Natural cat treats consist of a single ingredient: a chicken heart, a piece of duck, a shrimp or a dried fish. They are dried or freeze-dried, with no sauce, jelly or biscuit dough around them. For cats that are fussy, or that you want to reward with something close to their natural prey.
Freeze-dried or dried
With freeze-dried treats the moisture is removed at a low temperature. The bite stays light and airy and crumbles easily, so you can also sprinkle it over food. The hearts from Catz Finefood Purrrrly and Dokas and the shrimp and chicken hearts from Trixie are made this way. Dried fish and shrimp, such as those from Utopia, are firmer and smell stronger. Many cats find exactly that smell irresistible.
How to give them
- A treat is an extra, not a meal. A common rule of thumb is that treats together make up no more than about a tenth of what your cat eats per day.
- Break larger pieces into small bites. That way a bag lasts longer and you can reward more often, for example while brushing or after a trip in the cat carrier.
- Always provide fresh water. Dried treats contain almost no moisture.
- Close the pack properly. Freeze-dried treats absorb moisture and then turn chewy.
Please note
Is your cat on a vet-prescribed diet or does it have a food allergy? Then first check which protein source the treat contains and, if in doubt, talk to your vet. With kittens, start with a few small pieces.
More tasty things can be found under cat treats. Catnip and valerian are under catnip and cat herbs. For the dog in the house there are natural dog chews, and everything for your cat is under everything for cats.
Frequently asked questions
What are freeze-dried cat treats?
Treats from which the moisture has been removed at a low temperature. Here they consist of a single ingredient, such as chicken heart or shrimp, and are light and easy to crumble.
How many treats can my cat have per day?
A common rule of thumb is: all treats together no more than about a tenth of what your cat eats per day. If you give a lot of treats, feed a little less food.
Can kittens have these treats?
Usually yes, in small pieces and in moderation. Check the pack to see from what age a treat is suitable.
Can I sprinkle the treats over food?
Freeze-dried treats can be crumbled and sprinkled over food. That sometimes helps with fussy eaters.