Introduction
As a lifelong cat owner and animal nutrition enthusiast, I understand the importance of a balanced diet for cats. Treats can be a fun way to bond with your cat and train them, but it’s essential to choose options that align with their nutritional needs. An unhealthy diet can negatively impact a cat’s health and quality of life.
In this article, I’ll share my research and recommendations for healthy cat treats. Proper nutrition is key to your cat’s wellbeing, so treats should complement their regular food intake, not replace it. My goal is to help fellow cat owners make informed decisions when selecting treats.
Let’s explore what makes a treat unhealthy, health concerns to watch for, and better options to consider. I’ll also touch on portion control, homemade vs. store-bought treats, using treats for training, and supporting dental health.
What Makes a Treat Unhealthy?
High fat and calorie content are two key factors that make a cat treat unhealthy. Many mass-produced cat treats are loaded with fat and calories to improve their taste and texture. However, too much fat can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and other health issues in cats (1). High calorie treats that are fed in excess can also cause cats to gain weight rapidly.
Some common unhealthy ingredients in many cat treats include animal by-products, artificial preservatives, artificial colors, corn and wheat fillers, and sugar. Animal by-products like meat byproducts and meat meal provide inferior protein quality compared to whole meats like chicken, beef, or fish (2). Artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are suspected carcinogens and linked to health issues in cats. Fillers like corn don’t provide much nutrition, while added sugars promote obesity and diabetes.
Cat treats should have 10% fat or less to be considered healthy. The first few ingredients should be whole protein sources like chicken, salmon, or tuna rather than by-products or fillers. Limited ingredient treats without artificial additives are ideal. Checking the calorie content per treat and feeding appropriate portion sizes is also important.
Health Concerns with Unhealthy Treats
Feeding your cat too many unhealthy treats can lead to serious health problems like obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis. Many popular store-bought treats are high in carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats which cats have difficulty digesting properly. Over time, a diet too high in these ingredients can negatively impact your cat’s health.
Obesity is a major concern, as studies show that over 50% of cats are overweight or obese. The extra calories from treats can quickly lead to weight gain, placing stress on a cat’s joints and organs. Obese cats are also at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Diabetes is another illness tied to unhealthy diets and obesity in cats. Uncontrolled diabetes can be life-threatening, leading to complications like kidney failure. Feedings treats high in carbohydrates causes blood sugar spikes, which over time can progress to diabetes. Monitoring treat intake is key to reducing this risk.
Finally, the high fat content in many treats can trigger pancreatitis in cats. This is an extremely painful inflammation of the pancreas that requires emergency veterinary care. Low-quality treats with by-products and preservatives appear to be linked to a higher incidence of pancreatitis.
By carefully selecting healthy, low-calorie treats for your cat, you can avoid these serious health threats. Moderation and reading ingredient labels is key when integrating treats into your cat’s diet.
Recommended Healthy Treats
When looking for healthy treats for cats, lean proteins like chicken, turkey, tuna, and salmon are great options. According to veterinarians interviewed by NBC News, tuna and salmon are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health.1 Treats made with lean cuts of chicken or turkey provide protein while avoiding unhealthy fats. Wellness Kittles, for example, contains chicken as the first ingredient along with supplementary ingredients like cranberries and carrots for antioxidants and vitamins.2 When choosing meat-based treats, be sure to read the ingredients list and nutrition facts to ensure the product does not contain mystery meats, artificial flavors/preservatives, or unhealthy additives.
Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables can make nutritious treats for cats. Many fruits and veggies are high in antioxidants, which can boost your cat’s immune system and offer health benefits. According to this source, broccoli, carrots, apples, peas, bananas, pumpkin, blueberries and zucchini are good options. Fruits like cantaloupe are high in vitamins A and C, as noted in this article. Be sure to introduce new foods slowly and in moderation to avoid upsetting your cat’s stomach. The antioxidants found in fresh fruits and veggies can support your cat’s overall wellbeing.
Portion Control
When giving treats to cats, it’s important to control the portion size and limit the amount to no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. According to Purina, treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat’s total diet.
Giving too many treats can lead to obesity and other health issues in cats. Sticking to the 10% rule helps ensure your cat is getting proper nutrition from their regular food, while still being able to enjoy treats in moderation.
