Published Apr 17, 2022
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
A nutritionally balanced diet is the key to supporting your kitten’s growth and development.
By choosing a high-quality commercial cat food formulated according to AAFCO’s nutrient profiles for kittens, you’ll be meeting your kitten’s nutritional needs but adding protein-rich cat treats to his diet certainly can’t hurt.
A great cat treat packed with species-appropriate animal protein and animal-based fats can be a healthy addition to your growing kitten’s diet.
Cat treats are a wonderful way to spoil your kitten and they can help you form a strong bond from a young age. In this guide, we’ll talk about the qualities of a great treat for kittens and introduce you to our favorite kitten treats on the market.
At a Glance: Best Cat Treats for Kittens To Buy
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Cat-Man-Doo Dried Bonito Flakes
- Made with a single ingredient – dried bonito
- Rich in animal-based protein and healthy fats
- Low in carbohydrates and calories
Shameless Pets Catnip n Chill Crunchy Cat Treats
- Protein-rich chicken as the first ingredient
- Chicken fat provides nutrient-rich source of calories
- Supplemented with probiotics for heathy digestion
Wellness Kittles Grain-Free Chicken & Cranberries Crunchy Cat Treats
- Affordably priced just over $1 per ounce
- Formulated to support kitten health
- Rich in animal-based protein and fat
Inaba Churu Tuna & Chicken Puree Lickable Cat Treat
- Rich in moisture and natura flavor
- Fresh tuna and chicken as the main ingredients
- Convenient pouches, each serving is fresh
VetriScience Composure Chicken Flavor Soft Chews
- Contains three calming active ingredients
- Chewy texture, can be broken into pieces
- Affordably priced around $0.28 per chew
DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor Dental Cat Treats
- Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council
- Contains a concentrated source of animal protein
- Helps scrape tartar off your cat’s teeth
PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Treats
- Made with a single ingredient, chicken breast
- Freeze-dried to preserve nutrition
- Packed with protein and low in calories
How We Tested
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- We purchased 7 Best Cat Treats For Kittens on the market today.
- We spent a few weeks testing the cat treats on several cats
- We did not receive these product in exchange for a favorable review, they were purchased with our own money
The 4 Qualities of a Good Cat Treat for Kittens
Quality nutrition sets your kitten up for a lifetime of good health. While all domestic cats have the same nutritional needs, your kitten needs higher concentrations of protein and fat to fuel his growth and development. This is where a high-quality kitten food comes in.
Kitten food should be the staple of your cat’s diet, but every cat owner loves spoiling their cat from time to time with tasty treats.
Treats should only make up about 10% of your kitten’s daily caloric intake and it’s best if those calories come from protein and healthy fat instead of carbohydrates.
Here are some qualities to look for in a great treat for kittens:
1. Rich In Species-Appropriate Animal Protein.
All cats are obligate carnivores which means they require a meat-based diet. While treats may not be the primary component in your kitten’s diet, they should still be species appropriate. Look for a kitten treat that contains plenty of animal-based protein, especially as the first ingredient.
While animal by-products aren’t necessarily bad for cats, it can be difficult to judge their quality – especially if they are vaguely named (i.e., poultry meal vs chicken meal). It’s best to go with named sources like chicken or turkey meal.
2. Balanced With Healthy Animal-Based Fats.
While protein is essential for healthy muscle, fat provides your kitten with a concentrated source of calories. As is true for protein, it’s best when it comes from animal sources. Fats provide essential fatty acids as well as omega-3s and omega-6s.
3. Limited In Carbohydrate Content.
While some cat treats are made with single ingredients like chicken or fish, many contain high concentrations of unnecessary plant ingredients.
When evaluating kitten treats, check the ingredient list for an animal protein as the first ingredient. Avoid corn, wheat, and soy as these provide little to no nutritional value for your kitten. Starchy ingredients like potatoes and tapioca aren’t dangerous, but they aren’t particularly nutritious either.
Fresh vegetables can provide natural sources of essential nutrients but still shouldn’t make up the majority of the product.
4. Free From Potentially Harmful Ingredients.
In addition to avoiding high concentrations of carbs, choose a kitten treat that is free from potentially harmful ingredients. This includes artificial preservatives like BHT and BHA as well as artificial colors and flavors.
Not only have these ingredients been linked to negative health effects, but they provide nothing in the way of nutrition for your kitten.
Our Top Picks for the Best Kitten Treats
Now that you have a better understanding of how we came to our top picks, you’re probably eager to see them!
Here are our top 7 picks for the best cat treats for kittens:
#1 Overall Best: Cat-Man-Doo Dried Bonito Flakes
It doesn’t get any simpler than these dried bonito flakes from Cat-Man-Doo. Made with a single protein-packed ingredient, these are an excellent choice for kittens and adult cats alike.
