The Best Cat Treats
Rewarding our furry friends is one of the best parts of pet parenting. And indoor cats are particularly fond of enjoying a few tasty tidbits throughout the day. Luckily, these treats can be as nutritious as they are delicious. Some versions are freeze-dried with natural ingredients; others clean teeth while your pet chews. No matter the specifics you're searching for, we're confident you'll find several great cat treats for indoor cats on the list below.
What to Look For
To help pet owners across the globe, we gathered and reviewed the best cat treats for indoor cats on the market today. We asked a few main questions to guide our search: Can cats of all ages enjoy the treats? Can they serve as part of a balanced pet diet? Are the flavors appealing to indoor cats? Right away, we were impressed by Blue Buffalo’s Bursts, for their easy-to-chew texture and all-natural flavor. We also loved the Vital Essentials treats because freeze-dried rabbit meat is its main ingredient. Which cat treats will be best for your indoor pet? Scroll through the following products to find out.
Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy Cat Treats
A wholesome crunch
If your indoor cat goes crazy at the smell of fish, these Blue Buffalo treats may be a good fit. The first ingredient is deboned salmon, and none of those bad ingredients are included. This means the snacks are free from artificial flavors and preservatives, soy, wheat, corn, and chicken byproducts. The texture is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Some other ingredients include salmon meal, cod, shrimp, and tuna meal — yum.
Pros:
- High protein percentage
- Easy for older cats to chew
- Several pack sizes to choose from
Cons:
- Higher price than some other cat treats
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Cat Treats
Real food, real flavor
If real ingredients are your focus, you won’t want to miss these freeze-dried treats from Vital Essentials. The only ingredients are raw rabbit meat and a pet-safe preservative. Even better, the meat is naturally high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. We especially appreciate that there’s no bad odor to worry about, either.
Pros:
- Multiple meats are available to choose from
- Crunchy texture aids in dental health for kittens
- Picky cats seem to like this treat
- Made in the United States
- No refrigeration required
Cons:
- You must wash your hands after feeding these to your pet
Temptations Mix Ups Cat Treats
Enough for everyone
This ginormous pack of cat treats for indoor cats stands out for two reasons. First, it’s affordably priced. Second, the snacks are tasty and enjoyed by almost every cat who tries them. The container holds three different flavors: shrimp, tuna, and seafood. Each piece is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, which is both rewarding and beneficial for pets’ dental health.
Pros:
- Easy reseal container
- Great incentive during training sessions
- Good value
- Balanced nutrition
- Can serve as a cat’s main meal
Cons:
- Food coloring in the ingredients
Feline Greenies Natural Dental Care Cat Treats
Pearly whites
These cat treats are both tasty and chock full of benefits, with the most obvious being their ability to clean your pet’s teeth while they chew. Along with cleaning, the treats also reduce tarter buildup and freshen the breath. The chicken flavor will keep your cat in the dark about these tactics. And the huge, affordable container makes it easy to keep rewarding your kitty throughout each day.
Pros:
- Made with natural ingredients
- Regular consumption may produce whiter teeth
- Essential vitamins and minerals added
- Stay fresh for awhile
- Low calorie count
Cons:
- May be hard for older cats to chew
Shameless Catnip Cat Treats for Indoor Cats
Healthy fun
If your kitty loves catnip, these Shameless treats may be a perfect pick. They’re not just filled with catnip, though. They also contain real chicken, sweet potatoes, prebiotics, and probiotics. Plus, the vegetables used are upcycled due to misfit shapes and coloring. All ingredients are locally sourced to assure treat purity, too.
Pros:
- Supports pets’ digestion
- Catnip in this treat has a calming effect
- Tasty enough for finicky cats
- Made in the United States
- Low calories
Cons:
- Not all cats experience the effects of catnip
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cat treats can my indoor cat have each day?
This depends on the weight of your cat and the exact product you choose, but it’s typically a fairly generous number. Some common treats, just for example, allow cats to enjoy up to 10-12 treats per 10 pounds of body weight per day. So you can count on being about to feel your cat their favorite delicacies multiple times each day.
Are cat treats healthy?
Yes, the cat treats on the list above are designed to supplement your pet’s regular diet with additional nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. If you want to provide your pet with the healthiest option, look for something that is high in protein, low in fat, and that is made with real, natural ingredients. The best treats for cats often lack byproducts, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial ingredients.
About the Author
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.