- Key Points
- Avoid Common Allergens
- Avoid Treats with Added Sugars
- Choose High-Quality Protein
- Consider Texture and Taste
- Consider Your Cat's Age and Health
- Look for Limited Ingredients
- Opt for Dental-Friendly Treats
- Pay Attention to Calories
- Read Reviews and Recommendations
- Treat Your Cat to a Healthy, Tasty Snack
Key Points
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Sugary treats may lead to dental issues, obesity, and diabetes.
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Treats with limited ingredients reduce the risk of unknown allergens.
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Read reviews and recommendations from reliable sources, including your vet, before selecting cat treats.
You may like to give your cat treats just for being fabulous. However, you don't want your fab feline to turn into a fat cat. This guide provides tips on choosing healthy and tasty cat treats for your cat.
There are several things to consider when choosing cat treats, including allergies, quality, calories, and your cat's specific needs. Some treats have a specific function while others are best for incentives and rewards.
Think about your needs and why you're looking for treats before you begin your search. Use this guide to get the best healthy cat treats.
Avoid Common Allergens
Some cats, like humans, have food allergies and sensitivities that cause health issues. To choose healthy and tasty cat treats, avoid common allergens that trigger reactions.
The most common cat allergens are grains and gluten, artificial additives and preservatives, and some protein sources.
Understanding the Most Common Cat Allergens
Grains and gluten are often used as fillers in cat treats but cause upset stomachs and allergic reactions in some cats. Avoid treats that contain wheat, corn, soy, or other grains that may be potential allergens.
Since they're fillers, it's not a bad idea to avoid them altogether.
Ingredients found in many cat treats may lead to allergies and digestive issues. Look for treats that use natural preservatives and avoid those with additives like artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.
Protein sources like beef, dairy, chicken, and fish are common allergens for cats. If you know your cat has specific protein allergies, carefully read ingredient labels to ensure the treats you choose don't contain these potential triggers.
Avoid Treats with Added Sugars
Adding sugars to cat treats adds unnecessary calories and has negative effects on their health. Cats are obligate carnivores and have a limited ability to break down carbohydrates. Eating a lot of sugar and carbs leads to obesity, dental issues, and even diabetes.
In short, avoid added sugars when choosing your cat treats.
Health Risks Associated With Excess Sugar Consumption
Obesity is a big concern because it can lead to other health problems. Excessive sugar intake is a factor in weight gain, which puts a strain on a cat's joints and organs.
Choosing treats without added sugars helps your cat maintain a healthy weight.
Dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, are common in cats. Sugary treats accelerate the buildup of plaque and tartar. If left untreated, bacteria may enter the cat's bloodstream and cause infection.
Diabetes is another potential health issue associated with a high-sugar diet. Cats develop diabetes when their bodies are unable to regulate blood sugar levels. Avoiding treats with added sugars or carbohydrates reduces the risk of diabetes.
Choose High-Quality Protein
Protein is an essential component of a cat's diet. When selecting cat treats, choose high-quality protein. Look for treats that contain animal-based proteins as a main ingredient.
Identifying and Evaluating Protein Sources
Animal-based proteins are more biologically appropriate for cats than plant-based proteins. Being a carnivore, cats must eat animal tissue. Look for treats with animal protein sources like chicken, fish, turkey, or beef as the primary ingredients.
When looking at protein sources, consider the quality of the meat. Look for treats made from real meat or meat meals rather than meat "flavors."
High-quality proteins contain essential amino acids that support your cat's well-being and contribute to a beautiful coat, strong muscles, and a healthy immune system.
Consider Texture and Taste
The texture and taste of cat treats are individual preferences. If your cat doesn't like it, then it's not much of a treat.
When using them as an incentive, an appealing treat is important.
Understanding the Role of Texture in Cat Treats
Crunchy treats are popular among cats that prefer a texture that mimics prey. They also help remove plaque from teeth, promoting dental health. Soft treats are better for cats with dental issues, older cats with sensitive gums, and young kittens.
Tailor the texture of treats based on your cat's age, dental health, and personal preferences.
For kittens, softer treats are better for their developing teeth. Older cats may need softer treats due to dental issues that come with age. Take these factors into account for the enjoyment and dental health of your cat.
Consider Your Cat's Age and Health
Just as human dietary needs change over time, a cat's diet varies depending on their age and health conditions. When choosing treats, consider your cat's stage of life and their health concerns.
Age-Specific Considerations for Cat Treats
Kittens have specific dietary needs because they're growing rapidly and developing their bodies and immune systems. Look for treats specifically made for kittens. These treats include essential nutrients like taurine, which is essential for healthy growth and development.
