Does your cat turn their nose up at that fancy new treat you bought? You want to spoil your feline friend, but you also worry about what you are actually feeding them. Finding healthy cat treats can feel like a tricky puzzle. So many bags promise “natural” ingredients, but the fine print often tells a different story.
It is frustrating to spend money on treats that might not be good for your beloved pet’s waistline or digestion. You want snacks that support their energy and keep their coat shiny, not ones loaded with fillers and weird chemicals. The sheer volume of choices makes it easy to choose wrong, leaving you unsure if you are truly treating them well.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for on ingredient labels and reveal the best, healthiest options available today. By the end, you will feel confident picking treats that your cat will love and that will keep them purring happily for years to come.
Top Cat Treats Healthy Recommendations
- Healthy Cat Snacks & Treats: Crunchy, bite-sized cat treats healthy cats love—made with real chicken, sweet potatoes, and catnip. These healthy cat treats support digestion with pre- and probiotics and are ideal as cat treats for indoor cats and gentle kitten treats. Includes one 12 oz bag of Shameless Pets Catnip N Chill treats.
- Real Meat, Healthy Ingredients: Made with real chicken as the first ingredient, these healthy cat treats are low-calorie (1.5 calories per treat) and crafted with wholesome ingredients. Free from corn and soy, these crunchy cat snacks and treats are ideal as cat treats for indoor cats and gentle kitten treats for cats of all ages and breeds.
- Easy on Digestion: These healthy cat treats are gentle on your cat’s stomach and digestive system, making them ideal cat treats for indoor cats and sensitive kitten treats. Each crunchy treat is made with catnip and pre- and probiotics, including B. coagulans, to support healthy digestion during everyday snack time.
- Upcycled & Responsibly Made: These healthy cat treats are crafted using upcycled sweet potatoes, helping reduce food waste while delivering wholesome nutrition. Made as everyday cat snacks and treats, they’re a smart, sustainable choice for cat treats for indoor cats and kitten treats you can feel good about.
- Perfect Cat Treats For Daily Dental Care: Feline Greenies Natural Dental Treats for Adult Cats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath; and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- #1 Veterinarian-Recommended Treat for Cat Dental Care: Feline Greenies Dental Cat Treats are the #1 veterinarian-recommended cat dental treats that clean teeth and freshen breath
- Crunchy Cat Dental Treat Texture Fights Tartar: Including Greenies dental treats for cats into your daily dental care routine supports 36% less tartar accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Oral Care: This cat dental treat offers clinically proven oral care to help maintain your cat's dental hygiene, and these cat treats for teeth cleaning have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline
- Hairball Control - Natural fibers in cat grass support healthy digestion, gently aiding hair passage through the digestive tract. This cat treats for indoor cats helps eliminate existing hairballs and prevents new ones from forming, promoting digestive and gut health
- Every Bite is Delicious—This catgrass-flavored crunchy freeze dried cat treats will delight even the pickiest, most sensitive-stomached felines. Perfect as a topping, daily training treat,dental treats for cats, it's ideal for sharing delightful snack time with your furry friend
- Safe & Healthy Ingredients - Wellix healthy donuts cat grass for indoor cats are packed with natural fiber-rich cat grass and high-protein healthy ingredients like chicken, egg yolk, salmon. Free from artificial flavorings, attractants, your pet's health is Wellix's top priority
- Every Bite Cares for Teeth - This freeze-dried cat dental treats features a crisp texture that acts like a gentle toothbrush, helping cat teeth cleaning,remove plaque and tartar as your cat chews. making it the perfect choice for daily oral care
- STARTS with REAL CHICKEN: Unlike many other brands, these cat treats feature real chicken as the first ingredient to tempt your feline friend
- TWO TEMPTING TEXTURES: Give your cat the best of both worlds – these crunchy cat treats feature a crunchy shell and a delicious creamy center cats can’t resist
- HEALTHY CAT TREATS: BLUE Bursts treats for cats are packed with the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll feel good about giving
- ONLY WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: BLUE cat treats contain NO poultry by-product meals, NO corn, wheat or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW SALMON CAT TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Cat Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw cat treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut salmon.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried cat treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our cat treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Cat treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw cat food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and cats with allergies!
- REAL MEAT FIRST: These Blue Buffalo cat treats are made with real chicken as the first ingredient for a taste cats love
- CRUNCHY CAT TREATS: BLUE Wilderness grain-free cat snacks satisfy their wild side with the crunch they crave
- GREAT FOR TRAINING: BLUE Wilderness cat treats are the ideal reward for any feline friend
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These natural cat treats contain no chicken (or poultry) by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
- Irresistible Crunch with Creamy Delight: Meow Luv Delights' crunchy cat treats offer a tantalizing texture with a creamy center your furry friend will adore. Each bite satisfies their natural craving for variety, transforming treat time into a captivating sensory experience, perfect for cats that love crunchy cat treats. Spoil them with both texture and taste, creating moments of pure joy and bonding as you reward their playful antics.
