How to choose the best treats for your cat

Treats are one of the simplest ways to reward good behaviour or just show a cat some love, but not all treats earn their place in the bowl. Some are lean, protein-rich snacks that fit neatly into a balanced diet, while others rely on fillers and additives that add little beyond flavour and calories.

Knowing the difference comes down to a few key factors, including what is actually in the packet, how much is safe to give, and which type suits your particular cat. This guide walks through each factor so you can shop for cat supplies with a clearer idea of what to look for.

What makes a cat treat high quality and natural

The answer often comes down to the ingredients, how they are processed, and what else is included in the recipe. Natural cat treats generally use recognisable ingredients with minimal processing and avoid unnecessary additives. Simple preparation methods, such as freezing or drying, can help preserve the characteristics of the original ingredients.

Reading the label can help you identify treats made from straightforward ingredients and avoid products that contain unnecessary fillers. A high-quality treat will usually have a clear ingredient list, with identifiable sources of protein and fewer unnecessary additions.

A few specific traits are worth checking for

• Recognisable, minimally processed ingredients

• Clearly identified sources of animal protein

• No unnecessary artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives

• Limited use of fillers and other unnecessary ingredients

• A recipe that fits comfortably into your cat's overall diet

The type of treat you choose will also depend on your cat's preferences, dietary needs, and how treats fit into their daily food intake. Checking the ingredients and feeding guidance can help you make a more informed choice.

At ePaws Pet Supplies, our range includes freeze-dried treats made with a single named protein, giving you a simple option when you want to keep the ingredient list straightforward.

How many treats can you safely give your cat each day

Treats should make up only a small part of your cat's daily food intake. A commonly used approach is to keep treats to around 10% of their daily calories, with the remaining calories coming from a complete and balanced diet. Some cats may need fewer treats, particularly if they are less active or prone to weight gain.

The right amount depends on your cat's size, age, activity level, health, and regular diet. When choosing treats, pack size can also be worth considering. A 15 g pack, for example, may be easier to portion across several days when your cat only needs a small number of treats at a time. Always check the calorie information and adjust the portion to suit your cat's daily allowance.

What should you look for when buying cat treats online

When you buy cat treats online, it is worth verifying a few things before adding to the basket:

• Ingredient list: Look for clearly named ingredients and avoid products with unnecessary fillers or additives.

• Protein source: Choose treats with an identifiable source of animal protein that suits your cat's diet.

• Processing method: Simple processing methods can help keep the ingredient list straightforward.

• Calorie content: Check the calories per treat or serving so you can manage portions as part of your cat's daily intake.

• Pack size: Consider how easily the treats can be portioned and stored once opened.

Shopping locally with a UK retailer also tends to mean fresher stock and lower shipping costs than importing from overseas.

Which cat treats work best for picky cats

Picky cats may respond better to treats with a strong aroma and concentrated flavour. Freeze-dried cat treats can be appealing because the process helps retain the natural aroma of the ingredients without relying on additional flavouring. Texture can also influence which treats a cat prefers, so it may take some trial and error to find an option they enjoy. Treats that can be broken into smaller pieces may also be useful for portioning, particularly when a cat only accepts small amounts at a time.

If your cat is still turning their nose up, try rotating between different protein sources rather than sticking to one flavour. Cats can lose interest in the same option over time, and offering some variety may encourage them to try something new.

How should you introduce treats to a new cat

Introducing snacks to a kitten or a newly adopted cat is best done gently. Single-ingredient proteins, such as freeze-dried chicken or duck, can be a simple option when introducing treats because they contain fewer ingredients to consider when monitoring how your cat responds.

If you want to try catnip, keep in mind that most cats do not respond to it until they are around six months old, although some may respond earlier or later. Start with a small amount of dried catnip and see how your cat reacts before making it a regular part of playtime. 

What makes a cat treat good value for money

A cheaper bag might look appealing at first, but the price alone does not tell you what you are getting. Treats with unnecessary fillers or lower-quality ingredients may offer less value, even when the pack costs less. A more useful comparison looks at the ingredients, serving size, and amount you get for the price.

1. Check the primary ingredients to see whether a clearly named source of protein appears high on the list.

2. Calculate the cost per gram rather than comparing the price of each bag to get a fairer comparison.

3. Review the feeding guidelines to see how many individual treats make up a typical serving.

4. Consider the calorie content and nutritional composition, as these can affect how much you need to give at a time.

5. Compare the overall quality of the ingredients with the price to decide whether the treat offers good value for your cat.

Our cat treat range at a glance

Explore our full cat treats collection to compare the available options and find a treat that suits your cat.

Choosing the right treats for your cat

The best cat treat is one that fits comfortably into your cat's diet and suits their individual preferences. Look at the ingredients, protein source, processing method, calorie content, and portion size when comparing different options. It is also worth considering how often you plan to give treats and whether your cat has any specific dietary needs.

Keeping portions sensible and choosing treats made with straightforward ingredients can help make treats a positive part of your cat's routine. With these factors in mind, you can compare your options more confidently and choose treats that suit your cat's needs and preferences.