Does your furry friend’s happy purr and wagging tail make your heart melt? Of course it does! We all love to spoil our cats with little treats. They’re a great way to show affection, reward good behavior, and just make them feel special. But sometimes, looking at all the treat options in the pet store can feel a little overwhelming, right?
It’s tough to know which treats are truly good for your cat. Many treats are packed with stuff that isn’t very healthy, like artificial colors, flavors, or too much sugar. You want to give your cat something delicious, but you also want them to be healthy and happy for a long time. The worry about picking the wrong treat can make you feel a bit uneasy.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll explore what makes a cat treat truly healthy. You’ll learn how to read ingredient lists like a pro and discover some fantastic, wholesome options that your cat will absolutely love. By the end, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what to look for and what to avoid, making treat time a joy for both you and your feline companion.
Our Top 5 Healthy Cat Treats Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Healthy Cat Treats Detailed Reviews
1. Vital Essentials Chicken Breast Cat Treats
Rating: 8.6/10
Give your feline friend the best with Vital Essentials Chicken Breast Cat Treats. These treats are made from 100% pure chicken breast, freeze-dried to lock in all the natural goodness. They are a single-ingredient wonder, meaning no grains, gluten, or fillers to worry about. Your cat will love the taste, and you’ll love the nutrition.
What We Like:
- Packed with high protein for energy and health.
- Made from responsibly sourced, premium chicken breast.
- Naturally supports healthy skin, shiny coats, and strong teeth.
- Crafted in America with a focus on quality.
- Free from grains, gluten, fillers, dyes, and artificial preservatives.
- Perfect for cats with allergies or picky eaters due to single-protein nature.
- Freeze-dried quickly after harvesting to keep nutrients and flavor at their peak.
- Minimal processing means you’re giving your cat the best, just as nature intended.
What Could Be Improved:
- The small 1 oz bag might be gone quickly for multi-cat households.
- Some cats might be initially hesitant due to the natural texture.
These treats offer a simple, healthy way to spoil your cat. They are a smart choice for any owner who wants to provide top-notch nutrition.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats
Rating: 9.5/10
Calling all cat parents! We’ve been testing out the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats, and let’s just say our feline friends have been purring with delight. These treats are designed to tap into your cat’s inner wild hunter, offering a satisfying crunch and a flavor that’s hard to resist. They’re made with natural ingredients, which is always a big win in our book.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, making these treats super tasty for cats.
- The crunchy texture is exactly what cats love in a snack.
- They are perfect for rewarding good behavior during training sessions.
- The ingredients are natural, with no yucky by-products, corn, wheat, or soy.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives are added, keeping things wholesome.
- The 12-oz tub provides a good amount of treats.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might be pickier and not immediately take to the chicken flavor.
- The packaging has been updated digitally, so the physical tub might look a bit different.
Overall, these Blue Buffalo Wilderness treats are a fantastic choice for rewarding your cat. They offer a healthy and delicious option that satisfies their natural instincts.
3. RLG High-Protein Freeze Dried Cat Treats—Hairball Control
Rating: 9.4/10
Introducing RLG High-Protein Freeze Dried Cat Treats, a delicious and healthy way to spoil your feline friend. These treats are packed with goodness to support your cat’s well-being from the inside out. They’re designed to be gentle on their tummies, help with pesky hairballs, and make their fur shine. Plus, they come in convenient single-serve packs to keep them fresh and tasty.
What We Like:
- The spruce fiber really helps with hairball control, making my cat more comfortable.
- My cat’s coat looks so much shinier and softer since I started giving him these treats.
- I love that they are grain-free and made with high-quality protein.
- The individual packs are great for freshness and portion control, especially with multiple cats.
- They are easy to feed in different ways, like mixed with food or as a direct reward.
- The freeze-drying process keeps the natural flavor and nutrients locked in.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the factory-direct pricing is good, a larger bulk option might be even more cost-effective for devoted users.
- The instructions suggest a transition period, which is good practice, but for very picky eaters, finding the right method might take a little patience.
Overall, RLG High-Protein Freeze Dried Cat Treats are a fantastic choice for cat owners who want to give their pets the best. They offer a healthy and tasty way to support your cat’s digestion, coat, and overall happiness.
4. Greenies Feline Adult Dental Cat Treats
Rating: 8.6/10
Keeping your cat’s smile healthy and bright is easier than you think with Greenies Feline Adult Dental Cat Treats in Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor. This 9.75 oz. tub is packed with deliciousness that also works hard to clean your cat’s teeth. They are designed to be a healthy snack your feline friend will beg for, while also contributing to better oral hygiene.
What We Like:
- The crunchy texture is great for cleaning teeth and fighting tartar.
- It helps to freshen your cat’s breath, making cuddle time more pleasant.
- Vets recommend these treats, making them a trusted choice for dental care.
- They are made with natural ingredients, plus important vitamins and minerals.
- These treats are a complete and balanced food for adult cats.
- The oven-roasted chicken flavor is a big hit with cats.
- There are no artificial flavors or preservatives added.
- Each treat is very low in calories, with less than 2 calories each.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some picky eaters might not be drawn to the crunchy texture initially.
- The tub size, while generous, might be a bit large for households with only one cat.
Overall, Greenies Feline Dental Treats offer a simple and effective way to support your cat’s dental health while providing a tasty reward. Your cat will love the flavor, and you’ll love the benefits.
