Calorie Considerations: The 10% Rule

Treats should comprise no more than 10% of your cat's total daily caloric intake. For an average 10-pound cat requiring roughly 200 calories per day, this means treats should not exceed 20 calories.

Common Treat Calorie Counts:

• Small crunchy treat: 1-2 calories
• Medium soft treat: 3-5 calories
• Large dental treat: 10-20 calories
• Lickable tube: 10-30 calories

Evaluating Ingredient Quality

What to Look For:

• Named meat as the first ingredient (e.g., chicken, salmon, tuna)
• Minimal fillers and carbohydrates
• Natural preservatives like vitamin E or mixed tocopherols
• Absence of artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners

Ingredients to Avoid:

• Excessive grains, corn, wheat, or soy fillers
• Unnamed meat by-products (e.g., "poultry by-product meal")
• Artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)
• Added sugars or salts

Top Cat Treat Reviews for 2026

1. Greenies Feline Dental Treats

Price: $3 - $6 per 2.1-3 oz bag

The veterinary gold standard for feline dental care, clinically proven to reduce tartar.

Key Features:

• Accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
• Unique texture scrubs away plaque and tartar
• Nutritionally complete and balanced
• Available in multiple flavors like tuna and chicken

Pros:

• Proven dental benefits
• High palatability for most cats
• Widely available in stores and online

Cons:

• Contains grains and some fillers
• Relatively high in calories per treat
• Can be pricey for daily use

Best For: Daily dental maintenance routines. Calories: ~1.25 per treat

2. Temptations Classic Treats for Cats

Price: $2 - $4 per 3 oz bag

America's most popular cat treat, featuring an irresistible crunchy shell with a soft center.

Key Features:

• Unique dual-texture (crunchy outside, soft inside)
• Extensive variety of flavors
• Low calorie per piece
• Highly affordable

Pros:

• Extremely palatable to the vast majority of cats
• Budget-friendly and easy to find
• Convenient for training due to small size

Cons:

• High in carbohydrates
• Contains artificial flavors
• Easy to overfeed due to palatability

Best For: Occasional rewards, training, and budget-conscious owners. Calories: ~2 per treat

3. PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast

Price: $4 - $8 per 1-2 oz bag

Single-ingredient, minimally processed treats with nothing added—just pure protein.

Key Features:

• One ingredient: 100% chicken breast
• No preservatives, grains, or additives
• High protein, very low calorie
• Made in the USA

Pros:

• Exceptional ingredient transparency and quality
• Ideal for cats with food sensitivities or allergies
• High palatability for most felines

Cons:

• Expensive per ounce
• Texture can be crumbly or too hard for some cats
• Bags are small

Best For: Cats with allergies, weight management plans, and ingredient-conscious owners. Calories: <2 per treat

4. INABA Churu Lickable Treats

Price: $5 - $9 per 4-pack

A creamy, lickable puree that has revolutionized treat time with its high palatability and versatility.

Key Features:

• Smooth, paste-like texture
• High moisture content (helps with hydration)
• Can be used as a food topper or fed directly
• Free from artificial preservatives

Pros:

• Exceptionally palatable, even for picky eaters
• Excellent tool for administering medication
• Provides supplemental hydration

Cons:

• Higher calorie per serving than dry treats
• Packaging can be messy
• More expensive than traditional treats

Best For: Senior cats, picky eaters, medicating, and hydration support. Calories: 6-7 per tube

5. Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up!

Price: $6 - $10 per 6-pack

A pure pumpkin puree treat designed to support digestive health and hairball control.

Key Features:

• Single ingredient: 100% pumpkin
• Naturally high in fiber
• Puree consistency easy to lick
• No additives or preservatives

Pros:

• Promotes healthy digestion and can ease constipation
• Can help move hairballs through the digestive tract
• Low in calories

Cons:

• Not all cats enjoy the taste of pumpkin
• Requires refrigeration after opening
• Limited flavor variety

Best For: Cats with occasional digestive issues or hairball problems. Calories: ~3 per pouch

6. Blue Wilderness Wild Treats

Price: $3 - $5 per 2 oz bag

Grain-free, protein-rich crunchy treats inspired by a wild diet.