To determine how many treats you can give your cat per day based on the 10% rule, you’ll need to know the calorie content of their regular food and the calorie content of the treats. From there you can calculate 10% of their daily calorie needs. For example, if your cat eats 300 calories per day from their regular food, no more than 30 calories should come from treats.
You can also use your cat’s treats as part of their food ration. For example, substitute 5-10 pieces of kibble with a couple treats. This allows you to be confident you’re not exceeding the 10% limit.
While it’s ok to give cats treats daily, portion control is key. Sticking to the 10% treat rule will help keep your cat healthy while still letting them enjoy tasty snacks!
Homemade vs Store-Bought
Both homemade and store-bought cat treats have their pros and cons. Homemade treats allow you to control exactly what ingredients go into your cat’s food, but they require more time and effort to make. Store-bought treats are convenient and made to nutritional standards, but may contain preservatives or ingredients you want to avoid (Source).
The main advantage of homemade cat treats is that you can customize them to your cat’s preferences and needs. For example, you can make treats with all natural ingredients if your cat has food sensitivities. Making them at home also allows you to control the quality and freshness of ingredients. However, it does take more effort to prepare homemade treats and ensure proper nutrition and food safety.
Store-bought treats provide a convenient option that is quick and easy. Major brands formulate their treats to meet AAFCO nutritional standards for cats. The ingredients and production are regulated for quality and safety. However, some store-bought treats may contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or lower quality ingredients. Checking the label is important to find healthy options without unnecessary fillers (Source).
Many cat owners find a balance works best. Homemade treats can be used for special occasions or as supplemental snacks, while quality store-bought treats provide reliable daily options. Discuss your cat’s needs with your veterinarian to decide what combination is healthiest.
Treats for Training
High value treats are key for effective cat training. When clicker training or using other positive reinforcement methods, you need a tasty treat that will motivate your cat to perform the desired behavior. Some of the best training treats for cats include:
Chicken or turkey – Lean meats like chicken and turkey make excellent training treats. They are flavorful and contain protein to help keep your cat engaged.
Freeze dried meat – Freeze dried chicken, salmon, tuna or other meat makes a crunchy, intense flavor treat cats love. The freeze drying process preserves the flavor and aroma.
Tiny pieces of cooked fish – A tiny morsel of cooked fish like tuna or salmon goes a long way as a training treat. The strong smell entices cats.
Look for soft, meaty treats that can be easily chewed and swallowed quickly. Avoid crunchy, dry treats that take too long to eat. Treats should be enticing but small, around the size of a pea, so they don’t fill up your cat.
Dental Health
Keeping your cat’s teeth clean is an important part of their overall health. Selecting the right dental treats can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth. According to Chewy, chewing on treats helps scrape away plaque and tartar. Look for treats made specifically for dental health, like Greenies Feline Dental Treats, which are veterinarian recommended and promote better oral health.
The texture and shape of the treat matters. Opt for treats that have a crunchy texture and an oblong shape, which allows cats to really sink their teeth in for a good chew. This abrasive chewing action helps disrupt plaque before it turns into tartar. Stay away from soft, chewy treats that don’t provide the same dental benefits.
Look at the ingredients too. Treats with added sodium hexametaphosphate can help prevent tartar from sticking to teeth. Baking soda is another ingredient that promotes healthy teeth and gums. Mint and parsley add fresh flavor and breath freshening abilities.
According to Greenies, a leading brand of veterinarian recommended dental treats, giving your cat one treat daily is enough to promote better dental health. Monitor to ensure the treat is fully chewed before swallowing. Proper dental care goes hand in hand with your cat’s overall health and wellbeing.
Conclusion
In summary, while treats can be a fun way to reward and bond with your cat, it’s important not to overdo it. Treats should only make up 5-10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake to avoid weight gain and other health issues. Focus on healthy, low calorie treats like pieces of cooked lean meat, veggies, or fruits. Avoid too many fatty or sugary treats. Read the labels and stick to healthy ingredients. Homemade treats allow you to control exactly what goes into them. Proper portion control, watching your cat’s weight, good dental care, and using treats for training are all keys to keeping your cat happy and healthy while still enjoying the occasional treat.