Let’s be honest: treats are the fastest way to a cat's heart. But they’re more than just a bribe for a cuddle. The right snack can help you train your cat, hide their medicine, or even keep their teeth clean. The wrong one? It's just empty calories that lead to a pudgy kitty.
In this guide, we’re cutting through the marketing fluff to review the best treats actually worth your money—from crunchy dental helpers to those lickable purees cats seem to lose their minds over.
Types of Cat Treats: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Crunchy Treats
The Lowdown:
- Dry, bite-sized nuggets
- They stay fresh in the pantry for ages
- Great for scraping away a bit of plaque while they crunch
- Mess-free and easy to toss across the room for a game of "catch"
Best For: Fast training rewards and helping keep those pearly whites clean.
Soft & Moist Treats
The Lowdown:
- Chewy, tender texture
- Stinkier (in a way cats love!) thanks to a potent aroma
- Usually a bit more calorie-dense
- Perfect for senior cats who find hard kibble a struggle
Best For: Picky eaters, older cats, or as high-value rewards for good behavior.
Lickable Purees (The "Cat Go-Gurt")
The Lowdown:
- Smooth, creamy paste in a tube
- Absolute "cat crack"—most felines can't resist them
- High moisture content is a secret weapon for hydration
Best For: Bonding while they lick from your hand, hiding yucky medicine, and making sure your cat actually gets some water in them.
Freeze-Dried Treats
The Lowdown:
- Just the raw ingredients, minus the water
- Usually 100% meat with zero fillers
- Intense, natural flavor that drives cats wild
- Packed with protein, zero carbs
Best For: Health nuts, cats with food sensitivities, and the "ultimate" training bribe.
Dental Treats
The Lowdown:
- These have specific shapes designed to scrub teeth as the cat bites down
- Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval
- They aren't just snacks; they're oral hygiene in disguise
Best For: Fighting "tuna breath" and keeping tartar at bay between vet cleanings.
Top 10 Cat Treats: Our Honest Reviews
1. Greenies Feline Dental Treats
Price: $3 – $8 If you’re going to give your cat a daily snack, it might as well do some work. Greenies are the gold standard for dental health.
- The Good Stuff: It’s one of the few brands actually VOHC-accepted. They come in plenty of flavors (Salmon and Chicken are usually the winners), and they’re less than 2 calories each.
- The Catch: They do contain grains. Also, if your cat is a "gulper" who doesn't actually chew, they won't do much for their teeth.
Calories: ~1.5 per treat
2. Temptations Classic Treats
Price: $2 – $6 Let’s be real: these are the "potato chips" of the cat world. Cats obsess over them, and they’re incredibly cheap.
- The Good Stuff: That crunchy shell/soft middle combo is basically irresistible. You can find them at nearly any grocery store.
- The Catch: The ingredient list isn't the prettiest—lots of artificial colors and flavors. Use these sparingly so your cat doesn't go on a hunger strike against their actual dinner.
Calories: ~2 per treat
3. Churu Lickable Cat Treats
Price: $8 – $15 (per 4-pack) If you haven't tried these yet, prepare for your cat to follow you around the house for the rest of your life.
- The Good Stuff: They’re grain-free, loaded with moisture, and perfect for hand-feeding. They turn pill-time into "treat time" if you’re sneaky enough.
- The Catch: They’re pricey compared to dry treats, and the plastic tubes get messy if you aren't careful.
Calories: 6–8 per tube
4. PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken
Price: $5 – $15 This is as clean as it gets. It’s just chicken. That’s it.
- The Good Stuff: Perfect for cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs. High protein, low fat, and no mystery fillers.
- The Catch: The bits at the bottom of the bag can get a little dusty/crumbly.
Calories: ~2 per treat
5. INABA Churu Bites
Price: $6 – $10 Imagine a tiny pillow filled with that Churu puree cats love. That's exactly what these are.
