If you’re a pet parent who’s just waking up to the dangers in your furry pal’s food bowl, you might be looking for alternative
options. Whether you’re well-versed or just learning, steering clear of potentially harmful foods for your cat is an important move and one that will ultimately grant you more time with your favorite feline.
So, if you’re looking for options, we took the liberty of compiling some reviews for some terrific healthy treats for cats. Here are our 10 picks—which one will work best for your feline?
Hartz Delectables Squeeze Up Variety Pack Cat Treats are our favorite snacks overall. We think all cats can benefit from these tasty easy-to-eat snacks—from kittens to seniors—no chewing involved! Our cats loved the flavor variety and texture.
We love how carefully crafted these recipes are. Your cat’s health is definitely a top priority with grain-free, non-GMO, and by-product, and artificial additive-free. You can serve this up as a stand-alone snack or put it on top of their favorite kibble.
In each tube, there are 7.4 calories. The guaranteed analysis of the product contains 8% crude protein, 0.1% crude fat, 0.5% crude fiber, and 90% moisture.
The only thing we can say is that these can get messy if you aren’t careful. Besides that, your feline will delight in the taste.
Pros
Non-GMO
No negative additives
High protein
Easy for all life stages
Cons
Can be messy
2. Greenies Feline Oven Roasted Chicken Treats – Best Value
These treats are formulated to freshen breath, sprucing up even the stinkiest mouths. Each treat is dry and crunchy, with flavor enhancers to attract any feline.
The first ingredient is chicken meal, ensuring that it’s a good source of protein. There are 1.4 calories per treat. The guaranteed analysis of this product contains 27% crude protein, 12% crude fat, 10% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.
These treats are specially formulated for adult cats. So, if you have kittens, you might benefit more from another brand.
Let us introduce you to Inaba Churu Tuna Purée Variety Pack. Packed with 50 tubes, this four-flavor soft lockable treat is perfect for any cat in the home. This selection might be a little costly upfront, but it’s well worth it.
The four flavors are all different spins on tuna, which any cat will delight in. There are 20 tubes of plain tuna, 10 tubes of tuna with chicken, 10 tubes of tuna with scallop, and 10 tubes of tuna with salmon. Each tube contains simplistic, easy-to-pronounce ingredients with no harmful additives.
There are a total of six calories per tube. The guaranteed analysis of this product contains 7% crude protein, 0.20% crude fat, 0.3% crude fiber, and 91% moisture.
Any cat could fall in love with these tasty tubes. They are the perfect healthy treat that will help you and your cat bond—or make a great dry kibble additive.
Pros
50 tubes
Aromatic, flavorful recipes
Easy to feed
Cons
Pricey
4. Bravo Healthy Bites Cat Treats – Best for Kittens
Bravo Health Bites Cat Treats are healthy for any cat, but we think it’s a great starter for kittens. Because it’s totally healthy and 100% meat, it teaches your kitty hood habits while filling their diet full of necessary protein.
These little pieces are ideal for quick snacks or to sprinkle on top of their regular meal. They have one ingredient and one ingredient only—salmon. This product is totally freeze-dried raw containing no antibiotics or preservatives.
In one serving, there are 100 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product contains 65% crude protein, 8% crude fat, 1% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.
The only thing we can say is that some of our tester cats really showed no interest. So, this might be a hit-and-miss texture, scent, or flavor for your cat since it is different from traditional snacks. It might also be a little difficult for some to chew.
This topper is made with chicken as the very first ingredient, so you know it’s an adequate protein source. It also contains pumpkin, sweet potato, and chicory root for easy digestion. Plus, there are added live probiotics to keep your pup’s gut full of good bacteria.
In one serving of this treat, there are 18 calories. The guaranteed analysis of the product contains 36% crude protein, 30% fat, 15% crude fiber, and 6% moisture. It also contains two million live probiotics.
These treats don’t offer a very strong scent. Because of the lack of normal scent or texture, some cats might avoid this item.
Orijen Grain-Free Original Cat Treats are a healthy option for your adult kitties. These snacks are made from responsible ingredients, including real monkfish and chicken. All protein sources are locally farmed and the products are made in the United States.
This snack is packed with several meat sources, including nutrient-rich organs. These treats are gently freeze-dried, so they still have quite an appealing texture and smell for cats. Each one of these snacks is biologically appropriate for felines, which we love.
Each treat is only one calorie a piece, making it a suitable snack with it stacking on extra pounds. The guaranteed analysis of this product is 45% crude fat, 35% crude fat, 1% crude fiber, and 2% moisture.
The only thing we found that might be a hang-up for some is the cost. While not the most expensive treats, it seems like there is a little amount for the price.
Pros
Includes organs
Calorie-friendly
Responsible farming
Cons
A bit pricey
7. Get Naked Urinary Health Grain-Free Crunchy Cat Treats
Get Naked Urinary Health Grain-Free Crunchy Cat Treats are excellent for cats who need a helpful supplement for their urinary tract. Combined with antioxidant-packed cranberry, this chicken snack is tasty, crunchy, and kitty-friendly.
Cranberries are very effective in relieving urinary infection potential because of their strong healing properties—plus, it freshens breath. The crunchy texture of these fruity treats cleans your cat’s teeth while they feast.
