What are Low-Calorie Cat Treats Used for?
Do you want to show your cat more love and affection? Try rewarding it with low-calorie cat treats.
Notably, feeding your cat with treats can be an issue when attempting to facilitate weight loss or if the cat has any medical problems, such as renal or heart disease. Fortunately, finding ones that meet your cat’s allergies or diet requirements is possible.
So, we explored low-calorie cat treats and found the following:
What Calorie Content is Considered Low for Cats?
The amount of calories your cat needs daily will depend on the following factors:
- Age.
- Weight.
- Breed.
- Activity level.
- Reproductive status.
Generally, it should not exceed 200 kcal. As a guideline, 20 to 33 calories per pound (0.45 kilograms) is appropriate, depending on the cat’s activity level.
So, a calorie content below 200kcal is low for cats.
ILVs Preferred Choice
Our top pick is Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats . Besides being the best for cats’ digestive health, it comes in several flavors.
Also, the treats come in a tub with a lid, helping to preserve their freshness and making their storage easy.
Other Products We Reviewed
- Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats (Best for digestive health)
- PURINA Fancy Feast Natural Cat Treats Variety Pack (Best for a sensitive stomach)
- Feline Greenies Adult Dental Cat Treats (Best for oral health)
- Orijen Original Freeze-Dried Cat Treats (Best for training)
- Get Naked 1 Pouch Furball Relief Soft Treats for Cats (Best furball relief)
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Soft-Moist Grain-Free Cat Treats (Best grain-free)
- Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy Cat Treats (Best fish-based)
- Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Grain Free Cat Treats (Best all-natural)
Our Reviews
Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats : Best for Digestive Health
Amazon’s Choice in Crunchy Cat Treats by Temptations
About This Product
The Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats have a crunchy outside that gives way to a soft center, giving your cat the perfect snack. Also, they are nutritionally complete and balanced treats with taurine and vitamins.
Plus, with a resealable lid, your cat’s paws will stay out of sight until you open it up again. However, some naughty felines can force their way into the tub by chewing it. But undeniably, serving this tasty cat food treat is enough to have your cats following you with anticipation.
- Brand: Temptations
- Calorie content: Under 2 kcal/treat
- Flavor:
- Tuna
- Chicken
- Savory salmon
- Turkey
- Beef
- Blissful catnip
- Creepy catnip
- Creamy dairy
- Chicken, catnip & cheddar
- Chicken, dairy & shrimp
- Shrimp
- Life stage: Adult
- Item form: Crunchy treat with a soft center
- Recommended uses: Digestive health
What We Like
- Cat owners find treats ideal for training since cats love them and will obey to get them.
- The treats are larger than regular treats. So, you only give your cats a few.
What We Don’t Like
- To prevent cats from chewing the tub and eating the treats uncontrollably, you must empty them into a sturdy container.
PURINA Fancy Feast Natural Cat Treats Variety Pack : Best for a Sensitive Stomach
Amazon’s Choice in Cat Snacks by PURINA Fancy Feast
About This Product
PURINA Fancy Feast Natural Cat Treats contain only one ingredient: protein-based options such as cooked and flaked chicken, tuna, or salmon. Also, they come in convenient pouches that preserve their freshness and contain no by-products or fillers. So, treat your cat today with a variety pack or single flavor of these nourishing meals.
- Brand: PURINA
- Calorie content: 3.3 to 4 kcal/treat
- Flavor:
- Chicken
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Beef
- Beef & crab
- Item form: Flakes
- Recommended uses: For sensitive stomachs
What We Like
- It comes in various flavor options to match your cat’s regular preference.
- Some Amazon customers use these treats to distract cats from misbehaving, such as climbing.
What We Don’t Like
- The packets are not resealable, creating a high probability of these moist all-natural treats drying off and losing their quality.
Feline Greenies Adult Dental Cat Treats : Best for Oral Health
About This Product
Feline Greenies Adult Dental Cat Treats have a crunchy texture. They reduce tartar buildup and freshen your furry friend’s breath so that you can enjoy cuddles every day.
These treats feature essential nutrients derived from natural sources, including vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. So, they are nutritionally complete and balanced. Plus, they carry a U.S. veterinarian’s recommendation for at-home oral care. So, they help you enjoy the consistent purrs of joy from your feline friend!
