Does your feline friend sometimes act like a tiny, furry dictator? We all love our cats, but sometimes their independent spirit can make training a bit… challenging. You want to teach them cool tricks, encourage good behavior, or simply make vet visits less of a wrestling match. But then you stand in the pet store aisle, staring at a wall of colorful bags, and wonder: which treats will actually get their attention? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices, and you don’t want to waste money on something your cat turns their nose up at, or worse, something that isn’t good for them.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down exactly what makes a cat treat a *training* treat. You’ll learn what ingredients to look for (and what to avoid!), discover different types of treats that work best for various training goals, and find out how to pick the perfect reward that will have your cat eagerly listening to your every command. Get ready to unlock a whole new level of connection and communication with your purrfect companion!
Our Top 5 Cat Treats For Training Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Vital Essentials Salmon Bites Cat Treats | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Fruitables Cat Treats | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cat Treats For Training Detailed Reviews
1. Vital Essentials Salmon Bites Cat Treats
Rating: 8.7/10
Give your feline friend a taste of pure goodness with Vital Essentials Salmon Bites Cat Treats. These treats are made with real, high-quality salmon, packed with protein to keep your cat active and healthy. They’re freeze-dried to lock in all the natural nutrients and delicious flavor, making them a guilt-free reward you can feel good about giving.
What We Like:
- Made with 100% real, responsibly sourced salmon – a single protein source perfect for sensitive kitties.
- Freeze-dried raw to preserve natural vitamins, minerals, and amazing taste.
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and free from fillers, dyes, and artificial preservatives.
- Boosts energy, promotes healthy skin and coat, and supports gut health.
- Proudly crafted in America with high standards for quality and humane harvesting.
- Excellent for picky eaters or cats with allergies.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.1 oz bag might be finished quickly due to how much cats love them!
- Availability could be a bit tricky depending on your local pet store.
These Vital Essentials Salmon Bites are a fantastic way to spoil your cat with a healthy and delicious treat. Your cat will thank you with purrs and happy meows!
2. Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats
Rating: 9.1/10
Introducing Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats, a delightful snack for your feline friend. These treats are designed to please even the pickiest eaters with their unique texture and delicious flavors.
What We Like:
- Real chicken liver is the first ingredient, making them super tasty.
- They have two textures: a crunchy outside and a creamy inside. Your cat will love this combination.
- These treats are healthy and made with good-for-you ingredients.
- They contain no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors and preservatives.
- The 12-oz. tub provides plenty of treats for training or just because.
- The packaging is designed to clearly show the healthy ingredients and benefits.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might have sensitivities to beef or liver, though this is rare.
- The physical packaging might look a little different than the digital images, but the ingredients remain the same.
Overall, Blue Buffalo Bursts offer a nutritious and incredibly appealing treat option for your cat. They are a fantastic choice for rewarding good behavior or simply showing your cat some love.
3. Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats
Rating: 9.5/10
Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats in Paw-Lickin’ Chicken flavor are a fantastic choice for rewarding your feline friend. These treats are designed to be irresistible, offering a delightful combination of textures and wholesome ingredients.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, making them super tasty for cats.
- They have two fun textures: a crunchy outside and a creamy inside.
- These treats are healthy and packed with good stuff.
- They are made with only wholesome ingredients.
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors and preservatives are used.
- They are great for training your cat because cats love them so much.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital packaging might look different from the actual bag, but the information is still correct.
If you’re looking for a treat that your cat will go crazy for and that you can feel good about giving, these Blue Buffalo Bursts are an excellent option. They offer a delicious and healthy way to bond with your cat.
4. Fruitables Cat Treats
Rating: 9.0/10
Introducing Fruitables Cat Treats, the healthy, crunchy biscuits designed to delight even the fussiest felines. These treats are crafted with real tuna and pumpkin, offering a delicious flavor that your cat will absolutely love. They’re also low in calories and packed with protein, making them a fantastic choice for rewarding your furry friend responsibly.
What We Like:
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of real tuna and pumpkin really grabs picky cats’ attention.
- Low-calorie crunch: Each treat has less than 1 calorie, so you can treat often without worry.
- Superfood ingredients: Pumpkin provides natural vitamins and antioxidants for a healthy immune system.
- Healthy and safe: Free from wheat, corn, and soy, these are great for cats with sensitivities.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients: No artificial stuff, just good, honest ingredients for your cat.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2.5oz bag might be gone quickly if you have a treat-loving cat!
Fruitables Cat Treats offer a wholesome and delicious way to show your cat some love. Give your cat a treat you can feel good about!
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats
Rating: 9.0/10
Does your cat love a good crunch? Then the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats in Tasty Chicken Flavor might be just the thing! These grain-free treats are made with real chicken as the very first ingredient, so you know your feline friend is getting a tasty reward. They’re designed to satisfy your cat’s natural instincts with a satisfying crunch. Plus, they’re great for rewarding good behavior during training sessions.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, which cats love.
- The crunchy texture is a big hit with many cats.
- They are perfect for training your cat.
- Made with natural ingredients, no corn, wheat, or soy.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives are used.
