A UK Cat Owner’s Guide to Cat Treats: Top Recommendations

Choosing the right cat treats can feel like navigating a maze. With countless options on the shelves, it’s difficult to know which ones will delight your feline companion while also aligning with their health needs. You might be looking for something to help with dental care, a snack made from simple, natural ingredients or just a special reward that shows them how much you care.

This guide is designed to help you make a more informed choice. We'll walk through key considerations when selecting treats and highlight a few noteworthy options available in the UK, helping you find a suitable match for your cat's preferences and your peace of mind.

How to Choose Cat Treats: A Practical Guide

Before you add anything to your basket, it’s helpful to understand what sets different treats apart. Here are a few points to consider.

1. Understanding the Ingredient List

The composition of a treat is a primary indicator of its quality. Look for labels that clearly state the protein source, such as 'chicken' or 'pork'. Many owners seek out high protein cat treats to complement their cat's carnivorous diet.

For felines with dietary sensitivities, options like grain free cat treats or hypoallergenic cat treats can be a good fit. These are formulated without common allergens like wheat, corn or soy, which may be beneficial for cat treats for sensitive stomachs. Similarly, natural cat treats are those made without artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, offering a simpler ingredient profile.

2. Matching Treats to Your Cat's Needs

Treats can do more than just taste good; they can also serve a functional purpose.

• Dental Health:Dental cat treats are designed with a specific size and crunchy texture. As your cat chews, the abrasive action helps to scrub away plaque and tartar build-up, contributing to better oral hygiene.
• Behavioural Support: Some treats are formulated with added ingredients to address specific behaviours. For instance, calming cat treats may contain ingredients like chamomile or L-tryptophan, which can help promote a sense of calm in anxious cats.
• Texture and Age: The texture of a treat matters. Crunchy biscuits are great for most adult cats, but felines with dental issues or older cats might prefer soft cat treats that are easier to chew. Always ensure the treat is appropriate for your cat's age, whether they are a kitten or a senior.

Our Top Cat Treat Recommendations

Here are four different types of adult cat treats that cater to various needs and preferences.

Felix Goody Bag Adult Cat Treats Mixed Grill

Why It Stands Out: This treat offers a dual-purpose formula that addresses both dental health and calmness. Its unique fibrous, crunchy-chewy texture is designed to extend chewing time, helping to reduce plaque. It also includes chamomile extract, an ingredient often associated with promoting calm behaviour.

Pros:

• Dental Support: The texture is specifically designed to help clean teeth and support gum health.
• Calming Ingredient: Contains 0.20% Chamomile extract.
• Low-Fat: A sensible option for a daily reward.
• Mixed Grill Flavour: A blend of beef, chicken and lamb flavours to appeal to feline tastes.

Who is it for? This is a practical choice for owners of adult cats who are looking for a daily treat that provides both a dental benefit and a calming function.

Scrumbles Cat Treats Chicken Krunchies

Why It Stands Out: Scrumbles focuses on natural ingredients and digestive health. These treats are naturally gluten-free and hypoallergenic, making them a strong candidate for cats with sensitive stomachs. The recipe features chicken and pumpkin with no added sugar or salt.

Pros:

• Natural & Hypoallergenic: Formulated with natural ingredients and free from common allergens.
• Gut-Friendly: Contains pumpkin, which is known to support digestive health.
• Dual Texture: A crunchy shell with a soft centre provides an interesting texture for cats.
• Sustainable Packaging: Comes in a 100% recyclable, resealable bag.

Who is it for? Ideal for cat owners who prioritise natural, gut-friendly ingredients. Their hypoallergenic formula makes them particularly suitable for cats known to have sensitive digestion.

Dreamies Meaty Sticks Adult Cat Treats with Tasty Chicken

Why It Stands Out: For cats that go wild for meaty flavours, these soft sticks are a standout. They are made with 90% meat and animal derivatives, including 26% chicken, making them a very high protein cat treat. Their soft, pliable texture is easy to break into smaller pieces or serve whole.

Pros:

• High Meat Content: A composition of 90% meat and animal derivatives.
• Grain-Free Recipe: Suitable for cats on a grain-free diet.
• Soft Texture: An irresistible, savoury and soft treat that many cats love.
• Individually Wrapped: Each stick is packed separately to maintain freshness.

Who is it for? A great choice for owners wanting to give their adult cat an indulgent, high-protein and soft treat. It's especially appealing to cats who prefer a chewy, meaty texture over a crunchy biscuit.

Waita Freeze Dried Pork Testicle

Why It Stands Out: This is a single-ingredient treat for the purist. Made from 100% pork testicle, it is gently freeze-dried to preserve the natural nutrients and flavour without heat or additives. This method results in a nutrient-dense, high-protein snack.

Pros:

• Single Ingredient: Contains only 100% pork testicle, with no other additives.
• Nutrient-Rich: The freeze-drying process helps lock in natural vitamins and minerals.
• High Protein: The crude protein content is ≥65%.
• Versatile: Can be served as a high-value treat or crumbled over food as a meal topper.

Who is it for? This treat is for pet owners seeking a pure, single-ingredient and minimally processed option, aligning with ancestral feeding principles. It's a powerful, nutrient-dense reward.

Looking for More Options?

The treats highlighted here are just a small selection of what's available. If your cat has a strong preference for meaty flavours or you're interested in exploring other high-protein snacks, our full range of meat cat food and treats offers even more choices to discover.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many cat treats can I give my cat per day? The appropriate number of treats depends on the specific product's calorie content and your cat's size, age and activity level. It is always advisable to check the feeding guidelines on the packaging. Treats should only make up a small portion (typically no more than 10%) of your cat's total daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet.

2. Are grain-free cat treats better for all cats? Not necessarily. Grain free cat treats are an excellent choice for cats with diagnosed grain allergies or sensitivities. However, many cats digest grains perfectly well. The overall quality of the ingredients, particularly the protein source, is often a more important factor than simply the absence of grain. If you suspect your cat has a food sensitivity, it's always best to consult a vet.

3. What are the benefits of dental cat treats?Dental cat treats are designed with a porous or abrasive texture that creates friction against the tooth surface as the cat chews. This mechanical action can help to scrub away plaque and reduce tartar build-up. While they are a helpful addition to an oral care routine, they are a supplement to, not a replacement for, regular veterinary dental check-ups and professional cleanings.