• Dry, bite-sized pieces
• Extended shelf life
• Can aid dental health by scraping plaque
• Convenient to store and serve

Best For: Training rewards, supplemental dental care, everyday treating.

Soft/Moist Treats

Characteristics:

• Chewy, palatable texture
• Potent aroma highly appealing to cats
• Typically higher in calories per piece
• Easier for some cats to chew

Best For: Picky eaters, senior cats, or as high-value rewards.

Lickable/Puree Treats

Characteristics:

• Smooth, paste-like texture
• Often served in tubes or pouches
• Exceptionally palatable
• High moisture content promotes hydration

Best For: Bonding sessions, hiding medications, encouraging hydration in senior cats or those with low water intake.

Freeze-Dried Treats

Characteristics:

• Minimal processing preserves nutrients
• Often single-ingredient
• Intense, natural flavor
• High protein, low carbohydrate content

Best For: Health-conscious owners, cats on limited-ingredient diets, and effective training rewards.

Dental Treats

Characteristics:

• Specially formulated shapes and textures to clean teeth
• May carry Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) acceptance
• Designed for chewing, not swallowing whole
• Provide functional oral health benefits

Best For: Supporting dental health, controlling tartar, and freshening breath.

Top Cat Treat Reviews for 2026

1. Greenies Feline Dental Treats

Price Range: $3 - $8 per bag (various sizes)

The market leader in dental treats, clinically proven and VOHC-accepted for tartar control.

Key Features:

• VOHC-accepted for tartar reduction
• Natural formula enriched with vitamins
• Available in multiple flavors (chicken, salmon, tuna)
• Unique texture cleans teeth down to the gumline
• Under 2 calories per treat

Pros:

• Clinically proven dental benefits
• Extremely high palatability
• Widely available in stores and online
• Excellent value for money
• Multiple flavor options to suit preferences

Cons:

• Contains grains (not suitable for grain-free diets)
• Some cats may swallow them whole, reducing dental efficacy
• Not recommended for cats with severe dental issues
• Easy to overfeed due to small size

Best For: Daily dental health maintenance and as a reliable everyday treat.

Calories: Approximately 1.5 per treat

2. Temptations Classic Treats

Price Range: $2 - $6 per bag

These ubiquitous treats feature a crunchy shell with a soft, irresistible center that cats adore.

Key Features:

• Dual-texture: crunchy outside, soft inside
• Extensive flavor variety
• Formulated to be 100% nutritionally complete
• Under 2 calories per treat
• Convenient resealable packaging

Pros:

• Exceptionally high palatability
• Very budget-friendly
• Universally available
• Highly effective for training and positive reinforcement

Cons:

• Contains artificial flavors and colors
• Can create a strong preference, leading to pickiness
• Ingredients are not premium quality
• Portion control is essential to prevent overfeeding

Best For: Budget-conscious treating, intensive training sessions, and pleasing hard-to-impress cats.

Calories: Approximately 2 per treat

3. Churu Lickable Cat Treats

Price Range: $8 - $15 per pack (4 tubes)

Japanese-inspired puree treats that have revolutionized interactive feeding and bonding.

Key Features:

• Smooth, lickable puree texture
• Grain-free formula
• Free from artificial preservatives and colors
• 91% moisture content
• Multiple single-protein options (chicken, tuna, salmon)

Pros:

• Unmatched palatability
• Excellent source of supplemental hydration
• Creates a positive, interactive feeding experience
• Ideal for strengthening the human-cat bond
• Easy to digest, good for sensitive stomachs

Cons:

• Higher cost per serving
• Relatively high in calories per tube
• Single-use packaging generates waste
• May encourage finicky eating habits

Best For: Bonding time, encouraging hydration, administering liquid medication, and senior cats.

Calories: 6-8 per tube

4. PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast

Price Range: $5 - $15 per bag (various sizes)

The epitome of simplicity: 100% pure, freeze-dried chicken breast with nothing added.

Key Features:

• Single ingredient: chicken breast
• Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and flavor
• No additives, preservatives, or grains
• High protein, low calorie
• Made in the USA

Pros:

• Pure, transparent ingredients
• High protein, low calorie profile
• Excellent for cats with food sensitivities
• Can be easily broken into smaller pieces
• A genuinely healthy treat option

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Texture can be crumbly
• Potent natural smell
• Limited to chicken flavor

Best For: Health-conscious owners, limited-ingredient diets, and high-value training rewards.

