A packet of cat treats may seem easy to choose, until you consider moisture content, calories, ingredients and portion size. One cat may refuse a snack because it dislikes the texture, while another may only accept liquid cat treats. Products advertised with chicken are not always suitable for cats either: some items in search results are intended for dogs or even for human consumption.
This practical guide helps you focus on verifiable product information and avoid unsuitable purchases.
“Chicken flavour” does not automatically mean that chicken is the main ingredient. Some crunchy cat treats are mainly made from grains, vegetable protein extracts and oils. Always check the ingredients list and see whether a percentage for chicken or meat is provided.
For example, Felix Crispies Beef & Chicken states that the product is flavoured with beef and chicken, with at least 1% of each ingredient. The snack also contains grains, as well as meat and animal derivatives. This may be a good fit for a cat that enjoys light, crunchy cat treats, but it is not the same as a snack made with chicken as its only ingredient.
Liquid cat treats often contain a high proportion of moisture. According to the product description, INABA Churu products contain approximately 90.5% to 91% moisture, while the INABA Fun Bites variants state 93%. This makes them practical as an additional source of moisture or as a topper, especially for cats that do not drink much.
Fresh drinking water is still essential, however. The hydration claim is based on the brand’s product information and should not be regarded as a medical effect or as a substitute for veterinary advice.
A cat treat multipack can be useful if your cat enjoys several flavours. However, check the number of portions, the weight per tube and the shelf life after opening. A large pack is less practical if your cat refuses one flavour or if opened portions are not used in time.
Choose the format based on when and how you plan to use it:
A high moisture percentage is usually clearly listed under the analytical constituents. Compare this figure directly rather than relying solely on words such as “fresh” or “hydration”.
Low-calorie cat treats are often practical for daily rewards. INABA Churu product descriptions state 6 calories per tube. This is a verifiable product specification, but the total amount of treats should still be adjusted according to your cat’s main food, weight, age and activity level.
As a general rule of thumb, treats should not make up a large proportion of your cat’s daily energy intake. Felix Crispies, for example, states that snacks should account for no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. Adjust the main meal if you regularly give additional cat treats.
Check the following before buying:
“Grain-free cat treats” may be worth considering if you deliberately want to avoid grains, but grain-free does not automatically mean low-calorie or nutritionally complete. A treat remains a supplement and does not replace complete cat food.
Why it suits this profile: The small, light pieces are easy to portion as a daily cat treat. The packaging recommends a maximum of 12 grams or around 80 pieces per day for a cat weighing approximately 4 kg.
The ingredients and the proportion of beef and chicken are specified. This makes it clear that a flavour description does not mean the product has a high chicken content.
48-gram pack, crunchy texture and clear portion guidance for adult cats.
Why it suits this profile: This large multipack contains 50 12-gram tubes and several chicken and fish combinations. It is intended for households that regularly give liquid treats.
The packaging states the number of tubes, the weight per tube and 91% moisture. This makes it easier to compare the contents and cost per use.
91% moisture, 6 calories per treat according to the product description, and suitable for use as a topper or reward.
Why it suits this profile: The soft tube can be given by hand, mixed into food or, according to the product description, used to hide medication.
The feeding guidance is clearly stated: 1 to 2 sticks per day for adult cats. This helps prevent hand-feeding from increasing unnoticed.
90.5% moisture and 6 calories per treat according to the product information; refrigerate after opening and use within 24 hours.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this liquid cat treat is suitable for cats from 3 months old and can be given as a snack, a topper or frozen as a treat.
The usage limit of no more than 1 piece per day is stated. It also advises that any opened remainder should be refrigerated and used immediately.
Soft liquid texture, 15-gram portions and suitable for cats from 3 months old according to the label.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Liquid cat treats with a high stated moisture content can provide an additional source of moisture. INABA Churu and INABA Fun Bites provide approximately 90.5% to 93% moisture respectively. They do not replace drinking water. If your cat consistently drinks very little or shows other unusual behaviour, consult a vet.
This depends on your cat’s weight, age, activity level and the calories provided by its main food. Follow the portion guidance on the packaging. With low-calorie varieties, each individual treat may contain fewer calories, but several treats still add up. Adjust the main meal if you give extra treats every day.
This varies by brand and packaging. INABA Churu states that opened portions should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Vitakraft likewise advises refrigerating opened leftovers and using them immediately. Always check the label and seal the portion securely.