If you are looking for some inspiration for safe-to-eat and/or healthy cat treats, Cooper Pet Care is here to provide a master post for you!
Find out what are the top safe-to-eat and/or healthy cat treats that you can find in your kitchen. Remember that human foods are, first and foremost, for humans to consume. Certain human treats may not always be a smart choice for some cats, as they depend primarily on their own preferences and needs. Choose wisely among your options, and do not overwhelm your feline baby with them.
Read below about what you should know before you dive into the top healthy cat treat options!
What You Should Know
There are few things that you should always remember when you spoil your furry pal with healthy cat treats. The following list of warnings concerns all the human foods that are listed below:
- Safe-to-eat Treats vs Healthy Treats. Keep in mind that some of the options you will find below are either safe-to-eat or healthy treats. All healthy treats are safe to eat, but not all safe-to-eat options are healthy. This means that your cat does not acquire any nutritional benefits from eating the safe-to-eat options. They are simply delicious options that you can give to your feline, just less frequently.
- The 10% Rule. Remember that no matter how healthy, all cat treats and human food should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Do not feed them excessive amounts of human food and upset their stomach!
- Mind the Frequency. Do not feed them human foods daily. Don’t forget that human foods are not meant for cats.
- Avoid Additives. Do not feed your cats any human foods that are coated with additives (i.e. salt or sauce in cooked chicken). These foods are only healthy when they are consumed plain, unsalted, or without any other flavors.
- Consult the Vet. Some human foods that are good for cats may not be good for your cat in particular. When in doubt, always ask your vet before giving them any of the recommended healthy cat treats below.
- Watch out for Allergies. Be extremely careful whenever you make a new addition to your cat’s diet. Watch out for any signs that pertain to allergic reactions after eating a particular human treat. Such signs vary from vomiting to diarrhea. Call your vet or consult Cooper Pet Care’s symptom checker!
Bananas
Bananas are a delicious treat but only for healthy cats that don’t need additional vitamins.
- Treat type: Safe to eat
- Ideal portion: 1-2 slices
- Avoid: feeding cats with health-related problems (i.e. diabetes)
Carrots
Carrots offer a lot of nutritional value in low calories.
- Nutrition: Vitamin K1 & B6, potassium, folate, dietary fiber, beta carotene.
- Treat type: Healthy
- Health: slow cognitive decline, fights off lung cancer, maintains skin health & eyes
- Ideal portion: consult your vet
- Avoid: seasoning
Chicken
Chicken is a great source of lean protein for your cat.
- Nutrition: protein, phosphorus, vitamin B6
- Treat type: Healthy
- Health: muscle building, weight maintainence, healthy bones and teeth, liver, kidney & central nervous system function.
- Ideal portion: 40 grams
- Avoid: uncooked chicken, chicken skin, bones
| Cat insurance from From | Dog insurance from | Coverage | Contribution | Own risk | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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€8.46 | €12.11 | €3.250 — €6.000 | 10% — 50% | €0 — €150 per year |
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€14.05 | €17.77 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | €30 — €50 per year |
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€12.16 | €17.42 | €3.000 — €5.000 | 20% — 50% | €0 — €250 per year |
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€13.27 | €20,14 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€13.86 | €14.67 | €2.500 — €5.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€10.56 | €13.14 | €3.500 | 25% | €25 per claim |
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Eggs
Eggs are exceptionally nutritional for your cat and they come in many forms such as poached, boiled, hard-boiled, and scrambled.
- Nutrition: taurine, biotin
- Treat type: healthy
- Health: healthy skin, shiny coat, overall improved wellness
- Ideal portion: consult your vet
- Avoid: egg shells, egg yolks, feeding cats with kidney issues
Oatmeal
Oatmeal can serve as a healthy and tasty snack.
- Nutrition: Vitamin B & E, zinc, iron, selenium, fiber, antioxidants, manganese, folic acid
- Treat type: healthy
- Health: healthy skin, shiny coat, stronger bones, teeth & nails, overall improved wellness
- Ideal portion: 10-15 grams
- Avoid: combining with milk
Potatoes
Potatoes can be served in the form of a mashed treat for your cat.
- Treat type: safe to eat
- Ideal portion: consult your vet
- Avoid: sweet potatoes
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is one of the healthiest treats you can offer to your feline friend.
- Nutrition: Vitamin A, C & E, fiber, iron, calcium, and lutein
- Treat type: healthy
- Health: weight control, treatment of diarrhea, constipation & hairball
- Ideal portion: 2-3 tablespoons
- Avoid: stem, skin, pulp, pumpkin spice
Rice
Rice is a harmless filler to your feline’s diet.
- Treat type: safe-to-eat
- Ideal portion: less than 25% of their entire meal
- Avoid: giving to kittens without consulting your vet
Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the most delicious treats you can reward your cat with!
Treat type: safe-to-eat
Ideal portion: 1-2 small to medium strawberries
Avoid: stems, leaves
Watermelon
Watermelon is a safe-to-eat fruit giant for healthy cats.
- Treat type: safe to eat
- Ideal portion: 1-2 pieces
- Avoid: feeding cats with health-related problems (i.e. diabetes)
Final Words
Cats are particularly picky about their food. Do not force them to eat anything they might not like no matter how safe or healthy the treat may be. Remember that these safe-to-eat, healthy cat treats are made of human foods. Therefore, they are not necessary to your feline’s diet. They are simply occasional treats. As long as your feline baby eats their regular cat food, you needn’t worry about giving them additional treats that are for humans.
Curious to learn about human foods that are toxic for your cat? Check out our master post on toxic foods for cats that you can find in your kitchen!
Now you’re up to date on top healthy cat treats! Still got questions? Then book a video consultation with one of our qualified veterinarians to get advice on your pet questions within minutes.