Cat treats are more than just occasional indulgences - they're tools for bonding, training, and even supplementing your cat's nutrition. However, not all treats are created equal. Many commercial cat treats are loaded with empty calories, artificial ingredients, and fillers that provide little nutritional value and can even harm your cat's health over time.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of cat treats, understand what makes a treat healthy, and learn how to choose the best options for your feline friend. For more cat care information, check out our complete cat care guide.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Purpose of Cat Treats
Before choosing treats, it's important to understand their role in your cat's life. Treats serve multiple purposes beyond just being tasty snacks. According to the ASPCA's cat nutrition guidelines, treats should complement, not replace, your cat's regular balanced diet.
Bonding & Affection
Treats reinforce positive interactions and strengthen the bond between you and your cat. They're especially useful for shy or nervous cats who need positive reinforcement.
Best For:
- Building trust with new cats
- Reinforcing positive behavior
- Creating positive associations
Training & Behavior
Small, low-calorie treats are excellent for clicker training, teaching tricks, or encouraging desired behaviors like using scratching posts instead of furniture.
Best For:
- Clicker training sessions
- Teaching new behaviors
- Redirecting unwanted behaviors
Medication & Supplements
Pill pockets and treat-dispensers help administer medication or supplements. Some treats are specifically formulated with added nutrients or dental benefits.
Best For:
- Hiding pills or supplements
- Dental health maintenance
- Hairball control
Mental Enrichment
Treat-dispensing toys and puzzle feeders provide mental stimulation and encourage natural hunting behaviors, which is especially important for indoor cats.
Best For:
- Puzzle feeders and toys
- Encouraging natural behaviors
- Preventing boredom
Pro Tip
Treats should never exceed 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. For an average 10-pound cat eating 200 calories daily, this means no more than 20 calories from treats. Always adjust regular meal portions if you're giving treats to prevent weight gain. For portion-controlled treat options, check our healthy cat treat selection.
Cat Nutrition Basics
To understand what makes a treat healthy, you first need to understand feline nutritional requirements. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require animal-based proteins and specific nutrients found only in meat.
Essential Nutrients for Cats
- High-Quality Protein: Cats require animal-based protein for taurine, an essential amino acid they cannot produce themselves. Look for named meat sources (chicken, salmon, turkey) as first ingredients.
- Moderate Fat: Provides energy and supports skin/coat health. Healthy sources include chicken fat, fish oil, and flaxseed.
- Minimal Carbohydrates: Cats have limited ability to digest carbohydrates. Treats should be low in grains, potatoes, and other starches.
- Moisture Content: Cats have low thirst drives and evolved getting moisture from prey. Wet treats or those with high moisture content are beneficial.
- Essential Fatty Acids: Omega-3 and Omega-6 for skin, coat, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Balanced levels of vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex, plus minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
Important
Cats have unique nutritional requirements different from dogs or humans. They require taurine (found only in animal tissue), arachidonic acid (from animal fats), and preformed vitamin A (from liver and fish oils). Plant-based treats or those designed for other animals may not meet these needs. Always choose treats specifically formulated for cats. For nutritionally balanced options, check our cat nutrition products.
Reading Treat Ingredient Labels
Learning to read pet food labels is crucial for selecting healthy treats. According to the AAFCO's guide to understanding pet food, ingredients are listed by weight before processing.
Ingredients to Look For
Quality Protein Sources
Named animal proteins should be the first ingredient. Look for specific sources like "chicken," "salmon," or "turkey" rather than generic "meat" or "poultry."
Examples:
- Deboned chicken
- Salmon meal
- Freeze-dried liver
- Turkey heart
Healthy Fats & Oils
Sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids support skin, coat, and overall health. Avoid generic "animal fat" which can be low quality.
Examples:
- Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols)
- Salmon oil
- Coconut oil
- Flaxseed oil
Natural Preservatives
Natural preservatives are safer than synthetic ones. Mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary extract, and citric acid are good choices.
Examples:
- Mixed tocopherols
- Rosemary extract
- Citric acid
- Vitamin E
Ingredients to Avoid
Red Flag Ingredients
These ingredients offer little nutritional value and may indicate low-quality treats. Avoid treats containing:
- Artificial Colors: FD&C Red #40, Blue #2, Yellow #5 and 6 - linked to hyperactivity and potential carcinogenicity
- Artificial Flavors: "Artificial flavor" can mean anything - choose treats with natural flavors instead
- Chemical Preservatives: BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, propylene glycol - potential carcinogens
- Generic Meat Products: "Meat by-products," "animal digest," "poultry by-product meal" - vague, low-quality sources
- Excessive Carbohydrates: Corn, wheat, soy as first ingredients - cats don't digest these well
- Sugar & Sweeteners: Corn syrup, sucrose, molasses - contribute to obesity and diabetes
- Excessive Salt: Can lead to hypertension and kidney issues
Types of Healthy Cat Treats
Different types of treats serve different purposes. Here's a breakdown of the healthiest options available:
Freeze-Dried Treats
Minimally processed with nutrients preserved. Usually single-ingredient (like pure chicken or salmon). High in protein, low in carbs, no artificial additives.
