Giving a cat treat is a great way to bond with your cat. But choosing the right one from among the many brands that crowd the store shelves can be a challenge. Knowing what to look for will help you ensure your cat gets a treat that both of you can feel good about.
Consider Your Cat's Age, Weight and Health
When choosing treats for your cat, remember to consider his age, weight, health and activity level.
If your cat is overweight or sedentary, try a low fat treat.
If your cat has hairballs, look for treats formulated to reduce them.
If you are looking for a treat to help clean your cat’s teeth, look for one that contains plaque-reducing ingredients and whose texture is designed to scrape off tartar. For bad breath, try a treat containing chlorophyll.
If your cat has allergies or special dietary requirements because of a medical condition, make sure his treats will not undermine his treatment.
Try a texture that he does not normally eat. If he eats dry food, give him a moist treat. If he eats wet food, give him something crunchy.
Your cat’s likes and dislikes are important too. Treats come in a wide variety of flavors, from the usual assortment of chicken and fish flavors to more exotic fare like venison and bison. Be aware, however, that some vets believe food containing fish may lead to urinary tract infections. If your cat has a history of urinary problems, you may want to avoid fish flavored treats.
Check for Quality Cat Treat Ingredients
Once you know what kind of treat you want, look at the labels. See if the treats meet the guidelines of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Some popular brands do not, so look for a statement that says “Formulated to meet the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profile for Kittens/Adults/Seniors.” This will ensure that the treats are nutritionally balanced to meet your cat’s needs.
Remember to check the ingredient list. Quality ingredients are as important for treats as they are for your cat’s regular food. Make sure that the first ingredient listed on the bag is a whole protein like chicken, beef, lamb or fish. Avoid treats that contain meat by-products or bone meal.
Avoid treats that contain large amounts of corn, corn gluten, wheat or soy. These ingredients have little nutritional value for your cat and are the source of many food allergies in cats.
Try to avoid treats containing chemical preservatives like propyl gallate or ethoxyquin,
If you have decided to feed your cat a grainless diet, make sure his treats are also grainless.
You Can Make Your Own Cat Treats
Although you can buy cat treats, many of the more popular brands contain ingredients you may not want to feed your cat, and the higher quality treats can be expensive. If you want an affordable treat that you know is good for your cat, you can make your own with a minimum of effort.
If your cat loves canned food, give him a small amount as a treat.
Give your cat a flavor of dry food he does not usually get.
You can also give your cat boiled egg whites, a small amount of plain yogurt, or a piece of plain, air-popped popcorn.
Your cat looks forward to his treats. You can ensure they are healthy and tasty if you choose carefully.