- Brand: Greenies
- Calorie content: 1.4 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Chicken
- Item form: Crunchy treats
- Recommended uses: Dental care
What We Like
- They come in a tub with a lid to preserve their freshness.
What We Don’t Like
- They contain corn, wheat, and oat ingredients that may cause allergies in some cats.
Orijen Original Freeze-Dried Cat Treats : Best for Training
Amazon’s Choice in Cat Snacks by ORIJEN
About This Product
ORIJEN Original Freeze Dried Cat Treats are a nutritious and tasty way to reward or train your furry friend. These grain-free and high-protein treats are freeze-dried to retain their nutrients and flavor.
Your cat will enjoy the most nutrient-dense treats without compromise with 99% quality animal ingredients such as free-run poultry and wild-caught flounder combined with other animal-based proteins.
- Brand: ORIJEN
- Calorie content: 1 kcal/treat
- Flavor notes:
- Poultry and wild-caught flounder
- Lamb, liver, and tripe
- Beef liver, goat, wild boar, and lamb
- Fish
- Duck, mackerel, venison, wild boar, lamb, and goat
- Item form: Freeze-dried treats
- Recommended uses: Training
What We Like
- They are low-carb and ideal for diabetic cats.
- They are soft enough for senior cats with dental problems.
What We Don’t Like
- Sometimes, you have to break the treats for small cats to chew them easily.
Get Naked 1 Pouch Furball Relief Soft Treats for Cats : Best Furball Relief
About This Product
Witnessing your cats attempting to cough up hairballs can be disheartening and unpleasant. Fortunately, keeping your feline companion’s tummy in peak condition will assist in curbing this issue.
Get Naked 1 Pouch Furball Relief Soft Treats for Cats aim at bolstering a vigorous digestive system. They contain natural dietary fiber, flaxseeds, prebiotics, probiotics, and Gained BC30 (an FDA-approved strain of Bacillus coagulants).
Also, these treats have added natural vegetable oils that expedite the passage of fur balls through the digestive system.
With real chicken featured as the main ingredient, these cat treats provide an excellent source of protein while keeping your cat’s weight trimmed.
- Brand: Get Naked
- Calorie content: 3 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Chicken
- Item form: Soft treats
- Recommended uses: Supporting digestion and preventing hairballs
What We Like
- These treats do not have a strong odor or a greasy feel, making them likable to cats and less messy to eat.
What We Don’t Like
- Some cat owners find it more expensive than other cat treats.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Soft-Moist Grain-Free Cat Treats : Best Grain-Free
About This Product
Give your cat the flavor and texture they love with these grain-free, soft-moist cat treats! Loaded with real from-the-source meat, they are sure to satisfy the carnivorous cravings of your furry friend.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Soft-Moist Grain-Free Cat Treats also feature no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, corn, wheat, or soy by-products.
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Calorie content: 1.5 kcal/treat
- Flavor:
- Chicken & duck
- Chicken & trout
- Chicken & salmon
- Chicken & turkey
- Item form: Soft-moist treats
- Recommended uses: Training
What We Like
- Made with natural ingredients, offering a safe alternative to artificial ingredients.
What We Don’t Like
- They contain salt that may harm cats when taken in large quantities. Remember, salt buildup can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy Cat Treats : Best Fish-Based
Amazon’s Choice in Cat Snacks by Blue Buffalo
About This Product
Featuring a tasty outer shell and a creamy center filled with delicious fish, these savory cat treats have cats running toward you just by shaking the tub!
They feature real salmon as the main ingredient and no poultry by-product meals, ensuring you provide healthy treats to your feline friend!
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Calorie content: 2.1 kcal/treat
- Flavor:
- Seafood
- Chicken
- Chicken liver & beef
- Seafood, chicken, chicken liver & beef
- Item form: Pillow
- Recommended uses: Rewarding your cat
What We Like
- They don’t cause stomach upsets, making them ideal for cats with a sensitive tummy.
- They are small in size and thus easy to chew.
What We Don’t Like
- They contain a high level of fat that can cause obesity.
Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Grain Free Cat Treats : Best All-Natural
Amazon’s Choice in Crunchy Cat Treats by Wellness Natural Pet Food
About This Product
These irresistible, all-natural Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Grain Free Cat Treats are the ultimate way to show your feline friend love. They also keep your cat’s teeth clean!
