How To Choose The Best Cat Treat For Your Cat – CatTime
Cat treats work wonders for teaching your furry friend new tricks, but with so many from which to choose, it can be hard to decide which treats to buy. That’s why we’ve provided an in-depth review and suggest certain treats that may be more suited to your cat’s needs: from treats for cats who like crunchy or wet food to treats for purists who like to keep their cat extra healthy. If you’re looking for the best cat treats, this shopping guide will help steer you in the right direction.
Best Choice
For Cats with any Type of Food Preferen
Pros:
Cats simply love Temptations cat treats because they taste great. They’re less than two calories each and work perfectly for training cats. These pocket-like treats are like most others because they have a soft inside and a crunchy outside. The 30oz super value size container with an airtight lid keeps treats fresh, too.
Cons:
Cats love Temptations treats, but that’s because they are loaded with less healthy additives and preservatives. While Temptations cat treats claims to offer complete and balanced nutrition with less than two calories per treat, their ingredients leave a little to be desired. The healthiest cat treats are those that are made up of protein instead of carbs (e.g. wheat, soy, corn). However, the first few ingredients of these cat treats include meat meals, corn, fat, rice and meat byproducts.
Best Beef Cat Treats
For Cats who don’t like Soft or Wet Food
Pros:
This product comes in a variety of flavors, but these treats are especially great for cats that love beef. The bulk pack saves you money, and so you’ll always have some treats on hand.
Cons:
Obviously, these crunchy treats aren’t a good choice for cats that prefer soft or wet treats.
Best Fish Cat Treats
Perfect for Purists
Pros:
If you’re looking for treats that are all-natural, then these freeze-dried treats are tops. Salmon is the only ingredient, so you never have to worry about additives or preservatives. This also make these treats a great addition to your cat’s diet even if they have health problems or require a special diet. The salmon is caught wild in the Pacific Ocean and made in the USA.
Cons:
While these treats are made with pure freeze-dried salmon, the fish bits vary in size. Some customers have complained of crumbs and dust in the package. So, you may not get total use out of the entire contents. If you buy these treats, you might find the bag shredded if you leave it out on the counter. Store in a secured area; the fishy smell is too tempting for cats.
Best Natural Cat Treats
Keep your Cat Healthy and Happy
Pros:
These treats have a number of advantages over other cat treats. The party mix includes three different flavor pouches from which you can choose, including all-natural chicken, tuna, and salmon flavored treats. In addition to being made with real meat and fish, they also have variations with cranberries, sunflower, seaweed, and vegetables for added nutrition. And, the treats are less than two calories each.
Cons:
If you’re looking for a simple treat with few ingredients, then the added nutrients might be a deal-breaker. Some cats may be sensitive to some of these or may just not like the taste. Also, the party mix offers variety, but if you’re cat doesn’t like one or two of the flavors, then you’ll be left with unwanted treats. These treats are a little more expensive than many others.
Best Mixed Meat
For Cats who don’t like Crunchy Foods
Pros:
These treats are loaded with protein, whether you select beef, chicken, liver, turkey, whitefish, tuna or several combinations of those. You won’t find any wheat, soy, corn, artificial flavors, fillers, or additives, so you can rest easy knowing that your cat is getting a healthy treat. Each twin-pack is divided into fresh broth-based portions, so you won’t have any leftovers.
Cons:
While the first four ingredients listed for these treats include chicken broth and meat, the next few ingredients include poultry and meat byproducts. This makes them not as healthy as treats that avoid byproducts altogether. Additionally, Paté treats are high in calories (about 45 calories per serving) as compared to treats that are fewer than two calories per treat.
What Really Matters
Choosing the Cat Treats that Match Your Pet’s Taste
When it comes to cat treats, there’s no one-kind-fits-all. However, Temptations would be a good choice if you’re not sure which treats to try. They’re both crunchy and soft. If you find that your cat prefers wet foods, go with something like the pate treats. If they like crunchy foods, then go with the Dreamies treats. If you’re a purist who’ll accept nothing but all-natural, then the PureBites freeze-dried salmon is a must. Looking for something with a little variety, then Friskies Party Mix will fit the bill.
Avoiding Treats That Can Cause Health Problems
No matter you cat’s age, your priority should be to feed it what’s most beneficial. Many foods can cause illnesses or worsen existing ones. As your kitten gets older, you may also find that they develop various health challenges, making it more difficult to know what s/he can eat. Cats who suffer from anything from allergies to gastrointestinal issues might be better off with treats that are all-natural and don’t contain any additives. Avoid treats that are high in calories, salts and ingredients that can be hard to digest. Too much of a not-so-good thing can lead to an overweight cat and other health issues.
Prices
Expensive
Friskies comes out as the most expensive treat. You only get 6.3 ounces of treats for $9.33. That’s more than a dollar and a half per ounce.
Mid-Range
PureBites Treats fall in between the most expensive and cheapest treats. You get 0.29 ounces for $2.29. That’s $0.66/oz
Cheap
Sheba Treats offer the most bang for the buck. Their twin-packs total 62.4 ounces for $19.20. That’s only $0.30/oz.
FAQs
What are the best cat treats for dental hygiene?
Crunchy treats like Temptations are great for helping to remove tartar from your cat’s teeth. If you cat has lost some teeth or has problems chewing, then soft, wet foods like the Sheba Paté treats would be better.
What are the best cat treats for allergies?
If your cat has food allergies that affect their digestive track and/or skin and fur, then the best treats are those with the fewest ingredients, such as the PureBites freeze-dried treats.
What are the best cat treats to hide pills?
When you’re tasked with the effort of tricking your cat into eating their medication, treats are a great way to hide pills. The best treats for this are wet treats that hold their form like the Sheba Paté ones.
What are the best cat treats for clicker training cats?
You can use any treats for clicker training. The best ones would be those that are easiest to carry around with you and that aren’t messy, such as the Dreamies or the Friskies treats.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.