Best Cat Treats of 2026: Expert Reviews & Buying Guide
Discover the healthiest, most effective cat treats for training, dental care, and bonding. Our 2026 guide reviews top brands and provides expert selection tips.
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Best Cat Treats of 2026: Expert Reviews & Buying Guide
Cat treats are far more than simple indulgences—they're essential tools for training, medication administration, dental health, and strengthening the bond with your feline companion. However, with countless options available, selecting the right treat can be overwhelming. High-quality treats support your cat's health and dietary needs, while poor choices may contribute to obesity and nutritional imbalances.
This comprehensive 2026 guide reviews the best cat treats across all categories, providing the insights you need to make informed, health-conscious decisions for your pet.
Understanding Cat Treats
Types of Cat Treats
Crunchy/Biscuit Treats: Dry, kibble-like treats often formulated to support dental health through mechanical abrasion.
Soft/Moist Treats: Tender, aromatic morsels ideal for training sessions and senior cats with dental sensitivities.
Freeze-Dried Treats: Minimally processed, single-ingredient protein treats that retain natural nutrients and flavor.
Dental Treats: Specially shaped and textured to help reduce tartar buildup and freshen breath.
Lickable/Puree Treats: Wet treats in tubes or pouches, excellent for hydration, bonding, and hiding medication.
Homemade Treats: DIY options using cat-safe ingredients for complete control over quality.
Functional Treats: Contain added supplements (e.g., glucosamine, fiber) for targeted health benefits.
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
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
Treat
Type
Price Range
Best For
Calories/Treat
Greenies Dental
Crunchy
$3 - $6
Dental Health
~1.25
Temptations
Crunchy/Soft
$2 - $4
Budget/Training
~2
PureBites Chicken
Freeze-Dried
$4 - $8
Allergies/Sensitivities
<2
INABA Churu
Lickable
$5 - $9
Hydration/Picky Eaters
6-7
Weruva Pumpkin
Puree
$6 - $10
Digestive Health
~3
Blue Wilderness
Crunchy
$3 - $5
Grain-Free Diets
~1.5
Greenies Pill Pockets
Soft
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:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until a dough forms.
Roll into tiny, pea-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
Form into small, flat discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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
Overfeeding: Sticking to the 10% calorie rule is crucial for preventing obesity.
Choosing Low-Quality Treats: Avoid treats where fillers, sugars, or unnamed by-products top the ingredient list.
Feeding Inconsistently: Giving human food "just this once" can encourage begging and lead to digestive upset.
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
Treat
Approx. Cost per Treat
Temptations
$0.02 - $0.03
Greenies Dental
$0.05 - $0.08
PureBites Freeze-Dried
$0.10 - $0.20
INABA Churu Tube
$0.50 - $1.00
Vital Essentials Minnow
$0.30 - $0.50
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.
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