15 Alternative Cat Treats

As cat owners, we all want to treat our feline friends to something special from time to time.

However, the traditional store-bought cat treats are often packed with unhealthy ingredients, artificial additives, and excessive amounts of sugar or salt. Instead of reaching for those processed snacks, why not consider some healthier, more natural alternatives?

In this blog post, we'll explore 15 delicious and nutritious options that can make for perfect cat treats.

From fresh produce to homemade goodies, these alternatives will not only satisfy your cat's cravings but also provide them with essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.

15 Healthy and Delicious Alternative Cat Treats

1. Cooked Chicken or Turkey

One of the simplest and most protein-packed treats you can offer your cat is cooked, unseasoned chicken or turkey.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require animal-based proteins to thrive. By offering small pieces of lean, cooked poultry, you're providing a natural, high-quality source of the amino acids and nutrients your cat needs.

Just be sure to avoid any seasonings, sauces, or other additives, as these can be harmful to cats.

It's also important to let the meat cool completely before serving, as hot food can burn a cat's sensitive mouth and throat.

2. Freeze-Dried Meat or Fish

For a crunchy, satisfying treat, consider freeze-dried meat or fish.

These products are made by gently removing the moisture from raw animal proteins, leaving behind a concentrated, nutrient-dense snack.

Popular options include freeze-dried chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, and even liver.

Freeze-dried treats are convenient, long-lasting, and often more affordable than fresh meat. They also make great training rewards or portion-controlled indulgences.

Just be mindful of portion sizes, as these treats can be high in protein and calories.

3. Steamed or Baked Vegetables

While cats are primarily carnivorous, they can also benefit from the vitamins, minerals, and fiber found in certain vegetables.

Some feline-friendly options include:

Steamed or baked sweet potato (in moderation)
Cooked green beans
Steamed broccoli florets
Baked or dehydrated pumpkin
Roasted Brussels sprouts

Be sure to avoid any seasonings, oils, or other additives, and always introduce new foods gradually to ensure your cat tolerates them well.

4. Catnip

Catnip is a classic treat that many cats simply can't resist.

This fragrant herb contains a chemical called nepetalactone that triggers a euphoric response in most felines.

While the effects are temporary, catnip can provide a fun and engaging way to enrich your cat's environment and satisfy their natural curiosity. You can offer catnip in a variety of forms, such as dried leaves, sprays, or even catnip-filled toys.

Just be aware that not all cats are affected by catnip, and the response can vary depending on the individual cat.

5. Valerian Root

Similar to catnip, valerian root is another natural herb that can have a calming, sedative effect on cats.

While catnip tends to induce a playful, energetic response, valerian root may help promote relaxation and reduce stress or anxiety in some cats. Valerian root can be found in various forms, including dried leaves, powders, or even pre-made treats.

As with any new food, introduce valerian slowly and monitor your cat's reaction.

Some cats may not enjoy the strong scent or flavor.

6. Pureed Pumpkin

Pumpkin is not only a delicious and nutritious treat for humans, but it can also be a great addition to your cat's diet.

Pureed pumpkin is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help support digestive health, especially in cats prone to constipation or diarrhea. When offering pumpkin to your cat, be sure to use plain, unsweetened pureed pumpkin, not the sugary pumpkin pie filling.

Start with small amounts, such as a teaspoon mixed into their regular food, and gradually increase the portion if your cat tolerates it well.

7. Dehydrated Meat Treats

Similar to freeze-dried treats, dehydrated meat snacks can provide a satisfying crunch and concentrated source of protein for your cat.

These treats are made by slowly removing the moisture from raw meat, resulting in a chewy, jerky-like consistency.

Popular dehydrated meat options for cats include chicken, beef, and fish.

Look for high-quality, single-ingredient treats without any added preservatives, sugars, or other fillers.

Dehydrated treats can make great training rewards or occasional indulgences.

8. Cooked Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that can make a wonderful treat for cats.

You can offer small pieces of cooked, unseasoned scrambled egg or hard-boiled egg as a special snack. Just be sure to avoid raw eggs, as they can potentially contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella.

It's also important to let the eggs cool completely before serving, as hot food can burn a cat's mouth.

9. Salmon or Tuna (in water)

Many cats find the taste of fish irresistible, making canned salmon or tuna (in water, not oil) a great alternative treat option.

These protein-rich seafood options can provide your cat with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, as well as important vitamins and minerals. When offering canned fish, make sure to choose varieties that are packed in water, not oil or brine, as the latter can be too high in sodium for cats.

It's also a good idea to drain and rinse the fish to remove any excess liquid before serving.

10. Shredded Cheese

While dairy products should generally be limited in a cat's diet, a small amount of shredded cheese can make a tasty occasional treat.

Look for low-fat, plain cheese varieties, such as cheddar or mozzarella, and offer only a few small pieces at a time. Some cats may be lactose intolerant, so it's important to monitor your cat's reaction and discontinue the treat if you notice any digestive issues.

As with any new food, introduce cheese slowly and in moderation.

11. Cooked Unsalted Meat Broth

Warm, savory meat broth can be a comforting and hydrating treat for cats.

Look for low-sodium, unsalted broths made from chicken, beef, or bone broth, and offer it in small amounts, either on its own or mixed into your cat's regular food. Bone broth, in particular, can be an excellent source of collagen, gelatin, and other nutrients that support joint, skin, and coat health.

Just be sure to avoid any broths with added onions, garlic, or other ingredients that can be toxic to cats.

12. Freeze-Dried Liver Treats

For cats that love a strong, meaty flavor, freeze-dried liver treats can be an irresistible option.

Liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying treat. Look for high-quality, single-ingredient liver treats without any artificial additives or preservatives.

Start with small portions, as liver can be quite rich and calorie-dense.

Freeze-dried liver can also make a great training reward or occasional indulgence.

13. Homemade Baked Treats

If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own healthy, homemade cat treats.

Some easy, cat-friendly recipes to try include:

Peanut butter and oat bites
Tuna and sweet potato cookies
Chicken and brown rice muffins
Salmon and quinoa patties

When making homemade treats, be sure to use only cat-safe ingredients and avoid any seasonings, sweeteners, or other additives that could be harmful to your feline friend.

14. Freeze-Dried Shrimp or Anchovies

For a savory, seafood-flavored treat, consider freeze-dried shrimp or anchovies.

These small, crunchy bites can satisfy your cat's natural instinct to hunt and provide a concentrated source of protein and healthy fats. As with other freeze-dried treats, be mindful of portion sizes, as these can be high in calories.

It's also important to choose high-quality, single-ingredient products without any added preservatives or flavorings.

15. Fresh Catnip Leaves

While dried catnip is a classic treat, offering fresh catnip leaves can be an even more engaging and interactive experience for your cat.

Fresh catnip contains higher concentrations of the active compound nepetalactone, which can elicit a more intense response from your feline friend. You can grow your own catnip plant or purchase fresh catnip leaves from a pet store or online.

Offer the leaves in a designated catnip-specific toy or simply place them on the floor for your cat to explore and enjoy.

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Conclusion

As you can see, there are numerous healthy and delicious alternatives to traditional cat treats that can provide your feline friend with a nutritious and enjoyable snacking experience.

Remember, treats should always be offered in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The key is to provide a varied, nutrient-rich diet that meets your cat's unique nutritional needs while also offering the occasional special indulgence.

So, the next time you're looking to treat your cat, consider reaching for one of these 15 healthy and delicious alternatives.

Your kitty is sure to purr with delight!