Cat Treat - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
All cat owners know how much fun it is to give your cat delicious treats, whether it's as a reward for good behavior or just to pamper your feline friend. In addition to their taste, many cat treats have nutritional value, and some can target deficiencies or help with specific issues like joint pain or dental care.
The treats come in different styles ranging from crunchy to chewy to soupy, and the packaging and content vary as well. More expensive doesn't always mean healthier, so it's important to check ingredients carefully. There are several flavors to choose from, so finding the right cat treats can be confusing, especially if your kitties have specific dietary or health needs.
If you're ready to choose the best treats for your pet, check out our top five picks. To learn more about some important factors and considerations when choosing cat treats, keep reading our shopping guide.
Key Considerations
Choosing a type of cat treat is similar to finding the best cat food – you want one with wholesome ingredients that support your cat's health and complement her diet. A cat treat is a great way to fill in any nutritional gaps in the cat food.
- Types of Cat Treats
Cat treats come in a range of textures, ingredients, and benefits. Some cats may prefer certain textures or find it easier to eat soft or moist treats. Taste and texture are two factors that cats tend to be picky about. Finding the right treat for your cat may require some experimentation. If your cat doesn't like one variety, there are plenty of others to try.
Freeze-dried Treats often contain meats such as poultry or fish and typically have no other ingredients, just the pure meat that cats love (and need). To serve, simply add the recommended amount of water and reseal the bag to keep the treats fresh.
Crunchy Treats are a popular and generally affordable option. They contain a number of ingredients and can be a great addition to any feline diet, although crunchy treats are low in water and may contain carbohydrates.
Soft Treats contain similar ingredients to crunchy treats, while providing slightly more water. They are a good option for older cats or cats with dental problems.
Wet treats tend to have strong flavors and odors, making them a favorite with cats. They typically come in sealed packages and can be added to dry food to entice cats to eat.
Dental Treats have a texture and ingredients designed to combat tartar and dental disease.
- Calories
No matter your cat's age, weight or well-being, it's important to keep calories in check. Many treats are low in calories, with only one or two calories per treat. On the other hand, if your cat needs to gain weight, some higher calorie treats can be used to supplement your pet's diet.
- Organic
Natural or organic ingredients are the best option for any cat. While many treats claim to be natural or organic, they don't have to pass the same standards and certifications as human food. Many cat treats are labeled "organic," but not all treats contain the same percentage of organic ingredients, and some may, in fact, contain chemicals or pesticide-treated ingredients. Look for treats with 95% to 100% organic ingredients. These are usually accompanied by a “USDA Organic” label.
- Ingredients
The best way to check for healthy treats is to simply read the ingredient list. Fewer ingredients almost always indicate better quality, and when foods like chicken, fish, or beef are at the top of the list, you know you're looking for a high-protein treat.
Since cats are natural carnivores, you want a treat that is high in protein and meat. Carbohydrates are difficult for cats to digest, and while grain-free treats are a good option, grains are "the only source of carbohydrates." Vegetable ingredients can also lead to high carbohydrate content.
Always avoid treats with vague ingredients like meat; Look for specific ingredients so you know what your cat is eating.
Characteristics of Cat Treats
In addition to checking the nutritional value, look for fun, tasty and long-lasting cat treats.
- Taste
You may already have an idea of your cat's favorite flavors. Some common flavors of cat food and treats include chicken, tuna, shrimp, crab, beef, and turkey. To make sure your cat likes certain treats, check how high those favorite flavors rank on the ingredient list. Just because a treat has a specific flavor doesn't necessarily mean the flavor is an ingredient...tuna treats with a high tuna content are more likely to be healthier and appreciated by your cat.
- Catnip
Some treats may include (or be made entirely from) catnip, an herb that most cats go crazy for. Catnip is perfectly safe for cats, although large amounts can result in digestive problems. Look for organic catnip treats to keep your cat safe and healthy.
- Packaging
It is important that cat treats are easily accessible and stay fresh. Packaging varies by type of treat because a moist treat is very different from crunchy pieces. Look for treats in containers that close securely, not only to keep them fresh longer, but also to prevent your cat from smelling and possibly breaking into the container. Many moist treats come in individual bags for easy distribution.
- Containers and Dispensers
If your cat is crafty enough to find and break open plastic or foil bags, you can use a cat treat jar or holder for easy access and freshness. To keep your cat busy and reward her intelligence, specially designed treat dispensers come in the form of toys and gadgets. Some are simply plastic or ceramic containers that cats have to reach into to get the treats, while others are plastic balls or toys that need to be moved around a bit.
If you want to monitor your cat when you're away from home, electronic treat dispensers allow you to see your cat while your pet hears your voice. With a synced app, you can dispense treats to give your cat some love from afar.
Tips
Cats respond to positive reinforcement better than punishment. You can train your cat to do things like sit or come using treats. After giving a command, hold up some treat and wait for the cat to do what you ask before giving the treat. Repeat this process several times in a row to quickly teach your cat.
Some human foods are fine to offer as treats once in a while. Meats, cheese, eggs and plantains are all safe to offer. However, these human treats are not a substitute for cat treats designed for feline palates. Avoid anything sugary or high in grains.
Store treats in a dry place that is hard for cats to get into. Some moist treats may require refrigeration after opening. Raw treats generally require refrigeration.
Other Products We Consider
There are a few other great options for treating cats in addition to our top picks. Since there is no “perfect” treat for cats, it may take some experimentation with textures and flavors to find the right one for your cat. We love Sheba Melty Premium Cat Stick Treat to supplement your cat's diet and reduce hairballs. If you want a different style of treat, Me-O Creamy Treats come in individual tubes and five different flavors for a liquid snack that even the pickiest of cats will love. Explore different types of treats to see what your cat likes best and responds to best.
FAQ
Que. How many treats can I give my cat each day?
Ans. That depends on the cat's weight and the rest of its diet. In general, treats should not make up more than 10% of the cat's diet.
Que. When should I give my cat treats?
Ans. Cats digest better when they eat in small doses, so avoid giving treats around mealtime. Treats can be offered as a reward for good behavior. In some cases, you can mix treats with food to encourage your cat to eat.
Que. Can I give the kittens treats?
Ans. Yes, although solid treats should not be offered until your kitten is regularly eating solid food. Some treats are designed specifically for kittens.
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