We live in a world where food temptation is always lurking—from sugary sweets to processed fast foods, and everything in between. With so many options, it can be hard to curb cravings and opt for healthier choices to stay on the right track. Fortunately, when it comes to your pet’s diet, pet parents have full control of what their furry companions eat. And although there are plenty of options, which can make the selection process a bit overwhelming, there are no pesky cravings to get in the way of keeping your four-legged loved one healthy. This makes choosing what is best for your pet entirely up to you. Your cat relies on you to do your homework and use proper judgement when selecting the best treats suited for their specific needs. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you make the right choices for your fuzzy friend.
Natural Cat Treats
Focusing on proper cat nutrition when searching for the right natural cat treats for your furry family member is essential in keeping your kitty healthy, happy and thriving. When considering healthy cat treats that are made with simple ingredients, be sure to read the product label on the packaging to ensure the elements are recognizable and easily understood.
There are many types of natural cat treats available, including crunchy treats, soft treats and freeze-dried treats.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Tasty Trout Cat Treats are a natural treat with a satisfying, crunchy texture that cats love. Made with real, deboned trout as the first ingredient, they’re a protein-rich treat minus any grains, corn, wheat or soy or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
For pets that prefer a softer treat option, Blue Buffalo True Chews Natural Chewy Chicken Cat Treats are a great, natural snack that will keep your kitty companion purring. Made with real meat, these delectable, these bite-sized morsels contain no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat or soy and no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Organic Cat Treats
Pets love eating treats—especially cats! When it comes to pet nutrition and healthy cat treats, it’s important to apply the same commonsense knowledge you would when purchasing human food. When seeking the right cat treat for your four-legged family member, going organic is certainly a step in the right direction, as natural ingredients are less likely to contain unnecessary food fillers and contaminants.
“Recent developments have stressed more evolutionary appropriate diets for our feline friends,” says Dr. Michael Dym, VMD of Wellington, Florida. “In the veterinary community, it has become widely accepted that when processed, carbohydrate-rich and mainly dry kibble diets are fed exclusively to cats, there are significant increases in the occurrence of conditions, such as feline lower urinary tract disease, diabetes, obesity and intestinal track distress. Therefore, stressing a meat-based, low-carb, high-moisture diet [is] the way to go for long-term health in felines.”
When shopping for organic cat treats, look for the USDA certified organic seal on the packaging, like the one seen on Petlinks’ Pure Bliss Organic Catnip.
Grain-Free Cat Treats
Just like humans, some animals have food sensitivities and allergies that should be noted when looking for a cat treat.
“It is important to look for treats that are low in or free of starch or sugars [and] have a low grain content,” says Dr. Dym. “High protein, whole, meat-based snacks [are] often in a freeze-dried form [and] seem to be the best option. Snacks without wheat, molasses or sugar will be less likely to aggravate [any] medical conditions [and] for similar reasons, cat treats should also be free of artificial flavors and additives.”
Wellness Kittles Grain-Free Chicken & Cranberries Recipe Crunchy Cat Treats are a health-conscious and low-calorie option made from whole food ingredients like chicken, cranberries and blueberries. These grain-free treats are easy on the tummy and made with no meat by-products, wheat, corn, soy or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. The treat’s crunchy texture helps clean the teeth while providing your kitty with a nutrient-rich snack to support his overall health.
The Bottom Line on Natural Cat Treats
Selecting the right cat treat for your furry companion is a privilege, as your kitty relies on you to ensure their health and longevity. Although the variety of cat treat options available today can certainly be overwhelming, more options means more choices for healthy, natural and preservative-free cat treats for you to choose from. Remember, for cats with potential food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your pet’s diet. By feeding your cat healthy treats and giving them the love and attention they deserve, your kitty will be set for success to feel their best inside and out.
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