Choosing the Perfect Cat Treats: A UK Buyer’s Guide

As a cat owner, you know that a well-chosen treat can be more than just a tasty morsel. It can be a training tool, a way to strengthen your bond or even a supplement to support your cat's health. However, with so many options available, finding the right cat treats can feel overwhelming. Are crunchy or soft treats better? What do terms like 'dental' or 'calming' really mean for your pet?

This guide is designed to help you navigate the choices. We will break down the key factors to consider when selecting treats for your feline companion, offering practical advice to help you find a product that both you and your cat will love.

How to Choose the Right Cat Treats

Before you add anything to your basket, it helps to understand what makes a good treat. Here are a few key considerations for UK cat owners.

1. Texture and Type

The texture of a treat is not just about your cat's preference; it can also serve a purpose.

• Crunchy cat treats are a popular choice. The abrasive action of chewing a hard, crunchy biscuit can help to scrub plaque from the surface of your cat's teeth. They are excellent for daily rewards and can add satisfying variety to their diet.
• Lickable cat treats, often sold in sachets, have a smooth, paste-like consistency. These are a fantastic way to encourage hydration, especially for cats who don't drink enough water. They are also ideal for older cats or those with sensitive teeth and can be a great bonding tool when offered directly from the sachet.
• Soft and chewy treats offer a middle ground, providing a satisfying texture that is still gentle on the mouth.

2. Functional Benefits

Many modern cat treats are formulated with specific health benefits in mind.

• Dental cat treats are designed to support oral hygiene. They often have a specific texture or include ingredients that help to reduce tartar build-up and freshen breath. Consistent use can be a helpful part of your cat's overall dental care routine.
• Calming cat treats may include ingredients like chamomile or L-tryptophan. These are intended to help soothe mild anxiety and can be useful during stressful situations like car journeys, vet visits or the introduction of a new pet.
• Natural cat treats focus on simple, recognisable ingredients. If you are looking for healthy cat treats, check the label for a clear list of ingredients, avoiding artificial colours, flavours and unnecessary fillers.

3. Quantity and Value

Consider how often you plan to give treats. If you have multiple cats or use treats frequently for training, buying bulk cat treats or mega packs can offer better value for money. This ensures you always have a supply on hand without frequent trips to the shop.

Recommended Cat Treats

Based on their ingredients, function and popularity with our feline friends, here are some standout options to consider.

Dreamies with Delicious Cheese Mega Pack 350g

Why It Stands Out: Dreamies are a household name for a reason. Their unique dual-texture—crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside—is famously appealing to cats. This mega pack offers excellent value, making it a practical choice for daily treating.

Pros:

• Dual-texture design that many cats find irresistible.
• Low in calories, with less than 2 kcal per treat.
• Fortified with vitamins and minerals.
• Comes in a large 350g resealable bag for lasting freshness.
• Available in seven different flavours to keep things interesting.

Who is it for? This is an ideal choice for cat owners looking for a reliable, highly palatable daily reward. The bulk pack size is perfect for multi-cat households or for those who use treats regularly for positive reinforcement.

Webbox Lick-e-Lix Smooth Yummy Snack 20 x 15g

Why It Stands Out: This is a versatile and functional treat that goes beyond a simple snack. As one of the most popular lickable cat treats, its smooth, creamy texture is gentle on the mouth while also helping to promote hydration. The addition of chamomile provides a calming element.

Pros:

• Soft, smooth texture is suitable for cats of all ages, including seniors.
• Contains chamomile to help promote calm behaviour.
• Aids in hydration, making it a great supplement for a cat's water intake.
• Made with a vegetarian, low-fat and natural plant-based recipe.
• Comes in convenient, single-serve sachets for portion control.

Who is it for? Perfect for owners of cats who are fussy about textures, have dental sensitivities or don't drink enough water. It's also a great option for those seeking calming cat treats to help their pet relax.

Webbox Cats Delicious Mini Mix 16 Pieces

Why It Stands Out: This mini mix combines flavour variety with functional benefits. The crunchy, fibrous texture is specifically designed to act as a dental cat treat, helping to reduce plaque as your cat chews. Like the Lick-e-Lix, it also contains chamomile for a soothing effect.

Pros:

• Crunchy-chewy texture helps support dental health.
• Contains 0.20% chamomile extract for a calming influence.
• A mix of cheese, salami, malt and liver flavours in one pack.
• Low-fat, natural formula.
• Mini size is perfectly suited for feline chewing and portion control.

Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for owners who want to prioritise their cat's dental hygiene with a crunchy treat. The mixed flavours are great for keeping cats engaged, and the calming properties are an added bonus.

Looking for More Options?

While these recommendations cover a range of needs, every cat is an individual. If you're searching for different flavours, textures or specialised formulas, there are many more choices available.

Explore our full collection of yummy pet food to find the perfect match for your feline friend.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Treats

How many treats should I give my cat a day?

A general guideline is that treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Always check the feeding instructions on the product packaging, as the recommended amount can vary based on the treat's calorie content and your cat's size, age and activity level.

Are dental cat treats effective?

Dental treats can be a useful part of a comprehensive oral care routine, which should also include regular vet check-ups. The abrasive texture of many dental cat treats helps to mechanically scrub away plaque and tartar from the tooth surface during chewing. While they are not a substitute for veterinary dental cleaning, they can contribute to better daily oral hygiene.

What are the healthiest treats for cats?

The term "healthy" can mean different things, but generally, a good choice is a treat that is low in calories, free from artificial colours and flavours and made with a short list of high-quality, recognisable ingredients. Look for natural cat treats that offer functional benefits, such as supporting dental health or digestion, without adding excessive fat or fillers to your cat's diet.