Cat treats are essential tools for training, dental health, and bonding. This expert guide reviews the best options to help you choose healthy, low-calorie treats that support your feline's long-term wellness.
Cat treats are far more than simple indulgences—they're essential tools for medication administration, training, and strengthening the bond with your feline companion. However, with countless options available, selecting the right treat can be overwhelming. High-quality treats support your cat's health and dietary needs, while poor choices may contribute to obesity and nutritional imbalances.
This comprehensive guide reviews the best cat treats across all categories, providing the insights you need to make informed, health-conscious decisions for your pet.
Understanding Cat Treats
Types of Cat Treats
- Crunchy/Biscuit Treats: Dry, kibble-like treats often formulated to support dental health through mechanical abrasion.
- Soft/Moist Treats: Tender, aromatic morsels ideal for training sessions and senior cats with dental sensitivities.
- Freeze-Dried Treats: Minimally processed, single-ingredient protein treats that retain natural nutrients and flavor.
- Dental Treats: Specially shaped and textured to help reduce tartar buildup and freshen breath.
- Lickable/Puree Treats: Wet treats in tubes or pouches, excellent for hydration, bonding, and hiding medication.
- Homemade Treats: DIY options using cat-safe ingredients for complete control over quality.
- Functional Treats: These contain added supplements (e.g., glucosamine, fiber) for targeted health benefits.
Calorie Considerations: The 10% Rule
Treats should comprise no more than 10% of your cat's total daily caloric intake. For an average 10-pound cat requiring roughly 200 calories per day, this means treats should not exceed 20 calories.
Common Treat Calorie Counts:
- Small crunchy treat: 1–2 calories
- Medium soft treat: 3–5 calories
- Large dental treat: 10–20 calories
- Lickable tube: 10–30 calories
Evaluating Ingredient Quality
What to Look For:
- Named meat as the first ingredient (e.g., chicken, salmon, tuna)
- Minimal fillers and carbohydrates
- Natural preservatives like vitamin E or mixed tocopherols
- Absence of artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Excessive grains, corn, wheat, or soy fillers
- Unnamed meat by-products (e.g., "poultry by-product meal")
- Artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)
- Added sugars or salts
Top Cat Treat Reviews
1. Greenies Feline Dental Treats
The veterinary gold standard for feline dental care, clinically proven to reduce tartar.
Key Features:
- Accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
- Unique texture scrubs away plaque and tartar
- Nutritionally complete and balanced
- Available in multiple flavors like tuna and chicken
Pros:
- Proven dental benefits
- High palatability for most cats
- Widely available in stores and online
Cons:
- Contains grains and some fillers
- Relatively high in calories per treat
Best For: Daily dental maintenance routines. Calories: ~1.25 per treat
2. Temptations Classic Treats for Cats
America's most popular cat treat, featuring an irresistible crunchy shell with a soft center.
Key Features:
- Unique dual-texture (crunchy outside, soft inside)
- Extensive variety of flavors
- Low calorie per piece
- Highly affordable
Pros:
- Extremely palatable to the vast majority of cats
- Budget-friendly and easy to find
- Convenient for training due to small size
Cons:
- High in carbohydrates
- Contains artificial flavors
Best For: Occasional rewards, training, and budget-conscious owners. Calories: ~2 per treat
3. PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast
Single-ingredient, minimally processed treats with nothing added—just pure protein.
Key Features:
- One ingredient: 100% chicken breast
- No preservatives, grains, or additives
- High protein, very low calorie
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- Exceptional ingredient transparency and quality
- Ideal for cats with food sensitivities or allergies
- High palatability for most felines
Cons:
- Expensive per ounce
- Texture can be crumbly or too hard for some cats
Best For: Cats with allergies, weight management plans, and ingredient-conscious owners. Calories: <2 per treat
4. INABA Churu Lickable Treats
A creamy, lickable puree that has revolutionized treat time with its high palatability and versatility.
