Cat Treat Guide: How to Choose the Right Treats

Giving your cat a treat is a special ritual, a bonding moment that feels good. But when faced with overcrowded shelves and enticing packaging, how can you tell the difference between a healthy reward and a marketing gimmick? As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, my mission is to decode the labels for you and guide you towards a truly informed choice, one that goes far beyond the slogans.

Before you fill your basket, let's review the common pitfalls that could lead you to buy products that are, at best, useless and, at worst, harmful to your companion's health.

1. The "100% Natural" Illusion: Green packaging and a countryside photo are no guarantee of quality. Many products labelled "natural" actually hide low-quality by-products, filler grains, or artificial flavours. The only final arbiter? The ingredients list.
2. The "Grain-Free" Obsession: While grain-free cat treats are often a good choice, this claim alone guarantees nothing. Some manufacturers simply replace grains with a high dose of other starches (like potato), at the expense of animal protein, which is vital for a carnivore.
3. Sugars and Additives: The Hidden Ingredients: To make a treat more appealing (or "palatable," in industry terms), some manufacturers don't hesitate to add sugars (dextrose, molasses...) or flavour enhancers. These components offer no nutritional value and contribute to weight gain.

The Essential Criteria for Healthy Cat Treats

To avoid these traps, you just need to stick to a few objective criteria. These benchmarks will help you choose products that truly meet your pet's needs.

1. Decoding the Ingredients List

The golden rule is simple: meat or fish must be the very first item on the list. As obligate carnivores, their diet, even in treat form, must be rich in animal protein.

• Favour clear ingredients: Terms like "chicken fillet (60%)" or "salmon (40%)" are preferable to vague descriptions like "meat and animal derivatives."
• Check the crude protein content: A good treat will have a high protein level. For natural cat treats, especially freeze-dried ones, this can exceed 50%.
• Limit additives: A short ingredients list is often a good sign. Look for products without added artificial colours, preservatives, or flavours.

2. Choosing the Right Texture for Every Need

The shape and consistency of the treat aren't just a matter of preference. They can address specific needs.

• Crunchy treats: These help promote good oral hygiene through their mechanical action on tartar. They are ideal for a quick reward.
• Soft or freeze-dried treats: Highly palatable, they are well-suited for older cats or those with sensitive teeth.
• Liquid or purée treats: These hydrating cat treats are a brilliant solution for felines who turn their nose up at their water bowl. Liquid cat treats can be given straight from the tube, served over kibble to make it more appealing, or even used to hide medication.

3. Adapting Treats to Your Cat's Age and Health

Nutritional needs change over time. A kitten treat will be formulated differently from a treat for a senior cat.

• For kittens: Opt for small, easy-to-chew treats enriched with nutrients essential for growth, like taurine.
• For adult cats: The key is calorie control. Treats should never make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
• For senior or sensitive cats: Prioritise simple formulas (single-protein), grain-free, and easy-to-digest options to avoid overloading their digestive system.

Our Top Treat Selections for Different Profiles

To help you put this advice into practice, here are a few options that meet distinct profiles and needs, in line with our selection criteria.

IDEAL FOR: THE INGREDIENT PURIST

MJAMJAM Beef Cat Treats 35g x 5

Our verdict: The perfect treat for the owner who refuses to compromise. One single ingredient—meat. That's it. Simplicity at its best.

The Anti-Gimmick Check

There are no vague "natural" claims here. Transparency is total with an ultra-simple formula: 100% beef fillet. Zero grains, zero sugar, zero additives.

Key Benefits

Its single-protein formula is perfect for sensitive cats. The freeze-drying process preserves the nutrients and authentic taste of the meat.

IDEAL FOR: THE HYDRATION HELPER

INABA Churu Cat Treats, Tuna Flavour, 50-Pack

Our verdict: The perfect solution for owners of cats who snub their water bowl. This liquid treat combines pleasure and hydration in the most delicious way possible.

The Anti-Gimmick Check

This product doesn't hide behind vague promises. Its benefit is clear and quantified: it contains 91% moisture, directly addressing the need for hydration.

Key Benefits

Extremely low in calories (around 6 kcal per tube), it can be given without worry. Its purée texture is a hit, even with the pickiest of cats.

IDEAL FOR: THE SMART INDULGENCE

CATISFACTIONS Chicken Treats for Cats and Kittens - 60g

Our verdict: For playtime, training, or just for fun, this is the iconic treat that cats go crazy for, thanks to its unique dual texture.

The Anti-Gimmick Check

This product embraces its status as an indulgent treat. Although grains are first on the list, it's very low in calories, allowing you to include it sensibly without worrying about weight gain.

Key Benefits

Its dual texture (crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside) is a guaranteed success. Each bite contains less than 2 kcal, which makes portion control incredibly easy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Treats

How many treats should I give my cat?

The golden rule: treats should never exceed 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. If you give them treats, remember to slightly reduce their kibble portion to prevent weight gain. Always follow the recommended feeding guidelines on the packaging.

Does my kitten really need treats?

They aren't essential if their diet is already complete and balanced. Instead, kitten treats are an excellent tool for training (like litter training) and socialisation. Choose products formulated for their age: smaller, easy to chew, and enriched with key nutrients for growth.

How can I spot a healthy treat at a glance?

In short, a quality treat checks these boxes:

• A quality animal protein source as the first ingredient.
• A short and understandable ingredients list.
• No added sugars, artificial colours, or flavours.
• A controlled calorie content.

With these few tips in mind, choosing a treat becomes a simple, informed, and truly beneficial gesture for your companion's health and happiness.