Cat treats and sports supplements: how to choose according to your needs

Are you looking for cat treats and sports supplements that fit into your daily routine? On paper, these two categories have very little in common. Yet they share a classic pitfall: attractive packaging can conceal ingredients or a format that is not actually right for you.

For your cat, claims such as “natural”, “with salmon” or “grain-free” are not enough to assess a treat. The same applies to sports products: a large tub of powder or a long list of amino acids does not guarantee that the product is suitable for your training. Here are the points to check before placing your order.

Common pitfalls to avoid

1. Confusing the advertised flavour with the actual quantity of the ingredient

A treat presented as a salmon cat treat may contain only a small proportion of salmon. Among the products reviewed, some contain just 4 % salmon, while cereals, fats and plant derivatives appear before the fish in the ingredients list.

The claim “with chicken” or “chicken flavour” should therefore be checked against the ingredients. If you are looking for a recipe that is genuinely high in meat, rely on the stated percentage rather than the picture on the packaging.

2. Mistaking a complementary treat for a complete food

Natural cat treats, sugar-free snacks and liquid bites are generally complementary foods. They do not replace the main diet. The amount given should take into account your pet’s size, age, activity level and metabolism.

Feeding instructions can also vary from one product to another: some bites are given individually, while a liquid treat is intended as a single serving. In all cases, make sure fresh water is available and reduce your pet’s usual food if necessary to maintain a reasonable calorie intake.

3. Choosing a sports supplement without checking the dosages

A single product may combine BCAAs, taurine, vitamins and other amino acids without clearly stating the quantity of each substance. Check the serving size, number of daily servings, possible caffeine content, allergens and sweeteners.

A sugar-free food supplement may therefore contain sucralose or acesulfame-K. “Sugar-free” does not mean “sweetener-free”. If you are sensitive to caffeine, sodium or soya, take the time to read the label before buying.

Criteria to compare before ordering

For cat treats

• Type of food: complementary or complete. A reward should not replace meals.
• Ingredients: look for the actual percentage of meat or fish. A single-protein recipe makes the label easier to understand, but it is not automatically suitable for every cat.
• Moisture content and format: liquid cat treats are often very high in water and should be used quickly after opening. For example, the Vitakraft product contains 85 % moisture and must be kept in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours after opening.
• Cereals and added sugars: a grain-free cat snack is not necessarily better suited to your pet. This criterion should be considered alongside the full ingredient list and, where necessary, your vet’s advice.
• Storage: a resealable pouch, individual portions or a clearly stated shelf life can help reduce waste while preserving the texture.

For sports supplements

• Dosage per serving: BSN Amino X provides 10 g of amino acids per 14.5 g serving, including BCAAs made up of L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine.
• When to take it: an intra-workout drink is generally mixed with water and consumed during exercise, while a post-workout formula is taken after your session, in accordance with the instructions on the label.
• Presence of stimulants: Amino X is presented as caffeine-free, whereas Amok contains 125 mg of caffeine per capsule and up to 300 mg for two capsules. These two products are therefore intended for different uses.
• Allergens and precautions: BSN products state that they contain soya lecithin. Amok, meanwhile, contains gelatine. Like all supplements, these products should not replace a varied, balanced diet.
• Preparation: according to the information provided, Amino X should be mixed with 225 ml of cold water. The effervescent version should not be shaken vigorously in a closed shaker, as this could cause pressure to build up.

Our selection according to your profile

Recommended for: Budget-conscious beginners

MJAMJAM Cat Treats Chicken 125g

Why this choice suits this profile: At 125 g, this pack lets you try a chicken treat without committing to a large quantity from the outset.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list states 55 % chicken, with no added sugar, in a single-protein recipe.

Main benefit and key features

The recipe contains 33 % crude protein, is grain-free and recommends limiting treats to 10 % of the daily intake.

Recommended for: Premium-product enthusiasts

MJAMJAM Cat Treats Beef 35g x 5

Why this choice suits this profile: The pack of five sachets is ideal for households that prioritise freshness and want precise control over portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The manufacturer states that it is made from 100 % veal fillet, with no cereals or gluten.

Main benefit and key features

The fillet is freeze-dried and can be rehydrated in water for 5 to 10 minutes.

Recommended for: Specific uses and intensive users

BSN Amino X 1KG Watermelon

Why this choice suits this profile: The large format and drink preparation are well suited to regular weight-training or endurance sessions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify 10 g of amino acids per serving, with no sugar or caffeine, as well as the presence of soya.

Main benefit and key features

A 14.5 g serving mixes with 225 ml of cold water. The formula also provides taurine and vitamins B6 and D.

Recommended for: Budget-conscious beginners

VITAKRAFT Cat Liquid Snack Chicken 90g

Why this choice suits this profile: Liquid portions make it easy to vary rewards or add something extra to dry food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify that this is a complementary food, not a complete meal.

Main benefit and key features

The recipe contains chicken and 500 mg of taurine per kilogram. After opening, the product should be kept in the fridge and consumed within 24 to 48 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can you give your cat treats every day?

Yes, as long as you follow the quantity stated on the packaging and include them in your pet’s daily food intake. Treats remain a supplement. If the recipe is high in fat, monitoring portions is even more important.

What is the difference between BCAAs and amino acids?

BCAAs are three branched-chain amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. A more complete formula may also contain alanine, arginine or taurine. Compare the quantities per serving rather than relying solely on the product name.

Is a caffeine-free intra-workout drink suitable for every session?

A caffeine-free drink may suit anyone wishing to avoid stimulants. However, it does not replace sufficient hydration or a diet suited to exercise. Always check the dosage, allergens, recommended frequency of use and any contraindications.