Key Features:
- Smooth, paste-like texture
- High moisture content (helps with hydration)
- Can be used as a food topper or fed directly
- Free from artificial preservatives
Pros:
- Exceptionally palatable, even for picky eaters
- Excellent tool for administering medication
- Provides supplemental hydration
Cons:
- Higher calorie per serving than dry treats
- Packaging can be messy
Best For: Senior cats, picky eaters, medicating, and hydration support. Calories: 6–7 per tube
5. Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up!
A pure pumpkin puree treat designed to support digestive health and hairball control.
Key Features:
- Single ingredient: 100% pumpkin
- Naturally high in fiber
- Puree consistency easy to lick
- No additives or preservatives
Pros:
- Promotes healthy digestion and can ease constipation
- Can help move hairballs through the digestive tract
- Low in calories
Cons:
- Not all cats enjoy the taste of pumpkin
- Requires refrigeration after opening
Best For: Cats with occasional digestive issues or hairball problems. Calories: ~3 per pouch
6. Blue Wilderness Wild Treats
Grain-free, protein-rich crunchy treats inspired by a wild diet.
Key Features:
- Grain-free formula
- Real meat is always the first ingredient
- No chicken by-product meals
- Naturally preserved
Pros:
- Good quality ingredients for a moderate price
- Suitable for cats on grain-free diets
- Crunchy texture many cats enjoy
Cons:
- Still contains some carbohydrates (like potatoes)
- Not a single-ingredient treat
Best For: Everyday rewards for cats on grain-free diets. Calories: ~1.5 per treat
7. Feline Greenies Pill Pockets
Soft, moldable treats specifically designed to hide pills and capsules, making medication stress-free.
Key Features:
- Pliable texture that seals around medication
- Highly palatable to mask pill taste
- Resealable packaging to maintain freshness
Pros:
- Transforms a difficult task into an easy one
- Widely accepted by cats
- Also works for capsules and small tablets
Cons:
- More expensive than regular treats
- Can dry out if not sealed properly
Best For: Cats requiring daily or frequent medication. Calories: ~3 per pocket
8. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows
Whole, freeze-dried minnows that provide natural chewing action and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Features:
- Single ingredient: whole minnows
- Natural source of omega-3 for skin/coat health
- Crunchy texture supports dental health
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- Excellent, natural ingredient quality
- Provides mental stimulation and chewing satisfaction
- High palatability for fish-loving cats
Cons:
- Very expensive per ounce
- Strong fish odor
Best For: Cats who love fish, for dental exercise, and omega-3 supplementation. Calories: 5–10 per minnow (varies by size)
9. Wellness Kittles Grain-Free Crunchy Cat Treats
Small, bite-sized crunchy treats made with quality, grain-free ingredients.
Key Features:
- Grain-free formula
- Real meat or fish as first ingredient
- No meat by-products
- Naturally preserved
Pros:
- Trusted brand with quality standards
- Multiple protein options (chicken, salmon, turkey)
- Good for cats with grain sensitivities
Cons:
- Some cats find them too hard
- Pricier than basic grocery store treats
Best For: Health-conscious owners seeking grain-free, everyday treats. Calories: ~1.5 per treat
10. Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes
Thin, shaved flakes of dried bonito (tuna) that are incredibly aromatic and flavorful.
Key Features:
- Single ingredient: dried bonito fish
- Flakes can be crumbled over food or given whole
- High protein, very low fat
- Often irresistible to picky cats
Pros:
- Extremely high palatability
- Versatile as a treat or food topper
- Very low calorie per flake
Cons:
- Flaky texture can be messy
- Potent fish smell
Best For: Extremely picky eaters and as a high-value food topper. Calories: <1 per small flake
Specialized Treat Categories
Dental Health Treats
How They Work: A specific texture and shape create a scraping action against the tooth surface to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Top Picks: Greenies Feline (VOHC accepted), Whisker City Dental Treats. Effectiveness: Moderate; best used as a supplement to regular tooth brushing.