Key Features:

• Grain-free formula
• Real meat is always the first ingredient
• No chicken by-product meals
• Naturally preserved

Pros:

• Good quality ingredients for a moderate price
• Suitable for cats on grain-free diets
• Crunchy texture many cats enjoy

Cons:

• Still contains some carbohydrates (like potatoes)
• Not a single-ingredient treat
• Availability can vary by store

Best For: Everyday rewards for cats on grain-free diets. Calories: ~1.5 per treat

7. Feline Greenies Pill Pockets

Price: $6 - $10 per 1.6 oz bag

Soft, moldable treats specifically designed to hide pills and capsules, making medication stress-free.

Key Features:

• Pliable texture that seals around medication
• Highly palatable to mask pill taste
• Re-sealable packaging to maintain freshness

Pros:

• Transforms a difficult task into an easy one
• Widely accepted by cats
• Also works for capsules and small tablets

Cons:

• More expensive than regular treats
• Can dry out if not sealed properly
• Some clever cats may eat the treat and spit out the pill

Best For: Cats requiring daily or frequent medication. Calories: ~3 per pocket

8. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows

Price: $6 - $10 per 0.5-1 oz bag

Whole, freeze-dried minnows that provide natural chewing action and omega-3 fatty acids.

Key Features:

• Single ingredient: whole minnows
• Natural source of Omega-3 for skin/coat health
• Crunchy texture supports dental health
• Made in the USA

Pros:

• Excellent, natural ingredient quality
• Provides mental stimulation and chewing satisfaction
• High in palatability for fish-loving cats

Cons:

• Very expensive per ounce
• Strong fish odor
• Whole fish can intimidate some cats

Best For: Cats who love fish, for dental exercise, and omega-3 supplementation. Calories: 5-10 per minnow (varies by size)

9. Wellness Kittles Grain-Free Crunchy Cat Treats

Price: $3 - $5 per 2 oz bag

Small, bite-sized crunchy treats made with quality, grain-free ingredients.

Key Features:

• Grain-free formula
• Real meat or fish as first ingredient
• No meat by-products
• Naturally preserved

Pros:

• Trusted brand with quality standards
• Multiple protein options (chicken, salmon, turkey)
• Good for cats with grain sensitivities

Cons:

• Some cats find them too hard
• Pricier than basic grocery store treats
• Contains plant proteins like potatoes

Best For: Health-conscious owners seeking grain-free, everyday treats. Calories: ~1.5 per treat

10. Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes

Price: $8 - $15 per 1-4 oz bag

Thin, shaved flakes of dried bonito (tuna) that are incredibly aromatic and flavorful.

Key Features:

• Single ingredient: dried bonito fish
• Flakes can be crumbled over food or given whole
• High protein, very low fat
• Often irresistible to picky cats

Pros:

• Extremely high palatability
• Versatile as a treat or food topper
• Very low calorie per flake

Cons:

• Flaky texture can be messy
• Potent fish smell
• Can be habit-forming—some cats may hold out for them!

Best For: Extremely picky eaters and as a high-value food topper. Calories: <1 per small flake

Treat Comparison Table

Specialized Treat Categories

Dental Health Treats

How They Work: A specific texture and shape create a scraping action against the tooth surface to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Top Picks: Greenies Feline (VOHC accepted), Whisker City Dental Treats. Effectiveness: Moderate; best used as a supplement to regular tooth brushing, not a replacement.

Hairball Control Treats

How They Work: Added dietary fiber (often from cellulose or psyllium) helps move ingested hair through the digestive tract. Top Picks: Greenies Hairball Control, Temptations Hairball Control. Effectiveness: Moderate; most effective when combined with a regular grooming routine.

Joint Health Treats

How They Work: Supplemented with glucosamine, chondroitin, and/or omega-3 fatty acids to support cartilage and joint fluid. Top Picks: Greenies Healthy Aging, VetriScience GlycoFlex Chews. Effectiveness: Varies; best for early joint support and maintenance, not for treating severe arthritis.

Calming Treats

How They Work: Contain natural calming agents like L-theanine (from green tea), chamomile, or casein (a milk protein). Top Picks: Feliway Calming Treats, Vet's Best Comfort Calm Soft Chews. Effectiveness: Mild to moderate; work best when combined with environmental stress reduction.

