7 Irresistible Fish and Meat Treats Your Cat Will Go Crazy for – available on Amazon
As a cat owner, I’ve seen countless treats come and go, but some truly stand out from the pack. Finding the perfect treat for your cat can strengthen your bond, help with training, and even support your cat’s health.
With so many options on Amazon, choosing the right treats can be overwhelming.
Let’s explore seven top picks that are sure to make your cat purr with delight.
Understanding Feline Taste Preferences
Cats are obligate carnivores. Their bodies are designed to digest and use animal-based proteins most efficiently.
Cat taste buds are uniquely attuned to detect amino acids found in meat and fish, particularly those that signal high protein content.
Cats have fewer taste receptors than humans or dogs, but they make up for it with a heightened sensitivity to certain flavors. This explains why strong-smelling fish treats often top the list of feline favorites.
When selecting treats for your cat, consider factors like ingredient quality, nutritional value, and any specific health needs your cat may have. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet.
Now, let’s dive into our top seven picks that are sure to tantalize your cat’s taste buds.
1. Whole Life Pet Living Treats: Freeze-Dried Tuna
These single-ingredient treats showcase the power of simplicity. Made from 100% human-grade tuna, they’re rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
The freeze-drying process preserves the natural flavor and nutrients, making them a healthy choice for discerning felines.
Whole Life Pet Living Treats are versatile. You can serve them whole as a crunchy snack or crumble them over your cat’s regular food to entice picky eaters.
The texture also promotes dental health by helping to remove plaque as your cat chews.
These treats are particularly useful for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. With only one ingredient, they’re less likely to cause adverse reactions.
They’re also grain-free, making them suitable for cats on specialized diets.
2. Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes
Derived from dried, fermented skipjack tuna, these flakes pack a powerful flavor punch. The strong aroma is irresistible to most cats, and the light, flaky texture adds an interesting sensory experience.
Cat-Man-Doo Bonito Flakes are more than just a treat. They can double as a meal topper, adding variety to your cat’s diet.
The natural umami flavor can encourage even the most finicky eaters to finish their meals.
These treats are rich in taurine, an essential amino acid for cats that supports heart and eye health. They’re also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote a healthy coat and skin.
One unique aspect of these flakes is their movement. When sprinkled on food or a flat surface, they appear to “dance” because of their light, airy texture.
This can stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts and provide mental enrichment.
3. PureBites Shrimp Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
For cats who enjoy seafood beyond fish, these 100% pure shrimp treats offer a novel flavor experience. Low in calories and high in protein, they’re an excellent option for cats watching their weight.
PureBites Shrimp Treats are made using a delicate freeze-drying process that preserves the natural flavor and nutritional value of raw shrimp. This means your cat gets all the benefits of raw food without the risk of bacterial contamination.
These treats are particularly rich in astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that gives shrimp their pink color. Astaxanthin has been linked to improved immune function and reduced inflammation in cats.
The crunchy texture of these treats can help remove tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth. However, they’re also easy to break into smaller pieces for senior cats or those with dental issues.
4. Vital Essentials Minnows Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
These whole, freeze-dried minnows are more than just a treat – they’re an experience. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and natural taurine, they support heart and eye health while satisfying your cat’s predatory instincts.
Vital Essentials Minnows closely mimic what cats might eat in the wild. This can be particularly appealing to cats with a strong prey drive or those who enjoy interactive play.
You can use these treats to encourage natural hunting behaviors. Try tossing them across the room for your cat to chase, or hide them around the house for a fun “treasure hunt” that provides both mental and physical stimulation.
These minnows are also an excellent source of hydration. When rehydrated with a bit of water, they can help increase your cat’s fluid intake, which is especially useful for cats prone to urinary tract issues.
5. ORIJEN Original Cat, Grain Free Dry Cat Food for All Life Stages, with WholePrey Ingredients
ORIJEN Original Cat Food is a premium, grain-free dry cat food designed to nourish cats at all life stages with a biologically suitable diet. This high-protein formula is packed with fresh and raw animal ingredients, mimicking the natural diet of wild cats.
One of the standout features of ORIJEN Original Cat Food is it’s impressive protein content. With a minimum of 40% crude protein, this formula surpasses many competitors in the market.
These treats have a strong, meaty aroma that cats find irresistible. The texture is firm enough to provide a satisfying crunch but can also be easily broken into smaller pieces for portion control or for cats with dental sensitivities.
ORIJEN has formulated this food to support dental health as well. The kibble size and texture are designed to promote chewing and help reduce tartar buildup.
