Best Healthy Treats for Cats: Freeze-Dried, Single-Ingredient and Lickable
Share
Quick answer: The healthiest cat treats are simple, high-protein and given in small amounts. Single-ingredient freeze-dried meats such as turkey heart or beef lung, single-ingredient chicken crumbles, and moisture-rich lickable treats are all good options, as long as treats stay under about 10% of your cat's daily calories.
How many treats can a cat have?
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends that treats make up less than 10% of a cat's daily calories and never replace a meal. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that an average 10-pound cat needs about 275 calories a day, so the treat budget is small. Your vet can tell you your own cat's daily calorie needs.
Types of cat treats, compared
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze-dried single-ingredient | One raw ingredient, freeze-dried to keep flavor and nutrients | Picky eaters, meal toppers, training |
| Dehydrated single-ingredient | One ingredient, gently dried into crunchy pieces | Everyday rewards, sensitive stomachs |
| Lickable / squeeze tube | A creamy, moisture-rich paste fed from the tube | Bonding, hand-feeding, hiding pills |
Our cat treat picks
Freeze-Dried Turkey Hearts for Cats
Wild Instinct Pet Freeze-Dried Turkey Hearts ($7.99) are made from 100% turkey heart with no fillers or artificial ingredients. Serve whole by hand or crumble over a regular meal.
Freeze-Dried Beef Lung Treats for Cats
Freeze-Dried Beef Lung Treats ($7.99) are 100% beef lung. They're light and crunchy, which makes them easy to break into small pieces for portion control.
Chicken Crumbles Cat Treats
Farm To Pet Chicken Crumbles ($11.95) contain a single ingredient, table-grade chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives, in a resealable bag.
Lickable Cat Treats Squeeze Tubes
Lickable Chicken Squeeze Tubes ($12.74 for 20) have a creamy texture cats lick straight from the tube and contain D-biotin for skin and coat. They're handy for hand-feeding or hiding medication.
Beef Liver for Dogs & Cats
Whisker & Tail Co. Beef Liver ($9.99) is a single-ingredient organ treat, naturally rich in vitamin A, iron and B vitamins. Because liver is so rich, keep portions small.
Tips for treating your cat
- Break treats into small pieces so one bag lasts longer and calories stay low.
- Always provide fresh water, especially with dry or freeze-dried treats. A cat water fountain can help cats who prefer moving water.
- Introduce new treats slowly to avoid stomach upset.
Frequently asked questions
Are freeze-dried treats good for cats?
Single-ingredient freeze-dried treats are high in protein and free of fillers, which makes them a good occasional treat alongside a complete and balanced diet.
Can kittens have these treats?
Check each product's label for age guidance, and ask your vet before giving treats to young kittens.
Can I return opened treats?
For health and safety reasons, opened treats can't be returned unless they arrived damaged or incorrect. See our return policy.
Shop all of our cat treats in the Treats & Food collection. U.S. orders of $70 or more ship free.