While you may think cats spend their days pondering the meaning of life, most of the time they are actually just thinking about their next snack. But when it comes to those snacks, what exactly sets "freeze-dried" treats apart from regular cat treats?
Putting it gently, what is all the fuss about and what does your treat-hungry Fuzzballl actually prefer?
Traditional Cat Treats
Traditional cat treats, such as Dentalife or Dreamies, offer a wide range of flavours that your cat may love - from salmon and mackerel to chicken and turkey, there is an option for all fussy eaters. Although these flavours might seem appealing to your kitty, it’s important to check the ingredients of the brand of treats you buy to ensure that they are packed with protein and do not contain any sugars, salts and other unnecessary fillers.
Benefits of Traditional Cat Treats
Traditional cat treats often come in a range of different shapes and different flavour combinations (although your cat likely isn’t fussed about this). These cat treats might seem to be more bang for your buck as they are most cost effective than freeze-dried treats.
The Cons of Traditional Cat Treats
The biggest down-side to giving your cat traditional treats is that they are often filled with additives and fillers, which are bad for your cat's health and can lead to various digestive and health issues.
Freeze-Dried Treats
Freeze-dried treats is where cat treats have really stepped up a level. These treats are made by freeze-drying raw meat making them super nutritious for your cat. Removing all of the water and keeping all of the flavour will keep your kitty happy and not cause any tummy issues.
The Pros of Freeze-Dried Treats
Because the process is often quite straightforward, these treats are transparent and typically contain 100% meat or fish. There are no sneaky extras added into freeze-dried cat treats and they are just pure flavour and nourishment. These are also great for picky cats.
Are There Cons of Freeze-Dried Treats?
These treats will always be the healthiest treat option for your little Fuzzball, they are a little more costly than traditional treats, however, it is worth the small additional expense to ensure you are not feeding your cat treats that are actually bad for them. The longer term health benefits of pure protein treats also make the small additional cost worth it.
The Final Verdict From Your Resident Fuzz
If you had to choose, freeze-dried wins on quality, flavour, and tummy friendliness. Traditional treats do hold some value in snack rotation (variety is the spice of life), but freeze-dried treats are the healthiest option for your cat. Feeding freeze-dried treats guarantees that you are only giving your cat treats that are genuinely good for them.
Can I Give My Cat Freeze-Dried Treats Every Day?
Yes, of course you can but as with all good things in life like cardboard boxes and knocking things off counters, moderation is key. While freeze-dried treats contain a lot of protein and can be a tasty addition to your cat’s routine, they should not replace a good diet. A few bites here and there will keep your fuzzball happy while still ensuring that they fit through the cat flap.
Final Words of Wisdom Regarding Cat Snacks
Pay attention to the labels. If the first ingredient is something you would not eat , then chances are your cat shouldn’t eat it either. Please also make sure everything you feed is done in moderation. By making treats a treat only, you can help keep your cat healthy and prevent any health issues that may arise as a result of overeating.