While not a substitute for regular dental care, this feature can contribute to maintaining better oral hygiene in cats.
ORIJEN’s commitment to fresh ingredients is evident in their manufacturing process. They use regionally sourced ingredients and prepare the food in their own kitchens, ensuring quality control from start to finish.
6. Hartz Delectables Stew Lickable Treat
This wet, lickable treat in tuna and chicken flavor introduces a new texture that many cats find irresistible. It’s an excellent way to increase your cat’s fluid intake, especially for those who don’t drink enough water.
Hartz Delectables Stew comes in convenient squeeze tubes, making it easy to dispense. You can serve it directly from the tube, use it as a food topper, or spread it on a lick mat for extended enjoyment.
These treats are particularly useful for senior cats or those with dental issues who may struggle with harder treats. The soft, stew-like consistency is easy to eat and gentle on sensitive gums.
Lickable treats can be used to encourage hydration in cats prone to urinary tract issues. They can also be frozen in ice cube trays to create cool, refreshing treats for hot summer days.
7. Inaba Churu Purées
These squeezable, tube-shaped treats come in various flavors and offer versatility in how they’re served. They’re perfect for administering medication or as a high-value reward during training sessions.
Inaba Churu Purées are made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients. They contain no artificial colors, preservatives, or grains, making them a healthy choice for cats with sensitive stomachs.
The creamy texture of these treats is particularly appealing to cats. It can stimulate their appetite and encourage them to eat, which is especially useful for cats recovering from illness or those who are picky eaters.
These treats can be used creatively in puzzle feeders or spread on toys to encourage play and mental stimulation. They’re also an excellent way to bond with your cat, as you can hand-feed them directly from the tube.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While these treats are generally well-received, every cat is unique. Some may be hesitant to try new textures or flavors.
Introduce new treats gradually, offering small amounts alongside familiar favorites.
If your cat has dietary restrictions or health concerns, talk to your veterinarian before introducing new treats. Some cats may be sensitive to certain proteins or have specific nutritional needs that these treats may not meet.
Adapting Treats to Different Scenarios
Treats aren’t just for snack time. Use them creatively to enrich your cat’s life:
- Hide treats around the house to encourage natural foraging behaviors.
- Use them as rewards during clicker training sessions.
- Freeze lickable treats in ice cube trays for a cool summer snack.
- Crumble freeze-dried treats over food to entice picky eaters.
Building on Basics for Advanced Cat Care
Understanding your cat’s treat preferences is just the beginning. As you become more attuned to your cat’s likes and dislikes, you can use this knowledge to improve other aspects of their care.
For example, if your cat loves fish-flavored treats, they might enjoy a fish-based wet food in their regular diet. This insight can help you choose a balanced meal plan that your cat will eagerly consume.
Observing how your cat responds to different treat textures can provide insights into their overall oral health. If they suddenly avoid crunchy treats, it might be time for a dental check-up.
Conversely, if they show a preference for softer treats, this could indicate sensitive teeth or gums.
Exercises to Enhance the Treat Experience
- Treat Treasure Hunt: Hide small amounts of treats around a room and encourage your cat to find them.
This stimulates their hunting instincts and provides mental enrichment.
Start with easy-to-find locations and gradually increase the difficulty as your cat becomes more adept at the game.
- Treat Puzzle: Place treats in a puzzle feeder to challenge your cat’s problem-solving skills.
There are many commercial options available, or you can create DIY versions using household items.
This provides mental stimulation but can also slow down fast eaters.
- Treat and Train: Use high-value treats to reinforce positive behaviors or teach new tricks.
Clicker training, in particular, can be very effective when paired with irresistible treats.
Start with simple commands like “come” or “sit” and progress to more complex behaviors.
- Texture Test: Offer a variety of treat textures (crunchy, soft, lickable) to determine your cat’s preferences.
This can be particularly useful if you’re trying to encourage a picky eater or need to administer medication.
Understanding your cat’s texture preferences can make these tasks much easier.
- Treat Rotation: Introduce new treats regularly to prevent boredom and maintain interest.
This can also help you identify any potential allergies or sensitivities your cat may have to specific ingredients.
- Interactive Feeding: Use treats in conjunction with interactive toys to combine play and reward.
This can include treat-dispensing balls, puzzle feeders, or even homemade devices that challenge your cat to “hunt” for their treats.
- Bonding Time: Use treat time as an opportunity for one-on-one bonding with your cat.
Hand-feeding treats can help strengthen your relationship and build trust, especially with shy or newly adopted cats.
Remember, treats should enhance your cat’s diet and lifestyle, not replace balanced meals. By choosing high-quality options and using them wisely, you can turn treat time into a rewarding experience for both you and your cat.
The Role of Treats in Feline Health
While treats are often seen as indulgences, they can play a significant role in your cat’s overall health when chosen and used appropriately. Here are some ways treats can contribute to your cat’s well-being:
- Dental Health: Crunchy treats can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, promoting better oral hygiene.
However, they should not be seen as a replacement for regular dental care.
- Weight Management: Low-calorie treats can be used as part of a weight management plan, allowing you to reward your cat without significantly impacting their calorie intake.
- Hydration: Wet or lickable treats can increase your cat’s fluid intake, which is particularly useful for cats prone to urinary tract issues or those who don’t drink enough water.
- Nutritional Supplementation: Some treats are fortified with vitamins, minerals, or other useful compounds like omega-3 fatty acids.
These can help fill nutritional gaps in your cat’s diet.
- Medication Administration: Soft or lickable treats can be used to disguise medications, making it easier to give your cat necessary treatments.
- Stress Relief: The act of treating can be calming for cats, especially when combined with affection and positive reinforcement.
This can be particularly helpful in stressful situations like vet visits or travel.
Here are some trends to watch for:
- Functional Treats: More treats are being developed with specific health benefits in mind, such as joint support, hairball control, or immune system boosting.
- Novel Proteins: As pet food allergies become more recognized, treats made from novel protein sources like rabbit, venison, or even insects are gaining popularity.
- Sustainable Options: With increasing focus on environmental impact, expect to see more treats made from sustainable protein sources and eco-friendly packaging.
- Tech-Enhanced Treats: Some companies are exploring ways to incorporate technology into treat time, such as treat-dispensing cameras that allow you to interact with your cat remotely.
- Personalized Nutrition: As pet DNA testing becomes more common, we may see a rise in personalized treat recommendations based on a cat’s genetic profile and health needs.
People Also Asked
Are fish treats good for cats?
Fish treats can be useful for cats when given in moderation. They’re often high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health.
However, some cats may be allergic to fish, and excessive consumption can lead to thiamine deficiency.
How often should I give my cat treats?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. For most cats, this means a few small treats per day.
Always adjust your cat’s main meals to account for the extra calories from treats.
Can cats eat human food as treats?
Some human foods can be safe for cats in small amounts, such as cooked chicken or fish. However, many human foods are toxic to cats, including onions, garlic, and chocolate.
Always research before giving your cat any human food.
What are the best treats for cats with sensitive stomachs?
For cats with sensitive stomachs, look for single-ingredient treats made from easily digestible proteins like chicken or turkey. Freeze-dried treats are often a good option as they’re minimally processed.
Are grain-free treats better for cats?
While cats don’t need grains in their diet, grain-free treats aren’t necessarily better for all cats. Some grain-free treats may be higher in calories or use ingredients that aren’t ideal for cats.
The overall nutritional profile is more important than whether or not the treat contains grains.
Can treats help with my cat’s dental health?
Some treats are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Look for treats with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval.
However, treats should not replace regular dental care and check-ups.
What are lickable treats for cats?
Lickable treats are soft, creamy treats that come in tubes or pouches. They’re easy for cats to eat and can be a good way to increase fluid intake.
They’re particularly useful for senior cats or those with dental issues.
How can I use treats to train my cat?
Use small, high-value treats as rewards during training sessions. Offer the treat immediately after your cat performs the desired behavior.
Keep training sessions short and fun to maintain your cat’s interest.
Are freeze-dried treats safe for cats?
Freeze-dried treats are generally safe and can be a good option for cats. The freeze-drying process preserves nutrients while eliminating harmful bacteria.
However, some cats may find them too hard, so you may need to rehydrate them with a little water.
Can treats help my overweight cat lose weight?
Low-calorie treats can be part of a weight management plan for overweight cats. Use them sparingly and as part of an overall diet and exercise regimen designed by your veterinarian.
Key Takeaways
- Choose treats made with high-quality, single-source proteins to support your cat’s carnivorous dietary needs.
- Introduce new treats gradually to avoid digestive upset and to gauge your cat’s preferences.
- Use treats creatively for training, enrichment, and bonding to enhance your cat’s overall quality of life.
- Monitor treat intake to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring treats don’t exceed 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake.
- Observe your cat’s preferences to gain insights into their overall health and well-being, using this information to tell broader care decisions.