Healthy Treat Options for Cats

Smart snacking to keep your cat lean, happy, and healthy.

Why Treat Choices Matter

Cats have small calorie needs, many only require 150–250 calories per day, so treats add up fast. Choosing healthier options helps maintain a healthy weight, supports joint and organ health, and reduces the risk of diabetes and obesity.

Best Healthy Treat Options

1. High-Protein, Meat-Based Treats

Cats are obligate carnivores, so meat-first treats are ideal:

• Freeze-dried chicken, turkey, salmon, or shrimp
• Shredded cooked chicken or turkey (no seasoning)
• Small flakes of canned tuna or salmon (in water, not oil)

Keep portions tiny, these are tasty but calorie-dense.

2. Low-Calorie Commercial Cat Treats

If buying packaged treats, look for:

• Single- or limited-ingredient products
• Treats under 2 calories each
• Brands that avoid fillers, artificial colors, or added sugars
• Soft treats that can be broken into smaller pieces

These are great for clicker training or reinforcing positive behavior.

3. Enrichment & Slow Snacking Treats

These treats offer stimulation without excessive calories:

• A small smear of lickable purée treat (choose low-cal versions)
• A spoonful of plain pumpkin
• A tiny amount of plain Greek yogurt (if tolerated)
• Treats placed inside puzzle feeders or foraging toys

These options help reduce boredom and encourage healthy activity.

Treats to Avoid

• Anything containing onion, garlic, or chives
• High-fat deli meats
• Dairy (many cats are lactose intolerant)
• Tuna as a frequent treat (can cause nutrient imbalance)
• Treats with lots of carbs or added sugars

How Much Is Too Much?

Aim for treats to make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.Example: If your cat needs 180 calories/day, keep treats under 18 calories.

Because calorie needs vary by age, size, activity level, and neuter status, Every Wag can estimate this for you.

How Every Wag Helps You Track Treats & Calories

Cats are subtle, and it’s easy to lose track of how many treats they get each day or week, especially in multi-owner households. Every Wag keeps it simple and consistent.

Log Treats in Seconds

You can add treats just like meals. Each entry includes:

• Estimated calories
• Amount given
• Notes such as “before nail trim,” “training,” or “puzzle feeder night”

Track Treat Trends Over Time

Every Wag automatically graphs:

• Daily treat calories
• Treat percentage of total daily calories
• Weekly and monthly treat averages

This helps you see:

• Whether treats are increasing slowly over time (very common)
• Which days spike because of grooming, meds, or training
• Whether you’re within the safe 10% daily treat range

Treat Tracking Syncs With Weight-Loss Guides

If your cat is in a weight-management guide, treat calories are factored into:

• Weekly goals
• Daily calorie limits
• Personalized food adjustments

The app will gently notify you if treat calories are trending high, especially important for cats at risk of obesity.

Fun Fact

Cats respond better to frequency overportion size, two tiny treats are often more rewarding than one bigger one. Perfect for keeping calories low during training.