Every cat owner knows how much cats love treats; in fact, they go bananas for them. Pet owners can agree that they want to give their fuzzball the best, and this is also true for the type of treats they buy. Over the past few years, freeze-dried treats have become very popular. They offer many benefits, but there are also some drawbacks to be aware of.

 

What Are Freeze-Dried Treats?

Freeze-dried treats are made through a process of sublimation, where almost all the moisture is removed from the treat. The treat is frozen and vacuum-sealed. This process helps the treat retain most of its nutrients, flavours, and aromas, and as it is a raw food treat, they do not need refrigeration.

Most freeze-dried treats, like those from Fuzzball, are made with single ingredient sources, such as chicken.

 

Why Would You Use Freeze-Dried Treats As A Meal Topper?

Cats love a good looking snack! This is a convenient way to make your cat’s food more appetising by adding extra flavours and aromas. Additionally, it’s an effective trick to get your cat to eat dry or wet food when they are being fussy.

Or, perhaps you simply want your cat to enjoy all the benefits of freeze-dried treats, and this is how you choose to serve them.

 

The Pros Of Freeze-Dried Cat Treats As A Meal Topper

Freeze-dried treats are extremely popular, and this is due to the fact that they offer so many benefits, such as:

Nutrients

Freeze-dried treats are able to retain almost all their nutrients during the freezing process, leaving you with a treat that is full of nutrients and essential vitamins—great for your cat's health.

Shelf-Life And Convenience

Since all the moisture has been removed from the treats, they have a very long shelf life. Due to this extended shelf life, as well as the fact that the treats are light, they are easy to handle and store.

 

Palatability

Freeze-dried treats are light and chewy, and most cats love the burst of aroma and flavour. This treat is also ideal for picky eaters.

Weight Management

These treats are usually more calorie-dense than wet food due to the reduced moisture content, making them great for cats that need to watch their weight. Additionally, these treats are low in carbohydrates and do not contain grains or fillers, which helps prevent obesity in cats.

High-Quality Protein

These treats are usually made from a single-source protein, such as beef or chicken, meaning there are no added preservatives, sugar, or salt. This ensures a high-quality, natural protein that is great for their diet.

 

Things To Consider When Using Freeze-Dried Cat Treats As A Meal Topper

It’s clear why people love freeze-dried treats, given their many benefits. However, it’s important to be aware of a few things when using freeze-dried treats as toppers:

Overfeeding

It’s easy to overfeed cats, especially when they try that "Puss-in-Boots" cute stare with their big eyes. However, an excess of protein and vitamins can affect your cat’s health over time. It’s essential to stay within the recommended feeding guidelines on the back of the treat package. Freeze-dried treats should not replace a well balanced diet of dry and/or wet cat food.

Limited Moisture

Since almost all the moisture has been removed from freeze-dried treats, they will not help cats stay hydrated. Pet owners will still need to ensure their cat drinks enough water or gets moisture through wet food.

How To Use Freeze-Dried Cat Treats As A Meal Topper

There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering using freeze-dried treats as a meal topper:

 

High-Quality Treats: Ensure you buy a quality treat that contains a single protein, with no added artificial ingredients, preservatives, salt, or sugar.

Stick to the Recommended Usage: It’s better to give fewer treats than too many, as overfeeding can negatively affect your cat’s health.

Hydration: Make sure your cat has a full water bowl and drinks regularly.

Check for Allergies or Sensitivities: Ensure your cat is enjoying the treats and not experiencing any allergies or sensitivities.

 

Things To Look For When Buying Freeze-Dried Cat Treats

When choosing freeze-dried cat treats, it’s important to consider the ingredients, nutritional value, texture, cost, and the brand’s overall reputation. These factors can help you determine if you're buying a good-quality treat.

 

Will You Be Using Freeze-Dried Treats As A Topper?

Freeze-dried treats are a great addition to a meal when used as a topper, as they can enhance the meal’s flavour and aroma. These treats also offer many benefits for cats, such as nutrition, palatability, and weight management. Freeze-dried treats are a fantastic option as a meal topper, but should not replace a well-balanced diet. Your cat will thank you with many late-night snuggles because they love you(or simply want more treats)!