These treats pack a punch with protein but they’re low in fat and calories, so you don’t have to worry about overdoing it in your cat’s diet. They’re also a little higher in moisture than the average crunchy cat treat and they’re rich in natural fish oils to support your kitten’s skin and coat.
It’s also worth noting that these treats contain 35% taurine, an essential amino acid for cats. Taurine is essential for healthy vision, digestion, and cardiovascular function.
One thing to keep in mind about these treats is that because they are flakes their shape and size may vary. Some customers say the product tends to crumble, but if you’re looking for a treat that doubles as a food topper, this is a great option.
Ingredients
100% Dried Bonito.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with a single ingredient – dried bonito
- Rich in animal-based protein and healthy fats
- Low in carbohydrates and calories
- Doubles as a food topper
What We Didn’t Like
- Tends to crumble
- Fairly expensive
#2 Runner Up: Shameless Pets Catnip n Chill Crunchy Cat Treats
Eco-conscious cat owners care not just about the quality of the ingredients in what they feed their cats, but where they come from and how they’re sourced. Shameless Pets is a sustainably minded company that puts misfit and surplus produce to use in an effort to reduce food waste.
Shameless Pets offers four different flavors of crunchy treats. This Catnip n Chill recipe features fresh chicken as the primary ingredient with nutrient-rich chicken fat as a healthy source of essential fats.
These treats have a crunchy texture cats love, and the addition of catnip is sure to drive your kitten crazy. They do contain a few plant ingredients, but no corn, wheat, or soy. They’re free from artificial additives and are supplemented with probiotics to support your kitten’s digestion.
Ingredients
Chicken, Sweet Potato, Brown Rice, Tapioca, Brewers Dried Yeast, Miscanthus Grass, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Inulin, Catnip, Phosphoric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Protein-rich chicken as the first ingredient
- Chicken fat provides nutrient-rich source of calories
- Supplemented with probiotics for heathy digestion
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains several plant ingredients
#3 Best Budget: Wellness Kittles Grain-Free Chicken & Cranberries Crunchy Cat Treats
Formulated specifically to support kitten health, these crunchy treats are made with all natural ingredients like protein-rich chicken and antioxidant-packed cranberries and blueberries.
Wellness Kittles come in several flavors and textures. You can also find both grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes in tasty flavors like salmon, tuna, and turkey. At just two calories each, these treats are a low-calorie way to spoil your kitten while supporting his health.
Deboned chicken tops the ingredient list, followed by chicken meal. Whitefish meal provides another supplemental source of protein while both chicken fat and salmon oil deliver essential fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA are essential for healthy brain and eye development.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Chickpeas, Peas, Whitefish Meal, Cranberries, Blueberries, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Affordably priced just over $1 per ounce
- Formulated to support kitten health
- Rich in animal-based protein and fat
- Available in crunchy and chewy texture
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains some starchy plant ingredients
#4 Best Soft Treats: Inaba Churu Tuna & Chicken Puree Lickable Cat Treat
When it comes to healthy cat treats, they don’t have to be crunchy. Treats come in all flavors and textures, including creamy lickable treats like these from Inaba Churu.
Much like kibble, dry treats are low in moisture, so they don’t support your kitten’s hydration. These puree treats from Inaba Churu are packed with moisture and they double as a food topper. They come in convenient 0.5-ounce pouches, so each serving is fresh.
This recipe features fresh tuna and chicken as the main ingredients. The combination of chicken and fish delivers high levels of protein as well as healthy fats, though these treats are still very low in calories.
Offer your kitten these puree treats during playtime or training to help strengthen your bond. You can also drizzle them over his food to provide a boost of protein and moisture.
Ingredients
Tuna With Chicken Recipe: Water, Tuna, Chicken, Tapioca, Natural Flavors, Guar Gum, Natural Tuna Flavor, Fructooligosaccharide, Vitamin E Supplement, Green Tea Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Not Listed
What We Liked
- Rich in moisture and natura flavor
- Fresh tuna and chicken as the main ingredients
- Convenient pouches, each serving is fresh
What We Didn’t Like
- Fairly expensive, about $0.80 each
- Contains some added starch
#5 Best Calming Treat: VetriScience Composure Chicken Flavor Soft Chews
Socialization is just as important for puppies as it is for kittens. Exposing your kitten to new things as he develops helps him learn how to adapt in unfamiliar situations. Even if you do your best to socialize your kitten, however, there may be situations or environments that make him nervous.
Chronic stress and anxiety are bad for your cat’s health, so it’s important to address the issue with your vet. For occasional anxiety, however, a calming cat treat might be the right option for your feline friend.
These calming cat treats from VetriScience are formulated with a trio of calming ingredients: C3 calming complex, L-Theanine, and Thiamine (B1).
