What to Look For In Cat Treats

Cat treats allow pet owners to reinforce training, increase brain stimulation, or simply show their pets some extra love. Of course, you should only treat your cat occasionally; veterinarians generally recommend limiting treats to less than 10 percent of your cat’s daily caloric intake. Ingredients are also important, as low-quality treats can upset your cat’s digestive system.

Factors to consider:

• Condition Specific- A variety of treats are available for specific health conditions, though you should check with your veterinarian if your pet shows any worrisome symptoms. Treats may help to prevent hairballs, limit allergies, and promote joint or dental health. While these products can be helpful for some cats, remember that treats aren’t a replacement for regular veterinary or dental care.
• Ingredients- Cats are true carnivores, and their treats should match their natural dietary requirements. Healthy cat treats should include a recognizable protein source as the first ingredient. Avoid products with high amounts of carbohydrates, sugar, and salt.

Because of their strict dietary needs, cats should only eat treats specifically made for them — dog treats can have high fat content, and some contain ingredients that could be harmful for felines.

• Preservatives- Look for treats with mostly natural ingredients. Avoid artificial coloring, preservatives, and fillers. In particular, cat owners should avoid treats with meat byproducts, corn meal, and carbohydrate fillers.

High-quality cat treats list their ingredients, so avoid products that hide this information. In other words, don’t trust the marketing — if you’re not sure what’s in a certain product, don’t feed it to your pet.

Comparing Cat Treats Online (And Finding Discounts)

When shopping online, you’ll have access to a much wider variety of products than you’d find at your local pet store. The options can be overwhelming — but careful shopping will help you keep costs down while finding healthful, vet-approved treats.

Some tips for starting your search:

• Visit several stores before making your purchase. This is particularly important if you’re looking for a specific name-brand product; you may be able to find discounted rates on pet products by looking around. Many stores hide their discounts in targeted advertisements, so use every resource available to find deals.
• Consider the whole cost of the order — not just product prices. Shipping charges can quickly add up, so look for sites with free or low-cost shipping. Some retailers only offer free shipping on larger orders, so think about other products you use on a regular basis (for instance, cat litter, food, and flea & tick preventatives).
• Start with a small, one-time order. Cats can be picky, so even if you find a great deal on a bulk package of healthy treats, you’ll want to start with a smaller order to make sure your pet will appreciate your efforts. Some pet stores offer samplers or discounts for first-time buyers.
• Use subscription services to cut your costs. Once you’ve found some products that your cat enjoys, consider setting up a subscription. Many stores offer discounts for recurring orders, and you’ll have the added convenience of regular deliveries — you’ll never run out of treats (and litter, cat food, and whatever else you add to your subscription).

Remember to check product ingredients before adding any new food to your cat’s diet. If you have concerns about a certain ingredient, check with your veterinarian. Even when you’ve found healthy treats, give them in moderation; vets generally recommend limiting treats to once or twice per week.

Researching Cat Treats Online

Online resources make pet ownership much easier. By looking online, you can compare prices from different stores with a few clicks — and find foods and treats with healthy ingredients that reduce the risks of overeating and illness.

While online retailers offer convenience, you’ll still need to do some research. Check prices on at least 3-4 different websites before placing your order, paying close attention to shipping charges and other fees. Look for discounts and keep detailed notes. Healthy cat products can be expensive, but by spending some time researching, you can maintain your budget while treating your cat to the high-quality treats it deserves.