- Soy-Free, Guilt-Free Treating: At under 2 calories each, these cat treats provide a mindful choice for health-conscious pet parents. Crafted without soy, they cater to kitties with dietary sensitivities, ensuring your cat enjoys delicious cat treats healthy enough for everyday indulgence. Delight in the comfort of treating without compromise, constantly showering your feline with love and optimal nutrition.
- Chicken Flavor They'll Savor: Infused with the irresistible essence of chicken, these cat treats deliver a mouthwatering flavor that excites even the pickiest eaters. Entice your feline with the rich taste they crave, naturally encouraging their play and engagement. Turn every treat into an adventure of taste; fuel their curiosity and zest with chicken, showcasing your dedication to their enjoyment and well-being.
- Perfect for Indoor Lifestyle: Tailored for cats who relish indoor living, Meow Luv Delights' treats are an ideal fit; satisfy their need for stimulation and engagement. Offer cat treats for indoor cats that encourage interaction and playful hunting instincts, supporting a happy and vibrant feline lifestyle in the comfort of home. Encourage companionship and comfort, sharing quality time as you nurture your bond with fun and flavor.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW CHICKEN HEARTS CAT TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Cat Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw cat treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut chicken hearts.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried cat treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our cat treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Cat treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw cat food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and cats with allergies!
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Healthy Cat Treats
Choosing the right treats for your feline friend is important. Healthy treats keep your cat happy and help them stay strong. This guide helps you pick the best, healthiest options available.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for cat treats, look for specific things on the package. These features tell you if the treat is good for your cat.
1. High Protein Content
- Cats are natural carnivores. They need lots of protein.
- Look for treats where the first ingredient is real meat, like chicken, turkey, or fish.
- Aim for treats with at least 25% protein or higher.
2. Limited, Recognizable Ingredients
- Fewer ingredients are usually better. It’s easier to know what your cat is eating.
- Avoid long lists of chemicals or names you cannot pronounce.
3. Appropriate Texture and Size
- Consider your cat’s age and dental health.
- Young kittens might need soft, chewy treats. Older cats with sensitive teeth need softer options too.
- Crunchy treats can help clean teeth, but make sure they are not too hard.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients list is your best friend. What goes into the treat directly affects your cat’s health.
1. Beneficial Ingredients
- Real Meat/Fish: This should be the main part of the treat. It provides essential amino acids.
- Natural Preservatives: Look for Vitamin E (tocopherols) instead of artificial preservatives like BHA or BHT.
- Added Nutrients: Some healthy treats include Omega-3 fatty acids (good for skin and coat) or taurine (essential for cat heart health).
2. Ingredients to Avoid (Red Flags)
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: These add no nutritional value.
- Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy are often used to bulk up treats. Cats don’t digest these well.
- High Sugar Content: Treats should not be sugary. Sugar can lead to weight gain and dental problems.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is determined by how the treat is made and what it leaves out.
Improving Quality:
- Freeze-Dried or Air-Dried: These methods preserve nutrients better than baking at high heat.
- Grain-Free Options: For many cats, grain-free treats are easier to digest and offer better nutrition.
- Sustainably Sourced: If the ingredients are responsibly sourced, it often means higher quality control overall.
Reducing Quality:
- By-Products: These are lower-quality parts of meat and should be avoided in healthy treats.
- Excessive Sodium: Treats high in salt can be unhealthy, especially for older cats.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treats affects your choice. Think about why you are giving the treat.
Training and Bonding
- If you use treats for training, you need small, easily broken pieces. Your cat should eat them quickly so training sessions stay focused.
Health Management
- If your cat has a sensitive stomach, look for single-ingredient treats (like just dried salmon). This helps you pinpoint if a certain food causes issues.
- For picky eaters, strong smells are a plus. Treats with real fish often work well to get their attention.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Healthy Cat Treats
Q: How often should I give my cat treats?
A: Treats should only make up about 10% of your cat’s total daily calories. Give them small amounts daily, or use them for rewards.
Q: Are grain-free treats always healthier for cats?
A: Often, yes. Cats do not need grains. Grain-free options usually mean the focus is more on meat protein.
Q: Can I give my dog’s treats to my cat?
A: No. Cat treats have different nutritional needs, like higher levels of taurine. Dog treats might not provide what your cat requires.
Q: What is the best texture for an older cat?
A: Soft, moist, or pate-style treats are best for older cats who may have worn-down teeth.
Q: What does “natural flavor” mean on a label?
A: This term can be vague. It usually means the flavor comes from a natural source, but always check the rest of the ingredients list to be sure.
Q: Should I worry about the calorie count in treats?
A: Yes. Overfeeding treats leads to obesity quickly. Always check the serving size recommended on the package.
Q: Are freeze-dried treats better than baked treats?
A: Freeze-drying removes water without high heat, which generally preserves more natural vitamins and nutrients than baking does.
Q: What if my cat is allergic to chicken?
A: Look for novel proteins like duck, rabbit, or specific fish like tuna or whitefish. Always read the label carefully to ensure no cross-contamination.
Q: How long do healthy treats last once opened?
A: Most healthy, natural treats last a few weeks to a couple of months after opening. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Q: Do treats really help with dental health?
A: Some crunchy treats are specially designed to scrape plaque, but they are not a replacement for brushing or vet cleanings. They offer minor support.
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!