5. Purrly Lickable Wet Cat Treats Healthy Grain-Free Chicken Variety Pack (18 Count) Squeezable Creamy Purée with Human-Grade Protein Sources and Functional Nutrients Non-GMO No-Artificial-Additives
Rating: 9.1/10
Let’s talk about the Purrly Lickable Wet Cat Treats Healthy Grain-Free Chicken Variety Pack. This 18-count pack offers a delicious and healthy way to spoil your feline friend. These squeezable, creamy purées are made with human-grade protein and packed with functional nutrients, making them a treat you can feel good about giving.
What We Like:
- Human-Grade Protein Sources: Purrly uses real meat and fish as the main ingredient. This means your cat gets top-notch nutrition and a taste they’ll adore.
- Clean & Transparent Ingredients: You won’t find any artificial stuff, grains, fillers, or weird preservatives here. It’s just pure, wholesome goodness for your cat.
- Essential Hydration & Enticing Aroma: The natural broth not only smells amazing to cats but also helps them stay hydrated, which is super important.
- Functional Nutrition: These treats are more than just tasty; they’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your cat’s health from the inside out.
- Low Calorie: Each serving has less than 6 calories, so you can treat your cat without worrying about their weight. It’s a guilt-free reward!
- Interactive & Bonding Experience: The squeezable pouches make treating a fun, hands-on activity. You can feed them directly, strengthening your bond with your cat during snack time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The variety pack only includes chicken flavors, limiting options for cats who might prefer fish or other proteins.
- Availability might be limited in some physical stores, requiring online ordering for some customers.
Overall, the Purrly Lickable Wet Cat Treats are a fantastic option for pet parents seeking a healthy, engaging, and delicious way to treat their cats. They offer a great balance of nutrition and enjoyment.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Your Feline Friend
Choosing the right treats for your cat is important. You want to give them something they’ll love, but you also want it to be good for them. This guide helps you pick the best healthy cat treats.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for healthy cat treats, keep these things in mind:
- Natural Ingredients: Look for treats made with real meat, fish, or poultry as the first ingredient. This means your cat gets good protein. Avoid treats with a lot of fillers like corn or wheat.
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients often mean fewer chances for your cat to have a reaction. It also makes it easier to know exactly what your cat is eating.
- No Artificial Additives: Steer clear of treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These don’t add any health benefits and can sometimes be harmful.
- Appropriate Size and Texture: Treats should be easy for your cat to chew. Crunchy treats can help clean their teeth. Soft treats are good for older cats or those with dental issues.
- Nutrient-Rich: Some treats have added vitamins and minerals that support your cat’s health, like omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat.
Important Materials
The “materials” in cat treats are their ingredients. Here are some good ones to find:
- Real Meats: Chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, and duck are excellent choices. They provide essential protein.
- Vegetables and Fruits (in moderation): Some treats might include small amounts of sweet potato, pumpkin, or blueberries. These can offer fiber and antioxidants.
- Herbs: Catnip is a favorite for many cats and can be found in some treats.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a treat great or not so great?
- High-Quality Protein Sources: Treats that list a specific meat (like “chicken”) are better than those that just say “meat by-products.” This shows the manufacturer is transparent.
- Processing Methods: Gently baked or freeze-dried treats often keep more of their natural nutrients. Over-processing can reduce the goodness.
- Added Sugars or Salt: These are unnecessary and can be bad for your cat’s health. Good treats have none.
- Digestibility: Treats that are easy for your cat to digest mean they get the most out of them. Ingredients like simple proteins and fiber sources help.
User Experience and Use Cases
Healthy treats are more than just a snack.
- Training: Use healthy treats as rewards when teaching your cat new tricks or reinforcing good behavior. This makes training positive and effective.
- Bonding: Sharing a healthy treat is a wonderful way to connect with your cat. It builds trust and strengthens your relationship.
- Dental Health: Crunchy treats can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth.
- Picky Eaters: Sometimes, a healthy treat can encourage a cat to eat their regular food if they’re being fussy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Cat Treats
Q: What are the main benefits of healthy cat treats?
A: Healthy treats offer good nutrition, can help with training, and are a great way to bond with your cat. They can also support things like dental health.
Q: Should I worry about the ingredients in cat treats?
A: Yes, you should always check the ingredients. Look for real meat and avoid artificial stuff. This helps keep your cat healthy.
Q: How many healthy treats should I give my cat?
A: Treats should only be a small part of your cat’s diet, usually no more than 10%. Too many treats can lead to weight gain.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better?
A: Not necessarily. Some cats do well with grains, while others might be sensitive. The most important thing is the quality of the protein and avoiding fillers.
Q: Can healthy treats help with a cat’s bad breath?
A: Some crunchy, dental treats can help clean your cat’s teeth, which may reduce bad breath. Always check the product description.
Q: What if my cat has allergies?
A: If your cat has allergies, look for limited-ingredient treats with novel proteins (like duck or rabbit) that they haven’t eaten before.
Q: Are homemade treats a good option?
A: Yes, if you make them with safe, cat-appropriate ingredients. This gives you complete control over what goes in them.
Q: How do I know if a treat is “healthy”?
A: Read the ingredient list. If the first few ingredients are real meats and there are no artificial additives, it’s likely a healthy choice.
Q: Can I give my cat human food as treats?
A: Generally, no. Many human foods are not good for cats and can even be toxic. Stick to treats made specifically for cats.
Q: Where is the best place to buy healthy cat treats?
A: You can find healthy cat treats at pet stores, online retailers, and sometimes at your veterinarian’s office. Look for brands that focus on natural ingredients.
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!