A Guide to Buying Healthy Cat Treats
If you are a cat lover, chances are that you have a furry one as part of your family. It is a pleasure to see them enjoying tasty treats every now and then, but not all the treats that you pick off the shelves to give them are beneficial and safe for their health. So, it is essential that you choose treats wisely for your pet. Here are some useful tips for buying healthy cat treats to ensure that your pet enjoys them without raising concerns about their health:
- Always set a limit on the consumption of treats
You might feel tempted to give your cat as many treats as they want, but that isn’t a good idea at all. Remember that the treats are not as wholesome and nutritious as meals, and some even emphasize so much on the taste factor that they lack the essential vitamins and minerals. While treats are not harmful, you should only give them to your cat in a measured proportion to prevent any negative effects on health. The thumb rule is to ensure that treats are not more than 10% of your cat’s daily diet. - Consult a veterinarian
One of the most helpful tips for buying healthy cat treats is to consult a vet. Your vet is the best person who understands the health of your pet, along with what they can be allergic to. Some cats are prescribed special diets, which further restrict the choice of treats for them. Consulting the vet even before you buy the treats is a good way of preventing health issues from cropping up later. - Avoid soy, wheat, and corn
Another important tip to follow when buying healthy cat treats is to avoid corn, soy, and wheat. You might not be including these in the meals for your cat, but it is also equally important to keep it in mind while buying treats. Carbohydrates and fiber are not meant for cats who thrive mostly on protein, and soy, corn, and wheat are all sources of carb and fiber. While they might not harm your pet directly, they should be avoided. - Keep a check on the sugar content
Some cat treats contain added sweeteners to enhance taste, so avoid buying them as it can make your cat diabetic. Also, interestingly, cats are unable to savor the taste of these sweeteners, so check the label with the list of ingredients and go for a healthier, even if less tasty, option. - Stay away from artificial flavors and preservatives
One of the obvious but extremely significant tips for buying healthy cat treats is to avoid those that contain even the slightest artificial flavor or preservatives. All of these are harmful, but they are used in some cat treats to increase their shelf life, so check the list of ingredients before picking up treats for your pet.