As a cat owner, I know that finding the right treats for my feline friend can be a challenge. Cat treats serve multiple purposes, from rewarding good behavior to supplementing their diet with additional nutrients.
With so many options available on the market, it can be hard to determine which treats are not only indulgent but also healthy for cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require a diet primarily consisting of animal-based proteins. Therefore, it’s essential to choose cat treats that have high-quality protein sources and avoid fillers or artificial ingredients.
In addition to protein content, the size and texture of the treat can impact a cat’s enjoyment and dental health. Soft treats can be beneficial for older cats with dental issues, while crunchy treats can help keep your cat’s teeth clean.
When selecting cat treats for your feline companion, it’s crucial to consider factors such as ingredients, nutritional content, and the cat’s individual preferences.
Also, it’s essential to keep in mind that treats should only make up a small portion of your cat’s overall diet to ensure they receive balanced nutrition.
After researching and testing various cat treats, I have narrowed down the options to identify those that cater to a cat’s nutritional needs while still bringing delight to their taste buds.
In the following sections, I will share my findings to help fellow cat owners choose treats that are healthy and enjoyable for their furry friends.
What Cat Treats Are Good For Cats?
As a cat owner, I know the importance of finding the perfect treats for our feline friends. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the finest cat treats that are nutritious and delicious for your furry pals.
Greenies Feline Smartbites Skin & Fur Treats
These treats are a delightful and nutritious option for cats, promoting healthy skin and fur with a tasty salmon flavor.
Pros
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil
- Contains flaxseed and added vitamins and minerals
- Crunchy and soft dual-texture
Cons
- Not suitable for cats with fish allergies
- Strong smell
- May be too small for some cat toys
I recently gave my cat Greenies Feline Smartbites Skin & Fur Treats, and I’m impressed with the difference they’ve made in her coat.
These treats are designed by veterinarians and made with fish oil and ground flaxseed, providing a wealth of omega-3 fatty acids essential for skin and fur health.
The added vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients make it a complete and balanced treat for adult cats.
Not only do the treats have a fantastic nutritional profile, but their crunchy and soft dual texture was a hit with my cat. She couldn’t resist the delectable salmon flavor, and I felt great knowing that each treat contained less than two calories.
I even tried putting a few of these treats in a treat dispenser toy, and she had a blast chasing and batting it around.
Yet, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider. If your cat has a fish allergy, these treats may not be suitable. Additionally, they have a relatively strong smell, which might be off-putting to some.
Lastly, despite the treats being small enough for my cat, they might not fit in all cat toy dispensers.
Greenies Feline Smartbites Skin & Fur Treats are a delicious and healthy option that has made a noticeable difference in my cat’s skin and fur.
With their delectable dual-texture and nutrient-packed contents, I would highly recommend these treats to fellow cat owners.
Blue Buffalo True Chews Natural Chewy Cat Treats, Chicken 3 oz
Blue Buffalo True Chews is a great choice for cat owners who want real, wholesome ingredients in their cat treats.
Pros
- Made with real chicken as the first ingredient
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Suitable for all life stages
Cons
- Some cats may not like the chewy texture
- Packaging may vary
- Not recommended for cats with chicken sensitivities
I recently tried the Blue Buffalo True Chews Natural Chewy Cat Treats made with chicken for my own cats, and they really seemed to enjoy them.
These treats are made with real chicken as the first ingredient, which is an important aspect to me as a cat owner.
I believe in giving my pets only the best quality food and treats, and Blue Buffalo definitely delivers on that front.
The texture of these treats is chewy, which can be either a pro or a con depending on your cat’s preferences. My cats really took to the chewy texture, and it made for a longer-lasting treat experience.
Nevertheless, I can see how some cats may not enjoy it as much.
One thing I did appreciate about these cat treats is that they are suitable for all life stages, from kittens to seniors, which simplifies things when you have multiple cats at home.
One potential downside to these treats, however, is that they are not recommended for cats with chicken sensitivities.
Despite this, I still find them to be a healthier alternative to many other cat treats on the market that contain artificial flavors or preservatives.
In conclusion, the Blue Buffalo True Chews Natural Chewy Cat Treats are a high-quality, healthy treat option for cats. If your cat enjoys chewy treats and doesn’t have any chicken sensitivities, I would recommend giving these a try.
The real chicken used as the primary ingredient and the absence of artificial ingredients make them a top choice in my book.
Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats
These Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats are an excellent choice for cat owners looking to improve their cat’s skin and coat while offering a delicious and healthy snack.