Hairball Control Treats
How They Work: Added dietary fiber (often from cellulose or psyllium) helps move ingested hair through the digestive tract. Top Picks: Greenies Hairball Control, Temptations Hairball Control. Effectiveness: Moderate; most effective when combined with a regular grooming routine.
Joint Health Treats
How They Work: Supplemented with glucosamine, chondroitin, and/or omega-3 fatty acids to support cartilage and joint fluid. Top Picks: Greenies Healthy Aging, VetriScience GlycoFlex Chews. Effectiveness: Varies; best for early joint support and maintenance.
Calming Treats
How They Work: Contain natural calming agents like L-theanine, chamomile, or casein. Top Picks: Feliway Calming Treats, Vet's Best Comfort Calm Soft Chews. Effectiveness: Mild to moderate; work best when combined with environmental stress reduction.
Weight Management Treats
How They Work: Formulated with lower calorie density and higher fiber or protein to promote satiety. Top Picks: Greenies Weight Management, PureBites, plain pumpkin puree. Effectiveness: Excellent for weight control when used as part of a measured, calorie-controlled diet.
Choosing Treats by Life Stage
Kittens (Under 1 Year)
Needs: Support for rapid growth, small-sized treats for tiny mouths, positive reinforcement for socialization. Recommendations: Opt for small, soft treats that are easy to chew and digest. Prioritize treats with high-quality protein. Top Picks: PureBites (broken into small pieces), soft training treats, Churu lickable treats.
Adult Cats (1–10 Years)
Needs: Maintenance of ideal weight, dental health support, and mental enrichment through variety. Recommendations: Incorporate a balanced mix of treat types. Use dental treats several times a week. Adjust treat calories based on activity level. Top Picks: Greenies Dental, Temptations, PureBites, Churu.
Senior Cats (10+ Years)
Needs: Highly palatable options for decreased appetite, easy-to-chew textures, and joint health support. Recommendations: Focus on soft, moist, or lickable treats. Consider functional treats for joint or digestive support. Top Picks: INABA Churu, PureBites (can be rehydrated), Pill Pockets, Weruva Pumpkin.
Training & Feeding Guidelines
Using Treats Effectively
- Timing Is Everything: Reward desired behavior within 1–2 seconds for a clear association.
- Size Matters: Break treats into tiny pieces (pea-sized) for training to avoid overfeeding.
- Be Consistent: Use the same cue and reward system during training sessions.
- Maintain Value: Keep high-value treats (like Churu or bonito) for challenging tasks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding: Sticking to the 10% calorie rule is crucial for preventing obesity.
- Choosing Low-Quality Treats: Avoid treats where fillers, sugars, or unnamed by-products top the ingredient list.
- Feeding Inconsistently: Giving human food can encourage begging and lead to digestive upset.
- Ignoring Health Conditions: Always consult your vet before giving treats to cats with diabetes or kidney disease.
Storage & Safety Tips
Proper Storage
Keep dry treats in a cool, dry place in their original, resealable bag. Refrigerate opened wet or lickable treats and use within a few days. Always check expiration dates and discard any treats that show signs of mold.
Safety First
- Supervise Chewing: Watch your cat when giving dental treats or larger pieces to prevent choking.
- Pet-Proof Storage: Keep treats securely away from dogs, who may eat an entire bag.
- Wash Hands: Always wash your hands after handling fish-based treats to avoid cross-contamination.
Cat treats, when chosen wisely and fed responsibly, are a powerful tool for enhancing your cat's health and your bond with them. The ideal treat strategy balances your cat's preferences with their nutritional needs.
For most cat owners, a balanced approach works best:
- Keep a staple of high-quality, meat-first crunchy treats (like PureBites or Blue Wilderness) for daily rewards.
- Incorporate dental treats (like Greenies) several times a week for oral hygiene.
- Use high-value, "magic" treats (like Churu or bonito flakes) for training breakthroughs or medication.
Remember, the best treat is one that your cat enjoys and that supports their overall well-wellbeing. By making informed choices, you can turn treat time into a healthy, happy ritual.