Calories: Approximately 2 per treat

5. INABA Churu Bites (Soft Treats)

Price Range: $6 - $10 per bag

Soft, pillow-shaped treats from the creators of the famous Churu puree, offering a chewy alternative.

Key Features:

• Soft, moist, and easy-to-chew texture
• Made with real chicken or fish as the first ingredient
• Free from grains and artificial preservatives
• Unique pillow shape is easy for cats to pick up
• Resealable bag for freshness

Pros:

• Highly palatable
• Perfect texture for senior cats or those with dental issues
• High-quality ingredient list
• Easy to portion control
• Good moisture content

Cons:

• Premium price for a bagged treat
• Can dry out if packaging is not sealed properly
• Strong, natural aroma
• Higher calorie count than crunchy treats

Best For: Senior cats, picky eaters, and any cat that prefers a soft texture.

Calories: Approximately 3 per treat

6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats

Price Range: $4 - $8 per bag

Grain-free crunchy treats from a trusted brand in natural pet nutrition, inspired by a wild diet.

Key Features:

• Grain-free formula
• Real meat is always the first ingredient
• No chicken by-product meals
• Free from artificial preservatives

Pros:

• Focus on natural ingredients
• Suitable for grain-free diets
• Brand with a strong reputation for quality
• Moderately priced
• Good option for cats with certain sensitivities

Cons:

• Some cats find them less exciting than more potent treats
• Harder texture may not suit all cats
• Marketing claims are sometimes debated
• Lower palatability compared to Temptations for some felines

Best For: Owners prioritizing natural ingredients, grain-free diets, and existing Blue Buffalo customers.

Calories: Approximately 1.5 per treat

7. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows

Price Range: $6 - $12 per bag

A novel, single-ingredient treat offering the nutritional benefits of whole prey.

Key Features:

• Single ingredient: whole minnows
• Freeze-dried raw to preserve nutrients
• No additives or fillers
• Embraces the "whole prey" nutritional concept
• Made in the USA

Pros:

• Provides whole-prey nutrition
• Excellent novel protein source for allergy management
• Many cats find the shape and texture fascinating
• Extremely high in protein

Cons:

• Some owners find the appearance unappealing
• Strong, natural fish odor
• Premium price point
• Not all cats will accept whole fish

Best For: Raw feeding enthusiasts, cats requiring novel proteins, and adventurous eaters.

Calories: Approximately 3 per treat

8. Delectables Squeeze Up Treats

Price Range: $7 - $12 per pack

An interactive, thick puree in a squeeze tube designed for controlled, hand-feeding.

Key Features:

• Rich, thick puree consistency
• Grain-free recipes
• Made with real fish or chicken
• Interactive squeeze tube allows for controlled dispensing
• No artificial flavors

Pros:

• Highly interactive, promoting engagement
• Texture is universally loved by cats
• Excellent for bonding and trust-building
• Easy to control the amount dispensed
• Minimal mess

Cons:

• Expensive per serving
• High in calories per tube
• Single-use packaging
• May create a strong preference for lickable treats

Best For: Bonding sessions, interactive play, finicky cats, and senior felines.

Calories: 8-10 per tube

9. Greenies Pill Pockets for Cats

Price Range: $8 - $12 per bag

A functional treat specifically engineered to disguise oral medications.

Key Features:

• Pre-formed pockets designed to hide pills
• Malleable, putty-like texture
• Multiple flavor options to mask medication smell
• Low-calorie formula

Pros:

• Can transform stressful pill time into a positive experience
• Most cats accept them readily
• Pocket can be re-molded if the cat rejects it initially
• Highly effective at disguising smell and taste
• Frequently recommended by veterinarians

Cons:

• Some clever cats may still detect and reject the pill
• Cost-prohibitive for daily use without medication
• Contains some grains
• Not intended for everyday treating

Best For: The essential task of administering pills or capsules.

Calories: Approximately 3 per pocket

10. Orijen Freeze-Dried Cat Treats

Price Range: $8 - $15 per bag

Premium, nutrient-dense treats made with multiple protein sources mirroring a natural diet.

Key Features:

• Blends multiple protein sources (e.g., poultry, fish, liver)
• Freeze-dried raw ingredients
• No artificial preservatives
• Made following "whole prey" ratios
• Made in the USA

Pros:

• Exceptional, high-quality ingredients
• Nutrient density provides more value per bite
• Variety of proteins supports a balanced diet
• Trusted, premium brand

Cons:

• Significant investment per bag
• Bag sizes are often small
• Some cats may find the flavor too rich
• Overkill as a frequent, everyday treat

Best For: Owners seeking the highest quality for occasional rewards or health-focused supplementation.

