Choosing Cat Treats: A Practical Guide to Flavour, Ingredients and Use

A bag of cat treats can seem like a quick purchase. However, there are clear differences in ingredients, calories, texture and how they should be used. A crunchy cat biscuit for in-between times, for example, isn't automatically suitable for a cat with a sensitive stomach. Equally, a large pack can be inconvenient if your cat goes off the flavour after a few days.

When buying, pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

• A flavour name doesn't always tell you how much meat or fish is actually in it. Check the percentage on the label. "With beef" could mean it contains only a small amount of beef.
• A treat does not replace a complete diet. Cat treats are complementary pet food. Give them alongside the daily main meal, and adjust that meal if necessary.
• A functional claim is not a guarantee. According to the product information from some brands, certain dental care cat treats are developed to help reduce plaque or tartar. The results can vary from cat to cat, and a treat does not replace a check-up or care from a vet.

Which features should you check when buying cat treats?

1. Look at the ingredients and the actual proportion of chicken, salmon or beef

If you're looking for cat treats with chicken, cat treats with salmon or cat treats with beef, it's worth reading the ingredients list. Ingredients are usually listed in descending order by quantity. Also look for a specific percentage, such as "18% chicken" or "50% salmon".

A flavour variant is not the same as a product that consists mainly of that animal ingredient. For example, Whiskas Cat Sticks Salmon states, according to the product information, 50% salmon within the category of fish and fish by-products. Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef Flavour states, according to the label, 80% beef within meat and animal by-products. These are verifiable details that tell you more than just the name on the front.

2. Pay attention to the type of treat and its nutritional value

Crunchy treats, soft sticks, liquid treats and dried fish strips each have a different use:

• Crunchy treats are handy for a small daily reward moment.
• Treat sticks can be broken into pieces, making them suitable for training or several short rewards.
• Liquid treats can be given directly or used as a topping.
• Fish strips often have a simple ingredient list, but are not intended as a complete meal.

Check the energy content if your cat gains weight easily. Catisfactions Chicken, for example, states less than 2 kcal per portion according to the product description. For other treats, the value is given per 100 grams, such as 411 kcal per 100 grams for Whiskas Temptations Beef. Portion size therefore remains important.

3. Check age suitability, portion advice and shelf life

Many products are intended for adult cats, while some treats are suitable from a certain age. According to the product information, Whiskas Cat Sticks and various dental care treats are not intended for kittens. Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken is suitable for cats from 3 months old, according to the label.

Never give unlimited treats. As a guideline, some product labels state that treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calorie intake. Always follow the official usage instructions on the packaging, especially with a cat treat multipack. Large packs are good value per portion, but only if your cat enjoys that variety and the packaging can be properly resealed.

Our recommendations by type of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Catisfactions Cat snack chicken maxipack 180g

Why this suits the profile: A generous pack for households that regularly give a small reward and don't need multiple flavours straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that it is complementary food, with chicken at 4% within meat and animal by-products. This makes the flavour claim verifiable.

Key benefit & plus points

180 grams, crunchy outside and soft filling; according to the product description, suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Rosewood Deli Strips Salmon Cat Snacks 40g

Why this suits the profile: Ideal for cat owners who value a short ingredients list and want to offer a clear fish flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients state 100% fish, namely salmon. This makes the difference between a general fish flavour and a specific fish base clear.

Key benefit & plus points

40 grams, strips to give directly and, according to the product information, no artificial additives. Not intended as a complete meal.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor

Why this suits the profile: For owners who want to combine a daily treat with a product that, according to the brand's product information, is developed for dental care.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states a usage recommendation of a maximum of 17 pieces per day and asks you to adjust the main meal. The claim about tartar is based on Whiskas' own research; do not see this as a replacement for a dental check-up.

Key benefit & plus points

240 grams divided over six boxes; 18% chicken according to the product information and 9% crude fibre.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken - Cat Treats - 6 x 15g

Why this suits the profile: Handy for cats that prefer soft textures, or for owners who want to spread a treat over the main food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The advice is specific: a maximum of one portion per day. After opening, any unused portion must be refrigerated and used immediately, according to the product information.

Key benefit & plus points

Six portions of 15 grams each; suitable from 3 months old and usable as a treat, topping or chilled snack.

Frequently asked questions about cat treats

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

This varies depending on the product, your cat's weight, age and activity level. Follow the feeding advice on the packaging and keep treats limited to a small part of daily calories. Reduce the main food if the label advises it. Always ensure fresh drinking water is available.

Are cat treats with chicken, salmon or beef suitable for every cat?

Not automatically. Check the age recommendation, ingredients and any known intolerances. A product labelled "chicken" or "salmon" may also contain several other animal ingredients. If in doubt, or if your cat has a medically prescribed diet or ongoing health issues, it's best to consult a vet.

How should you store cat treats after opening?

Store dry treats in a cool, dry place and seal the packaging well. For liquid treats, any unused portions must be kept refrigerated according to the label. Always check the best-before date and the advice for use after opening. This way, you avoid buying a large pack that is no longer fresh before your cat has finished it.