These treats are just under a calorie a piece, which is good if your cat is watching their figure. The guaranteed analysis of this product contains 20% crude protein, 5.5% crude fat, 3.5% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.
Ultimately, these are really terrific treats for cats with bladder issues. However, not every cat will require the same benefits. So, while it won’t hurt any kitty, it might not be the best option for some.
Another terrific lickable treat is Nulo Freestyle Perfect Purée Variety Pack Cat Treat. It’s an excellent product that cats go Gaga for—with no funny ingredients that could harm your feline. Plus, isn’t the graphic design on the packaging cute to boot?
These squeezables are very nutritious and high in moisture. Each pouch has a prebiotic formula that aids in gut health, promoting the health of good gut bacteria. The recipes are free from tapioca, carrageenan, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
In one serving, there are between seven and nine calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product contains 8% crude protein, 1% crude fat, 0.8% crude fiber, and 87% moisture.
While our cats loved them, some flavor packets were a little watery. This consistency might work better as a food topper or things might get messy.
Want to add some green goodies into your cat’s daily life? While it might not be a traditional treat, per se, the Cat Ladies Organic Cat Grass Grow Kit is a terrific option for those kitties who can’t stay away from your house plants.
On top of being a good alternative to gnawing on succulent leaves, cat grass has its own set of benefits. Even though cats are obligate carnivores, they still benefit from roughage in their diet.
This treat option does require a little work from you, but we think it’s worth it. You simply follow the instructions, setting up the plant pouches and watering as needed. Within four to six days, you will see sprouts.
These seeds contain wheat, oats, barley, rye, and flax, so your cat can have a variety of tastes and textures in a tiny helping. But if your cat isn’t really a fan of plants, this pick might be a waste of money for you.
Wellness Kittles Chicken and Cranberry is a grain-free recipe that gives your kitty a nice dose of protein. Each treat has a different shape and crunchy texture to improve dental health.
The only ingredients in this treat are healthy fruits, veggies, and proteins. If your cat is gaining its holiday pounds, these treats are a modest low-calorie alternative to fat-filled snacks. But don’t worry, they appear to be still full of flavor and appetizing for cats.
The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 32% crude protein, 10% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 10% moisture. If you don’t want a crunchy texture, this exact recipe comes in a chewy form, too.
These treats are quite small, so be prepared to give your kitty a few. But it is easier to keep portions under control that way.
Pros
Available in crunchy and chewy
High protein
Grain-free
Cons
Small size
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Healthy Cat Treats
You know you want to buy your cat a healthy treat, but you’re not really sure where to start, we got you covered. Here are some things to consider when switching your cat to a better lifestyle.
Types of Treats
You might be wondering about all the different treat textures. Here are some healthy options you can choose from.
Freeze-Dried
These days, there are tons of brands that offer freeze-dried snacks. Some of them are raw pieces of meat protein that have had the moisture removed. Or there is a combination of fruits, veggies, and protein freeze-dried in pieces.
These treats haven’t undergone high heat where their nutrients have been reduced, which is nutritionally beneficial.
Dry Kibble
Dry kibble treats are somewhat commonplace, as they are some of the oldest commercial cat treats available. If you choose dry kibble, it can help clean the teeth. But try to steer clear of products that use lots of artificial or synthetic ingredients and fillers.
Image Credit: AJR_photo, Shutterstock
Moist Snacks
Moist snacks are super easy for your felines to chew, so they work for kittens and cats with dental issues. These treats offer a little moisture and are generally more savory than dry kibble treats.
Puree
Puree treats are lickable, meaning your cat can lap them up—really making it last. Many cats like this type of treat because they are highly appetizing and easy to eat. There are plenty of puree snacks that are clean and free of harmful additives.
Broths
Broths offer a nice dose of hydration into your cat’s diet. Often, cats don’t drink enough water alone. So, these tasty liquids can boost their liquid intake while giving them lots of valuable nutrients.
Choosing Healthy Treats
When you’re looking over a treat, what exactly makes it healthy? Let’s look at some different aspects, as this can mean varying things to individual cats.
Free of Fillers
Over time, science shows that fillers in foods aren’t healthy. Not only can they be nutritionally void, but they can also be biologically inappropriate for your pets. Getting treats that are free of things like corn, wheat, soy, and by-products is a good way to avoid this.
Farm-Raised Meats
Farm-raised meats and protein sources are usually free of steroids, antibiotics, and other harmful things. They are also usually more humane in their farming, which is a huge relief for environmentally conscious owners.
Image Credit: Skrypnykov Dmytro, Shutterstock
Free of GMOs
Genetically modified organisms have been proven to be a rampant ingredient in pet food. Clean snacks free of GMOs improve your cat’s natural health.
Low-CalorieRecipes
If you’re trying to control your cat’s weight, getting low-calorie options is a terrific way to give them something tasty while monitoring intake. Certain commercial treats are specially formulated to reduce unnecessary or empty calories.
Conclusion
Again, we really loved Hartz Delectables Squeeze Up treats because they are easy to eat, come in a variety of flavors, and offer plenty of protein. They seem to taste super yummy and your cat will reap the benefits of having a clean snack.
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs....Read more