Weight Management Treats

How They Work: Formulated with lower calorie density and higher fiber or protein to promote satiety. Top Picks: Greenies Weight Management, PureBites (any variety), plain pumpkin puree. Effectiveness: Excellent for weight control when used as part of a measured, calorie-controlled diet.

Choosing Treats by Life Stage

Kittens (Under 1 Year)

Needs: Support for rapid growth, small-sized treats for tiny mouths, positive reinforcement for socialization and training. Recommendations: Opt for small, soft treats that are easy to chew and digest. Prioritize treats with high-quality protein. Top Picks: PureBites (broken into small pieces), soft training treats, Churu lickable treats.

Adult Cats (1-10 Years)

Needs: Maintenance of ideal weight, dental health support, and mental enrichment through variety. Recommendations: Incorporate a balanced mix of treat types. Use dental treats several times a week. Adjust treat calories based on activity level. Top Picks: Greenies Dental, Temptations, PureBites, Churu.

Senior Cats (10+ Years)

Needs: Highly palatable options for potentially decreased appetite, easy-to-chew textures, and support for age-related issues like joint health. Recommendations: Focus on soft, moist, or lickable treats. Consider functional treats for joint or digestive support. Top Picks: INABA Churu, PureBites (can be rehydrated with water), Pill Pockets, Weruva Pumpkin.

Homemade Cat Treat Recipes

Simple Tuna Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until a dough forms.
3. Roll into tiny, pea-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. Store in the refrigerator.

Chicken & Pumpkin Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, finely shredded
• 1/4 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
3. Form into small, flat discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Cool completely. Refrigerate.

Training & Feeding Guidelines

Using Treats Effectively

• Timing is Everything: Reward desired behavior within 1-2 seconds for a clear association.
• Size Matters: Break treats into tiny pieces (pea-sized or smaller) for training to avoid overfeeding.
• Be Consistent: Use the same cue and reward system during training sessions.
• Maintain Value: Keep high-value treats (like Churu or bonito) for challenging tasks or important behaviors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfeeding: Sticking to the 10% calorie rule is crucial for preventing obesity.
2. Choosing Low-Quality Treats: Avoid treats where fillers, sugars, or unnamed by-products top the ingredient list.
3. Feeding Inconsistently: Giving human food "just this once" can encourage begging and lead to digestive upset.
4. Ignoring Health Conditions: Always consult your vet before giving treats to cats with diabetes, kidney disease, or specific food allergies.

Cost Analysis & Budgeting

Monthly Treat Budget Tiers

• Budget-Friendly ($5-$10): Relies on value brands like Temptations for occasional rewards.
• Moderate ($15-$25): Allows for a mix of quality daily treats (like Blue Wilderness) and weekly dental treats (Greenies).
• Premium ($30-$50): Features high-end options like daily freeze-dried proteins, functional treats, and lickable purees.

Cost Per Treat Comparison

Storage & Safety Tips

Proper Storage

• Keep dry treats in a cool, dry place in their original, re-sealable bag or an airtight container.
• Refrigerate opened wet, lickable, or homemade treats and use within a few days.
• Always check expiration dates and discard any treats that smell rancid or show signs of mold.

Safety First

• Supervise Chewing: Especially with dental treats or larger pieces to prevent choking.
• Pet-Proof Storage: Keep treats securely away from dogs, who may eat an entire bag.
• Wash Hands: Always wash your hands after handling fish-based treats to avoid cross-contamination.

Final Recommendations for 2026

Cat treats, when chosen wisely and fed responsibly, are a powerful tool for enhancing your cat's health and your bond with them. The ideal treat strategy balances your cat's preferences with their nutritional needs.

For most cat owners, a balanced approach works best:

• Keep a staple of high-quality, meat-first crunchy treats (like PureBites or Blue Wilderness) for daily rewards.
• Incorporate dental treats (like Greenies) several times a week for oral hygiene.
• Use high-value, "magic" treats (like Churu or bonito flakes) for training breakthroughs, medication, or special occasions.

Remember, the best treat is one that your cat enjoys and that supports their overall well-being without disrupting their balanced diet. By making informed choices, you can turn treat time into a healthy, happy ritual that benefits you both for years to come.