Many brands are available for cat treats. They claim to be healthy and tasty. However, before you make a purchase, it is important to check all factors. This will help you choose the best for your cat.

What you should consider when buying healthy cat treats:

Ingredients in the product
Always check the label to see the contents added in treats. A product’s nutritional levels have to be approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This will ensure that the treats are nutritionally balanced. If you know all the ingredients that go into the treat, you can avoid allergies and hard-to-consume ingredients. Cats with diabetes should consume a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. The contents should be mentioned so that you can make the right choice.

High-quality standards
Check if the treats are made with good quality ingredients. If they are natural, they will have no artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Do not choose products with added sweeteners or sodium. Moreover, check for artificial preservatives, like BHA and BHT, and avoid brands that contain such ingredients.

Easiness to serve
Choose a product that suits your cat’s age, size, and health condition. Treats come in small cubes or morsels, crumbles, flakes, or as a puree in tubes; so, choose accordingly. Some are crunchy and support dental health. For cats with sensitive teeth, smaller portions of soft, chewy treats are ideal. Some packaged brands have individually wrapped treats, which retain freshness. Products with wet textures can be served easily if they come in single-serve pouches.

Shelf life
Properly dried and dehydrated treats can be stored in airtight containers over a while. However, if the product has artificial preservatives to increase its shelf life, refrain from buying them.

Range of textures and flavors
Most brands come in a variety of textures and flavors. They have many flavors, like chicken, beef, fish, and lamb. You can try a range of products before choosing one. If your cat has wet food normally, a crunchy version of treats can be considered.

Physical factors to be tested
The smell, size, and packaging differ across brands. The treats should smell tolerable, if not appealing. When deciding on the size, a bite-sized treat is better for cats, as it is easier to bite into without choking. Cat treats in small sizes are easier to serve or to be used as crumbles. Packaging of the treat in bags that are easy to open and reseal to retain freshness is also a helpful feature.

Actual testing of the treats
Treats have to be tested for cats of varying ages for their preferences and acceptance levels. Since many brands come in different flavors and textures, they have to be tested in small portions to find what suits their cats the best.