The Best Cat Treats: A Guide to Healthy & Delicious Options for Your Cat

Our cats love treats just like anyone else. These delicious delicacies are more than just tasty snacks. They’re an opportunity to grow closer to your loved one, encourage positive behaviors, and add a touch of enrichment to your cat’s daily routine. Whether you’re selecting dental cat treats, wet cat treats, or grain free cat treats, the right snack for your cat makes all the difference. However, with so many options out there, how do you know what are the best cat treats to give your kitty? In this article, we will explore how to select top-rated cat treats for various needs and share our recommended cat treats from reputable brands, like Purina, that are known for their commitment to feline nutrition and safety.

What Makes a “Best” Cat Treat?

We all want to ensure that we are giving our kitties healthy cat treats that will support their well-being while satisfying their tastebuds. Below we outline some of the finest factors to consider when it comes to finding the best healthy cat treats for your furry friend. From ingredient quality and nutritional value to texture, purpose, and safety, these guidelines will help you make informed, confident choices that keep your cat both happy and healthy.

Quality Ingredients

Cats are obligate carnivores who thrive on high-quality animal proteins. Therefore, the best cat treats start with real meat, poultry, or fish as the primary ingredient. Look for labels that avoid excessive fillers, artificial colors and flavors, and vague by-products unless the ingredient is clearly defined as nutritious.

Equally important is reading the labels to look out for harmful ingredients. Treats containing xylitol, chocolate, onions, artificial sweeteners, and other unsafe human foods should always be avoided as these can make your cat sick. If you do notice your cat having diarrhea, vomiting, an allergic reaction, or other signs of food-related illness, contact your vet right away or take them to the nearest animal hospital.

By making sure that you are choosing treats with safe and beneficial ingredients for your loved one, you can relax knowing that they will be healthy and content with every bite you offer.

Nutritional Value

Treats are meant to compliment your cat’s diet as opposed to replacing it. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to keep in mind the calorie content and proper portions of treats, as the best cat treats for indoor cats will be low in calories to suit their more sedentary lifestyle.

Following the 90/10 rule is usually the best method for cat treats. This is where you give your kitty 10% of their daily food intake in treats and the other 90% goes to their regular, balanced meals.

Palatability

Cats can be notoriously picky eaters. Sometimes even the healthiest treat won’t hold many benefits if your kitty refuses to eat it. To overcome this, make sure that you choose snacks that have textures, aroma, and flavors which your furball is naturally drawn to. For example, if your kitty loves crunchy textures, buy them crunchy treats. If you’re still wondering what treats do cats like, the good news is there are plenty of cat treats for picky eaters, such as Fancy Feast Savory Cravings Cat Treats and Whisker Lickin’s Cat Treats. Checking cat treat reviews online can also give you an idea of what other fussy felines enjoy. Try out different ones to see which snacks your kitty adores and before you know it, you will have a better idea of what cat treats you can select for your cat.

Purpose & Functionality

Not all cat treats are created for the same reasons. There are cat treats for training, cat treats for kittens, cat hairball treats, dental cat treats, grain free cat treats, cat treats for digestive support, and more. Finding treats which match yours and your loved one’s needs is important when considering which delicious indulgences to buy your pet. If your kitty has a specific health concern, it’s best to talk with your vet to discuss what treat and food options would be best for them.

Safety & Digestibility

Safety should always be the top priority. The ideal treat should be an appropriate size and texture that is easy to chew and swallow, especially for kittens and senior cats. It’s also good to select treats from reputable cat treat brands that have established manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and other safety criteria. Choosing safe cat treats from trusted brands with rigorous standards ensures that your feline’s well-being is maintained every time.

Types of Cat Treats & Our Top Picks

There are numerous types of cat treats these days that meet a variety of needs. Below are some of the most popular cat treats across key categories, featuring trusted options from Purina that is a known leader in pet nutrition:

Best Cat Training Treats

These are great treats to use if you need something that is low in calories and enticing enough to train your cat or perform enrichment activities, such as using puzzle feeder toys for mental stimulation.

What to look for: When searching for the best cat training treats, look for small, soft, and irresistibly tasty morsels made perfect for quick rewards. Also, make sure they are low in calories, so you don’t go over your cat’s daily caloric intake.

• Purina Friskies Cat Treats: Filled with plenty of flavor, these lickable and crunchy treats are ideal for short, engaging training sessions.
• Purina Fancy Feast Savory Cravings Cat Treats: These soft, breakable squares are made with high-quality ingredients and designed for moments of affection and positive reinforcement.

