Cat Food

Choosing Better Cat Treats

Treats can be tasty and nutritious. Here's how to reward your cat without unbalancing their diet.

|April 29, 2024|2 min|
Woman feeding her cat a treat by hand
On This Page
A Quick Reminder

Every pet is different. Introduce new foods gradually and consult your veterinarian if your pet has specific dietary needs.

Treats are a wonderful way to bond with your cat and reward good behavior — but they are easy to overdo, and quality varies enormously. Choosing better cat treats means looking past the cute packaging to what is actually inside. Here is how to treat smart.

The 10 Percent Rule

Treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of your cat’s daily calories. The other 90 percent should come from a complete and balanced diet. Too many treats can unbalance nutrition and lead to weight gain, so moderation is the foundation of healthy treating.

Read the Ingredients

The best cat treats keep it simple. Look for a named animal protein as the main ingredient and a short list you can actually understand. Single-ingredient freeze-dried meat or fish treats are an excellent option for cats, delivering flavor with minimal filler.

Watch the Calories and Sodium

Small treats add up fast. Check the calorie content and portion accordingly, breaking larger treats into pieces. Be mindful of high-sodium or heavily flavored products, especially for cats with heart or kidney concerns.

Functional Treats: Helpful or Hype?

Some treats promise dental, hairball, or joint benefits. A few dental treats are backed by evidence, but many “functional” claims are marketing. Treat these as an occasional bonus rather than a substitute for proper diet and veterinary care.

What to Look For

Keep this checklist in mind when shopping:

  • A named animal protein as the first ingredient
  • A short, recognizable ingredient list
  • Low calories per piece so treats stay within 10 percent of daily intake
  • Minimal artificial colors, flavors, and excess salt

The Bottom Line

Better treats are simple, protein-first, and given in moderation. Use them to reward and bond, keep them to about 10 percent of daily calories, and let a complete and balanced diet do the heavy lifting.

References

About the Author

Arnold Jones

Arnold writes about pet nutrition and helps pet parents make informed, confident choices about what goes in the bowl.

Related Articles