Healthy Cat Treats: What to Look For (and Avoid)

Choose high-protein options with real meat or fish, and avoid grains, dairy, and artificial additives. Learn how to spot the best (and worst) ingredients to keep your feline happy and healthy.

Giving your cat a treat is a great way to bond, reward good behavior, or simply make them happy. But just because it’s labeled as a treat doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Some options are loaded with fillers, sugar, and artificial ingredients that aren’t good for your cat’s long-term health.

In this post, we’ll show you what makes a treat truly healthy, share some of our top picks available in Europe, and help you understand which ingredients to choose and which ones to avoid.

✅ Ingredients To Look For

Real Meat or Fish as the First Ingredient
Choose treats with clear labels that list real meats such as chicken, salmon or turkey, instead of vague terms like meat by-products.​

Single-Ingredient or Limited Ingredients
Fewer ingredients mean less processing and a lower risk of allergens.​

High Protein Content
Cats are obligate carnivores, so animal protein is essential for maintaining their muscle and energy.​

Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated
These treats retain more nutrients and avoid unnecessary additives.​

❌ Ingredients To Avoid

Artificial Colors and Flavors
Avoid treats that include ingredients like Red 40, BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. These additives are unnecessary and could be harmful to your cat’s health.

Added Sugars or Syrups
Watch out for words like glucose, molasses, or caramel on the label. Sugary ingredients don’t belong in your cat’s diet.

Grains and Fillers
Ingredients such as corn, wheat, and soy are cheap fillers and may trigger allergies or digestive issues in some cats.

Dairy Products
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. It’s best to steer clear of treats that contain cheese, milk, or cream.

✅ Fancy Feast Purely Natural Tuna Treats

A simple, high-protein treat made from real, hand-flaked tuna. Great for picky eaters.

Read Full Review

✅ Elves.cat Freeze-Dried Chicken Hearts or Prawns

Single-ingredient, minimally processed snacks rich in flavor and protein.

Read Full Review

✅ Greenies Feline Dental Treats

Tasty and functional — these treats help clean your cat’s teeth and are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

Read Full Review

✅ INABA Churu Lickable Tuna or Salmon Treats 

Ideal for hydration and cats with sensitive appetites. Soft, smooth texture and no grains.

Read Full Review

✅ Orijen Freeze-Dried Cat Treats

Made with raw, freeze-dried meat — often just one ingredient. A natural and nutrient-rich option.

Read Full Review

✅ Dreamies Cat Treats (UK/EU version)

Light and crunchy with under 2 kcal per treat. Great for training or a quick reward.

Read Full Review

✅ Icelandic+ Freeze-Dried Fish Snacks

Made with wild-caught fish like capelin and cod. Packed with Omega-3 and no additives.

Read Full Review

✅ Kitty Beat Chicken or Duck Cubes (Germany)

Freeze-dried protein-rich bites with no gluten or additives. 

Read Full Review

Share the Post:

Related Posts