Joybuy Insights

Cat treats: how to choose the right reward for your pet

Cat treats are a great way to reward your companion, share a special moment together or simply add variety between meals. However, packaging does not always make the choice easy: a picture of chicken does not guarantee that the recipe contains a large amount of it, while a multipack may ultimately cost more if your cat quickly gets bored of the treats.

To avoid being guided by marketing alone, there are three pitfalls to avoid.

Common pitfalls when buying cat treats

1. Confusing flavouring with the main ingredient

Claims such as ‘with chicken’ or ‘with salmon’ should always be considered alongside the ingredients list. Some recipes, for example, contain 4% chicken or salmon. This means the treat is flavoured with that ingredient or contains it in a limited quantity, rather than being made mainly from meat or fish.

2. Forgetting that they are complementary food

Cat snacks do not replace a complete diet. Even when a recipe is presented as low-calorie, it should be given as part of your cat’s daily allowance. Depending on the product, your pet’s age, weight and activity level, the manufacturer may recommend a specific limit, such as 12 or 20 pieces per day.

3. Neglecting storage after opening

Crunchy cat treats quickly lose their texture if the pouch is left open. Liquid or sauce-based varieties require even more care: they should generally be refrigerated after opening and consumed within 24 to 48 hours. For some moist fillets, the recommended storage period is limited to two days.

What to check before choosing cat treats

Ingredients and legal product description

Look for the wording ‘complementary food for cats’, then check the ingredients list, which is shown in descending order by weight. The quantitative declaration of ingredients, often referred to by the acronym QUID, helps you better understand recipes described as ‘with chicken’, ‘with salmon’ or ‘with liver’.

The presence of cereals as the first ingredient does not automatically make a treat unsuitable. It simply indicates a different profile from a moist bite made mainly from fillets. To compare products properly, consider the texture, moisture content and recommended daily amount.

The right texture for each use

  • Crunchy cat treats: easy to give during play or training, provided the pouch is resealed and stored in a dry place.
  • Soft treats: easy to break into smaller pieces, making them a good choice for cats that prefer tender textures.
  • Liquid cat treats: can be served on their own or over your cat’s usual food, and generally have a high water content.
  • Fillets in sauce: ideal for a special treat, they should be served at room temperature and refrigerated after opening.

Age and daily amount

Kitten treats are not necessarily chosen in the same way as those intended for adult cats. Some products are suitable from 2 months, with a reduced daily portion for younger kittens. Others, such as the Sheba fillets mentioned here, are specifically reserved for adult cats.

Always read the feeding recommendations on the packaging. To avoid exceeding your cat’s daily allowance, you may need to slightly reduce the portion of its main meal. Fresh water should be available at all times.

Our selection for different needs and uses

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
CATISFACTIONS Chicken Treats For Cats And Kittens - 60g

CATISFACTIONS chicken treats for cats and kittens – 60 g

Why this choice suits this profile : The small pack is a practical way to try a crunchy treat with a soft centre without ending up with a large stock of treats that your cat may turn its nose up at.

How this product avoids the pitfall

With a net weight of 60 g, there is less risk of leaving an opened pouch lying around for weeks. The product information also states that the recipe contains no artificial colours or preservatives.

Main benefit and key features

The product information recommends up to 12 pieces per day for an adult cat, with 28% crude protein and 12% fat.

Recommended for : Premium product enthusiasts
Inaba Churu Cat Treat Sticks, Grooming & Skin Care Combo Pack

Inaba Churu cat treat sticks – coat and skin care

Why this choice suits this profile : Individually portioned and with a purée-like texture, these sticks are clean and easy to serve, offering a change from traditional kibble.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list states 30% chicken and 86% moisture. This information clearly distinguishes the recipe from a dry treat that is simply flavoured.

Main benefit and key features

The pack contains 20 sticks weighing 14 g each, with 8% crude protein. The recommended amount is 1 to 3 sticks per day, depending on the cat.

Recommended for : Specific needs and frequent users
VITAKRAFT Cat Liquid Snack Chicken 90g

VITAKRAFT liquid chicken cat treat – 90 g

Why this choice suits this profile : The individual portions can be used as a reward on their own or mixed with dry food, without having to open a large pouch.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated moisture content is 85%. After opening, the product information recommends refrigerating the product and consuming it within 24 to 48 hours.

Main benefit and key features

A liquid texture, convenient portions, 7% crude protein and 4% chicken in the stated ingredients.

Recommended for : Multi-cat households
Catisfactions Salmon Treats for Cats and Kittens - 6 Pack

Catisfactions salmon treats for cats and kittens – 6-pack (360 g)

Why this choice suits this profile : The six 60 g pouches make it easy to rotate portions and are ideal for households that regularly give rewards to several cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information sets a limit of 20 pieces for an adult cat and 6 for a kitten from 2 months old. The multi-pouch packaging also helps preserve the treats’ crunch.

Main benefit and key features

A crunchy outer texture and tender centre, with fewer than 2 kcal per treat according to the product information.

Looking for more options ?

We have put together a complete selection, updated in real time, of products that meet these exacting criteria while complying with European safety regulations.

Which texture should you choose for everyday use ?

For training or play, dry treats are easy to carry, give out and count. Chicken cat treats and salmon cat treats are a great way to discover your pet’s preferences, but check the ingredients before assuming that a particular flavour means a high meat or fish content.

Liquid formats are generally popular with cats that enjoy purée or sauce. Some can be served over kibble as a topping, but always follow the recommended amount: these products are not a complete meal.

Cat treat FAQ

How many treats can you give a cat each day ?

There is no universal amount. Start by following the manufacturer’s recommendations, then adjust the portion according to your cat’s weight, activity level and main food allowance. Treats are complementary food, so their nutritional contribution should be included in your cat’s overall daily diet.

Are kitten treats suitable for adult cats ?

Some products are suitable for both kittens and adult cats, while others are intended for just one category. Always check the age stated on the packaging. A treat suitable from 2 months can be given to a kitten in line with the recommended portion, but a product specifically intended for adults should not automatically be chosen for a young cat.

How should you store cat snacks after opening?

Dry treats should be stored in a cool, dry place in a carefully resealed pouch. Moist, sauce-based or liquid products should generally be refrigerated after opening and consumed promptly. Always refer to the storage period shown on the packaging of the product you have bought.