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10 Best Healthy Cat Treats
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Buying Guide for the Best Healthy Cat Treats
Choosing the right healthy cat treats can help support your cat’s overall well-being while still offering them a tasty reward. When shopping for cat treats, it's important to look beyond flavors and focus on what goes into them. Think about your cat’s age, dietary needs, activity level, and any health concerns they might have. The goal is to find treats that complement your cat’s balanced diet without causing any health issues.IngredientsIngredients refer to everything that goes into making the cat treats. High-quality treats usually list specific meats or fish as the main ingredient, which provides protein and is most similar to what cats naturally eat. Some treats might include grains, fillers, or by-products, which are less ideal and can cause allergies or digestive issues in some cats. When reading the ingredient list, focus on treats that start with real, recognizable proteins and have minimal artificial additives. If your cat has sensitivities or allergies, it's even more important to scrutinize the ingredient list for potential triggers.
Protein ContentProtein content measures how much of the treat is made up of proteins, which are essential for a cat’s body functions and muscle health. Healthy cat treats should have a high protein content, typically stated as a percentage. Lower protein treats (less than 25%) are less nutritious and often filled with unnecessary carbs. Mid-range protein treats (25%-50%) suit regular snacking, while treats with very high protein (over 50%) are best for very active or young cats who need extra energy. Consider your cat’s age, activity, and general health when deciding how much protein they need; older or less active cats may not need extremely high protein treats.
Calorie CountCalorie count tells you how much energy your cat will get from each treat. Since treats are not meant to replace main meals, a lower calorie count per treat is usually preferable, especially for indoor or less active cats. Low-calorie treats (1-2 calories each) are good for frequent rewarding, while moderate (3-4 calories) work if you only give treats occasionally. High-calorie treats (5 or more calories) should be limited, as extra calories can quickly lead to weight gain. Think about how many treats you plan to give and your cat’s daily food intake to help keep their diet balanced.
Added Nutrients and SupplementsSome treats include added nutrients like vitamins, taurine, or omega fatty acids, designed to boost specific aspects of your cat’s health, such as skin, coat, or heart function. While these extras can be helpful, especially if your cat has a known deficiency or health concern, not all cats need extra supplements if they already eat a complete diet. If you’re trying to address a specific issue like hairballs or dental health, choose treats with targeted ingredients. Otherwise, focus more on overall healthy ingredients rather than added supplements.
Texture and SizeTexture refers to whether a treat is crunchy, soft, chewy, or freeze-dried, while size relates to how easily your cat can eat the treat. Crunchy treats can help some cats with dental health by reducing tartar, while soft or chewy treats are easier for older cats or those with dental issues to eat. Very small treats are best for portion control and training, while larger ones work for occasional indulging. Choose texture and size based on your cat’s preference, age, and health needs.
Artificial AdditivesArtificial additives include colors, flavors, and preservatives. These are often added to make treats more visually appealing or to prolong shelf life, but they are not necessary for your cat’s health. Some cats may develop sensitivities or allergies to artificial additives, leading to skin or digestive issues. Natural treats without artificial additives are typically safer and healthier for long-term use, so always check the packaging for a simple, natural ingredient list.