Best For:
- High-protein snacks
- Cats with food sensitivities
- Training rewards
Dental Health Treats
Formulated to reduce tartar and plaque. Look for VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal for proven efficacy. Should be given daily for best results.
Best For:
- Oral health maintenance
- Reducing dental disease risk
- Cats who resist tooth brushing
Soft & Moist Treats
Higher moisture content benefits cats with low water intake. Often more palatable for picky eaters. Check for low carbohydrate content and natural ingredients.
Best For:
- Increasing hydration
- Senior cats or those with dental issues
- Picky eaters
Functional Treats
Formulated with added benefits like hairball control, urinary health, joint support, or calming ingredients. Choose based on your cat's specific needs.
Best For:
- Addressing specific health concerns
- Supplementing regular diet
- Senior or special needs cats
Treat Testing Tip
When trying new treats, introduce them slowly. Give just one treat and monitor your cat for 24 hours for any adverse reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, or skin issues. This is especially important for cats with known food sensitivities or allergies. For limited-ingredient options, check our hypoallergenic cat treats.
Portion Control and Feeding Guidelines
Even healthy treats can contribute to obesity if overfed. Proper portion control is essential for maintaining your cat's ideal weight and health.
Calorie Guidelines
The 10% rule is standard: treats should not exceed 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Here's a quick reference:
- 5-pound cat (150-180 calories/day): 15-18 treat calories maximum
- 10-pound cat (200-250 calories/day): 20-25 treat calories maximum
- 15-pound cat (280-320 calories/day): 28-32 treat calories maximum
- 20-pound cat (340-400 calories/day): 34-40 treat calories maximum
How to Calculate Treat Calories
- Check the treat package for calorie information (usually listed as kcal/treat or kcal/kg)
- Calculate your cat's daily calorie needs based on weight, age, and activity level
- Multiply daily calories by 0.1 to find maximum treat calories
- Divide this number by calories per treat to find how many treats you can give
- Adjust regular meals accordingly if giving treats
Obesity Warning
Over 60% of domestic cats are overweight or obese, leading to diabetes, arthritis, and reduced lifespan. Treats are a major contributor. If your cat is overweight, reduce or eliminate treats until ideal weight is achieved. Consider using part of their regular kibble as "treats" during training instead. For weight management options, check our weight management cat treats.
Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
Making your own cat treats ensures you control every ingredient. Here are two simple, healthy recipes:
Simple Tuna Bites
Ingredients: 1 can tuna in water (drained), 1 egg, 1 cup whole wheat flour (or coconut flour for grain-free), 1 tablespoon catnip (optional)
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients until dough forms. Roll out to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into small bite-sized pieces. Bake for 20 minutes or until crispy. Cool completely before serving. Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Chicken Liver Training Treats
Ingredients: ½ pound chicken livers, 1 egg, 1 cup oat flour, 1 teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried)
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Puree chicken livers in food processor. Add egg and blend. Mix in oat flour and parsley until dough forms. Spread thinly on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm. Cut into tiny pieces (perfect for training). Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze.
Homemade Treat Safety
Always consult your veterinarian before introducing homemade treats, especially if your cat has health conditions. Never use ingredients toxic to cats: onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Introduce new homemade treats slowly and in small quantities. For treat-making supplies, check our cat treat making supplies.
Treats for Special Dietary Needs
Cats with health conditions require specially formulated treats. Always consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
Kidney Disease
Require low phosphorus, low sodium treats. Look for specially formulated renal treats or use small pieces of low-phosphorus protein like egg white.
Diabetes
Need low-carbohydrate, high-protein treats. Freeze-dried meats are ideal. Avoid treats with sugar, grains, or starchy vegetables.
Food Allergies
Require limited-ingredient treats with novel proteins (duck, rabbit, venison) or hydrolyzed proteins. Avoid common allergens like chicken, beef, fish, dairy.
Urinary Health
Benefit from treats that promote urinary tract health, often with added cranberry or D-mannose. Ensure adequate moisture content.
Final Thought
Healthy cat treats are an opportunity to enhance your cat's nutrition and strengthen your bond. By choosing quality ingredients, practicing portion control, and selecting treats appropriate for your cat's specific needs, you can make treat time both enjoyable and beneficial. Remember that the healthiest "treat" of all is your attention and affection - sometimes a play session or gentle petting is more rewarding than any food. For all your cat treat needs, explore our complete selection of healthy cat treats and check out our companion guide on complete cat nutrition for comprehensive feline care.
