Introduction
Both cats and dogs greatly enjoy receiving treats and the act of giving treats helps strengthen the bond between pets and their owners. Treat time is an opportunity for quality one-on-one time between pets and owners. Pets come to eagerly anticipate and get excited about receiving treats from their owners, which becomes a special part of their daily routine. For dogs especially, who are very food-motivated, treats are a key way of positively reinforcing good behavior. Overall, treats are an essential part of caring for a pet and enriching the pet-owner relationship.
When selecting treats, it’s important to choose ones that are healthy, safe and appropriate for cats and dogs. The right treats will provide nutritional benefits while also being delicious and enticing to pets. This article explores the best treat options that both feline and canine companions will enjoy and benefit from.
Dental Health
Dental health is extremely important for cats and dogs. According to the AVMA, dental disease is the most common major health problem for pets, and can cause or be worsened by other health issues (AVMA). Poor dental health leads to plaque buildup, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. It can also negatively impact a pet’s appetite, behavior, and overall wellbeing.
Giving pets dental treats can help promote good oral hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar. The mechanical action of chewing treats helps remove debris and freshen breath. Many dental treats also contain ingredients to control bacteria, reduce inflammation, and strengthen enamel. It’s important to find treats made specifically for dental health, not just any hard chew toy. Look for treats with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval.
With proper at-home dental care and treats, pets can avoid serious dental disease and costly veterinary procedures. Maintaining good oral health will lead to better nutrition, happiness, and longevity for cats and dogs.
Meat-based Treats
Meat-based treats can be a nutritious option for both cats and dogs. Meat provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish are good sources of protein and healthy fats that can help maintain muscle mass and a shiny coat (Source).
When choosing meat-based treats, look for options without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Single-ingredient treats like freeze-dried chicken or salmon jerky tend to be the healthiest. Avoid highly processed meats like bacon or sausage. Portion size is also key – treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories for dogs and cats (Source).
While fresh meats make excellent homemade treats, raw meats may carry bacteria that can make pets sick. It’s safest to lightly cook meat treats before feeding. With proper handling and preparation, meat-based treats can provide cats and dogs with valuable nutrition in moderation.
Fish Treats
Fish treats provide many benefits for both cats and dogs. Fish is an excellent source of protein, which helps build and maintain lean muscle mass (source). It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, brain development, heart health, and joint mobility (source).
The omega-3s in fish can help reduce inflammation that leads to itchy skin or painful joints in pets. The oils in fish also give pets a shiny coat and healthy skin. For senior pets or breeds prone to heart disease, the omega-3s in fish can support cardiovascular health.
Fish is highly palatable and appeals to both feline and canine taste preferences. The strong scent and flavor entice pets to eat fish treats readily. Fish treats like salmon or tuna often top lists of favorite pet treats.
In moderation, fish makes an excellent treat for cats and dogs. It provides protein for energy and growth, omega-3s for health, and a tasty flavor pets love.
Fruit and Vegetable Treats
Both cats and dogs can enjoy fruits and vegetables as healthy treats in moderation. Some of the best options include:
- Apples – Small slices without the core or seeds are safe for cats and dogs (source). Apples provide vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Carrots – Carrot sticks or small slices make a nutritious snack containing vitamin A, potassium, and fiber (source).
- Green Beans – These are low calorie, crunchy treats packed with vitamins A, C, K, folate, manganese, and fiber (source).
- Blueberries – These tiny antioxidant-rich fruits are safe for cats and dogs in moderation (source).
- Sweet Potatoes – Cooked, plain sweet potato chunks make an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber for pets (source).
Fruits and non-starchy vegetables like these provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for cats and dogs without excess calories. It’s best to introduce new foods slowly and avoid grapes, onions, chocolate, and other toxic ingredients.
Avoid These Ingredients
When choosing treats for cats and dogs, there are certain ingredients that should be avoided. Here are some of the most concerning ingredients to watch out for:
Sugar – Both cats and dogs are carnivores, meaning they have no need for added sugars in their diet. Sugar can lead to obesity, dental issues, and other health problems in pets (source). Look for treats without any added sugars, syrups, or artificial sweeteners.
Salt – Excess sodium is unhealthy for pets, just like it is for humans. Too much can lead to hypertension, kidney disease, and fluid retention (source). Treats should contain little to no added salt.
Artificial preservatives – Preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin have been linked to cancer and organ damage in animals. It’s best to avoid them completely (source). Look for treats preserved naturally with vitamins C and E instead.
Fillers – Cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy are common in low-quality treats. They provide little nutritional value. Cats and dogs evolved eating a meat-based diet, so treats should be high in quality animal ingredients.
Food dyes – Artificial food coloring provides no benefit to pets but may cause allergic reactions in some. Opt for treats without dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2.
Homemade Treat Recipes
When making homemade treats, it’s important to use healthy ingredients that are safe for both cats and dogs. Here are a couple recipes for tasty treats you can make at home:
Peanut Butter & Banana Bites 1
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions:
- Mash the banana and peanut butter together in a bowl.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into coin-sized bites and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Chicken & Sweet Potato Treats 2
Ingredients:
- 1 sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 1/2 cup shredded chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix together the sweet potato, chicken, egg and flour.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes then flip and bake 15 more minutes.
Store-bought Recommendations
Here are some of the top veterinarian-recommended store-bought treat brands and products for cats and dogs:
Greenies Feline SmartBites Healthy Skin and Fur Cat Treats are a great overall option with vitamins and minerals for skin and coat health. They are low-calorie and designed to be easily digestible (The Spruce Pets).
Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats are a crowd-pleaser with a crunchy outside and tender middle. They come in a variety of flavors like tuna and chicken (NBC News).
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz Dog Treats help clean teeth and freshen breath. They are highly digestible with a crunchy texture and come in flavors like chicken and peanut butter (7 Hills Vet).
Safe Servings
When giving treats to cats and dogs, it’s important to follow appropriate serving sizes and frequencies to avoid overfeeding. Generally, treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake [1]. For the average 10 lb cat, that’s about 20-40 calories per day. For the average 50 lb dog, it’s around 50-100 calories [2].
A good rule of thumb is to limit treats to 10 or fewer per day for cats and dogs. It’s also best to divide treats into multiple small servings throughout the day rather than one large serving. This prevents overindulging and maintains appetites for main meals. Additionally, consider using part of your pet’s regular food as treats to control calories. Ultimately, check with your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your pet’s unique needs.
Conclusion
Healthy treats are an important part of any cat or dog’s diet. Giving your pets treats made with wholesome ingredients can strengthen the human-animal bond while also providing health benefits. Meat, fish, fruits and vegetables all make for nutritious treats that both cats and dogs enjoy. Avoiding ingredients like salt, sugar and preservatives is key. When shopping, look for treats made with recognizable, natural ingredients. Homemade treats are another great option, as you can control exactly what goes into them. In moderation, treats made with care can be something both you and your furry friends look forward to.
The key is moderation – don’t overdo it on treats. Follow serving recommendations and make sure treats don’t make up more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories. Pay attention to your pet’s reaction as well. Healthy treats are meant to be enjoyed and to bring you closer together.