How Many Treats Per Day For A Kitten

Your Cat May Have Trained You To Feed It

The act of feeding is a training exercise between the cat and the feeder. Cats often key on the behaviors and acts that are a preview to feeding them and try to get the feeder to engage in these. A good example is feeding the cats as soon as you get out of bed in the morning. The cats will very often try to get the person up in the morning so that they get fed earlier and earlier and earlier

Another example is the cat running into the kitchen every time the fridge is opened since that is where they know you store the canned food.

So How Many Calories Does My Cat Need

We are now ready to answer the ultimate question. First, you can look at the cans and bags of what you have been feeding your pet and evaluate how many calories it has been receiving so far. When you get the recommended number, you can compare them and see whether you will need to feed it more, less, or slightly adjust the diet.

The formula is based on the standard daily calorie intake for an average cat and its current weight, producing the amount you should feed it. This number is additionally adjusted by the lifestyle factor. Depending on it, the daily amount of wet or dry food to feed your cat may vary greatly, as the recommended calories amount may vary immensely based on the current weight and your future goals.

However, you can leave it out for now, its important to at least establish how much food it takes to keep your cat satisfied at its current weight without threatening its condition. And in a week, when you have followed this regime, you can weigh it again and see whether its losing or gaining pounds. Then, the lifestyle factor can be used to alter the calorie content based on whether you want to increase or reduce it.

If your cat suffers from serious medical issues, make sure to consult the vet, of course. Usually, though, the health condition may influence certain products and types of foods, as well as the preferred feeding schedule.

Read Also: How Much To Feed A 3 Month Old Kitten

Best Budget: Blue Buffalo Bursts With Savory Seafood Cat Treats

Calories: 2.1 per treat | Key Ingredients: Deboned salmon, brown rice, tuna meal, barley, pork fat, tapioca starch, oatmeal, salmon meal, natural flavor, deboned cod, peas, shrimp, canola oil, brewers dried yeast, dried whey, taurine, oil of rosemary

• Meat is the first ingredient

• Less than $1/oz.

• 12 ounces is the largest container available

• Slightly higher calories per treat than other similar options

These cat treats come in 12-ounce containers which will put the price of spoiling your cat at less than a dollar an ounce. Other healthy treats are priced at over a dollar an ounce and dont commonly come in more than a 2-ounce bag. Blue Buffalo Bursts have a crunchy outer shell and a creamy inside that most cats find irresistible and cat owners love that they contain no wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Meat is the first ingredient in both flavors of these cost-conscious and healthy treats so you know youre giving your little carnivore something nutritious.

Read Also: What Does A Male Cat Look Like

Are Temptations Bad For Cats

Unfortunately, Temptations havent always had good press. In the past, it was claimed that 12 cats were poisoned after eating the treats, with two of them going on to develop renal failure. While there have been no vet-reported cases, its only natural for owners to be concerned.

The good news is Temptations are safe in moderation. However, you must pay attention to the following ingredients and potential health issues before feeding them to your cat:

Final Thoughts On Cat Treats

Cats love crunchy cat treats because they get addicted to the flavor enhancers. The high amount of carbohydrates in cat treats also promotes hunger in cats.

This is dangerous, especially daily, because it will cause the cat to gain unnecessary weight.

Kibble and crunchy treats are bad for cats. Especially daily.

The best cat treats are made with one ingredient: meat.

Buy dehydrated or freeze-dried muscle meat and organ treats from trusted sources.

Include the calories from treats in your cats daily food intake. Cat treats should not make up more than 10% of the total caloric intake for the day.

Healthy cat treats can provide vitamins and trace minerals and add some fun to your cats day.

Need help finding good-quality cat food? Grab my Cat Food Label Cheat Sheets!

Don’t Miss: Cat Food Blue Wilderness Reviews

Best Grain Free: Purebites Freeze Dried Chicken Breast Cat Treats

Calories: 2 calories per treat | Flavor: Chicken | Lifestage: Adult

• Only available in small bags

• Treats tend to crumble

PureBites cat treats contain just one ingredientchicken. They are freeze-dried and come in bite-sized pieces that make healthy treats for your cat. They have no added grains or other ingredients, so it’s easy to avoid things your cat cant have, and the unique texture will be an appealing reward. These treats are affordable, all-natural, and only have about two calories each. Salmon and shrimp treat options are also available from PureBites for cats that need to avoid both grains and chicken.

What Behaviors Indicate An Addiction To Treats

Most cats love treats. Some cats love them so much that they will completely ignore their full food dishes in pursuit of treats once they hear the bag shake. A simple love of treats is common and nothing to be concerned about. Over time, however, your cat might develop an addiction which could lead to some changes in their behavior.

