It’s no secret that cat treats are a magical tool. If you’ve ever made your cat come running just by rattling a bag of their favorite snack, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Cats will often ignore the food in their bowls in favor of a tiny piece of meat if it’s dangled from your fingers. That’s part of the reason most owners use treats for training. However, not all cat treats are created equal.
While some are packed with fillers, preservatives, and unhealthy ingredients that can lead to weight gain or other health problems over time, there are plenty of healthy options that satisfy their cravings without causing harm.
Why Should I Choose Healthy Cat Treats?
All cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal protein to function and feel their best. There’s nothing wrong with offering occasional treats, but if you regularly feed them carb-heavy, artificially flavored snacks, it can lead to digestive issues, reduced energy levels, and a dull coat. Cats also have smaller appetites than dogs, so even small amounts of unhealthy snacks can add up quickly.
Healthy cat treats provide an extra boost of nutrients and support various body functions. Some promote muscle maintenance and dental hygiene, while others aid digestion or support joint health. Here are a few key benefits you can expect from choosing the right treats:
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Better digestion: High-quality proteins and natural ingredients are easier to digest.
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Weight control: Low-calorie treats help maintain a healthy weight.
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Improved coat and skin: Omega fatty acids keep fur shiny and soft.
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Dental health: Crunchy, low-carb treats reduce plaque buildup.
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More energy: Nutritious, whole ingredients provide lasting energy without blood sugar spikes.
Now, let’s explore the top 10 healthy cat treats your pet will love.
1. Freeze-Dried Chicken Treats
Chicken is the favorite meat of most cats, making freeze-dried chicken treats incredibly popular. These treats are made from pure meat without any fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors. They retain most of the nutrients found in raw chicken while being shelf-stable and safe.
Why it’s healthy:
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100% protein with no additives
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Supports lean muscle maintenance
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Gentle on sensitive stomachs
How to serve: Offer 2–4 pieces as an occasional reward, or crumble them over regular food for an extra protein boost.
Related: 5 Steps In Teaching Your Dog The Quiet Command
2. Salmon Bites or Freeze-Dried Fish Treats
For seafood-loving cats, freeze-dried salmon or whitefish treats are an excellent choice. They’re packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote heart health and a glossy coat while helping reduce inflammation. They’re especially beneficial for senior cats or those with joint issues.
Why it’s healthy:
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Rich in omega fatty acids
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Supports heart, skin, and joint health
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Naturally enticing flavor and aroma
Tip: Choose wild-caught salmon instead of farm-raised options, as they tend to have fewer contaminants.
3. Tuna Flakes
Tuna flakes are a popular topper or standalone treat that most cats go wild for. Look for dehydrated or freeze-dried tuna without added salt, oil, or preservatives. The strong aroma makes them great for encouraging picky eaters to eat.
Why it’s healthy:
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High in protein and taurine (an essential amino acid for cats)
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Supports strong heart and eye health
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Encourages appetite in finicky eaters
Caution: Tuna should be offered occasionally due to its mercury content. Treats only—never daily.
4. Cooked Chicken or Turkey Pieces
Cooked chicken or turkey pieces make excellent, wholesome cat treats you can easily prepare at home. They’re completely natural, preservative-free, and packed with lean protein. Just be sure the meat is plain—avoid salt, garlic, and onions, which are toxic to cats.
Why it’s healthy:
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100% natural and unprocessed
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Great for cats with food sensitivities
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Supports muscle growth and repair
Tip: Boil or bake plain chicken or turkey breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, and store in the fridge for up to three days.
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5. Catnip or Cat Grass Treats
Catnip is an herb that many cat owners grow at home. It acts as a natural stimulant that encourages playful, active behavior. Cat grass (often a mix of oat, wheat, or barley grass) is another healthy “treat” that supports digestion and helps prevent hairball buildup.
