats
- Not ideal for immediate stress relief
Price: Approximately $10 for a 1.59 oz. pack.
9. Orijen Tundra Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Crafted from a mix of wild boar, duck, goat, venison, and arctic char, Orijen Tundra Freeze-Dried Cat Treats provide an exotic and protein-rich snack for your cat. These freeze-dried bites retain essential nutrients and cater to cats who enjoy diverse, natural flavors.
Pros:
- Made from 99% animal ingredients
- Includes a blend of fresh, regional animal proteins
- Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients
- Cats generally find them palatable
Cons:
- Premium pricing compared to other treats
- Rich protein may upset sensitive stomachs if overfed
Price: Approximately $9.49 for a 1.25 oz bag.
10. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows
The Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows cat treats consist of just one ingredient: whole freeze-dried minnows. Minnows offer a highly natural and protein-packed option for cats who love fish and seafood snacks. They’re also good for cats with food sensitivities and provide a taste of the wild.
Pros:
- Made with whole animal, butcher-cut protein
- High in natural omega-3s for joint and coat health
- Lightweight and easy to store without refrigeration
Cons:
- The strong fish smell may linger on your hands
- Can be more expensive than multi-ingredient treats
Price: Approximately $22.99 for a 2.5 oz bag.
11. Temptations Classic Cat Treats
A long-time favorite among pet owners, Temptations Classic Cat Treats are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Available in a variety of flavors, they’re affordable and widely available. If you know your cat loves these chicken cat treats, they’re also available in value sizes.
Pros:
- Pocket-friendly packaging for easy portion control
- Low in calories, helping with weight management
- Variety of flavors to suit picky eaters
- Extra-large value packs available via Amazon
- The best-selling cat treats on Amazon
Cons:
- Contains corn and wheat, which some cats may be allergic to
- High sodium content compared to other treats
Price: Approximately $15.48 for a 30 oz bag.
How to choose cat treats: Consider these factors
When searching for the right type of treat for your kitty, make sure to consider their unique dietary needs. It’s always a good idea to talk to your vet before introducing your cat to new foods.
Your cat’s preferences and tastes are also important to consider; otherwise, it’s not much of a treat, is is?
To pick the best cat treats for every kitty, consider factors such as:
Texture and type of treat
Does your cat prefer kibble over soft foods? If so, crunchy or dry treats may entice them more than a softer one. Freeze-dried treats will also be a good, chewy option, and typically contain a single animal protein.
On the other hand, a cat used to wet food or even one that has dental issues may prefer a much softer treat. Moist treats or pureed treats in squeeze pouches would be good options for these picky cats. Cats who need extra calories or hydration, or need to be encouraged to eat, do well with this type of cat treat.
Dietary restrictions
Cats with chronic health issues should have low-calorie treats. If treating your cat goes over 10% of their daily calories, you’ll need to adjust their food levels to avoid obesity or diabetes.
Protein or flavor
Does your cat prefer chicken, fish, or a little bit of both? It may be a guessing game at first, but your cat will show a preference quickly.
Added ingredients
Always look for healthy ingredients. Cat treats should have an animal or fish protein listed as the first ingredient. Try to avoid by-products, fillers, artificial colors, preservatives, numerous grains, or flavor enhancements.
Lifestages
Look for treats that are designed for your cat’s lifestyle and age. For example, a kitten requires different nutrients than a senior cat and indoor cats won’t need the high calories an active outdoor cat can handle.
Choosing the best treats for your feline friend
By taking their age, lifestyle, and preferences into consideration, you can find cat treats that satisfy their dietary needs while keeping them begging for more. But remember to keep the treats to only 10% of their daily calories to avoid overfeeding.
The truth is, there is no better treat than a happy, healthy life. With Pumpkin’s Cat Insurance plans, you can focus on getting your cat the best care when unexpected accidents or illnesses happen.
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