24/7 Customer Support
Free returns
Same-day & Next-day Delivery
Quality Guaranteed
Unlock Your Welcome Offers: FREE Delivery | Up to 80% OFF | Free 30-day JoyPlus trial
Download the APP
As cat owners, we love to spoil our feline companions. But what if a treat could do more than just taste good? Many of us are looking for ways to support our cat's health proactively, and that's where functional cat treats come in. These are not just empty calories; they are formulated with specific ingredients to support everything from urinary health to digestion.
Navigating the choices can be confusing. With so many products available, it’s hard to know which ones genuinely offer benefits. This guide is designed to help you understand what to look for in a functional treat and to highlight some popular options available in the UK, so you can make an informed choice for your pet.
Before you add anything to your basket, it helps to know what separates a high-quality functional treat from a standard one. Here are a few key things to consider.
The first place to look is always the composition list. Look for treats where a high-quality protein source, like chicken or fish, is listed first. For functional benefits, check for targeted ingredients. For example, cranberry is often included in formulas for cat urinary care treats, while prebiotics and fibre can aid with cat digestive support. It's also wise to look for grain-free cat treats, especially if your cat has a sensitive stomach, and avoid products with unnecessary fillers, sugars or artificial colours and flavours.
Functional treats are designed to address specific concerns. Is your cat prone to hairballs? A treat high in fibre, like barley grass, could be beneficial. Are you looking to support their immune system or help them stay hydrated? A high-moisture, lickable cat treat can be an excellent choice. Consider your cat’s individual needs, whether they are a growing kitten, an active adult or a senior, and choose a treat that aligns with their health requirements.
Treats come in many forms, from crunchy biscuits to soft, creamy purées. Lickable cat treats have become particularly popular as they are easy for cats of all ages to eat, help increase water intake and can be used in several ways. Many can be served directly from the sachet for a bonding moment, squeezed into a bowl or used as a natural cat food topper to entice picky eaters. This versatility adds value and can make mealtimes more enjoyable for your cat.
Here are a few functional cat treats that are popular with UK cat owners. We've broken down their features to help you see how they might fit into your cat's diet.
Why It Stands Out: This multi-pack from the Canadian pet brand Pink+CARE is designed as an all-in-one solution. It contains three different recipes, each targeting a specific area of health: urinary tract, immune system and digestion. The recipes are grain-free, gel-free and contain no artificial thickeners or flavour enhancers, making them a great choice for cats with sensitivities.
The core ingredient is chicken (≥26%), and each formula is enhanced with beneficial ingredients. The urinary care recipe contains cranberry powder, the immune and digestive recipe includes goat milk powder and turmeric, and the digestive health formula features barley grass powder and prebiotics to help with hairball reduction.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an excellent option for health-conscious cat owners who want to address multiple potential health concerns with one convenient product. It's also ideal for households with multiple cats who have different needs.
Why It Stands Out: Webbox Lick-e-Lix is a soft, creamy purée treat with a unique yoghurty texture that many cats find appealing. Made with 30% meat and animal derivatives (including 4% chicken), it's a flavourful option that is free from added sugar, artificial preservatives and colours.
Its smooth consistency makes it very easy to serve and is particularly useful for encouraging cats to take medication—simply crush a tablet and mix it in. The individual 15g sachets make portion control simple.
Pros:
Who is it for? This treat is well-suited for owners of picky eaters or cats who prefer a creamy texture. It's also a practical choice for kitten owners (over 12 weeks) and for those looking for a simple way to make medicine time less stressful.
Why It Stands Out: From a brand many cat owners will recognise, Dreamies Creamy offers a smooth, grain-free treat that is enriched with a key functional ingredient: Taurine. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats that supports heart and eye health.
This lickable treat is made with chicken and is free from added sugar and artificial colours or flavours. Its formulation makes it a more considered choice than many standard treats, combining the taste cats love with a specific nutritional benefit.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is a solid choice for owners who want a trusted brand name and a treat that provides a specific, essential nutrient. It's great for those looking to support their cat's long-term heart and vision health while giving them a delicious, creamy snack.
While the treats we've highlighted focus on real chicken and specific health benefits, we know every cat's preference is unique. If you're exploring a wider range of cat products, from different food textures to engaging toys, you might find other options to surprise your feline friend. For those interested, you can explore our collection of chicken-themed items and alternatives.
Functional cat treats are snacks formulated with specific ingredients that provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition. They are designed to target particular concerns, such as promoting cat digestive support, improving skin and coat, reducing hairballs or supporting urinary tract health.
Yes, lickable cat treats can be a great addition to a cat's diet when used correctly. Their high moisture content helps with hydration, which is crucial for kidney and urinary health. Their soft texture makes them easy to eat for cats of all life stages, especially kittens and seniors. They are also useful as a natural cat food topper for fussy eaters. Always choose one with high-quality ingredients and no added sugars.
It's important to remember that treats are complementary to your cat's main diet and should be given in moderation. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the product packaging. As a general rule, treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake to ensure their diet remains balanced. If you introduce functional treats, you may need to slightly reduce the portion of their main meal.