Pros
- Supports skin and coat health
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Upcycled and eco-friendly
Cons
- May not work for picky eaters
- Limited flavors available
- Could be pricey for some
I recently tried the Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats for my feline friend, and my overall experience has been quite positive. The treats are specifically designed to support my cat’s skin and coat health, which is something I find very important.
I appreciate that real salmon is the first ingredient used in these treats, as cats naturally crave real meat.
One thing that sets these treats apart from others is the upcycled ingredients used in their production.
The company works with farmers to rescue imperfect sweet potatoes that still have all the necessary nutrients, which helps reduce food waste and save resources.
As an eco-conscious cat owner, I find this very appealing.
However, these treats may not work for all cats, especially the pickier ones. I have heard from other cat owners that their felines did not take to these treats immediately.
Further, there is a limited variety of flavors available, and the price might be a concern for some.
In conclusion, Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats can be a great option for cat owners looking for a healthy and environmentally-conscious snack for their feline friends.
They support skin and coat health while utilizing upcycled ingredients, making these treats a responsible choice.
Just keep in mind that not all cats might enjoy them and that the price might not suit everyone’s budget.
I and love and you Treat Meow Digestion Support
I recommend this product for cat owners searching for a delicious and nutritious treat that improves their feline friend’s digestion.
Pros
- Supports digestion with prebiotics and pumpkin
- Hydrating and high moisture content
- Non-GMO protein from cage-free chicken
Cons
- Not all cats may enjoy the flavor
- Some reported litter box issues after consumption
- Packaging may be difficult to recycle
After using the I and Love and You Treat Meow Digestion Support with my cat, I can confidently say that this product has brought noticeable improvements to my furry friend’s digestive health.
The prebiotics and pumpkin work together to create a healthy gut environment, while the high moisture content helps with hydration.
The lickable chicken recipe is a hit with my cat, although some other customers have reported that their felines were not as enthusiastic about the flavor.
Also, I appreciate that this treat is made with non-GMO protein from cage-free chickens, making it a more ethical and natural choice for pet owners.
However, there have been a few reported cases of cats experiencing litter box issues after consuming this product. It’s crucial to monitor your pet’s reaction and adjust their diet accordingly.
Furthermore, the packaging may be difficult to recycle in some areas, so environmentally-conscious shoppers should take note.
Overall, I find the I and Love and You Treat Meow Digestion Support to be a beneficial addition to my cat’s diet.
It’s a flavorful, hydrating treat that supports their digestion, but be mindful of potential litter box issues and recycling concerns.
Fromm PurrSnackitty Salmon Flavor Snackitties Treats
I highly recommend Fromm PurrSnackitty Salmon Flavor Snackitties Treats for cat owners who want high-quality, soft, and savory treats their feline friends will enjoy.
Pros
- Tender and delicious salmon flavor
- Suitable for all breeds and ages
- Resealable packaging for freshness
Cons
- Only one flavor option
- Slightly higher price than some competitors
- Not suitable for cats with fish allergies
I recently tried Fromm PurrSnackitty Salmon Flavor Snackitties Treats with my own cat, and I was incredibly impressed with the quality and palatability of these soft treats.
The bite-sized pieces are moist and tender, and my cat couldn’t get enough of the delicious salmon flavor.
Since these treats contain only 2 calories per piece and are suitable for all breeds and ages, I don’t have to worry about overfeeding or catering to specific dietary needs.
Fromm is a fifth-generation family-owned-and-operated pet food company with a long-standing commitment to the health and nutrition of animals.
This dedication to quality is evident in these cat treats, which contain high-quality salmon that provide essential amino acids for maintaining muscle, tissue repair, and other important metabolic processes.
The resealable packaging is another big plus for me, as it ensures the 3 oz bag of treats stays fresh and maintains its strong salmon aroma.
My cat immediately knows it’s treat time when I open the bag, and I love seeing his excitement for these savory snacks.
Nonetheless, I do wish there were more flavor options for cats that might not enjoy fish or are allergic to it.
The price of these treats is slightly higher compared to some competitors, but the overall quality justifies the cost, in my opinion.
I believe the Fromm PurrSnackitty Salmon Flavor Snackitties Treats are worth trying for any cat owner seeking a high-quality, delicious, and tender treat.
Just keep in mind the flavor options and potential fish allergies when making your purchase.
Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Grain Free Cat Treats, Chicken & Cranberry
These Wellness Kittles cat treats are a delightful and healthy choice sure to please even the pickiest felines.
