Kittens are adorable little balls of energy. They will run around your house, climb your curtains, and chase everything that moves. When you factor in the rapid rate at which their tiny bodies are growing, kittens need a lot of food!
It is important to expose your kittens to a variety of foods when they are young. Starting from about 7 weeks of age, you can begin incorporating treats into their diet. You don’t want to give kittens too many treats, but occasional splurges are perfectly fine.
We have compiled the following reviews to help you pick the best treats for kittens so you have more time to play with your fluff ball!
This product tops our list as the best overall kitten treat due to its high protein content and use of only 1 ingredient! Made from only dried bonito fish, these treats are a healthy choice for your kitten without the additives so many treats are laden with. Your kitten will love the taste and you can feel confident that you are providing them with the muscle-building protein they need to promote healthy growth.
This great treat choice will also keep your kitten’s fur soft and shiny because of the fish oils occurring naturally in the product. Finally, dehydrated bonito contains taurine, a necessity for healthy eyes. You’ll have trouble finding a better treat to reward your kitten with!
All in all, we think these are the best treats for kittens this year.
Wellness Kittles come in several different flavors, including salmon, tuna, and chicken. Kittens love these crunchy treats and you will love that they are the best kitten treats for the money! These treats are grain-free and contain all-natural ingredients.
Each bag contains 2 ounces of treats. Since these treats are small, the bag will last for a long time if you’re giving your kitty a few each day. The other great thing about these treats is they are nice and crunchy. This increases their value as they can also serve as a tool for helping keep your kitten’s growing teeth clean.
Pros
Low in calories
Decent amount of protein in a small package
Good value
Flavors your kitten will enjoy
No artificial ingredients
Cons
Lower in protein than some other options
Some kittens might struggle with crunchy texture
3. PureBites Chicken Freeze-dried Raw Cat Treats – Premium Choice
These freeze-dried treats are another great option for your kitten. They are made from only one ingredient—chicken. The freeze-drying process prevents the loss of nutrients that can occur with cooking. This ensures you are providing your kitten with a treat that is good for them and that they will enjoy.
You can relax and know that your kitten will not be getting any dangerous preservatives or artificial additives in their treats. The lack of these problem ingredients makes these treats ideal for kitties who have digestive problems or food sensitivities.
Pros
High in protein
Only one ingredient
Freeze-drying prevents nutrient loss
Good for kitties with sensitive stomachs
Cons
Higher price than others
4. Whole Life Just One Ingredient Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
These freeze-dried salmon bits are another outstanding choice for kittens. Salmon is the only ingredient. This treat is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are necessary for your kitten’s healthy growth. The lack of additional ingredients makes these a good choice for kitties with sensitive tummies too!
You will also love the flexibility these salmon treats provide. You can serve them straight out of the package, or moisten them with a little water to make them softer. This works well if your kitten is having trouble chewing crunchier pieces.
Pros
High in protein
Only 1 ingredient
Can be soaked in water to soften for easier chewing
No additives or preservatives
Cons
A little expensive
Higher in calories than other options
5. Feline Natural Freeze-Dried Healthy Bites for Cats
Although they are more expensive than the other options on our list, Feline Natural Freeze-Dried Healthy Bites are another healthy choice for your kitten. Like many of their counterparts, these treats include only one ingredient—chicken. The lack of extra ingredients is always helpful for sensitive stomachs.
Your kitten will love the taste of these chicken-flavored bites. They are grain-free, gluten-free, and made from non-GMO ingredients. They are a little lower in protein than the other freeze-dried choices but still contain a solid 46%.
If you aren’t squeamish and don’t mind handling a whole freeze-dried fish rather than a pellet, then these treats are a good choice for your kitten. They are high in protein and completely natural. The only processing is the freeze-drying process.
The lack of additional ingredients and processing makes these treats a good choice for kitties with sensitive stomachs, although your kitten might be confused by the shape and texture. These treats don’t stay fresh for long once they have been opened, so you will need to use them up quickly.
Pros
One ingredient
Different shape and texture
Nutritious option
Cons
Some may not like the fact they are freeze-dried whole fish
Some kittens prefer wet food over kibble. Wet food can also help ensure that your cat is getting enough water. These tubes contain a smooth, moist, tuna-flavored treat that can be served by itself or as a topper for the kitten’s dry food.
Kittens may have an easier time eating these treats because they don’t require the chewing of a dried treat. These treats are higher in calories than other options on this list, so be careful not to use them too frequently. They also contain some preservatives and salt, both of which may cause problems for sensitive stomachs. There are only 6 servings per package, so these also come with a higher price tag.
These tuna-flavored treats are soft and easy for kittens to chew. Tuna is the first ingredient so your kitty will enjoy the flavor. They don’t contain corn, soy, or wheat so if your kitten has a sensitivity to grains these treats will suit them well.
These treats do contain chickpea flour, potato flour, and maple syrup. None of these are necessary for your cat’s diet so it is a little questionable to use them in a treat. They also don’t have the high protein content that some of our other favorites have. As an occasional treat, though, these are a fine choice at a good value.
Greenies are a widely available commercial cat treat. Cats like the flavors and owners like that they help clean teeth and provide their pets with a protein boost. These treats are also a good value and come in a variety of flavors and packaging sizes.
They do contain more ingredients than most of the other treats on this list. The first ingredient is chicken meal, rather than real chicken. They don’t contain any artificial flavors or fillers, but some of the ingredients they do use might upset your kitten’s stomach if they have any sensitivities. These are a good option as an occasional treat but should be supplemented with some that are higher on this list for optimal health.
Pros
Protein and omega-3 fatty acids for muscle, skin, and hair health
Flavor cats like
Good value
Cons
Contains preservatives
Some ingredients may cause upset stomachs in sensitive kitties
More ingredients than other options on this list
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Kitten Treat
Now that you have read about our top picks for kitten treats, here are some important considerations when choosing the right treats for your special kitten.
Finding the Best Kitten Treats for Your Needs
There are some important factors to consider when deciding on the best treats that will meet your needs and your kitten’s needs. These include the following:
Variety – Veterinarians recommend that you provide your growing kitten with a variety of food flavors and textures from a young age. This allows your kitty to realize that food is not just dehydrated nuggets or the opposite, all wet food.
Nutrition – No more than 10 percent of your kitten’s diet should come from treats. Even so, the treats they get should provide them with the nutrition they need during this crucial growth period. Empty calories are not only bad for people!
Ingredients – The best treats on our list have a real meat source as the first ingredient. They are free from grains, additives, artificial flavors, and other unnecessary ingredients.
Taste – Some kittens will eat anything, while others might prefer salmon over chicken. Getting to know your cat’s preference will ensure you are providing them with treats and foods they enjoy eating.
Image Credit: Greenies, Chewy
What Makes a Good Kitten Treat?
Good kitten treats provide your kitten with a needed nutrient, like protein without adding extra ingredients or calories they don’t need. The best kitten treats are not overloaded with preservatives, fillers, or other additives.
Buying Tips
Here are a few quick things to look for when you are shopping for kitten treats:
The fewer ingredients, the better
Meat (chicken, tuna, salmon, or other) as the first ingredient
Low in calories
High in protein
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read our reviews, you will be able to find the best kitten treats for your needs. For overall health and quality, you can’t find a better option than Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes. These high-protein, single-ingredient treats are a great choice for all kittens. The best value for your money comes with the Wellness Kittles Natural Grain-Free treats. These treats will please your kitten’s taste buds and your wallet.