Why it’s healthy:
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Encourages exercise and play
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Aids digestion and reduces hairballs
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Completely natural and low in calories
Tip: Sprinkle a pinch of dried catnip on a scratching post or grow fresh cat grass for nibbling.
6. Pumpkin Puree Treats
Pumpkin puree is one of the best natural supplements for feline digestive health. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that help regulate bowel movements and maintain a healthy gut. You can serve it on its own or mix it into homemade cat treats.
Why it’s healthy:
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High in fiber for digestive support
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Helps with constipation and hairballs
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Low in calories and gentle on the stomach
Tip: Offer one teaspoon of plain, unsweetened pumpkin mixed with food once or twice a week.
7. Dental Chews for Cats
Dental chews satisfy your cat’s craving for a crunchy snack while improving oral health. They’re specially designed to help scrape away plaque and tartar as your cat chews.
Why it’s healthy:
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Promotes dental hygiene
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Freshens breath naturally
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Helps prevent gum disease
What to look for: Choose dental treats that are VOHC-approved (Veterinary Oral Health Council) and free from excess starches or artificial flavors.
8. Cooked Eggs
Cooked eggs are a simple, protein-packed treat that most cats enjoy. They’re an excellent source of amino acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. However, eggs should always be cooked thoroughly—raw eggs can carry bacteria and inhibit biotin absorption.
Why it’s healthy:
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Excellent source of high-quality protein
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Supports muscle repair and immune health
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Easy to digest
Tip: Offer a teaspoon or two of cooked egg as an occasional treat, avoiding butter or seasonings.
9. Homemade Cat Treats
If you enjoy baking, homemade cat treats are a fun and healthy option. You control the ingredients, ensuring they’re fresh and natural. Common base ingredients include chicken, tuna, pumpkin, egg, and whole wheat or rice flour.
Simple recipe:
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1 can of tuna in water (drained)
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons oat flour or rice flour
Mix well, shape into small balls, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Why it’s healthy:
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No preservatives or artificial ingredients
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Customizable to your cat’s preferences
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A fun way to bond with your cat
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
10. Commercial Healthy Cat Treats (Trusted Brands)
If you don’t have time to make your own treats, there are many excellent commercial options available. These brands focus on natural, grain-free, and high-protein recipes designed to support feline health.
Top brands include:
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PureBites: Single-ingredient freeze-dried meats like chicken, shrimp, and salmon.
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats: Grain-free, high-protein treats with added vitamins and minerals.
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Wellness Kittles: Crunchy, low-calorie treats made with real meat.
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Orijen Freeze-Dried Treats: Premium animal protein with no fillers or artificial additives.
What to check on the label:
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Real meat listed as the first ingredient
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No corn, wheat, soy, or by-products
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Minimal, recognizable ingredients
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No artificial colors or flavors
How Often Should You Give Treats?
Even healthy treats should be offered in moderation. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. For a typical indoor cat, that’s just a few bites per day.
Over-treating can lead to obesity, digestive issues, and behavioral problems. Use treats as rewards during training, after grooming, or for positive reinforcement—this keeps them special without interfering with your cat’s regular diet.
Signs of a Good (and Bad) Cat Treat
When shopping for treats, here’s how to spot the good ones—and what to avoid.
Good cat treats:
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Made with real meat or fish
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Grain-free or low in carbohydrates
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Contain added nutrients like taurine or omega fatty acids
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Have a short, recognizable ingredient list
Avoid treats that:
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Contain artificial colors or flavors
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Are high in sugar or salt
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List “meat by-products” or “animal digest” as main ingredients
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Include chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin
The Bottom Line
Healthy cat treats don’t have to be boring or tasteless. From single-ingredient freeze-dried meats to nutrient-rich fish or homemade goodies, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious treats your cat will adore.
By choosing high-quality, natural ingredients, you can reward your cat without compromising their health. The key is moderation, balance, and careful selection.
So, the next time your furry companion comes running for a treat, you’ll know exactly what to give—something that satisfies their cravings while keeping them happy and healthy for years to come.
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