There are so many different types of cat treats, how do you choose which ones to get your furry friend? Read on for our tips on picking out the best cat treats for them.

Feline dreams are made of treats! And who are we to stand in the way of those dreams? Our kitties deserve to have plenty of treats in their lives, and delicious ones at that.

But, how do you find the best cat treats for your furry friend? Every cat has their own unique tastes and needs, after all. In fact, our precious feline companions are known for being a tad on the picky side at times.

Read on for our top tips on how to decide which cat treats are the best for your feline, including which treats to feed your kitten and what human foods you can and can’t give your cat.

What cat treats will my cat enjoy?

When you find a treat that your cat loves, they go crazy for it. But to get to that point, it can take some trial and error. This can be as simple as giving your kitty a taster of a few different treats to see how quickly they gobble them up!

Treats come in all shapes, flavours and varieties, including soft cat treats, crunchy treats, hard treats and even liquid cat treats. Some cats will love a crunchy texture, while others will prefer something soft on their teeth. Some will go crazy for cheese flavour, while others will find fish irresistible. Your cat’s taste in treats is as unique to them as their personality. The same goes for toys, which you can read about in our article on how to choose toys for your cat.

Preferences aside, health concerns and dietary restrictions also need to be considered when finding the best cat treats for your cat. For example, you can get special kitten treats, cat treats for a sensitive stomach and calming cat treats for anxious cats.

Things to think about:

Texture

Generally speaking, there are two main types of cat treats - semi-moist, soft cat treats and harder, crunchy cat treats. DREAMIES™ treats combine the best of both worlds, with a deliciously crunchy outer shell and soft tasty inside. You can also get DREAMIES™ creamy treats, which are lickable, liquid cat treats. These are especially great for older cats, kittens and cats with dental problems.

Flavour

There’s a huge variety of flavours to choose from, including meaty, fishy and cheesy options. Try giving your cat a few different flavours to find out which are their favourites! Among our DREAMIES™ treats collection we even have a catnip flavour, which can be used to bring out their fun-loving side or to help them relax. Discover more about this in our article about the effects of catnip.

Calorie content

You should be aware of how many calories are in the treats you’re giving your cat, as this will help you to stick to their recommended treat allowance. DREAMIES™ treats contain less than 2 calories per bite, which means the average adult cat can enjoy up to 15 a day.

What the treats are being used for

Having different treats for different moments can stop your cat from getting bored. For example, you can use healthy cat treats for training (as your cat is likely to eat more of them) and a more indulgent treat for special occasions. Check out our article on when and why to give your cat treats for tips on how you can use them.

Which treats should I feed my kitten?

If you’re not sure which treats to feed your kitten, there are a range of options to consider, including special kitten treats and adult cat treats for kittens over a certain age. We don’t recommend that you give your cat DREAMIES™ treats until their teeth are fully developed and they are weaned onto solid food, which is usually at around 8 weeks old. Remember to always factor treats in around your kitten’s balanced diet, so you don’t overfeed them.

So cat treats provide any health benefits?

Cat treats aren’t designed to offer your cat complete nutrition, so they should be kept as treats and not as a replacement for their nutritionally balanced cat food.

Some of the best cat treats - like DREAMIES™ - are enriched with added vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s health. Many - particularly meaty options - also provide your cat with the extra protein they need to live life to the full.

You should always stick to feeding guidelines to avoid going overboard on the treats. Learn more about factoring treats into your cat’s diet in our article on how many treats to give your cat.

What human foods can cats eat?

You should avoid giving your cat much human food, as they can get all the nutrients they need from high quality cat food and treats. But we know it’s hard to resist giving them a bite when they’re looking up at you with their big ‘Puss in Boots’ eyes. This is fine, as long as you avoid foods that can do them harm and you keep it to a minimum.

Stick to small pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, beef or fish for a tasty protein-rich snack - just be sure to remove skin and bones first. Veggies like cucumber and carrots are also good options - if your cat actually shows any interest in vegetables, that is!

Believe it or not, you shouldn’t give your cat milk as they’re lactose intolerant. It’s also important to avoid foods with seasoning, as well as processed foods like crisps and biscuits. Foods that are toxic and potentially fatal for cats include grapes/raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, certain nuts and artificial sweetener (Xylitol). If your cat eats any of these, get them seen by a vet as soon as possible.

The only real way to find out which cat treats are the best option for your feline companion is to let them try a variety of different types. Once you know what kind of texture and flavours they love, you’re bound to find something that they go crazy for! Check out the full DREAMIES treat range for a selection of mouth-watering flavours.