Choosing cat treats: how to find snacks that suit your cat

Cat treats may seem easy to choose, but the differences between them can be significant. A crunchy bite, liquid cat treat or dental cat treat serves a different purpose. Terms such as “with salmon”, “natural” and “low in calories” do not always tell the whole story.

The most common pitfalls when choosing cat treats are:

• Mistaking a flavour name for a high percentage of meat or fish. A snack “with salmon” may contain only a limited amount of salmon. Always check the ingredients list and the stated percentage.
• Using a complementary snack as a complete meal. Most cat treats are complementary food and do not replace complete cat food.
• Interpreting health claims too broadly. According to research carried out by some brands, dental treats may help reduce plaque or tartar. This is not a substitute for check-ups and care as advised by your vet.
• Underestimating portion sizes. A small bite at a time can add up over the course of a day. Check the calorie count, recommended daily amount and your cat’s age.

What should you look for in cat treats?

1. Check the ingredients and purpose

Start with the legal description: does it say complementary pet food or complete food? Complementary snacks are intended as rewards, treats between meals, moist extras or toppers added to the main food.

Also pay attention to the order of the ingredients. Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by quantity. A snack with chicken or fish may therefore consist mainly of cereals, vegetable protein extracts or meat by-products, with a smaller proportion of chicken or fish.

With a chicken cat treat, salmon cat treat or tuna cat treat, the percentage is therefore more important than just the flavour shown on the front. For example, Whiskas Cat Sticks Salmon lists 50% salmon among the fish and fish by-products, while Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout contains 0.4% salmon meal and 0.4% trout meal according to the product information.

2. Compare moisture, calories and portions

A dry snack is easy to store, but contains little moisture. A liquid cat treat may be useful for cats that do not drink much. INABA Fun Bites lists 93% moisture, while INABA Churu Cat Tuna contains 91% moisture. This makes these products suitable as a complementary bite or topper, but they do not replace fresh drinking water.

For cats that gain weight easily, low-calorie cat treats or small portions are a practical choice. Catisfactions lists fewer than 2 calories per piece. Even so, the total daily portion remains important: several small treats can together make up a noticeable part of your cat’s energy intake.

Adjust the main meal whenever the packaging advises you to do so. If in doubt, give fewer treats and keep an eye on your cat’s weight and body condition.

3. Consider age, shape and shelf life

Not every product is suitable for every cat. Some treats are intended for adult cats, while others are suitable from 8 weeks or from 3 months of age. According to the product information, Whiskas Cat Sticks are not recommended for kittens.

Pay attention to the shape too:

• Crunchy pieces are handy for training sessions and play.
• Soft sticks can be broken into smaller pieces.
• Liquid treats can be given by hand or mixed into wet or dry food.
• Dental cat treats have a specific texture, but should always be given under supervision.

Store dry cat treats in a cool, dry place. Instructions after opening vary from one product to another. An opened liquid treat, for example, often needs to be refrigerated and used quickly.

Our recommendations for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Felix Crispies Cat Snack Salmon & Trout 45g

Why it suits this profile: A light, crunchy snack with clear portion instructions for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states a maximum of 12 g or around 80 pieces per day, making it easier to measure the portion.

Key benefit & highlights

45 g pack, light texture, 31.5% protein and a salmon and trout flavour according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Catisfactions Cat snack cheese maxipack 180 g

Why it suits this profile: For cat owners looking for a larger pack and two textures for everyday rewards.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states a maximum of 20 pieces per day for adult cats and advises adjusting the main meal.

Key benefit & highlights

Crunchy outside, soft filling, 180 g contents and fewer than 2 kcal per piece according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent treat-givers

Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor

Why it suits this profile: For anyone who wants to include a separate dental cat treat in their daily care routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The instructions state a specific maximum of 17 pieces per day and advise adjusting the main meal.

Key benefit & highlights

240 g total, 24% protein and 325 kcal per 100 g according to the label. Claims about tartar reduction come from Whiskas product information.

Suitable for: Cats that do not drink much

INABA Churu Cat Tuna

Why it suits this profile: A soft tuna treat that you can give by hand, over your cat’s main food or as an extra.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The label states 91% moisture and recommends 1–2 sticks per day for adult cats.

Key benefit & highlights

Tuna as the main ingredient, 6 calories per treat according to the product information, and suitable as a topper.

Frequently asked questions about cat treats

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

This depends on your cat’s weight, age, activity level and main food. Follow the feeding instructions on the packaging and deduct the calories from treats from your cat’s daily food allowance. Introduce new treats in small amounts at first.

Are liquid cat treats better for fluid intake?

A liquid cat treat generally contains more moisture than a dry snack. Products such as INABA Churu contain 91% moisture according to the label. They may encourage an additional drinking opportunity, but fresh drinking water should always be available.

Do dental cat treats help with tartar?

According to brands’ own research or product claims, certain dental cat treats may help reduce plaque or tartar. The result depends on the cat and how the product is used. Consider dental treats a supplement, not a replacement for normal dental care or veterinary advice.