From a bag of crisps for a film night to cat treats as a reward, there is a huge range of snacks to choose from. That can make it difficult to know exactly what you are buying. Eye-catching packaging tells you little about portion size, ingredients or ease of use. Claims about dental care, hairballs or hydration can also create unrealistic expectations when it comes to cat treats.
With this buying guide, you can compare snacks based on verifiable points, making it easier to choose for everyday use, a party, eating on the go or as a gift.
Terms such as “light”, “natural” or “functional” are sometimes displayed prominently on the packaging, while the full nutritional information is less visible. That is why you should always check the ingredients list, allergens and nutritional values per 100 grams.
With pet food, it is important to distinguish between complete food and complementary food. A cat treat is usually intended as an extra and does not replace a complete meal.
A small bag of sweets or an individually wrapped cat treat may seem harmless, but several portions a day can quickly add up. For human snacks, portion packs can help you eat more mindfully. For cats, follow the recommended amount on the packaging and adjust their main meal if necessary.
According to the manufacturer’s product description, some anti-hairball cat treats are intended for cats that regularly have hairballs. That is not a guarantee for every cat. The same applies to dental care for cats: according to Purina’s own research, the texture of DentaLife is associated with a reduction in tartar formation, but the product is not a substitute for a check-up or care when this is needed.
When checking human snacks, look out for ingredients such as milk, soya, peanuts, nuts, sesame, shellfish or gluten. According to the product information, Orion Manyo Fish Tomato Flavor Snack contains milk and soya. SKYBIRDD Lobster Flakes contain prawns and wheat. This makes these prawn crisps less suitable for anyone with a shellfish or gluten allergy.
For cat treats, consider the animal species, age and composition. According to the packaging, Whiskas Cat Sticks Chicken are suitable for adult cats, but not for kittens. A product containing fish, such as g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish, is also not automatically suitable for a cat with a sensitivity to fish, meat or grains.
A liquid cat treat can be practical for cats that do not drink much. According to the product information, INABA Churu Cat Chicken contains 90,5% moisture. The INABA Fun Bites varieties state 93% moisture and can be given on their own or as a topping. This is still complementary food, so always provide fresh drinking water as well.
Dry cat food has a low moisture content and is intended as everyday food when the product is complete and balanced. g'woon Adult Cat Bites with Fish comes in a 2 kg bag, so particular attention should be paid to ease of storage, portion size and the nutritional needs of your adult cat.
Individually wrapped snacks are handy for a lunch box, the office or a gift hamper. Orion Manyo Fish Tomato Flavor Snack consists of 33-gram portions. Look-O-Look Top Mix contains ten small packs, including fruit sweets, sour strips and sweet ribbons. This is practical for sharing, but check the different ingredients in each variety.
When buying cured meats such as fuet, pay attention to the storage conditions. Stegema Fuet Multipack 120g must be refrigerated after opening and, according to the product information, used within a maximum of ten days. For wet cat treats and liquid cat snacks, the usual advice is to refrigerate after opening and use promptly.
Why it suits this profile: A small portion of individually wrapped snacks is ideal for trying a new flavour or taking to work.
The 33-gram net weight and nutritional value per 100 grams make comparisons straightforward. However, check the packaging for milk, soya, sweeteners and the aspartame warning.
A crunchy texture, tomato flavour and individual packs for taking with you or sharing.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this snack gift box contains 13 different individually wrapped Asian snacks to share or give as a gift.
The variety is clearly described, but check the allergens on each individual pack. The mix includes wheat, soya and sesame.
A generous 1518-gram contents, 13 packs and flavours such as tofu, konjac, chestnuts and crunchy snacks.
Why it suits this profile: This liquid cat treat can be given straight from the pack, used as a topping or included in interactive feeding.
The moisture content of 90,5% is clearly stated. According to the product information, give 1 to 2 sticks per day and refrigerate any opened stick.
A soft texture, chicken as the main ingredient and 6 calories per treat according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: This product is intended as a daily dental chew for adult cats and is suitable for owners who pay attention to texture and feeding amounts.
The recommended amount is clearly stated: for an adult cat weighing 2,5 kg, the product information gives 17 treats per day. Supervise your cat while eating.
A crunchy, porous texture, a salmon variety, and calcium and taurine according to the product description.
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.
Choose small, well-sealed portions that do not break or leak easily. Individually wrapped crisps, sweets or cheese snacks are practical for carrying in a bag. For a longer journey, shelf life, temperature and allergens are more important than flavour alone.
Usually not. According to the product information, liquid cat treats such as INABA Churu and Vitakraft Liquid Snack are complementary food. Give the recommended amount and adjust the main meal when necessary. Your cat should also always have access to fresh water.
Store dry snacks in a cool, dry place in a well-sealed container. Fuet must be refrigerated after opening. Opened wet or liquid cat treats should generally be kept in the fridge and used promptly. Always check the shelf-life and storage instructions on the packaging.