The 10 best cat treats, according to our cats

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Tasty treats are a great way to connect with your cat. You can give your kitty the best cat treats to reward good behavior and strengthen your bond, and they come in a variety of textures and flavors to tempt even the pickiest eater. And while treats should complement a balanced diet rather than replace it, the best treats can still offer some nutritional benefits.

To make the recommendations for this guide, I asked veterinarians and a cat behaviorist what makes a great cat treat. I also surveyed cat parents at Business Insider to gain real-world insights into popular brands, flavors, and textures. Finally, my experience fostering and caring for cats helped shape our selections. Our top pick is Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes, a single-ingredient treat packed with omega-3 fatty acids and low in calories. 

Like humans, cats have individual preferences. While the recommendations below are based on expert advice and cat parent experience, finding the tastiest treat for your cat might involve some trial and error.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best cat treats

Best overall: Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes -See at Chewy

Best lickable: Inaba Churu Chicken Varieties - See at Chewy

Best freeze-dried: Cat-Man-Doo Life Essentials Salmon Crunchies - See at Chewy

Best soft: Sheba Meaty Tender Sticks With Chicken - See at Chewy

Best crunchy: Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats Catnip N Chill - See at Chewy

Best dental: Greenies Feline Dental Treats Oven-Roasted Chicken Flavor - See at Chewy

Best for hairballs: Feline Greenies Smartbites Healthy Indoor Chicken Flavor - See at Chewy

Best for kittens: Wellness Kittles Salmon and Cranberry Recipe - See at Chewy

Best for seniors: Nutramax Laboratories Dasuquin for Cats Soft Chews - See at Chewy

Best for pills: Inaba Churu Bites Chicken Recipe - See at Chewy

Best overall

Our top pick for the best cat treats, Cat-Man-Doo Extra-Large Dried Bonito Flakes, comes recommended by Mikel Delgado, a certified cat behavior consultant. It's a single-ingredient fishy treat that's low in calories when you give it in moderation. "The rule of thumb is that treats should not exceed 10% of a cat's calorie intake in one day," says Dr. Donna Raditic, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. The remaining calories can come from the best cat food.

A single 10-calorie serving is about 3 heaping tablespoons, but a little truly goes a long way. The aroma motivates my cats to solve their food puzzles to get to the fishy treats. Other pet parents entice their picky eaters with a sprinkle of bonito flakes on meals. Sometimes, I simply scatter a tablespoon of flakes on the floor for playful foraging.

Bonito is a fish in the tuna family. You might recognize the name because bonito flakes are often used in Japanese cuisine. It is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain in cats, improve coat and skin health, and may contribute to urinary health.

Best lickable

Inaba Churu Puree squeezable treats have a cult-like following in the feline world, with cats (including mine!) going wild for them. There are almost 30,000 positive reviews on Amazon alone, and one Business Insider pet parent even described their cat's reaction as "borderline feral" when reaching for a Churu. 

Churus might be so irresistible to cats because the second ingredient is real meat, such as tuna or chicken. The first ingredient is water, giving the treat its signature creamy texture, which can help keep cats hydrated. I always pack Churus when walking my cats outdoors. The 6-calorie tubes can also be frozen for a summertime treat. 

When it comes to the best cat treats for training, Delgado prefers lickable treats because she says you can feed kitties very small amounts that they still perceive as rewarding. It's also nice that the treat is in a tube because you can hold it while your cat laps it up.

Best freeze-dried

Cats are obligate carnivores who need animal-based proteins, so rewarding them with single-ingredient meaty treats makes sense. Dr. Kelly Hood, a veterinarian, agrees. "Plain freeze-dried meats are my go-to for satisfying kitty cravings without adding extra calories," she says. "Plus, cats go crazy for those meaty flavors." We recommend Life Essentials Salmon Crunchies by Cat-Man-Doo because they're a good source of omega fatty acids, and each treat is just roughly 1.5 calories.