- The Good Stuff: They have a soft, chewy texture that’s great for cats who hate hard treats.
- The Catch: If you don't seal the bag tight, they turn into little rocks pretty fast.
Calories: ~3 per treat
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats
Price: $4 – $8 For people who want to skip the grains but keep the crunch, these are a solid middle ground.
- The Good Stuff: Meat is the first ingredient, and there are no "by-product" meals.
- The Catch: Some cats find them a bit "boring" compared to the super-scented stuff like Temptations.
Calories: ~1.5 per treat
7. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows
Price: $6 – $12 Ever wanted to give your cat a whole fish? These are tiny, crunchy, freeze-dried minnows.
- The Good Stuff: Total whole-prey nutrition. Great for cats who need "novel" proteins because of allergies.
- The Catch: They smell. A lot. Like a fish market. Your cat will love it; your nose might not.
Calories: ~3 per fish
8. Delectables Squeeze Up
Price: $7 – $12 Similar to Churu, this is a thick, lickable puree designed for bonding.
- The Good Stuff: Very interactive. It’s a great way to build trust with a shy or newly adopted cat.
- The Catch: A bit higher in calories than some other liquid treats.
Calories: 8–10 per tube
9. Greenies Pill Pockets
Price: $8 – $12 If you’ve ever tried to shove a pill down a cat’s throat, you know the struggle. These are life-savers.
- The Good Stuff: They’re squishy little "hats" for pills. Most cats gobble them up without ever realizing there's medicine inside.
- The Catch: Not for everyday snacking—keep them specifically for medication.
Calories: ~3 per pocket
10. Orijen Freeze-Dried Treats
Price: $8 – $15 The "filet mignon" of cat treats. These use high-quality organ meats and prey ratios.
- The Good Stuff: Super nutrient-dense and made from top-shelf ingredients.
- The Catch: The price tag is high, and the bag is small. These are "special occasion" rewards.
Calories: ~2 per treat
Comparison Guide
| Treat | Type | Price | Why we like it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies | Crunchy | $ | Best for dental health |
| Temptations | Crunchy | $ | Cats go crazy for them |
| Churu | Puree | $$ | Best for bonding/hydration |
| PureBites | Freeze-Dried | $$ | Purest ingredients |
| Churu Bites | Soft | $$ | Easiest for seniors to chew |
Picking the Right Snack for Your Cat
Life Stage Matters
- Kittens: Look for soft, tiny bits so they don't choke. Focus on rewards for training (like using the scratching post!).
- Adults: The world is your oyster, but watch the calories. This is the prime time to start using dental treats.
- Seniors: Go for soft or lickable treats. It helps them get extra moisture and is much easier on aging teeth.
Health Check
- The "Chonky" Cat: Stick to PureBites or Greenies. They’re low-cal. Avoid the tubes too often.
- Allergies: Look for "Single Ingredient" treats (like minnows or chicken breast).
- Diabetes: Skip anything with grains or sugars. Stick to 100% meat freeze-dried options (but ask your vet first!).
The "10% Rule" (The Most Important Part)
Treats are great, but they shouldn't be the main course. They should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.
If your cat needs about 250 calories a day, their "treat budget" is 25 calories. That’s about 12 Greenies or 3 Churu tubes. Don’t overdo it!
DIY: Easy Baked Tuna Bites
Want to be a "Cat Chef"? Try this:
- Mix a can of drained tuna, 1 cup oat flour, and 1 egg.
- Roll into tiny, pea-sized balls.
- Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Cool them down and keep them in the fridge. Your cat will think you're a hero.
Finding the right treat is all about knowing your cat. If you want better breath, go for Greenies. If you want a cat that follows you like a shadow, grab some Churu. Just remember to keep an eye on that 10% calorie rule—a healthy cat is a happy cat.
Got a favorite treat your cat would do backflips for? Stick to high-quality ingredients and you can't go wrong.