- Comes in a convenient 12-oz tub.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might be picky eaters and prefer a different flavor.
- The packaging might look a little different than what you see online, but the ingredients are the same.
These treats offer a wholesome way to spoil your cat. They are a solid choice for rewarding your furry companion.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Treats for Training
Teaching your feline friend new tricks or reinforcing good behavior can be a rewarding experience. The right cat treats can make this process even more enjoyable and effective. This guide will help you find the purrfect training treats for your cat.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for training treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Size Matters: Look for small, bite-sized treats. Cats have small mouths, and you’ll be giving them many treats during training sessions. Big treats can be a choking hazard or too filling, making your cat lose interest quickly.
- High Value: These treats should be extra special. Your cat should find them irresistible. This means they should have a strong smell and a delicious taste that motivates them to work for it.
- Low Calorie: Since you’ll be giving out a lot of treats, choose ones that are low in calories. This helps prevent your cat from gaining too much weight.
- Nutrient-Rich: While treats are for rewarding, they should still offer some nutritional benefits. Look for treats made with real meat or fish as the primary ingredient.
- Texture: Some cats prefer crunchy treats, while others love soft, chewy ones. Consider your cat’s preferences. Soft treats are often easier for kittens and older cats to chew.
Important Materials to Consider
The ingredients in your cat’s training treats are crucial for their health and the treat’s effectiveness.
- Real Meat or Fish: The best training treats list real meat (like chicken, turkey, or salmon) as the first ingredient. This provides protein and a taste cats naturally crave.
- Limited Ingredients: Treats with a short ingredient list are often better. This is especially important if your cat has sensitivities or allergies. Fewer ingredients mean less chance of an unwanted reaction.
- Avoid Fillers: Steer clear of treats that contain a lot of grains, artificial colors, or flavors. These ingredients add little nutritional value and can sometimes cause digestive upset.
- Natural Preservatives: Look for treats preserved naturally with things like Vitamin E or rosemary extract.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors can impact the quality and effectiveness of training treats.
- Improved Quality:
- Freshness: Treats should be fresh. Check the expiration date. Stale treats lose their appeal.
- Smell: A strong, appealing scent is a big plus. Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell.
- Ingredient Sourcing: Knowing where the ingredients come from can indicate quality. Reputable brands often share this information.
- Reduced Quality:
- Artificial Additives: Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can make a treat less healthy and less appealing to some cats.
- Excessive Fillers: Treats loaded with cheap fillers like corn or soy are generally lower quality.
- Poor Packaging: Treats that are not sealed well can go stale quickly, reducing their effectiveness as training rewards.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best training treats make training sessions a positive experience for both you and your cat.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use these treats to reward desired behaviors. This could be anything from coming when called to using the litter box correctly.
- Clicker Training: Training treats are essential for clicker training. The treat immediately follows the click, reinforcing the action.
- Building Bonds: Training sessions with treats help build trust and strengthen your bond with your cat.
- Introducing New Things: You can use treats to help your cat feel more comfortable with new environments, toys, or even grooming.
- Problem Behavior Correction: While not a sole solution, treats can be used to redirect unwanted behaviors and reward the correct alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cat Treats for Training
Q: What makes a cat treat good for training?
A: A good training treat is small, highly palatable (meaning cats love the taste and smell), low in calories, and made with quality ingredients.
Q: Should I use the same treats for training as I do for everyday rewards?
A: It’s often best to use “high-value” treats specifically for training. These should be extra special and something your cat doesn’t get all the time, making them more motivating.
Q: How many treats can I give my cat during a training session?
A: This depends on the treat’s calorie content and your cat’s overall diet. Aim to keep treats to no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. Break larger treats into smaller pieces.
Q: Are grain-free training treats better?
A: Many cats do well on grain-free diets. If your cat has a known sensitivity to grains or you prefer to avoid them, grain-free options are a good choice. Always check the main ingredients.
Q: What if my cat isn’t interested in the training treats?
A: Try a different flavor or texture. Some cats are pickier than others. You might need to experiment to find what truly motivates your cat. Ensure the treats are fresh and have a strong aroma.
Q: Can I use freeze-dried meat as training treats?
A: Yes, freeze-dried meat (like chicken, salmon, or liver) is an excellent option. It’s often highly palatable, has a strong smell, and is usually made with just one ingredient.
Q: How do I store cat training treats?
A: Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If the packaging is resealable, use that. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from losing their smell and taste.
Q: Should I worry about the sugar content in training treats?
A: Yes, you should be mindful of sugar content. Cats don’t need added sugars. Look for treats that don’t list sugar or corn syrup high on the ingredient list.
Q: Can I make my own training treats for my cat?
A: Absolutely! Making your own treats allows you to control the ingredients. Simple recipes often involve mixing meat or fish with a binder like egg or a bit of flour.
Q: When should I stop using treats for training?
A: You don’t necessarily stop using treats. As your cat masters a behavior, you can gradually reduce the frequency of treats and eventually switch to praise or petting as rewards. However, occasional treats can still be used to reinforce learned behaviors.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!