Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat treats: a practical guide to flavour, ingredients and use

A cat can be noisy when asking for a treat, but that doesn’t automatically mean every cat snack is suitable. The range runs from dry reward treats to a liquid cat snack with a high moisture content. Terms like “natural”, “for hydration” or “dental care” also call for a closer look at the packaging.

As Joybuy’s Product Recommendation Officer, I filter marketing language back into verifiable information. That way, you can see more quickly which cat treats suit your cat’s age, eating habits and behaviour.

Three common pitfalls with cat treats

1. Confusing a treat with complete nutrition

Most cat treats are complementary pet food. They are intended as a reward, a little extra or a topper, and do not replace complete cat food. A treat with an appealing flavour can therefore still be unsuitable as a main meal.

Check the legal description on the packaging. If it says “complementary pet food”, stick to the recommended daily amount and adjust the main meal if necessary.

2. Seeing a high moisture content as a substitute for water

A liquid cat snack can provide extra moisture, but it does not replace fresh drinking water. Products with 90 to 93% moisture consist largely of water and are mainly suitable as an extra treat or topper. According to INABA’s product information, the Churu variants are intended as a supplement; the brand also advises always making fresh drinking water available.

3. Interpreting functional claims too broadly

With dental care cat treats, anti-hairball cat snacks and treats “for hydration”, it is important to read the precise usage instructions. According to Purina’s own research, the texture of DentaLife is associated with a reduction in tartar formation. That is a brand claim, not a reason to skip a vet check or regular dental care.

The composition also varies with anti-hairball products. G’woon, for example, lists 4% crude fibre and at least 4% lignocellulose in the ingredients. See this as product information, not as a guaranteed effect for every cat.

Which specifications should you compare?

Moisture, calories and portion size

For cats that do not drink much, cat treats with a high moisture content can be practical. According to the product data, INABA CHURU CAT Chicken contains 90.5% moisture and 6 calories per stick. INABA Churu Cat Tuna contains 91% moisture and also 6 calories per treat. The Fun Bites variants with chicken and pumpkin or tuna and cheese list 93% moisture.

A low number of calories per portion does not mean it is wise to feed unlimited amounts. Look at the recommended amount and at your cat’s total diet. For adult cats, 1 to 2 sticks per day is mentioned for various Churu products.

Ingredients and flavour

Choose a flavour that matches what your cat already accepts, but also check the ingredients list. A cat treat with chicken may, for example, contain chicken, chicken broth and minerals. With a cat treat containing tuna, tuna and tuna broth may be at the top.

Also pay attention to:

  • the animal species the product is intended for;
  • the age indication, especially for kittens;
  • possible allergens;
  • added sugars, grains or thickeners;
  • the amount of fat, protein and crude fibre;
  • the storage period after opening.

A product with chicken or tuna in the name does not always consist largely of that ingredient. So check the percentages and order on the label.

Form and use

Dry treats are handy for quick rewards and can often be broken into smaller pieces. A liquid cat snack is suitable for giving by hand, spreading over wet or dry food, or using as a topping. After opening, such a product usually needs to be stored in the fridge and used within a short time.

Give a treat calmly and stay with your cat if the product is larger or harder. With dental care cat treats, Purina, for example, mentions that supervision during feeding is necessary to prevent choking.

Our recommendations by type of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
INABA CHURU CAT Chicken

INABA CHURU CAT Chicken

Why this fits the profile: A soft stick is easy to portion and can be given straight from the hand or used as a topper. The chicken variant is a low-barrier choice when you are trying liquid cat treats for the first time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging clearly states that it is complementary food, with 1–2 sticks per day for adult cats.

Key benefit & highlights

90.5% moisture, 6 calories per treat and chicken as the named animal component.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
INABA Churu Cat Tuna

INABA Churu Cat Tuna

Why this fits the profile: Suitable for cats that prefer a fish variant and for owners who want to compare moisture, portion size and usage options side by side.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states the moisture percentage, calories per stick and daily amount.

Key benefit & highlights

91% moisture, 6 calories per treat and can be used as a hand reward or food topper.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks Salmon

Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks - Salmon

Why this fits the profile: For adult cats whose owner wants to build a fixed daily routine with a crunchy snack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The usage instructions mention a specific daily amount and ask for supervision during eating.

Key benefit & highlights

Crunchy, porous texture; 35% protein and 3.6% crude fibre according to the product data.

Suitable for: Cats that prefer soft textures
Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken

Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken

Why this fits the profile: The 15g portions are useful as a snack, as a topping over the main food or frozen as a treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information gives a maximum of 1 piece per day and clearly describes how to store leftovers.

Key benefit & highlights

Liquid form, chicken variant and 6 portions of 15g per pack.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about cat treats

Which cat treats are suitable for cats that do not drink much?

A liquid cat snack with a high moisture percentage can be a practical addition. Look, for example, at products that list 90% or more moisture. Always provide fresh drinking water as well and do not use the treat as a replacement for complete food or water.

How many cat treats can an adult cat have per day?

That depends on the weight, activity level, main food and calories per treat. First follow the product packaging. As a general guideline, treats should not consistently make up a large part of the daily energy intake. With Whiskas Cat Sticks, for example, a maximum of one stick per day is mentioned; with INABA Churu, 1–2 sticks per day.

Are dental care cat treats enough for the teeth?

No, consider them as part of a routine. According to Purina’s own research, the texture of DentaLife can help reduce tartar formation, but the effect varies per cat. Check the teeth regularly and ask a vet for advice if there is bad breath, pain or eating problems.