Purchase all natural cat treats to provide healthy dietary options for your pet. Some treats are filled with preservatives and empty calories. Instead, look for nutritional ingredients over filler ones. Here's what else you should know:
Quality Ingredients in Natural Cat Treats
A cat's diet requires quality proteins and amino acids for strong bones and a healthy digestive system. Treats with a crunchy texture will also keep a cat's teeth clean.
Look for these healthy ingredients in cat treats:
- Vitamins and minerals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Protein sources that are easy to digest, like chicken, salmon, or trout.
- High-quality grains
- Flaxseed
- Potato flour
What to Avoid in Cat Treats
Truly all natural foods will be free of chemicals and artificial products. Many times these ingredients are included in small amounts and are labeled safe. But since a cat's body can store them in her fat cells, low levels of preservatives can still cause damage over time.
Here's what to keep away from:
- Preservatives BHA, propyl gallate and nitrates
- Non-food ingredients, chemical additives
- High sodium and sugar content
- Artificial flavors or by-products
All Natural Treats for Special Needs Cats
If you have a kitten, start her out on a semi-moist natural treat. They are easy on a kitten's newly developing teeth.
Overweight cats, or those with hip or joint problems, benefit from treats made with glucosamine and chondroitin.
If a cat is diagnosed with a nutritional deficiency, she will benefit from a specially-formulated treat. But too much of any one vitamin or mineral could throw an otherwise healthy cat's nutritional balance off kilter.