One of the trademark indicators of cat treat addiction is incessant meowing that may gradually increase in volume as if you cant already hear them making their demands.

Rarely, a cat may also get physically aggressive by hissing, biting or scratching when treats are denied especially if they can see the treats but not get to them.

You May Like: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years

Don’t Miss: Cats Normal Heart Rate

What Is A Good Daily Treat For Dogs

When looking for a daily treat, its important to keep calories in mind. Using a low-calorie treat helps to prevent weight gain while maximizing the likelihood that your dog continues to eat their nutritionally balanced dog food.

As you saw in the example above, large dog treats can be incredibly high in calories. Smaller treats are typically lower in calories, while still serving as a tasty reward for your dog. If you want to give several treats per day, its best to focus on a small treat, like the Milk-Bone Minis mentioned above, Hills Soft & Chewy Training Treats , or other low-calorie training treats.

While some treats make marketing claims about the beneficial ingredients they use in their treats, a well-balanced commercial dog food meets all of your dogs nutritional needs. Your treats do not need to contain any supplements or special ingredients. Ignore the marketing hype and focus on calorie content when selecting a treat.

Bonding With Your Cat

Theres some truth in the stereotype that cats especially love their owners when its feeding time! Whether youve just welcomed a new kitty home, or just want to bond some more with your lifelong pal, treats are a great way to show affection and for your cat to develop a positive association between you and yummy treats. This positive association can help strengthen your bond and make your cat more comfortable around you.

Recommended Reading: Blue Cat Food Ingredient List

Raw Paws Pet Food Freeze

Raw Paws Pet Food is a great online store for raw cat food ingredients and supplies.

I received free samples to test out.

My cat, Jericho, likes the freeze-dried sardine chunks. Im also getting lamb treats once theyre back in stock.

Youll see simple ingredients with their treats and food too.

Raw Paws also sells complete meals if youre looking for the best raw cat food delivery.

Buy Raw Paws Pet Food treats on their website. Use code CATICLES15 for 15% off.

Why Do Cats Like Temptations Treats So Much

Temptations are one of the best-known cat treats. Cats cant get enough of them and reject their everyday food in favor of a few crunchy treats. But too many can cause addiction, weight gain, and nutritional deficiencies. Thats why you must restrict the amount you feed.

Cats love eating Temptations because they come in a range of meaty and seafood-inspired flavors. Theyre made with animal digest, which is an ingredient commonly found in pet food. Its made from undecomposed animal protein and gives Temptations a scrumptious flavor that cats cant resist. While the treats are made from natural ingredients, they contain additives and flavorings, causing some cats to become addicted.

Only feed your cat the recommended amount of 15 treats a day. If you give your cat too many, it may develop behavioral problems, such as aggression and begging. If this happens, youll need to wean your cat off the treats.

Recommended Reading: How Old Is A 7 Year Old Cat

How Do I Feed Feline Greenies Dental Treats

FELINE GREENIES Dental Treats are recommended for adult cats of any breed. Typically your veterinarian will give instruction for dental care and nutritional modification at the 1 year visit. Therefore we recommend that you dont start your cat on FELINE GREENIES Dental Treats until they are at least ten to 12 months of age.

FELINE GREENIES Dental Treats are 100% nutritionally complete and balanced for adult maintenance, all natural with added vitamins, minerals, taurine and chlorophyll. We recommend As with any treat, always offer water after feeding. If obesity is a concern, reduce food intake.

Can Cats Become Addicted To Temptations

Many cats love the taste of Temptations treats so much so, they cant get enough of them. If youre wondering why cats are addicted to Temptations, the main reason is that they contain a double basting of digest, which is what is in temptations that cats love.

Animal digest is a common ingredient in pet food and treats produced by the chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of undecomposed animal protein, including liver, muscle, and soft tissues.

This process breaks down the protein into short strings of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, giving Temptations a tasty flavor. According to the scientific journal Animals, cats are innately drawn to foods with a strong umami flavor produced by a high concentration of amino acids. Thats what makes animal digest so palatable for cats. Signs of cat treat addiction include:

• Whining and meowing

• Creamy dairy
• Crab

This wide range of flavors means theres something for all cats to enjoy, even the fussy ones. Unfortunately, because Temptations are so tasty, some cats beg for them and even refuse to eat their regular food.

If you indulge your cat in a handful of Temptations every day, youre fuelling this addiction. Cats that are addicted to Temptations meow, hiss, and scratch to get hold of them.