To make freeze-dried treats, a manufacturer freezes the meat and then removes moisture under a vacuum, creating a crunchy treat with a long shelf life. Cat-Man-Doo takes extra care to prevent foodborne illness by heating the meat before freeze-drying, and all of its treats are made in an FDA-inspected facility. Another great option from Cat-Man-Doo is Life Essentials Freeze Dried Chicken. The chicken chunks come in large pieces that minimize the dreaded chicken dust at the bottom of the bag.

Best soft

If you're searching for a meaty cat treat with a soft texture, it's hard to beat Sheba's Meaty Tender Sticks. Packed with real meat in the first five ingredients, this recipe caters to cats' natural love for savory flavors. 

Each 4-inch stick is packaged in a single-serve foil pouch to preserve freshness. While the sticks may be higher in calories than some other picks, you can easily break the treats into smaller bits for kittens or portion control. They have a soft, meaty texture that pet parents compare to a Slim Jim — moist but not mushy. Not all cats choose soft treats over crunchy ones. However, soft treats can be especially beneficial for cats with dental issues who are uncomfortable chewing crunchy treats. 

Sheba is part of the Mars Petcare family of brands, which employs a full-time veterinary nutritionist to formulate their treats and food.

Best crunchy

Many cats love to crunch on treats, and Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats make a great option. These treats live up to their shameless name: They're only 1.5 calories per treat and are made with chicken and sweet potatoes, which are upcycled from surplus or misshapen produce from the human food chain that would otherwise be thrown out. They're a win-win for your cat's belly and the planet. 

The fiber in sweet potatoes can help keep your cat full and support better digestion. Plus, sweet potatoes are a good source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that cats can convert into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision, cell growth, and a strong immune system. The added prebiotics and probiotics in these treats may also support healthy digestion. 

Artie, the discerning feline companion of Business Insider Reviews beauty editor Maiya Pascouche, has a sophisticated palate when it comes to crunchy treats. While tuna is a turn-off for this kitty connoisseur, Shameless Pets Crunchy Catnip N Chill treats are a definite favorite.

Best dental

It's important to keep your cat's teeth clean, and many treats and dry foods claim to do just that. However, only products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance have been scientifically proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar buildup. That's why Greenies Feline Dental Treats are our top pick. Along with a taste and crunch cats love, it was awarded VOHC acceptance for tartar control in 2005. 

According to the brand, the recommended serving size for a 10-pound cat is 8 treats twice a day, which might seem like a lot. But they're only 1.5 calories per treat, so the total calorie intake might be within 10% of your cat's daily calorie needs. It's a good idea to check with your vet first to make sure you give your cat the appropriate amount based on their weight and activity level. 

While dental treats are a great way to support your cat's oral health, they shouldn't replace professional cleanings. You can learn more about feline dental care and at-home essentials in our cat dental guide. 

Best for hairballs

Greenies treats offer more than just dental benefits. Its Feline SmartBites Healthy Indoor treats are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists with ingredients known to be some of the best hairball remedies for cats. 

The treats help fur move through the digestive tract with insoluble fiber sources such as powdered cellulose and dried plain beet pulp. These are the same ingredients veterinarians recommend looking for in the best cat foods for hairballs. Chicken meal and fat are what make the treats so tasty. 

Delgado recommends Greenies SmartBites because they're crunchy on the outside but have a soft center so they can be broken in half for tiny rewards. They're also perfect for tossing, she says. Malarie Gokey, director of learning and development at Business Insider, can attest: Her cat Silke loves to chase and "kill" her SmartBite treats.

Best for kittens

"Young kittens have specific nutritional needs, so opt for treats formulated for kittens to support their growth and development," says Dr. Ashly Smith, regional medical director for Small Door Veterinary. With nutrients such as animal-based proteins for strong muscles, omega-fatty acids for brain development, and antioxidants to support immune system health, Wellness Complete Health Kittles is a great option that fits the bill. 

While these treats are only one calorie each and formulated by a veterinary nutritionist at Wellness Pet Company, Smith says it's important not to overindulge kittens. A growing kitten's primary source of nutrition should always be quality wet or dry kitten food. You can explore plenty of options in our guide to the best kitten foods.

Although the heart-shaped treats have a crunch that the brand claims can help clean kittens' teeth, Kittles has not yet been accepted by the VOHC for dental benefits.

