April 13, 2023 2 min read
The short answer is, YES! Cat’s can eat treats, but just like dogs and with any food, there are a few things you should keep in mind…
It is always important to choose treats that are biologically appropriate, many foods that are not safe are the same as dogs, such as chocolate and onions, as well as garlic and other strong herbs and spices.
There are a lot of cat treats available on the market, from soft treats to crunchy dental treats. Soft treats are typically moist and chewy and come in a variety of flavours. It is important to always check the ingredients list on these as they can be full of salt, preservatives, and other nasties to make them shelf stable.
You want to be on the lookout for high quality single ingredients such as real red meat, chicken and fish, and avoid anything that contains carbohydrates, or fillers such as wheat and corn. It is also important to choose treats that are low in calories, especially if your cat is overweight, prone to weight gain, or prone to UTI’s.
Crunchy treats can help keep your cats’ teeth clean and strong, by scraping away plaque and tartar, and freshen your cat’s breath. We recommend using raw meaty bones like chicken necks and wing tips as dental treats for cats.
Most dog treats can also be given to cats, however it is important to make sure they are not too large or hard for cats to eat, as this could become a choking hazard and/or cause digestive issues.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require meat in their diet to throve. Treats made with real meat or fish are a great way to provide your cat with a protein-rich snack. Look for treats with high quality ingredients such as chicken, turkey, salmon, kangaroo, and wild boar.
Freeze-Dried Cat Treats are a great option for cats who prefer a crunchy texture. These treats are made by removing the moisture content from raw meat or fish, which concentrates the nutrients and flavour. Freeze-Dried Cat Treats are single ingredient which makes them a healthy and natural option for your cat.
Freeze-Dried Cat Treats can also be re-hydrated back to their raw meat texture for cats who like a soft, chewy treat or have trouble chewing and swallowing harder treats. These can be kept on hand in the pantry for when you don’t have any fresh or defrosted meaty treats on hand.
While treats are a great way to reward your cat for good behaviour or provide some stimulation and enrichment, it is important not to overdo it. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cats daily caloric intake, and it is always a good idea to check with your vet to ensure the treats you are giving are appropriate for their dietary needs.
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