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Choosing cat treats: how to compare flavour, ingredients and use

A bag of cat treats may seem like a quick choice. However, there are clear differences between cat biscuits, cat treats, liquid snacks and dental cat treats. Some snacks are intended for adult cats, while others are also suitable for kittens from 8 weeks of age. Certain products contain relatively high amounts of calories, whereas others are mainly offered as a small extra treat or moist topping.

If you only pay attention to the flavour on the front, you could end up paying too much or choosing a snack that is not suitable for your cat’s age, eating habits or needs.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat treats

1. Confusing a complementary snack with complete food

Most cat treats are complementary pet food. They are therefore not intended to replace a complete main meal. Always check the legal product description and feeding guidelines on the packaging.

A snack should also fit within your cat’s daily energy intake. Some products state a maximum daily amount. For example, Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout recommends a maximum of 12 grams, or around 80 pieces, for an adult cat weighing approximately 4 kg. The main meal should be adjusted accordingly.

2. A flavour name does not always tell you how much of that ingredient is present

‘With salmon’, ‘with chicken’ or ‘with beef’ does not automatically mean that the product consists mainly of that type of meat. Look at the ingredients and the percentage stated after the ingredient.

Whiskas Cat Sticks Salmon lists 50% salmon within the fish and fish derivatives. According to the product information, Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout contains 0.4% salmon meal and 0.4% trout meal. Both are fish-based cat treats, but their composition is clearly different.

3. Treating a special function as a guarantee

Dental cat treats, liquid cat treats and anti-hairball cat treats have a specific purpose, but they do not replace normal care or suitable food.

According to the product description for Whiskas Dental Treats, the snack is designed to help reduce the formation of tartar. The brand’s own product information states that this effect is scientifically supported. Treat this as a product specification, not a guarantee for every cat. If dental problems persist, it is advisable to consult a vet.

The product information for G’woon Cat Treats Anti-hairball also states that the snack helps with hairballs. Its composition includes at least 4% lignocellulose, among other ingredients. Results may vary from cat to cat.

Which features should you compare?

Age and suitability

Start by asking: which cat is the snack intended for?

  • Cat treats for adult cats are often formulated for cats from around 12 months of age.
  • According to the product information, Catisfactions Salmon and Cheese are suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks of age.
  • Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken is intended for cats from 3 months of age.
  • According to the stated guidelines, Whiskas Cat Sticks Salmon and Beef are not suitable for kittens.
  • Kittens have different nutritional needs from adult cats. Do not automatically give an adult snack to a young cat.

Texture and portion size

The texture determines how you use the snack:

  • Cat biscuits and crunchy snacks are useful for short reward moments or food puzzles.
  • Snacks with a soft filling, such as Catisfactions, combine a crunchy exterior with a creamy centre.
  • Liquid cat treats are suitable as a topping, a hand-fed reward or an extra moist supplement.
  • Sticks can be given whole or broken into smaller pieces, but remember to follow the recommended amount.

Whatever the format, supervise your cat while it eats, especially if it tends to eat quickly. Store opened packs according to the label and, in most cases, use moist snacks soon after opening.

Ingredients, moisture and calories

Do not compare the number of grams alone; look at the nutritional analysis too. Relevant values include protein, fat, crude fibre, ash, moisture and energy.

According to the product information, INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps contains 93% moisture, 10% protein and 0.2% fat. This makes it different from dry cat treats and may suit a cat that drinks very little. The manufacturer describes the product as supporting moisture intake; it does not replace fresh drinking water.

According to the product information, INABA Churu Cat Tuna contains 91% moisture and 6 calories per treat. The recommended amount for adult cats is 1 to 2 sticks per day, depending on factors including weight and body condition.

Recommended cat treats by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Felix Crispies Cat Snack Salmon & Trout 45g

Felix Crispies Cat Snack Salmon & Trout 45g

Why it suits this profile: A dry, crunchy snack with a light texture and clear daily portion guidance for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states that this is complementary food for adult cats and gives a maximum of 12 grams per day for a 4 kg cat.

Main benefit & advantages

45 grams, with a crunchy, airy texture and, according to the analysis, 31.5% protein and 15.5% fat.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna

INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna

Why it suits this profile: For cat owners looking for a soft snack with several fish and chicken flavours and a high moisture content.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The moisture content of 93% is clearly stated. This makes it clear that it is neither a dry snack nor a complete meal.

Main benefit & advantages

146 grams, 93% moisture and four listed flavours: chicken, tuna, scallop and salmon.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor

Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor

Why it suits this profile: For adult cats whose owners want to combine a snack for daily dental care with a rewarding treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the target group, the recommended maximum of 17 pieces per day and the advice to adjust the main meal.

Main benefit & advantages

Crunchy texture, 18% chicken according to the stated ingredients and 9% crude fibre.

Suitable for: Cats needing extra moisture or hairball control
INABA Churu Cat Tuna

INABA Churu Cat Tuna

Why it suits this profile: A soft tuna snack that can be given by hand, used as a topping or offered with a food puzzle.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The label states 91% moisture and 6 calories per treat. This allows you to adjust the portion more precisely than relying on the flavour name alone.

Main benefit & advantages

91% moisture, 8% protein and a recommended amount of 1 to 2 sticks per day for adult cats.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about cat treats

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

This varies depending on the product, weight, age and activity level. Follow the guidelines on the packaging and give treats as a supplement. As a practical rule of thumb, treats should provide no more than around 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake in total. Reduce the main meal if necessary.

Are cat treats suitable for kittens?

Not every snack is. Check the age indication. According to the product information, Catisfactions is suitable from 8 weeks of age, while some sticks are intended exclusively for adult cats. If in doubt, choose a product that clearly states the appropriate kitten age.

How should you store opened cat treats?

Dry cat biscuits should generally be stored in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container. Liquid snacks usually need to be refrigerated after opening and used quickly. Always check the best-before date and the instructions on the packaging. Fresh drinking water should also always be available.