Calories: Approximately 2 per treat

2026 Cat Treat Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Treats for Your Cat

Selecting by Life Stage

Kittens:

• Opt for tiny, soft treats easy for small mouths.
• Use training-sized pieces to avoid overfeeding.
• Ensure treats support growth nutrition.
• Avoid hard dental treats until adult teeth are established.

Adult Cats (1-7 years):

• Can enjoy most treat types in moderation.
• Incorporate dental health treats proactively.
• Be vigilant about calorie intake to manage weight.
• Variety can keep them interested and engaged.

Senior Cats (7+ years):

• Prioritize soft, moist treats that are easy to chew.
• Choose lower-calorie options to suit slower metabolisms.
• Consider kidney-friendly options (lower phosphorus).
• Lickable treats can boost fluid intake.

Navigating Health Concerns

Overweight Cats:

• Select low-calorie options (under 2 calories each).
• Break treats into even smaller pieces.
• Meticulously count treat calories as part of daily intake.
• Good Options: Greenies, PureBites.

Diabetic Cats:

• Always consult your veterinarian first.
• Choose very low-carbohydrate treats.
• Pure protein treats (freeze-dried meat) are often suitable.
• Strictly limit quantities and frequency.

Kidney Disease:

• Veterinary guidance is mandatory.
• Requires treats low in phosphorus and protein.
• Special veterinary therapeutic treats may be prescribed.
• Never supplement without professional advice.

Food Allergies/Sensitivities:

• Choose limited-ingredient or single-protein treats.
• Novel proteins (duck, rabbit, minnow) can be safer.
• Good Options: PureBites, Vital Essentials.
• Scrupulously avoid common allergens (beef, dairy, wheat).

Healthy Treating: Essential Guidelines

The Golden 10% Rule

Treats should complement a balanced diet, not replace it. Limit treats to no more than 10% of your cat's total daily caloric intake.

• Average Cat Needs: 200-250 calories/day.
• Maximum Treat Allowance: 20-25 calories/day.

Daily Limits for an Average Cat (~250 kcal diet):

Cost Analysis: Price Per Serving

Understanding cost per treat helps budget effectively.

Budget-Friendly (Under $0.10/treat):

• Temptations: $0.03 - $0.05
• Greenies: $0.05 - $0.08
• Blue Buffalo: $0.06 - $0.10

Mid-Range ($0.10 - $0.25/treat):

• Churu Bites: $0.10 - $0.15
• PureBites: $0.15 - $0.25

Premium (Over $0.25/treat or per tube):

• Vital Essentials: $0.25 - $0.40
• Orijen: $0.30 - $0.50
• Churu/Delectables Tube: $2.00 - $3.00

Simple & Healthy Homemade Treat Recipes

Easy Baked Tuna Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon catnip (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, thoroughly mix all ingredients until a dough forms.
3. Roll dough into tiny, pea-sized balls.
4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Cost: ~$3-4 per batch (yields 100+ treats)

Hydrating Frozen Tuna Cubes

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna in water (do not drain)
• Additional water or low-sodium tuna broth as needed

Instructions:

1. Blend the tuna with its water until smooth, adding extra liquid for a pourable consistency.
2. Pour the mixture into a clean ice cube tray.
3. Freeze until solid.
4. Pop out one cube as a refreshing, hydrating snack.

Cost: ~$1-2 per batch

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect cat treat is a balance of your cat's health needs, personal preferences, and your specific goals. For proven dental benefits, Greenies Feline Dental Treats remain the industry benchmark. For unparalleled enjoyment and deepening your bond, Churu Lickable Treats offer an interactive experience most cats find irresistible.

Health-focused pet parents will appreciate the simplicity of PureBites, while Temptations delivers exceptional value and palatability for everyday rewards. Remember the core principle: treats are a supplement, not a staple. Adhere to the 10% calorie rule, prioritize quality ingredients suited to your cat's needs, and savor the joyful moments of connection that a well-chosen treat can foster.

Continue Your Cat Care Education:

• Feline Nutrition Fundamentals: Building a Balanced Diet
• Feeding Your Cat: A Life Stage Guide from Kitten to Senior
• Practical Strategies for Managing Feline Obesity
• The Ultimate Guide to Cat Food Toppers and Meal Enhancers