They also scratch at the cupboard they know their treats are stored to get hold of them. This behavior will only get worse if you dont put a stop to it.

Don’t Miss: How Much Should A Cat Eat In One Day

Inaba Churu Lickable Treats

If your kitten is a little shy, these tubes of deliciousness may entice them to come out of their shell! Churu purées come in a squeezable packet thats perfect for doling out dabs as a wonderful reward, a food topper, or a great way to entice your kitten to eat mix-in medications. The tuna and salmon flavor treats are available in packs of four or 24 5-ounce tubes.

How To Calculate Food Doses

Before filling your cats bowl with kibble, it is advisable to consider the age, habits, lifestyle and his physical characteristics. An adult cat has different needs and requirements from a few months old kitten. Furthermore, it is necessary to evaluate what type of food you intend to give the cat: dry food or wet food?

If the cat eats wet food, the correct dose of food is about 40 grams per kilo of body weight, for example an animal that weighs 4 kg should eat 160 grams of treats per day. However it should be specified that in the cats diet there cannot be only wet, but this must constitute at most 20% of the total.

If the cat eats dry food, the correct dose of food is about 40 grams for each kilo of weight, and the total divided by three, because dry food is more concentrated than wet and to obtain the same requirement, a smaller amount is needed.

So be careful not to stuff the bowl when it is empty cats, in fact, have a tendency to eat everything they find inside, just for the sake of emptying it, but then they will have to deal with diseases such as obesity, just as happened to the cat Bazooka, which was continuously fed by its elderly owner, up to weighing 16 kilos!

Read Also: Blue Buffalo Carnivora Reviews

What If My Cat Has Allergies

If a cat has food allergies, it would likely be to common proteins like beef, chicken, or dairy. Food allergies in animals are primarily due to proteins and generally the meat proteins. However, your cat could have allergies to other sources of proteins such as wheat, corn, or rice as these are also ingredients.

Why Are Temptations Cat Treats So Addictive

Cats love eating Temptations because they come in a range of meaty and seafood-inspired flavors. Theyre made with animal digest, which is an ingredient commonly found in pet food. While the treats are made from natural ingredients, they contain additives and flavorings, causing some cats to become addicted.

Also Check: How Many Calories Should A 12 Pound Cat Eat

Deciding When To Give Your Kitten A Treat

How Often Should I Give My Cat Treats

The cat food aisle in supermarkets these days has so much choice. Dry food, wet food, foods to suit various ages and diets, and in addition to all these choices there are also cat treats. Again, a vast choice including lick treats, dry treats and all with various flavors and benefits. But do cats need these treats in their diets and is there a limit on how many treats we should give our cats?

How often should I give my cat treats?

Firstly, your cat does not NEED treats. Their daily nutritional requirements can be achieved with a balanced diet of good quality, age appropriate cat food. If you have any uncertainties regarding what foods suit your cats needs the best, then please consult your veterinary for advice. But for various reasons, we all like to indulge our cats from time to time whether it be a new toy, a new bed or a few tasty treats.

Treats can be given to cats every day but shouldnt be more than 10% of their daily calorie allowance. Each brand and variety of treat will differ in their nutritional content and calorific value therefore be sure to check the information on the packaging. They should not be used as a meal substitute. As the word suggests, they are a treat for special occasions, or a small moment of pleasure, or a reward.

Benefits of giving cat treats

There are many reasons why cat owners are giving their cats some tasty treats:

• Can help with training

• To show love and attention

• As part of a routine

• Supplement nutritional benefits

• To hide medication

Also Check: Blue Buffalo Wet Kitten Food

Reward Your Feline Friend With Something Nutritious And Delicious

• Pin
• Email

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

Most cat owners like to show they love their cats not only with affection but with treats. There are a number of different kinds of cat treats and some are better for your cat than others. However, choosing a healthy treat isnt as easy as it sounds because cats can be selective in what they want to eat and some may have dietary restrictions.

Dr. Kerri Blackburn of Rivers Edge Animal Hospital in Rock Hill, South Carolina says cat treats, much like human treats, are loaded with calories and sodium to help with flavor and encourage palatability . “This can be problematic when we are focused on weight loss or a cat has health concerns like renal or heart disease,” she says. “Treats can be formulated with many ingredients and this can be problematic in cats with allergies.

Thankfully there are a number of healthy cat treat options so you can find the perfect one for your cat, despite what dietary restrictions it may have. By choosing a cat treat that your cat not only enjoys eating but that also has healthy ingredients, you can avoid giving empty calories and therefore contribute to your cats health instead of a problem.

Below, find the best healthy cat treats.