Senior cats often have arthritis or kidney disease. Opt for treats catering to their needs, such as joint-supporting treats or those with limited phosphorus content. Excessive phosphorus and sodium are detrimental to a cat's kidneys.
Cats with dietary restrictions or sensitivities benefit from treats that specially address those issues. Grain-free treats or those limited to specific protein sources are more suitable options for cats with allergies or sensitivities.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your cat's specific dietary needs.
Look for Limited Ingredients
Treats with limited ingredients are best for cats with sensitive stomachs, skin, or allergies. The shorter the list of ingredients, the better — especially if you aren't sure about what causes your cat's problems.
Understanding the Advantages of Limited Ingredient Treats
Treats with limited ingredients reduce the chance of exposing your cat to potential allergens. Avoiding complex formulas reduces the risk of introducing new elements that might cause issues.
Limited-ingredient treats are usually highly digestible, which improves nutrient absorption and reduces the chance of digestive issues. These treats help cats with sensitive stomachs or those prone to vomiting.
Opt for Dental-Friendly Treats
Dental health is crucial to a cat's health. Many cats don't like the use of a toothbrush. Incorporating dental-friendly treats into their routine is a good alternative. They promote good oral hygiene and prevent dental issues such as plaque buildup, tartar, and gum disease.
Cat treats designed to promote dental health have specific qualities that clean teeth and reduce plaque formation. Look for treats that are appropriately sized and have a slightly abrasive texture to remove plaque as your cat chews.
Holistic pet wellness expert Katlyn Son writes for Veterinarians. In a July 2023 article, Son says, "Cats have similar teeth as wild cats who eat almost exclusively meat, meaning wild cats’ teeth last longer as they are not chewing as often. House cats often eat kibble, which requires more chewing and is harder than meat in the wild, so dental treats are recommended to care for the teeth of housecats."
Some dental treats may include ingredients like enzymes or other plaque-fighting substances. These treats maintain fresh breath, prevent tooth decay, and contribute to overall dental well-being in your cat.
Pay Attention to Calories
While treats are a tasty part of your cat's routine, it's important to watch their calorie intake. Overfeeding treats leads to obesity and other health issues. When selecting treats, consider their calorie content and align them with your cat's dietary needs.
Understanding Healthy Caloric Intake for Cats
Daily caloric needs for cats vary based on factors such as age, size, activity level, and overall health. Consult your veterinarian to determine your cat's specific caloric requirements and include treats when counting their daily calorie intake.
You have a great cat and they deserve treats for all their tricks and for just being awesome. However, seek a balance between treats and their regular diet to prevent obesity and maintain a healthy weight. Use treats to complement the nutritional value of their main meals without compromising their health.
Read Reviews and Recommendations
When choosing cat treats, consider the experiences and expertise of others. Read reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources to identify high-quality and well-received treats for your cat.
Identifying Reliable Sources for Reviews and Recommendations
Expert opinions from reputable pet magazines and websites provide valuable insights into the quality and effectiveness of various cat treats. These sources often conduct thorough research and testing to offer well-informed recommendations.
Reading this article is a good step on your path to finding the right treat for your tabby.
Engaging with cat owners' communities and forums also provides useful information. Hearing about other cat owners' experiences with specific treats allows you to gauge their popularity and suitability.
In this Reddit post from July 5, 2023, a cat owner asks for advice on healthy treats for a cat with a sensitive stomach. One reply suggests freeze-dried treats using real meat like minnow, turkey liver, or chicken liver.
Reddit offers a forum for cat owners to ask questions and receive replies from cat owners, vet techs, and veterinarians. They strictly moderate medical advice, but anyone may provide their insights.
Your vet may offer personalized recommendations based on your cat's unique needs. They have firsthand knowledge of your cat's health and can provide tailored advice on suitable treats.
Treat Your Cat to a Healthy, Tasty Snack
Treats are a great incentive for a cat and a perfect reward for positive behavior, but there are things to consider when choosing healthy and tasty cat treats.
Avoiding common allergens, treats with added sugars, and opting for high-quality proteins promotes better health for your feline companion.
Consider your cat's age, health, texture preferences, and the importance of your cat's dental health when selecting treats. Look for limited-ingredient treats, pay attention to calories, and read reviews and recommendations from reputable sources.
Your cat is extremely important in your life. Treat them that way by providing the best-quality treats on the market. Remember to practice moderation and give them the treats they deserve and enjoy.
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