Best for seniors

If you have a cat over 12, they may be experiencing stiffness in their joints, according to a study by the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. A joint supplement may help relieve pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis, but always check with your vet before adding any supplements to your cat's diet. Hood trusts Dasuquin soft chews for her senior cat and recommends them to others, too. All supplements made by Nutramax Laboratories go through rigorous quality control testing, including 80 in-house checks in their third-party-inspected lab, so you can feel good about the safety of each chew.

Dr. Alejandro Caos, a small animal veterinarian at The Vets, says that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in Dasuquin soft chews potentially reduce inflammation and support joint cartilage. The chews also contain avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs), which have shown potential in slowing osteoarthritis, reducing pain, and improving joint function in dogs. While conclusive evidence for their effectiveness in cats is limited, Dasuquin remains a promising option.

My vet recommended Dasuquin for my 4-year-old cat with luxating patellas (bad knees). I previously used the Dasuquin capsules for cats to mix the powder into food, and frankly, I wasn't sure she'd like a chewable supplement. I'm happy to report that the new soft chews are a hit.  

Best for pills

If your cat has a knack for evading the pill you've broken up into food or slipped inside a tasty morsel, Inaba Churu Bites just might work like a charm. The crunchy, baked chicken exterior conceals medication, while the irresistible, creamy Churu filling entices your cat to gobble it all down. The scent might not be for humans, but it's precisely what convinces cats to take their meds without a fuss. 

These low-calorie treats come in tubes and need to be refrigerated after opening to maintain freshness. For hiding smaller pills, Inaba also offers Churu Fun Bites in a variety of flavors.

What to look for in cat treats

There are so many cat treats on store shelves that it can be tough to choose the best ones for your cat. To help you get started, we've outlined key considerations below.

Flavor and texture: Cats have individual preferences for treat textures and flavors. Experimenting with different options can be a fun way to discover their favorites. "You can even do a preference test where you place two different types of treats equal distance from your cat," says Delgado. Whichever one cat approaches first might be the winner. 

A cat's preferences can change from day to day, just like they do for people. Raditic says offering a variety of treat flavors and textures keeps things interesting and prevents them from becoming bored with any one treat or type of food. 

Serving size and calories: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. The best cat treats are low in calories, but many pack a surprising number of calories. Be sure to check the serving size on the package so you don't overfeed. And if your cat is overweight, consider breaking treats in half to maintain a healthy balance of treat and food calories.

Ingredients: Treats are simply that, a treat, but that doesn't mean they should be loaded with ingredients that aren't appropriate for cats. The ingredients should be clearly printed on the package. If they are not, the brand should readily provide the information. The best cat treats have animal protein, like chicken or tuna, at the top of their ingredient list. Cats and dogs have different dietary needs, so avoid giving dog treats to cats and vice versa.

Price: Comparing the cost of cat treats by ounce or even per treat can be misleading because weights and serving sizes can differ. For instance, bonito flakes might seem pricey at almost $6 an ounce, but if you only give your cat a sprinkle of bonito on their food, it can be quite affordable. Quality ingredients can justify a higher cost, too, like freeze-dried chunks of real wild-caught salmon. However, quality budget-friendly treats exist too. Sheba Meaty Tender Sticks, for example, come in at around $0.37 per treat (or less if you break them into smaller portions).

Nutritional claims: It's important to be wary of nutritional claims on cat treats and food packaging. Only products with the VOHC seal of acceptance have been scientifically proven to help clean pets' teeth. While treats can be a source of some nutritional benefit, Raditic stresses that most of your cat's nutrition should come from a complete and balanced cat food meeting food standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

How we selected the best cat treats

I've got plenty of experience doling out cat treats, from fostering nearly 50 cats and kittens, cat-sitting for dozens of others, and caring for my own two felines. For this guide to the best cat treats, I made my top picks based on personal experience, key criteria and insights from veterinarians, and feedback from other cat parents. 

