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 dog a treat is a great way to reward good behavior, build a stronger bond, and make them wag their tail with happiness. But just because something is sold as a treat doesn’t mean it’s good for your dog. Many products are packed with fillers, sugar, or artificial ingredients that can affect their health over time.
In this post, we’ll show you what makes a dog treat truly healthy, share some of the best options available in Europe, and explain which ingredients you should look for and which ones are best to avoid.
✅ Ingredients To Look For
Real Meat or Fish as the First Ingredient
The best treats list chicken, salmon, or turkey as the first ingredient, providing high-quality animal protein.
Single-Ingredient or Limited Ingredients
Less processing and fewer ingredients reduce the risk of allergies. Examples: freeze-dried liver, dehydrated chicken breast.
High Protein Content
Dogs benefit from protein to support muscle health and energy. A treat with mostly animal protein is a healthy choice.
Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated
These methods help preserve nutrients naturally and avoid the need for artificial preservatives.
Natural Additions Like Yogurt
Small amounts of plain, unsweetened, or lactose-free yogurt can be a healthy addition. Yogurt provides probiotics that support digestion, but it should be given in moderation.
❌ Ingredients To Avoid
Artificial Colors and Flavors
These provide no nutritional benefit and some additives like BHA or BHT are controversial for long-term health.
Added Sugars or Syrups
Ingredients such as glucose, molasses, or caramel are unnecessary and can contribute to weight gain or dental problems.
Excessive Fillers
Cheap fillers like large amounts of corn, wheat, or soy can lower nutritional value and may trigger sensitivities in some dogs. Small amounts of whole grains, however, are not harmful for most dogs.
Dairy Products
Most dogs are lactose intolerant, so milk and cream can cause digestive upset. Cheese and yogurt are only safe if given in small amounts and without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
✅ Pooch & Mutt – Meaty Treats
Soft, tasty bites with natural ingredients. No artificial colors or sugar.
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✅ Forthglade Soft Bites
Gentle, easy-to-break snacks with herbs or salmon oil for added benefits.
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✅ Goood Soft Gooodies
Grain-free, sugar-free, and easy to digest. Perfect for sensitive dogs.
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✅ Antos Sugar-Free Range
Wide variety of crunchy and soft treats, all free from added sugar.
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✅ Natural Treats SL
Air-dried, single-ingredient snacks like pig ears and beef trachea.
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✅ Dragonfly Products Treats
Hypoallergenic, low-fat, natural chews with no sugar or grains.
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✅ PrimaDog Northern Treats
88% fresh meat, grain-free, and sugar-free. Great for training.
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✅ Natural Dog Food Co. – Hearties
Natural heart-shaped snacks made with high-quality ingredients.
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✅ Natural Treats Box
Monthly selection of natural, preservative-free chews.
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✅ Meatly Chick Bites
Sustainable treats made with cultivated meat and plant proteins.
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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.
The pet world in Europe is moving fast. Dogs and cats are no longer seen only as companions, but as true family members. This change is shaping how people spend, travel and even choose technology for their pets.