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Choosing cat treats: how to compare flavour, moisture and composition

Treating your cat may seem simple, but the range of cat treats varies considerably. There are crunchy cat biscuits, sticks, liquid cat treats and soft treats with a high moisture content. Marketing terms such as “natural”, “hydrating” or “for dental care” do not always tell the whole story. So start by checking the product specifications and the nutritional status shown on the label.

Common pitfalls when choosing cat treats

1. Mistaking a treat for complete cat food

A product can be tasty without constituting a complete meal. According to the product information, Churu and Fun Bites products are complementary pet food. They are intended as a reward, topper or extra treat and do not automatically provide all the nutrients a cat needs each day.

If the packaging states “complete cat food”, the product is intended as complete nutrition for the stated life stage. Gourmet Gold Tender Treats, for example, is described as complete cat food for adult cats. Always check whether the packaging says “complementary” or “complete”.

2. Looking only at the flavour name

“Chicken” or “tuna” on the front does not mean that the product consists exclusively of chicken or tuna. Check the ingredients list, which is given in descending order. According to the product information, INABA CHURU CAT Chicken contains, among other ingredients, chicken, water, chicken broth and minerals. Some tuna cat treats also contain fish broth, tapioca starch or other ingredients.

A flavour variant is therefore mainly a practical way to choose something your cat will accept. It is not a substitute for reading the label.

3. Comparing “low in calories” with “small amount per pack”

A liquid treat often contains a lot of moisture and few calories per serving, while dry cat biscuits can be considerably more energy-dense per 100 grams. The product information for INABA CHURU states 6 calories per stick. Catisfactions states fewer than 2 kcal per treat, but its analytical energy value is 416 kcal per 100 grams.

Give treats as a supplement and adjust the main meal when necessary. This is particularly important for adult cats with little exercise, as several small rewards per day can soon add up.

The key specifications to check

Moisture content: important for cats that drink little

Cats that drink little from their water bowl can take in additional moisture through wet food or a hydrating cat treat. This does not mean that a treat will solve medical problems or replace water. Always provide fresh drinking water.

The differences are clear:

  • INABA CHURU Chicken states 90.5% moisture.
  • INABA Churu Tuna states 91% moisture.
  • INABA Fun Bites variants with chicken broth state 93% moisture.
  • Gourmet Gold Fine Bites in gravy states 82% moisture.
  • Dry treats, such as Catisfactions, contain considerably less moisture according to the product information.

A high moisture content makes a treat suitable as a topper over wet or dry food, but also check the recommended amount and storage instructions.

Calories, fat and serving size

Do not compare only the price of a bag or multipack; consider the serving sizes too. A pack containing 50 tubes may offer good value for daily use, while a small bag of dry treats can last longer if you give only a few pieces at a time.

Pay attention to:

  • calories per piece or per stick;
  • fat content;
  • recommended daily amount;
  • weight of the individual serving;
  • shelf life after opening.

INABA Churu products state 6 calories per treat and generally recommend 1 to 2 sticks per day for adult cats. The Fun Bites product information gives a guideline based on body weight. Use these figures as a starting point and take into account your cat’s age, activity level and overall diet.

Complementary or complete: the decisive classification

For kittens, the life stage is particularly important. According to the product information, Whiskas Cat Sticks Chicken and Beef are not recommended for kittens. Catisfactions, on the other hand, is described as suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks of age. A product suitable for “all breeds and ages” is still complementary food; it does not replace complete kitten food.

Dental cat treats require careful consideration. A crunchy texture may be intended to encourage chewing, but any claim about reducing plaque or tartar should be treated as a brand claim. According to Purina’s own research, Dentalife is claimed to reduce tartar formation. This is not a guarantee for every cat and does not replace check-ups or care in accordance with your vet’s advice.

Recommended cat treats for different situations

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
INABA CHURU CAT Chicken

INABA CHURU CAT Chicken

Why it suits this profile: A simple choice for anyone wanting to try a soft chicken treat without immediately buying a large multipack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is complementary food, with 90.5% moisture and 6 calories per stick.

Key benefit & advantages

Chicken flavour, soft texture, 6 kcal per stick and suitable as a hand-fed reward or topper.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
INABA Churu Multipack Tuna & Chicken 50 pcs.

INABA Churu Multipack Tuna & Chicken 50 pcs.

Why it suits this profile: Convenient for households where treats are given every day or where several flavour preferences need to be alternated.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack contains 50 12-gram tubes, making the portion per treat easier to keep track of than with loose dry treats.

Key benefit & advantages

91% moisture, 6 kcal per treat and combinations featuring chicken and tuna. Use immediately after opening.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna with Cheese

INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna with Cheese

Why it suits this profile: An option for owners looking for a very moist treat to use as a topper or an extra incentive alongside their cat’s usual food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 93% moisture content is listed alongside the nutritional values. This means you can assess its hydrating properties rather than judging them solely from the front of the pack.

Key benefit & advantages

93% moisture, chicken broth, tuna and cheese; suitable for serving straight away or mixing into food.

Suitable for: Complete food for adult cats
Gourmet Gold Cat Food Tender Treats with Sea Fish 85g

Gourmet Gold Cat Food Tender Treats with Sea Fish 85g

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for anyone wanting to replace complementary wet food with a complete meal for an adult cat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states that it is 100% complete and balanced food for adult cats, rather than merely complementary food.

Key benefit & advantages

85 grams per tin, 74% moisture and a sea fish recipe. Serve at room temperature.

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 depends on body weight, age, activity level and its main food. Follow the guideline on the packaging and give treats as a supplement. With low-calorie cat treats, the portion may seem small, but several extra treats can still add up. If necessary, deduct the amount of treats from your cat’s daily food allowance.

Are liquid cat treats suitable for cats that drink little?

A liquid cat treat often contains a lot of moisture and can be given as a topper over wet or dry food. The products mentioned in the examples contain approximately 90.5 to 93% moisture. They can supplement your cat’s moisture intake, but they do not replace fresh drinking water and are not a treatment for a health problem.

What is the difference between cat treats and wet cat food?

Cat treats are usually complementary food for rewards, interaction or use as a topper. Wet cat food can be complementary food, but it can also be sold as complete cat food. Therefore, always check the legally required nutritional statement, the recommended serving and the life stage for which the product is intended.