Healthy cat treats – how to choose the best ones and what to look for?
Healthy cat treats:
How to spoil your cat wisely and keep them in shape?
Every pet parent knows this moment: you open the cupboard, and your cat, previously fast asleep, materializes beside you with a loud purr. It’s a classic! Every owner loves that moment of excitement in their cat's eyes. However, as a conscious owner, you certainly ask yourself: does what I give my pet actually benefit them? Choosing the right treats is not just a matter of taste, but above all, supporting their health, kidneys, and shiny coat. Healthy cat treats are the key to a long life.
Why does the choice of treats matter from a veterinary perspective?
A cat is an obligate carnivore with an extremely specialized metabolism, which differs from a dog's in its significantly higher requirement for specific animal-based ingredients. Their body needs a constant supply of high-quality protein, specific vitamins, and taurine, which cats do not produce in sufficient quantities themselves.
What’s more, the specific nature of their digestive system means they are naturally adapted to obtaining moisture directly from their food. Therefore, when choosing treats, it is worth looking for those that entice with their aroma but also genuinely supplement the diet with valuable amino acids, support hydration, and care for the sensitive urinary tract.
Mersjo treats are created precisely with these requirements in mind.
How do you match treats to your cat's needs? Let's look at this with some concrete examples.
Lick&Purr pastes and mousses: A tasty way to hydrate
If your cat avoids their water bowl, the Lick&Purr line is a lifesaver for you. These pastes are characterized by a high moisture content, which supports proper hydration, which is crucial for kidney function. It’s the perfect "hydrator" served in the form of a delicious cream.
- Lick&Purr Salmon Mousse - contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which act as anti-inflammatories and take care of the skin's lipid barrier.
- Lick&Purr Creamy Tuna Moments - the intense smell of fish helps encourage even older cats or those with a poor appetite to eat.
- Lick&Purr Soft Chicken Dream - an easily digestible protein base, perfect for sensitive stomachs.
The pastes are also a brilliant way to hide medications or to use as a reward during brushing, which builds positive associations with grooming.
Soft Wrap-Purr rolls: Over 87% meat and fish
For cats that like a specific texture, we have prepared soft meat rolls. These are not just ordinary snacks; they are a powerful dose of animal protein, where a duck base (over 72%) is combined with noble fish.
- Wrap-Purr Duck & Salmon and Wrap-Purr Duck & Tuna.
What sets these rolls apart? Above all, the addition of Bonito - a noble fish that gives the treats an irresistible aroma even for the pickiest of cats. From a health perspective, the yeast extract (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is key, as it provides natural prebiotics, which in turn support the functioning of the intestinal microflora and immunity.
The whole thing is complemented by a solid dose of taurine (0.15%) and vitamins A and D3, which take care of your cat's eyesight and strong bones. Thanks to potato starch, the rolls remain soft and safe for gums, making them an ideal choice for cats of all ages.
Mini line: A small bite, big value
Sometimes we need small rewards, e.g., for snuffle mats or interactive toys. Our "Mini" line for cats and small dogs consists of pure meat and fish in the form of sushi or handy slices.
- Mini salmon slices - 100% of the taste of the sea in the form of delicate bites. They are a natural source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which support immunity and make the cat's coat thick and shiny.
- Mini duck and cod sushi - a unique combination of noble duck meat with easily digestible cod. Such a fusion of land and sea protein creates a composition of exceptional palatability that only a few cats will resist.
- Mini duck slices - an excellent, single-protein snack created with allergy sufferers and cats with a sensitive digestive system in mind. Pure duck meat is a guarantee of safety and high digestibility.
An exceptional item is the Heart Duo Beef with Carrot. Why carrot? It is an excellent source of beta-carotene and fiber, which can support intestinal peristalsis and help in removing hair (makes passing swallowed fur easier). Thanks to this, the Heart Duo are ideal healthy cat treats, combining the taste of beef with health prevention.
However, one should keep in mind that although we have a combination of meats here that cats love (beef + chicken), a fondness for carrots can be an individual matter.
Freeze-dried products: The peak of naturalness
Freeze-drying is a process of dehydration that removes water but retains almost 100% of the vitamins and minerals contained in the raw product. This means that this process allows for the preservation of high nutritional value.
- Freeze-dried Chicken Liver Bites - this is a natural multivitamin. Liver is the richest source of vitamin A, essential for a cat's vision.
- Freeze-dried Duck Hearts - these are pieces of pure duck breast meat shaped into hearts. This is an ideal proposition for owners looking for high-quality meat in a convenient form.
Crunch & Purr: Crunching with an addition of "Superfoods"
For dessert, something for crunch lovers, namely Crunch-Purr cookies. Unlike many store-bought snacks, our recipes are not wheat-based. We used rice flour, which is easily digestible and gluten-free, which protects cats' sensitive intestines. However, that is only the beginning of the benefits of these exceptional recipes:
- Crunch-Purr Soft Chicken Biscuits: This is a real bomb of functional ingredients. Besides chicken, you will find egg yolk (5%) rich in biotin for a shiny coat, as well as cheese and butter, which enhance palatability and provide energy. A key addition is brewer's yeast (3%), a source of prebiotics (e.g., MOS, beta-glucans) supporting intestinal microflora.
- Crunch-Purr Chicken & Shrimp Biscuits: This version contains as much as 25% shrimp, which is a luxurious source of protein and valuable minerals.
Both types of cookies contain 5% catnip, which acts as a stimulant for most cats, although the reaction is individual. The composition is completed by fish oil (a source of Omega-3), essential taurine, and a set of vitamins (A, E, B1, D3), which makes the crunchy biscuit a supplement to a balanced diet.
Summary: how to reward healthily?
Giving treats is a ritual that strengthens the bond, but remember a few rules:
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The 10% rule: Treats should not make up more than 10% of the daily caloric requirement.
This is a supplement to the diet, not its basis. - Choose functionally: If your cat doesn't drink much, serve mousses. If it has thick fur, choose bites with a higher crude fiber content.
- Read the ingredients: Avoid sugar, grains, and artificial colors – you won't find them in Mersjo.
- Ensure playtime: Hide treats so your cat has to "hunt" for them.
Looking for the best support for your furry friend? Check out the full range at Mersjo.com and see what your cat will love!
Photo credit: @izulkah on Instagram
Sources:
- Hand, M. S., Thatcher, C. D., Remillard, R. L., Roudebush, P., & Novotny, B. J. (2010). Small Animal Clinical Nutrition.
- Zoran, D. L. (2002). The carnivore connection to nutrition in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats.
- Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition – research on hydration and the role of taurine in cat diets.
- Beynen, A. C. (2018). Diet and hairballs in cats. ResearchGate / Veterinary Nutrition.
- Kulkarni, G. V., et al. (2021). Role of Yeast Extracts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in Pet Nutrition.
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Sneddon, J. C., et al. (2006). The role of water in the diet of the domestic cat.