Top 10 Best Healthy Treats Ideas for Cats
Cats do love their snacks – but not all treats are healthy. Whether rewarding your cat for good behavior, bonding with your friend, or just giving your cat a little something special, treating your cat with healthy treats is best for your cat’s health. Treating your cat with the right treat can be healthy, fun, and supportive of your cat’s health; through dental health, digestion, hydration, or simply by providing additional nutrition between meals.
While there is no deficiency in high protein treats to natural treats to feed your cat that are tasty and respecting their dietary requirements. There are plenty of available ideas for healthy, tasty and good cat treats. We’ve gathered the best treats for cats from some of the potentially largest collection of healthy cat treats ideas into one list – the 10 best treats for cats. From daily usage to additional fun, these ideas will support your cat’s happiness, energy and wellbeing.
Why Healthy Treats for Cats Matter
That’s exactly why choosing healthy treats for cats is more important than ever. Obesity, diabetes and other diseases are now increasingly common in house cats, due mainly to being overfed and eating unhealthy snacks.
Saying that your cat should eat no more than 10% of its caloric diet in forms of treats, this choice for healthiest treats for cats will help prevent weight increase and other serious health problems, and still allow us to give, reward and reward our pet in the best and most sensible way. The best treat for cats is not just about taste —it should also encourage balance in the cat’s body.
Top 10 Healthy and Delicious Cat Treat Ideas
| Rank | Treat Name | Key Benefits | Type | Ideal For |
| 1 | Freeze-Dried Raw Treats (e.g. PureBites, Vital Essentials) | Single-ingredient, high in protein, no additives | Commercial | All cats |
| 2 | Inaba Churu Lickable Treats | Hydrating, interactive bonding treat, low-calorie | Commercial | Picky eaters, seniors |
| 3 | Cheesy Cat Treats (Homemade) | Rich in flavor, customizable ingredients | Homemade | Occasional treat |
| 4 | Salmon Treats | Omega-3s for skin and coat, heart health | Homemade/Commercial | Active cats |
| 5 | Chicken Bites | Lean protein, easy to digest | Homemade | Everyday use |
| 6 | Catnip Treats | Enrichment + low calorie, stimulates activity | Commercial | Bored or indoor cats |
| 7 | Greenies Dental Treats | Helps reduce tartar and support dental health | Commercial | Dental care |
| 8 | Tuna Treats | High taurine content, flavorful | Homemade/Commercial | Picky eaters |
| 9 | Carrot & Catnip Biscuits | Beta-carotene + natural excitement | Homemade | Healthy snacking |
| 10 | Kitty Mini Meatballs | Protein-rich, easy to portion, fun shape | Homemade | High-protein diets |
Overview of the Best Treats for Cats
1. Freeze-Dried Raw Treats
You won’t find many healthier cat treats than these that consist of single-ingredient treats made with chicken, turkey, or fish. PureBites is known for delivering pure, high-protein options that do not contain fillers and are best for cats with sensitivities.
Picture Courtesy by Amazon.com
2. Inaba Churu Lickable Treats
Inaba Churu offers a creamier and hydrating treat that would be great for cats, particularly picky eaters and seniors. Also fun for bonding, enrichment, and hiding medication.
Picture Courtesy by Amazon.com
3. Cheesy Cat Treats (DIY)
Several homemade treats can be made with cheese, yogurt, and whole wheat flour. As there are many cats that enjoy dairy flavors, these are great treats but they should be given in moderation because some cats are sensitive to dairy and may create digestive upset. You can also make homemade treats to control the ingredients and offer a healthier treat.
4. Salmon Treats
Salmon treats are great to promote your cat’s health, they are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids promote a shiny coat and healthy skin, and can promote heart health. When purchasing your cat’s salmon treats it is best to buy plain and unsalted so that they do not get extra sodium. To buy Click Here
Picture Courtesy by Amazon.com
5. Chicken Bites
Plain, cooked chicken is a wonderful and healthy snack for cats, full of lean protein that is easy on their stomachs. An easy substitute, when in a hurry, is PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Cat Treats. PureBites are made with 100% chicken and contain no unusual ingredients so they are not only healthy, but also all-natural food your cat can trust.
