Cat Treats & Dog Treats: How to Choose the Best Snacks for Your Pets

Pet parents love spoiling their furry companions, and one of the easiest ways to show affection is with treats. Whether you’re rewarding good behavior, supporting training sessions, or simply sharing a moment of bonding, cat treats and dog treats play an important role in daily pet life. But with shelves full of options, from crunchy biscuits to freeze-dried meats, it can be difficult to know what truly makes a treat healthy, safe, and beneficial for your pet.

In this guide, we explore what to look for, how to choose the right treats for your pet’s needs, and how to use treats wisely to support training and overall wellness.

Why Treats Matter in Your Pet’s Routine

Treats do more than satisfy cravings. High-quality dog treats and cat treats can boost your pet’s health, enhance training success, and strengthen your bond.

Positive Reinforcement and Training

Training is more effective when rewards are involved, especially for dogs. Small, flavorful dog treats help reinforce good behavior quickly. Cats may be more independent, but many respond well to soft or aromatic cat treats during clicker training or enrichment games.

Nutritional Support

Many modern pet treats contain functional ingredients like omega-3s for skin and coat, glucosamine for joints, or probiotics for digestion. This makes treats a convenient supplement to regular meals, without requiring pills or powders.

Mental Stimulation

Chews, puzzle-friendly bite-sized dog treats, and aromatic cat treats engage your pet’s senses. This mental stimulation reduces boredom and encourages healthier habits, especially for indoor cats and high-energy dog breeds.

How to Choose the Best Dog Treats

There’s no shortage of dog treat options, but quality varies widely. When selecting treats, keep the following criteria in mind:

1. Check for Real, Recognizable Ingredients

The best dog treats start with whole foods. Look for:

• Real meat (chicken, salmon, beef, turkey)
• Vegetables like sweet potato or pumpkin
• Hypoallergenic options such as duck or lamb for sensitive dogs

Avoid fillers such as corn, soy, and meat by-products when possible.

2. Choose Treats That Fit Your Dog’s Size and Activity Level

Small dogs need smaller, softer treats. Working or high-energy breeds may benefit from protein-rich snacks. Always match treat size and density to your dog’s jaw strength and dietary needs.

3. Opt for Low-Calorie Training Treats

Training involves repetition, and that means many treats in a short time. Look for low-calorie, bite-sized dog treats to avoid unintentional weight gain.

4. Look for Functional Benefits

Some dog treats support:

• Joint health (glucosamine, chondroitin)
• Dental hygiene (dental chews)
• Digestive wellness (probiotics)
• Skin & coat health (fish oil, omega fatty acids)

These treats offer more than taste, they enhance your dog’s long-term well-being.

How to Choose the Best Cat Treats

Cats can be a bit more particular, but high-quality cat treats can still promote bonding and support health.

1. Pick High-Protein Treats

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on meat. Look for:

• Freeze-dried chicken, salmon, or turkey
• Limited-ingredient treats with real animal protein
• Soft treats made primarily from meat

A high-protein treat supports muscle strength, energy levels, and digestion.

2. Consider Texture Preferences

Some cats love crunchy treats, while others prefer soft, moist snacks or lickable purees. Offering a mix can add enrichment to your cat’s day.

3. Support Dental Health

Dental cat treats can help reduce tartar and freshen breath, especially beneficial for cats that resist toothbrushing.

4. Look for Functional Formulas

Functional cat treats can help with:

• Hairball control
• Skin hydration
• Stress reduction (via calming herbs like chamomile or L-theanine)

Choosing treats tailored to your cat’s needs can improve comfort and quality of life.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Ingredients to Watch For

Healthy Ingredients

• Real meat or fish
• Sweet potato, pumpkin, or limited grains
• Natural preservatives (vitamin E, rosemary extract)
• Omega-rich oils
• Single-ingredient freeze-dried meats

Ingredients to Avoid

• Artificial colors and flavors
• Heavy fillers (corn, soy, wheat by-products)
• Rendered animal meals of unknown origin
• Excessive salt or sugar
• Chemical preservatives like BHA or BHT

Being mindful of ingredients ensures that both cat treats and dog treats support your pet rather than harm them.

How Many Treats Should You Give?

Even healthy treats should be offered in moderation. The general guideline:
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake.

For Dogs

• Because dogs vary in size, tailor the amount:
• Small dogs: 1–3 small treats per day
• Medium dogs: 2–5 treats
• Large dogs: 4–8 treats or chews

For Cats

Cats benefit from smaller, more frequent treats:

• 2–4 bite-sized treats per day
• Up to one lickable treat for hydration or bonding

When in doubt, choose smaller treats—you can always give an extra one during training sessions.

Treats as Part of Enrichment and Play

For Dogs

Dog treats can be used with:

• Puzzle toys
• Treat-dispensing balls
• Snuffle mats
• Frozen Kongs

This keeps dogs mentally engaged and reduces destructive behavior.

For Cats

Try hiding cat treats in:

• Puzzle feeders
• Interactive toys
• Catnip tunnels
• DIY cardboard mazes

Short bursts of treat-based play help replicate natural hunting instincts.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re rewarding your pet, training a new behavior, or simply showing affection, choosing the right cat treats and dog treats can make a big difference. Prioritize natural, high-quality ingredients, tailor treat types to your pet’s age and health needs, and use treats intentionally to promote good behavior and enrichment.

A thoughtful treat routine not only keeps your pets happy, it helps them live healthier, fuller lives.