Is it Bad to Give My Cat Treats Every Day?

Is it okay to give your cat treats every single day? There are many differing opinions on the subject, but one thing is for sure: your cat’s opinion is that getting treats every day is great!

How Many Cat Treats a Day?

Because treats can be high in calories, they should not be given in excess. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, treats should not make up more than 10-15% of your cat’s diet.¹ Even if the treats you are giving are technically healthy and low in calories, you’ll still want to feed your cat a commercial, balanced wet or dry food, or a combination of both as the majority of his diet.

Tips to Maintain a Healthy Balance of Treats in Your Cat’s Life

• Portion control. Set aside a pre-determined number of treats that your cat is able to have each day. If you want to get technical, you can calculate calories to ensure that your cat is getting an appropriate amount for his weight. Excessive treats may cause weight gain or digestive issues, so knowing how much is too much will save your cat a trip to the vet.
• Choose healthier options. If you are looking for healthy or grain-free cat snacks, consider Delectables™ wet cat treats. These lickable cat treats are packed with protein and come in different flavors, textures, and varieties for all life stages, with kitten and senior formulas fortified with vitamins and minerals. You can feel good about what’s going into your cat’s stomach with Delectables™.
• Use treats for training and enrichment. Using cat treats for training is a great idea. You and your cat will bond over learning how to give high fives and sit on cue, and he will literally be working for his reward. Squeeze Up® treats are great training rewards! You can also consider using puzzle feeders for your cat’s treats or giving them a “scavenger hunt” by hiding treats around the house. You’ll be incorporating some exercise in that way.
• Ask your veterinarian. If you’re not sure how many treats your cat should get or what he should eat or not eat, the best resource is your veterinarian. They should be able to help you count calories and keep track of your kitty’s weight and health to make sure his diet is not contributing to any health concerns.

While it's natural to want to pamper your kitty with lots of his favorite treats, maintaining a healthy balance is essential for his overall well-being. It’s perfectly fine for your cat to have a couple of treats every day, but they should always be given in moderation and are not a substitute for a balanced and nutritionally complete diet. By being mindful of your cat's diet and addressing his unique needs, you can contribute to a long and fulfilling life for your feline friend. Remember, your veterinarian is your best ally in making informed decisions about your cat's diet and overall care.

_{1. Feeding Your Cat | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine}