Does your feline friend stare at you with those big, pleading eyes, begging for a special snack? Of course, they do! Cats are smart, and they know exactly how to charm us into giving them something delicious. But when it comes to treats, the choices can be overwhelming, right?
You want to give your cat something healthy and tasty, but the ingredient lists on many store-bought treats can be confusing. You worry about artificial colors, strange preservatives, or fillers that don’t offer any real benefits. It’s tough to know which options are truly good for your furry family member and which ones are just empty calories.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to explore the wonderful world of natural cat treats. You’ll learn what makes a treat truly “natural,” discover some fantastic, healthy options, and understand how to pick the best ones for your cat’s unique needs and preferences. Get ready to impress your cat with delicious, wholesome goodness!
Our Top 5 Natural Cat Treats Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
 |
Vital Essentials Salmon Bites Cat Treats | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
 |
Vital Essentials Minnows Cat Treats | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
 |
Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
 |
Wildly Natural Cat Treats | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Natural Cat Treats Detailed Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking for a treat that your cat will go wild for? Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats, in a delicious chicken flavor, are made with real meat as the very first ingredient. These grain-free snacks are crafted to satisfy your feline’s natural instincts with a satisfying crunch. Plus, they’re perfect for rewarding good behavior during training sessions. You can feel good about giving these treats because they are made with wholesome ingredients, meaning no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, making them super tasty for cats.
- The crunchy texture is a big hit and satisfies their chewing needs.
- They’re great for training and rewarding your cat.
- Made with natural ingredients and free from common fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.
- Comes in a convenient 12-oz tub for plenty of treats.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some picky eaters might prefer different flavors.
- The packaging may look slightly different from online images, but the quality is the same.
These treats offer a healthy and delicious way to spoil your cat. They are a fantastic choice for rewarding your furry friend and supporting their natural diet.
2. Vital Essentials Salmon Bites Cat Treats
Rating: 9.1/10
Does your cat deserve the very best? The Vital Essentials Salmon Bites Cat Treats are a fantastic option for providing your feline friend with a healthy and delicious snack. These treats are made with real, raw salmon, freeze-dried to lock in all the good stuff. They’re perfect for cats of all ages and picky eaters alike!
What We Like:
- Made with 100% pure, butcher-cut salmon – that’s the only ingredient!
- Freeze-dried raw, which keeps all the natural vitamins and minerals intact.
- High in protein, which helps cats have more energy and supports healthy skin and coats.
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and filler-free, so you know exactly what you’re feeding your cat.
- Proudly made in America with responsibly sourced ingredients.
- Great for cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs because it’s a single protein source.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.1 oz bag can go quickly if you have a treat-loving cat!
- Some cats might need a little time to adjust to the texture of freeze-dried treats.
These Vital Essentials Salmon Bites are a top-notch choice for any cat owner. They offer pure, wholesome nutrition in a tasty package that your cat will adore.
3. Vital Essentials Minnows Cat Treats
Rating: 9.1/10
Give your feline friend a taste of the wild with Vital Essentials Minnows Cat Treats! These tiny, freeze-dried fish are packed with pure, raw goodness, offering a powerful protein boost in every bite. They’re made from just one simple ingredient: minnows. That means no grains, no gluten, and absolutely no fillers. Your cat will love the natural flavor, and you’ll love knowing you’re giving them something truly healthy.
What We Like:
- Packed with high-quality protein from whole minnows.
- Single-ingredient formula is great for sensitive cats or allergies.
- Freeze-dried raw to preserve natural nutrients and flavor.
- Made in the USA with responsibly sourced ingredients.
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and free of fillers, dyes, and artificial preservatives.
- Encourages energetic playtimes and supports healthy skin and coats.
What Could Be Improved:
- The small bag size might be gone quickly for multi-cat households.
- Some picky eaters might need a little encouragement to try fish-based treats.
Vital Essentials Minnows Cat Treats are a fantastic choice for cat owners who want the best. They offer pure nutrition in a simple, delicious package.
4. Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats
Rating: 9.5/10
Does your cat deserve a special treat that’s both delicious and good for them? Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats in Savory Seafood flavor are here to delight your feline friend. These treats are designed to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters, offering a unique combination of textures and high-quality ingredients. They are perfect for rewarding good behavior or just showing your cat some extra love.
What We Like:
- Real salmon is the first ingredient, making these treats super appealing to cats.
- The crunchy outside and creamy inside are a winning combination that cats can’t resist.
- They are made with healthy, wholesome ingredients you can trust.
- You won’t find any poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial stuff in these treats.
- They are a great size for training and rewarding your cat.
- The packaging clearly shows the good ingredients inside.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might be picky about the seafood flavor, although it’s a popular choice.
- The bag is a good size, but it might go quickly if you have a very treat-loving cat!
Blue Buffalo Bursts offer a fantastic way to treat your cat with something both tasty and healthy. They make training easier and your cat happier.
5. Wildly Natural Cat Treats
Rating: 9.5/10
Looking for a healthy and delicious way to spoil your feline friend? Wildly Natural Cat Treats in Salmon Flavor might be just the ticket! These treats boast a satisfying crunch on the outside and a delightful flaky texture inside, making them irresistible to even the pickiest eaters. With only a handful of simple, all-natural ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re giving your cat.
What We Like:
- All-natural ingredients mean you’re feeding your cat the best.
- The salmon flavor is a huge hit with cats.
- Crispy exterior and flaky interior offer a fun texture.
- Each treat has only 1.9 calories, perfect for managing your cat’s weight.
- They can help curb hunger between meals.
- The unique six-petal flower shape is visually appealing and adds to the texture.
- Made in the USA by a veterinarian-owned company.
- Each bag contains about 180 treats, offering great value.
- The ingredient list is short and easy to understand, focusing on what cats need.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bag size is 2.5 ounces, so if you have a very treat-loving cat, you might go through them quickly.
- Availability might be limited depending on your location.
Wildly Natural Cat Treats are a fantastic option for rewarding your cat with a wholesome snack. They offer a great balance of taste, health, and value that will keep your cat purring with happiness.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Your Feline Friend
Choosing the right natural cat treats is like picking the perfect toy for your kitty – you want something they’ll love and that’s good for them! This guide will help you find the best natural treats that will have your cat purring with delight.
Why Natural Cat Treats?
Natural cat treats skip the artificial stuff. They use real ingredients like meat, fish, and veggies. This means fewer fillers and more of the good stuff your cat needs. Many cats have sensitive tummies or allergies. Natural treats often avoid common allergens. They can also be a healthier way to reward your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for natural cat treats, keep these features in mind:
- Simple Ingredient List: Look for treats with short ingredient lists. The fewer ingredients, the better. You should recognize most of them.
- Real Meat or Fish as the First Ingredient: This is super important! The main ingredient should be a protein source like chicken, salmon, or tuna.
- No Artificial Additives: Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These offer no nutritional value.
- Grain-Free Options: Many cats do well on grain-free diets. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, grain-free treats can be a great choice.
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): These treats have a very small number of ingredients, which is perfect for cats with allergies or sensitivities.
- Specific Nutritional Benefits: Some treats offer added benefits like dental support or omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
The heart of any natural treat is its ingredients. Here’s what to look for:
- High-Quality Proteins: Think deboned chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, duck, or lamb. These provide essential amino acids for muscle health.
- Wholesome Fruits and Vegetables: Some treats include small amounts of sweet potato, pumpkin, peas, or blueberries. These offer vitamins and fiber.
- Natural Binders and Preservatives: Ingredients like mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E) are natural preservatives. Sometimes, a little bit of vegetable glycerin is used to keep treats moist.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all natural treats are created equal. Here’s how to spot the difference:
- Improves Quality:
- Human-Grade Ingredients: When the ingredients are good enough for humans to eat, it’s a sign of high quality.
- Responsibly Sourced Ingredients: Knowing where the ingredients come from can indicate better farming and processing practices.
- Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated: These methods help preserve nutrients and flavor without harsh processing.
- Reduces Quality:
- Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, or by-products are often used to bulk up treats but offer little nutritional value.
- Artificial Sweeteners or Colors: These are red flags and should be avoided.
- High Ash Content: While some ash is natural, a very high amount can mean too many bone fragments or minerals, which can be hard for some cats to digest.
User Experience and Use Cases
Natural cat treats are versatile! They’re not just for “good behavior.”
- Training: Use small, highly palatable natural treats for clicker training or teaching new tricks. They make rewards exciting!
- Bonding: Offer a special natural treat during cuddle time. It strengthens your connection.
- Pill Hiding: Some cats are picky eaters, especially when it comes to medicine. A tasty natural treat can help disguise pills.
- Enrichment: Hide treats around the house for your cat to find. This encourages their natural hunting instincts and keeps them entertained.
- Dietary Needs: For cats with allergies or on specialized diets, natural treats are often the safest option. Always check with your vet if your cat has serious health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main benefits of natural cat treats?
A: Natural cat treats use real ingredients like meat and fish. They avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This makes them a healthier choice for your cat and can be better for cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Q: Should I look for grain-free treats?
A: Many cats do well with grain-free treats. If your cat has digestive issues or you suspect a grain sensitivity, grain-free options are a good idea. However, not all cats need grain-free.
Q: How many natural treats should I give my cat?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the treat packaging and adjust based on your cat’s age, activity level, and overall diet.
Q: What does “limited ingredient diet” mean for cat treats?
A: Limited ingredient diet (LID) treats have a very short list of ingredients, usually only one or two protein sources and maybe a vegetable. These are excellent for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.
Q: Can natural treats help with my cat’s dental health?
A: Some natural treats are formulated to help clean your cat’s teeth as they chew. Look for treats with a texture that encourages scraping and a shape that reaches more of the tooth surface.
Q: Where can I find natural cat treats?
A: You can find natural cat treats at most pet supply stores, online retailers, and even some grocery stores. Look for brands that clearly state “natural” and have a focus on simple ingredients.
Q: My cat has a sensitive stomach. What kind of natural treats are best?
A: For sensitive stomachs, opt for limited ingredient treats with a single protein source your cat tolerates well. Avoid common allergens like chicken or fish if you suspect those are issues. Always introduce new treats slowly.
Q: What are the main ingredients to avoid in cat treats?
A: Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Also, be wary of excessive fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, and by-product meals, which offer less nutritional value.
Q: How should I store natural cat treats?
A: Most natural treats should be stored in a cool, dry place. Some might require refrigeration after opening, especially those with very few preservatives. Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions.
Q: Can I make my own natural cat treats?
A: Yes, you can! Making your own treats allows you complete control over the ingredients. Simple recipes often involve cooked meat or fish, a binder like oats or pumpkin, and are baked or dehydrated.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.