Bringing a new kitten into your home is an exciting experience. To ensure your tiny feline friend grows into a happy and healthy adult cat, providing a nutritionally balanced diet is paramount. While high-quality commercial cat food, formulated according to AAFCO’s standards for kittens, should form the staple of their diet, incorporating protein-rich cat treats can be a delightful and beneficial addition. These treats offer a fantastic way to spoil your kitten, reinforce positive behavior, and foster a strong bond from their earliest days. This guide delves into the essential qualities of a great kitten treat and highlights some of the top options available on the market. Discover the best kitten food for your growing feline.
Why Choose Specific Kitten Treats?
Kittens have distinct nutritional requirements that differ from adult cats. They need higher concentrations of protein and fat to fuel their rapid growth and development. While treats should only constitute about 10% of a kitten’s daily caloric intake, it’s crucial that these calories come from nutrient-dense sources like protein and healthy fats, rather than excessive carbohydrates.
Key Qualities of a Superior Kitten Treat
When selecting treats for your kitten, consider these four essential qualities:
1. Abundant in Species-Appropriate Animal Protein
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet fundamentally relies on meat. Consequently, kitten treats should mirror this requirement. Prioritize treats where a named animal protein, such as chicken or turkey, is the first ingredient. While animal by-products can be acceptable, their quality can be variable if vaguely listed. Opting for specific, named sources ensures better quality control.
2. Balanced with Healthy Animal-Based Fats
Fat serves as a concentrated energy source for growing kittens and is vital for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. Like protein, fats should ideally be derived from animal sources to provide essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are crucial for skin, coat, and overall health.
3. Limited Carbohydrate Content
Many commercial cat treats contain high levels of plant-based ingredients that offer little nutritional value to cats. Examine the ingredient list carefully, ensuring an animal protein is listed first. It’s advisable to avoid treats heavily reliant on corn, wheat, soy, or excessive amounts of starchy ingredients like potatoes and tapioca. While some fresh vegetables can offer nutrients, they should not be the primary component.
4. Free From Potentially Harmful Ingredients
Beyond limiting carbohydrates, steer clear of treats containing artificial preservatives (like BHT and BHA), artificial colors, and artificial flavors. These additives offer no nutritional benefits and have been linked to potential negative health effects in cats.
Our Top Picks for the Best Kitten Treats
Understanding these qualities helps in making informed choices. Here are our top selections for kitten treats that meet these criteria:
#1 Overall Best: Cat-Man-Doo Dried Bonito Flakes
Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes Cat & Dog Treats
These single-ingredient treats are made from 100% dried bonito, offering a highly palatable and protein-rich option for kittens and adult cats. They are low in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free indulgence. The flakes are also a good source of natural fish oils, beneficial for skin and coat health, and contain essential taurine for vision, heart, and digestive function. Although they can be a bit crumbly, they double perfectly as a food topper.
- Ingredients: 100% Dried Bonito.
- Pros: Single ingredient, high protein, low calorie, good for skin and coat, doubles as food topper.
- Cons: Can crumble, relatively expensive.
#2 Runner Up: Shameless Pets Catnip n Chill Crunchy Cat Treats
For the eco-conscious owner, Shameless Pets offers a sustainably sourced option. These crunchy treats feature chicken as the first ingredient, with chicken fat providing healthy fats. The inclusion of catnip adds an enticing element for felines. While they contain some plant-based ingredients, they are free from corn, wheat, and soy, and are supplemented with probiotics to aid digestion. Explore more about Shameless Pets cat food.
- Ingredients: Chicken, Sweet Potato, Brown Rice, Tapioca, Brewers Dried Yeast, Miscanthus Grass, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Inulin, Catnip, Phosphoric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
- Pros: Sustainable sourcing, protein-rich chicken, includes probiotics for digestion.
- Cons: Contains several plant ingredients.
#3 Best Soft Treats: Inaba Churu Tuna & Chicken Puree Lickable Cat Treat
Inaba Churu Tuna & Chicken Puree Lickable Cat Treat
These lickable puree treats offer a soft, moist alternative to crunchy options. Made with fresh tuna and chicken, they are rich in protein, healthy fats, and moisture, which helps with hydration. The convenient single-serving pouches ensure freshness, and they can be used as a training reward, a bonding activity, or a flavorful food topper.
- Ingredients: Tuna With Chicken Recipe: Water, Tuna, Chicken, Tapioca, Natural Flavors, Guar Gum, Natural Tuna Flavor, Fructooligosaccharide, Vitamin E Supplement, Green Tea Extract.
- Pros: High moisture content, palatable tuna and chicken flavors, convenient pouches.
- Cons: Can be expensive, contains some added starch.
#4 Best Budget: Wellness Kittles Grain-Free Chicken & Cranberries Crunchy Cat Treats
Wellness Kittles Grain-Free Chicken & Cranberries Crunchy Cat Treats
Formulated to support kitten health, these affordable crunchy treats use deboned chicken as the primary ingredient. They are packed with natural ingredients like protein-rich chicken and antioxidant-rich cranberries and blueberries. With only two calories per treat, they are a low-calorie option that also provides essential fatty acids from salmon oil for brain and eye development. Learn more about Wellness cat food.
- Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Chickpeas, Peas, Whitefish Meal, Cranberries, Blueberries, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
- Pros: Affordable, formulated for kitten health, rich in protein and healthy fats.
- Cons: Contains some starchy plant ingredients.
#5 Best Dental Treat: DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor Dental Cat Treats
DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor Dental Cat Treats
Promoting dental health early on is crucial. While brushing is ideal, treats like DentaLife can supplement your kitten’s oral hygiene. Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for tartar control, their crunchy texture helps to clean teeth. The chicken flavor is appealing to most cats, and they are an affordable option.
- Ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Chicken Meal, Natural Flavor, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Powdered Cellulose, Glycerin, Dried Yeast, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Tricalcium Phosphate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
- Pros: VOHC approved for tartar control, textured to clean teeth, appealing flavor.
- Cons: Contains corn ingredients.
#6 Best Calming Treat: VetriScience Composure Chicken Flavor Soft Chews
VetriScience Composure Chicken Liver Flavor Soft Chews
For occasional anxiety or stress, VetriScience Composure treats can be helpful. These soft chews contain a blend of calming ingredients, including a C3 calming complex, L-Theanine, and Thiamine, which work together to support cognitive function and ease anxiety. They are affordably priced and can be broken into smaller pieces for portion control.
- Ingredients: Thiamine (Vitamin B1), C3 Tm (Colostrum Calming Complex), L-Theanine, Brewer’s Yeast, Canola Oil, Chicken Liver Flavor, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Mixed Tocopherols, Propionic Acid, Proprietary Blend (Maltodextrin, Sodium Alginate and Calcium Sulfate), Rosemary Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Soy Lecithin, Vegetable Oil.
- Pros: Contains calming ingredients, chewable texture, affordable.
- Cons: Texture might be hard for some cats.
#7 Best For Sensitive Stomachs: PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Treats
PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Cat Treat
For kittens with sensitive stomachs or those prone to digestive upset, PureBites offers a simple, digestible option. Made from 100% pure chicken breast, these freeze-dried treats are free from fillers and artificial additives. They are packed with protein and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for training or rewarding your kitten.
- Ingredients: 100% Pure USA Sourced & Made Human Grade Chicken Breast.
- Pros: Single ingredient, easily digestible, high protein, low calorie.
- Cons: Can become crumbly.
Choosing the right treats for your kitten is an important part of their overall care. By focusing on high-quality, species-appropriate ingredients, you can ensure that treat time contributes positively to your kitten’s health and happiness.