Pros
- Made with all-natural, high-quality ingredients
- Grain-free and low in calories
- Crunchy texture helps clean cat’s teeth
Cons
- May not appeal to some picky eaters
- Small bag size
- Slightly higher price compared to other brands
I recently gave my cat the Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Grain Free Cat Treats, and I must say, they were a hit with her.
These treats are made in the USA with all-natural ingredients like real chicken, cranberries, and blueberries, making them a healthy and flavorful snack option for my cat.
The fact that they are grain-free and low in calories is an added bonus.
The crunchy texture of these treats helps clean my cat’s teeth, which is essential for maintaining her oral health. While she thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken & Cranberry flavor, it’s good to know Wellness offers a variety of flavors, so I can try different ones in the future.
These treats may not suit every cat’s taste preferences, so some picky eaters might not like them as much as my cat did. Additionally, the bag size is relatively small, meaning I might need to purchase more bags sooner than I would have liked.
Lastly, the price is a bit higher than other cat treat brands, but I find it reasonable, considering the high-quality ingredients used.
I am satisfied with my decision to try Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Grain Free Cat Treats.
The all-natural, healthy ingredients and the crunchy texture that helps clean my cat’s teeth make it a worthwhile purchase. While the small bag size and slightly higher price are minor drawbacks, I believe the benefits outweigh these cons.
I highly recommend these treats to other cat owners looking for a healthier treat option for their feline friends.
Buying Guide
When I am looking for the best cat treats for my feline friend, there are several important factors to consider.
These factors can help ensure that the treats are not only enjoyable for my cat but also beneficial for their health.
One of the top features to look for in a quality cat treat is the ingredient list. It’s crucial to opt for treats made with natural ingredients and avoid those with artificial additives or preservatives.
High-quality proteins, like real meat, should be the primary ingredient in the treats. I make sure to check for minimal carbohydrates and sugars, as these are not essential nutrients for cats.
The texture and size of the treats are also significant aspects to evaluate.
Cats have different preferences when it comes to texture, so it’s helpful to experiment with various options, such as soft chews, crunchy bites, or freeze-dried treats.
Smaller-sized treats are generally better, as they’re easy for the cat to consume and control portion sizes.
Cats can greatly benefit from functional treats, which are specifically formulated to address certain health concerns or provide additional nutrients.
For example, I like to choose treats that promote dental health, support joint health, or aid in hairball control. These specialized treats can be a great way to provide some extra care for my cat while still offering a tasty reward.
When selecting a cat treat, I also consider any special dietary needs or restrictions that my cat may have. For instance, if my cat is on a restricted-calorie diet, I opt for low-calorie treats that don’t contribute to weight gain.
Similarly, if my cat has a food intolerance, it’s essential to find treats free from problematic ingredients.
To summarize, when shopping for the best cat treats for my feline companion, I pay close attention to the ingredients, texture, size, functionality, and any specific dietary needs.
Keeping these factors in mind, I can confidently choose a treat that both my cat and I can feel good about.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the healthiest cat treat options?
In my experience, the healthiest cat treat options are those made with natural, high-quality ingredients. Look for treats made from lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish.
Additionally, it’s essential to avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Of course, always consult with your vet for the best recommendations for your cat’s dietary needs.
Which soft cat treats are best for training?
Training your cat can be more manageable with soft and tasty treats that can be consumed quickly, like freeze-dried or moist options. Some popular choices include brands like Greenies, Wellness Kittles, and Blue Buffalo.
Are homemade treats beneficial for cats?
Absolutely! Homemade treats can be a great alternative to store-bought options, as they allow you to control the ingredients and ensure your cat is getting the best nutrition. Just make sure to use cat-safe ingredients and follow reputable recipes or consult your vet before trying new recipes.
What human treats can cats safely enjoy?
Some human food can be safely shared with our feline friends in moderation. Some examples include plain, cooked meats like chicken, turkey, and fish, as well as small portions of steamed or plain cooked vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
How often should you give your cat treats?
Treats should be given in moderation, ideally making up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. This is to prevent overfeeding and weight gain, which can lead to health problems.
Treats can be used as a reward or for occasional bonding experiences, but always monitor your cat’s weight and health when offering treats.
What ingredients should be avoided in cat treats?
When choosing cat treats, it’s essential to avoid harmful ingredients, such as:
- Artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors
- High sodium or sugar content
- Foods toxic to cats like chocolate, garlic, onions, or grapes
Always check the label, and if in doubt, consult your vet for guidance on choosing the best cat treats for your furry friend.
