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.
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”.
“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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Why it suits this profile: A simple choice for anyone wanting to try a soft chicken treat without immediately buying a large multipack.
The product information clearly states that this is complementary food, with 90.5% moisture and 6 calories per stick.
Chicken flavour, soft texture, 6 kcal per stick and suitable as a hand-fed reward or topper.
Why it suits this profile: Convenient for households where treats are given every day or where several flavour preferences need to be alternated.
The pack contains 50 12-gram tubes, making the portion per treat easier to keep track of than with loose dry treats.
91% moisture, 6 kcal per treat and combinations featuring chicken and tuna. Use immediately after opening.
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.
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.
93% moisture, chicken broth, tuna and cheese; suitable for serving straight away or mixing into food.
Why it suits this profile: Suitable for anyone wanting to replace complementary wet food with a complete meal for an adult cat.
The product description states that it is 100% complete and balanced food for adult cats, rather than merely complementary food.
85 grams per tin, 74% moisture and a sea fish recipe. Serve at room temperature.
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.
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.
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.
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.