Expert interviews: I consulted four feline experts who are familiar with selecting and rewarding cats with treats: Mikel Delgado, a certified cat behavior consultant for Rover, certified applied animal behaviorist, and founder of Feline Minds; Dr. Donna Raditic, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and veterinary nutrition consultant at Nutrition and Integrative Medicine Consultants; Dr. Ashly Smith, a veterinarian and regional medical director at Small Door Veterinary; and Dr. Alejandro Caos, a small animal veterinarian at The Vets. 

Other cat parents: I surveyed 15 Business Insider cat parents to understand what they look for in cat treats and to learn more about their cats' favorite (and least favorite) treats. They shared details about their shopping and treat-giving habits, their cats' preferred treats, textures, and flavors, and how they can tell whether their cat enjoys a treat. I also asked them about dietary restrictions and medical needs that influence their purchasing decisions.

Ingredients: I only selected treats formulated specifically for cats, ensuring they're free from harmful ingredients and packed with animal-based proteins cats need. Because cats are obligate carnivores who rely on animal proteins for nutrition, I gave less weight to treats with artificial ingredients or lots of carbohydrates that offer minimal nutritional value. Based on expert insights, many of our top picks are limited-ingredient or even single-source protein treats. For freeze-dried treats, we only recommend brands with safeguards against foodborne illness, like pre-heating the meat before freeze-drying.

Calories: I've listed the calorie count per treat, prioritizing low-calorie options that fit a balanced cat diet. Remember, treats should be limited to 10% or less of your cat's daily caloric intake. If a treat is high in calories, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't feed it to your cat, but the treat should be easy to break into smaller pieces for portion control.

Brand reputation: I selected cat treats with quality ingredients from reputable brands. For this guide, here's what defines a reputable brand:

• Positive reviews: We looked for brands with consistently positive reviews in our survey and on major retailer websites.
• Research and expertise: We prioritized brands that demonstrate a commitment to pet health through research and expertise. This could include employing a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist, consulting with an outside veterinary nutritionist, or collaborating with external researchers in pet nutrition.
• Limited to no recall history: We checked the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recall databases for any concerning recall history.

Nutritional claims: We fact-checked all nutritional claims and identified potentially misleading ones for shoppers to be wary of. We only recommend dental treats that have the VOHC seal of acceptance.

Cat treats FAQs

What are the best treats for cats?

The best cat treats are formulated specifically for cats and are high in protein, served in moderation (10% or less of your cat's daily calories), and the ones your cat enjoys the most.

What is an irresistible treat for cats?

Inaba Churu Puree treats are a good place to start if you're looking for an irresistible cat treat. These treats have a creamy texture that many cats love to lap up. However, your cat may find any of the treats on our list irresistible since every cat has unique preferences. Generally, cats gravitate toward treats with enticing meaty flavors and aromas.

What are the best calming treats for cats?

If you suspect your cat might be anxious, the first step is to speak to your veterinarian who can help determine the cause and whether calming treats are right for your cat. Hood recommends calming treats containing L-theanine, tryptophan, or CBD from hemp to ease anxiety but says there's a lack of conclusive scientific evidence for their effectiveness.

What flavor do cats like best?

As obligate carnivores who need to eat meat, cats crave animal-based protein. So, it's only natural for cats to go wild for meaty flavors, like chicken, tuna, and salmon. 

What food do cats like for treats?

Look for treats with meat as a top ingredient. If you want to feed your cat fresh food as a treat, Raditic says a bit of unseasoned chicken breast or a small portion of sardines packed in water is an appropriate choice. Some cats even enjoy a few kibbles of their regular dry food as a special treat. 

Are treats good or bad for cats?

Treats can be a valuable part of how you care for your cat. They help reinforce positive behavior and build a stronger bond between you and your cat. However, moderation is key. Overfeeding treats, even low-calorie ones, can contribute to weight gain. "About 60% of our cats are overweight or obese," says Raditic. Limit treats to 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake or less, depending on the weight management goals set by your veterinarian. 

Can cats eat treats every day?

The general guidance is that treats can make up to 10% of a cat's daily calories, but every cat has different needs. Hood recommends moderation and consulting your veterinarian to determine the right amount and brand of treats for your cat.