Best Dental Cat Treats

These days, there are plenty of dental cat treats to choose from. However, the best dental treats are ones that have been tested and certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) indicating that they have been scientifically proven to reduce plaque and tartar on pets’ teeth.

What to look for: Choose dental treats that have a crunchy texture made to help clean teeth and freshen breath. It’s also good to ensure that the treats come with the VOHC Seal of Acceptance.

• Purina DentaLife Cat Treats: Scientifically designed to reduce tartar buildup, these VOHC-accepted treats support oral health while satisfying your cat’s craving for crunch.

Best Rated Cat Treats for Everyday

If you’re looking for top-rated cat treats, there’s plenty of wonderful options to choose from. These treats are a great way to help build a tighter bond with your cat and make your cat feel closer to you as time goes on.

What to look for: Look for treats that have a crunchy texture and offer variety. These kinds of delicacies are perfect for daily bonding moments and rewards.

• Purina Friskies Party Mix: The fun flavors and shapes of these crunchy snacks make them some of the most popular cat treats around.
• Purina Whisker Lickin’s: These soft and chewy morsels which cats can’t resist are great for daily spoiling.

Best Wet Cat Treats

Some cats might prefer and/or need wet cat treats over crunchy delights and these can act as wonderful complementary toppers. These lickable treats offer higher hydration than their dry counterparts and are easier on cats with dental concerns.

What to look for: Look for high moisture content and palatable flavors to support hydration and picky appetites.

• Purina Fancy Feast Savory Purée Naturals: Your cat will love these smooth, lickable treats made with hand-selected ingredients that are ideal for hydration and indulgence.
• Purina Friskies Lil’ Soups: These light, broth-based snacks double as toppers for extra mealtime excitement.

Best Treats for Specific Needs

Some cats have certain health issues, which need specialized treats and supplements. Discuss with your vet the best snack options for your kitty, so that you can provide them with the safest and healthiest treats and supplements made for them.

What to look for: Find specialized formulas that support health or behavior. For example, look for things like limited ingredients, easy digestibility, and vet-recommended treats and supplements for the specified condition(s) your cat has.

• Purina ONE +Plus Immune Support Purées With Real Chicken Lickable Cat Treats: This delicacy supports your cat’s immune health and is packed with Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids offering your cat a boost of nutrition during training sessions.

For hairball control, cat hairball treats and supplements can be an easy addition to your kitty’s daily wellness routine.

Important Considerations When Giving Treats

While those adorable kitty eyes can capture our hearts and make us want to spoil them with all the treats they can dream of, it’s important to remember our responsibility in maintaining their overall health and well-being. So, are cat treats bad for cats? Not when given responsibly. When giving your cat treats, the following are important considerations to keep in mind:

• Portion Control: It’s so important to calculate how many treats you should give alongside their main meals. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake.  
• Read the Label: To answer the common question, “Do cat treats expire?” Yes, they do. Always check the labels to look at ingredients, calories, expiration dates, and feeding guidelines for your furball. This will ensure you are choosing the best cat treats for your kitty.  
• Supervise Treat Time: It’s important to supervise your cats when giving treats in case an emergency occurs or they try to go over their treat allowance. Learning some cat first aid could make a huge difference in the event an emergency does occur.  
• Allergy Awareness: Be mindful of allergic reactions to treats, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and more. If you see any concerning symptoms, contact your vet right away or take them to the nearest animal hospital. Talk to your vet about which treat options will be best for their allergy.
• Not a Meal Replacement: These are treats that are meant to supplement your cat’s diet without replacing their regular meals. Meals offer a balanced nutrition for your kitty that treats might not necessarily be able to offer. Therefore, it’s important to use treats sparingly by following the 90/10 rule, so you can ensure your cat is meeting their nutritional needs.  
• Consult Your Vet: It’s always best to discuss what treats are best for your furball, especially if they have any health conditions, weight issues, or food sensitivities.

Choosing the best cat treats is about more than indulgence. It’s about care, nutrition, and the moments you share with your cat. The right treat supports health, enriches daily life, and strengthens your bond. Armed with this guide, you can confidently choose healthy cat treats that your kitty will love knowing every morsel is bringing you two closer in a healthy and safe manner.

For more expert tips on cat nutrition and treats, explore our other cat feeding guide articles.