C3 Calming Complex is a biopeptide blend derived from colostrum that supports cognitive function and reduces stress. L-Theanine stimulates the production of neurotransmitters to ease anxiety while thiamine soothes the central nervous system.
These treats do contain some plant-based ingredients, but customers comment that they seem to work well and cats like the flavor.
Ingredients
Thiamine (Vitamin B1), C3 Tm (Colostrum Calming Complex), L-Theanine, Brewer’s Yeast, Canola Oil, Chicken Liver Flavor, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Mixed Tocopherols, Propionic Acid, Proprietary Blend (Maltodextrin, Sodium Alginate and Calcium Sulfate), Rosemary Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Soy Lecithin, Vegetable Oil.
Active Ingredients (Per 1 Chew)
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 67mg
- C3 (Colostrum Calming Complex): 11mg
- L-Theanine: 5mg
Guaranteed Analysis
Not Listed
What We Liked
- Contains three calming active ingredients
- Chewy texture, can be broken into pieces
- Affordably priced around $0.28 per chew
What We Didn’t Like
- Texture can be a little hard for some cats
#6 Best Dental Treat: DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor Dental Cat Treats
Dental health is a key component of your cat’s overall health, so it’s best to start protecting it early. Brushing your kitten’s teeth is the best way to keep them clean, but dental treats can help.
While we don’t love that these treats contain corn ingredients, they are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for tartar control. Their crunchy texture helps scrape your cat’s teeth clean and they have an appealing chicken flavor.
These treats come in a 1.8-ounce resealable pouch priced under $2.50, so they’re very affordable as well. If the chicken flavor doesn’t appeal to your cat, these treats come in salmon flavor as well.
Ingredients
Ground Yellow Corn, Chicken Meal, Natural Flavor, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Powdered Cellulose, Glycerin, Dried Yeast, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Tricalcium Phosphate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council
- Contains a concentrated source of animal protein
- Helps scrape tartar off your cat’s teeth
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains two corn ingredients
#7 Best For Sensitive Stomachs: PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Treats
If you don’t introduce your kitten to new foods at an early age, he may develop a sensitive stomach. Kittens can also develop sensitive stomachs if they’re feed foods that contain artificial additives or ingredients that are hard to digest.
These freeze-dried raw cat treats from PureBites are made with a single, high-quality, and easily digestible ingredient: chicken.
Completely free from fillers and artificial flavors, these treats are low calorie and packed with species-appropriate animal protein. Whether you’re training your kitten or just trying to show him a little extra love, these treats are a tasty (and healthy) way to do it.
Ingredients
100% Pure USA Sourced & Made Human Grade Chicken Breast.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with a single ingredient, chicken breast
- Freeze-dried to preserve nutrition
- Packed with protein and low in calories
- Easily digestible for sensitive stomachs
What We Didn’t Like
- Treats can become crumbly
Love your website and the detail explinations dedicated to the health and happiness of our feline family members. As a new mom to two beautiful Siamese – Mixed Kittens approximately three (3) months old. Having been on a deep dive on the web regarding their breed and recommendations specifically for kittens. Was wondering if you have gathered any recommendations for brushing kittens teeth? I understand that Siamese are prone to oral hygiene issues, and maintaing good oral hygiene needs to be a priority due to their bone structure. I don’t see any recommendations pertaining to the oral hygiene of kittens. Thank you in advance for your reply!
Great question, Kat! The good news is that any oral hygiene routine that is safe for cats is also safe for kittens. In fact, it’s a good idea to start your kitten early with toothbrushing so they get used to it. Definitely choose a toothpaste made for cats and consider a brush with soft bristles. If your kitten appears uncomfortable with brushing while he’s teething, you can try dental wipes or an oral rinse. These won’t be as effective at removing plaque and tartar, but they can help protect your kitten’s teeth until they’ve fully grown in.
Here’s a suggestion:
https://prf.hn/l/AVv9Q84
Hi! First of all, I just wanna say I love love love your website and what you’re doing! It really helps out cat owners, new and old, in choosing the best for their fur babies amidst all the options out there, thank you :)) And back to the topic of snacks, for those that find dried bonito flakes made especially for cats expensive, try the human alternative! It’s basically the same thing and it’s relatively more accessible since you can most likely find it in any Asian supermarket. While you’re there, another great natural snack suggestion, please correct me if I’m wrong, would be dried anchovies (the unsalted ones) used for making stock! Might not be the best snack for kittens since the small bones within the fish might still be too big for the digestive tract of little cats, but a great snack for adult cats! And if you have a cat that doesn’t like drinking water, you can also soak the bonito flakes or dried anchovies in hot water for a few hours, let it cool, and use it as a liquid snack!
Thanks for the tip, Megan!