Also, these treats contain no wheat or grains. Each crunchy bite also packs whole-food ingredients like salmon, cranberries, and blueberries. With their irresistibly tasty flavor and tooth-strengthening texture, your cat won’t be able to resist!
- Brand: Wellness Natural Pet Food
- Calorie content: 1.1 kcal/treat
- Flavor:
- Salmon & Cranberry
- Chicken & Cranberry
- Tuna & Cranberry
- Life stage: All life stages
- Item form: Crunchy treats
- Recommended uses: Oral support
What We Like
- Some customers find them more affordable than most other cat treat brands.
What We Don’t Like
- Some Amazon cat owners claim that their cats do not like these treats and do not know why.
Our Low-Calorie Feline Shopping Guide
How can you identify the healthiest cat treats? Be on the lookout for the following:
Ingredients
Cats are natural carnivores and should get their diet from meat-based treats. So, avoiding artificial dyes, preservatives, and a high-calorie count is necessary.
Additionally, always choose a treat that corresponds with the food you feed them normally. If they eat fish-based food, always opt for fish-based treats. This move will give your cat its usual preference and ensure its stomach isn’t upset by different ingredients (Kruzer, 2023).
AAFCO Certification
Notably, some cat treats meet the nutritional requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). However, such an aspect is not a requirement of cat treat manufacturers. Why is it so? It is because cat treats are not a substitute for a complete and balanced diet.
Despite this, there are still healthy cat treat options available. To identify them, the principal display panel of the product label must display the terms “snack” or “treat” to indicate its intended purpose.
Also, certain pet treat products, such as biscuit-shaped ones, can meet various nutritional needs. This aspect reassures pet owners that their animal has a nutritious snack as an alternative to “junk food.”
Note, however, that over-indulgence in any treat product, regardless of its nutritional content, can lead to weight gain in pets. To determine if a treat product fits a pet’s dietary requirements, owners should carefully inspect the label for any nutritional adequacy statement, typically found on the reverse or side of a product.
Calories
Always monitor calorie intake when it comes to treats for your cat. Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your cat’s diet and should be low-calorie, with only one or two calories per treat. If you exceed this limit when giving treats, you may contribute to your cat’s unwanted weight gain.
Texture
The texture of cat treats can play a major role in your cat’s preference. So, feeding your cat treats that help control plaque and support oral health is advisable. Such treats are specifically designed to maintain dental hygiene, especially for cats over one year old.
Additionally, crunchy treats can provide a fun texture change. However, soft and lickable treats do not help prevent dental diseases, such as gingivitis.
Frequently Asked Questions on Healthy Cat Snacks
Are Freeze-Dried Cat Treats Healthy?
Notably, raw products may possess a high bacterial load, leading to intestinal infections. Thus, it is preferred to feed cats cooked products. Despite this, some cat owners are willing to accept the risks of bacterial contamination when their pet has few eating options. This move is because freeze-dried treats do not contain additional ingredients.
Why Trust Our Reviews
We are animal enthusiasts who spend quality time researching animal products that optimally support pets’ health. Not only are we animal lovers but also professionals with a veterinary background. To ensure we offer high-quality information, we liaise with other vets and source the data from credible online sources.
That’s a Wrap
Even though all cat treats we have reviewed are the best on the market, Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats stand out. They are low-calorie treats that support your cat’s digestive system.
Importantly, they have several flavor options; you can’t miss one your cat prefers. Also, they come in a tub with a lid, making their storage and freshness preservation easy.
Now that you know some of the best healthy cat treats on the market. It is time to purchase and show love and affection to your furry friend.
References:
Kruzer, A. (2023, May 23). 7 best healthy cat treats of 2020. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-healthy-cat-treats-4169514
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Tiki Cat Soft & Chewy Dry Cat Treats, Tuna Flavor,… | 937 Reviews |
$28.72 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Fruitables Cat Crunchy Treats For Cats – Healthy… |
$4.99 |
Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
|
Butler Lean Treats Nutritional Rewards For Cats (1… |
$6.70 |
Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
|
Vitakraft Lick ‘n’ Lap Salmon Flavor Creamy Treats… |
$2.59 |
Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
|
Vitakraft Lick ‘n’ Lap Jelly Cat Treat – Salmon… |
$2.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
Project dedicated to support and help to improve Veterinary Medicine. Sharing information and raising discussions in the veterinary community.