Picture Courtesy by Amazon.com
6. Catnip-Infused Treats
Have the best of both worlds with catnip-infused treats that will encourage playful and healthy behaviors, while keeping calories under control. Catnip-infused treats are a great way to tap into your cats natural instincts without compromising their diets. TEMPTATIONS MixUps Cat Treats with Catnip is a fun and popular choice that many cats can’t resist.
Picture Courtesy by Amazon.com
7. Greenies Dental Treats
Greenies Dental Treats are a great option for cats that need dental support. They help reduce plaque and tartar build-up, while providing a tasty reward for your cat and supporting their oral health and happiness. An example is the Greenies Feline Natural Dental Treats Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor, made with natural ingredients and supplemented with vitamins and minerals.
Picture Courtesy by Amazon.com
8. Tuna Treats
Tuna is a classic cat favorite that is included in a variety of pet treats. Tuna is also filled with taurine, a key amino acid for cats’ heart health and helps to promote vision health. Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats, Tuna Flavor is a common brand. This treat variety gives the cat the crunch and the soft textures it desires. As with other treat options mentioned; moderation needs to be addressed due to mercury use.
Picture Courtesy by Amazon.com
9. Carrot & Catnip Treats
These crunchy homemade-style treats combine the goodness of carrot, high in beta-carotene, and stimulating catnip to engage and stimulate your cats. A great product with this combination is Temptations MixUps Cat Treats with Catnip & Veggies, a delicious and nutritious treat option.
Picture Courtesy by Amazon.com
10. Kitty Mini Meatballs
This small and tasty treat, made from chicken, oats and herbs, is a tasty protein boost for your cat. You may also enjoy Wellness Kittles Grain-Free Soft Cat Treats that are soft, nutritious and great for mini meatball-style treats.
Picture Courtesy by Amazon.com
How to Reward Your Cat Responsibly
- Portion Control: Excessive consumption of even the healthiest treats can lead to weight gain. Offer treats in moderation.
- Use Puzzle Feeders: Do treat time as an interactive experience by using puzzle feeders that stimulate your cat’s brain and movement.
- Balance with Diet: Treats should supplement a complete and balanced diet, rather than take the place of daily meals.
- Avoid Toxic Foods: You should never feed your cat anything toxic to them, either. Some human foods that are toxic to cats include chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, or anything with xylitol.
Final Thoughts
Finding the most healthy treats for cats is more than just a fun way to spoil our pets – they can really be a factor in our cat’s health, longevity, and happiness. Whether you’re selecting treats for your cat from the store or making your own healthy treats at home, it all comes down to moderation, portion control, and what gives your cat both enjoyment and nutritional value.
For more veterinarian updates on cat wellness and dietary nutrition, check out our Meow Care Hub!
FAQs About Healthy Treats for Cats
Q1: What are the healthiest treats for cats?
The healthiest treats for cats are single-ingredient, high-protein options like freeze-dried chicken, tuna, or salmon. These are low in calories and free of additives.
Q2: Can I give human food as a treat for cats?
Yes, in moderation. Cooked lean meats, plain pumpkin puree, or steamed veggies like carrots can be good treats for cats, but always avoid toxic ingredients like onions or chocolate.
Q3: How often should I give my cat treats?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. It’s best to use treats occasionally and in small portions.
Q4: Are commercial cat treats safe?
Many are, but look for products with minimal ingredients, no artificial preservatives, and nutritional value. Options like Greenies or Inaba Churu are widely recommended.
Q5: What’s the best treat for cats with sensitive stomachs?
Stick to bland, single-protein treats like boiled chicken or freeze-dried turkey. Avoid dairy, grain-heavy, or artificially flavored treats.
