Updated April 30, 2023 by Jess and Jericho

Disclaimer: I earn a commission if you make a purchase through affiliate links below.

Ditching the carb-heavy treats and upgrading to healthier options will help your cat get used to eating better-quality ingredients. This makes the transition to wet or raw much easier.

1. Shop for new treats

  • Click the healthy treats on Amazon button below.
  • Buy ONE treat to focus on this month.
Healthy treats on Amazon US
CA
UK

My favorite healthy cat treats are A Better Treat.

Tip: Use their salmon treats if your cat is very picky and currently eating fish-flavored food.

Another tip: You could also use complete and balanced freeze-dried raw food as the treat plus the food topper and upgraded food for the next two steps in this plan. My favorite is Quest Cat Food. Use code JESSCATICLES to get 20% off.

2. Plan the transition

  • Open this google sheet.
  • Click “make a copy”.
  • A copy of the treats log sheet will open.
  • Enter the amount of food you feed daily in the red cell box D1.
  • The cell below will automate to the total amount of treats you can feed daily.
  • The table below that will automate a transition schedule. Over the next 20 days you will slowly wean off your cat’s current treats and introduce the new treats.
  • For example, if you feed 4 ounces of food daily, the amount of treats to give daily will automate to 0.4.
  • The table will automate and show you the amount of current treats and new treats to feed each day during the transition.
  • Print the treats log or write it down in your planner. My digital workbook and printable workbook include a food transition page.

3. Replace your cat’s treats

  • Use your digital scale to weigh out your cat’s treats.
  • Feed the correct amount of each treat daily.
  • Note down your cat’s reactions.
  • Keep track of your cat’s litter box habits and eating habits during the transition.

BONUS: Fun ways to feed treats

  • Hide treats around your home for your cat to hunt. I use glass jar lids to keep surfaces sanitary. Hide treats on top of condos, inside the Ripple Rug, inside cat beds, and wherever else they fit.
  • Use feeder mice treat-release toys for hunting and playing. Buy on Amazon or Chewy.
  • Healthy treats make excellent training rewards.
  • Hide treats inside TP roll toys or foraging mats. Buy a foraging mat on Amazon or Etsy.
  • Buy Cat Amazing food puzzle toy on Amazon or Chewy.

Next step? Fresh food toppers.

FAQ

What cat treats are healthy?

Freeze-dried or dehydrated muscle meats, organs, and minnows are all healthy cat treats. Examples include chicken breast, turkey hearts, beef green tripe, lamb lung, beef liver, etc. If there is a long list of ingredients, they are probably not healthy. More on healthy cat treats.

Where else can I buy healthy cat treats?

Raised Right shake-a-flakes and Dr. Becker’s Bites are both great options.

Buy on Chewy:
Buy on Only Natural Pet:

How many treats can I give my cat?

Treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat’s total daily intake. If you feed 4 ounces of food daily, you would feed no more than 0.4 ounces of treats daily.

Are treats safe to feed daily?

You can feed treats daily as long as they are healthy and you feed no more than 10% of your cat’s total daily intake.

Why do cats get addicted to treats?

Most crunchy “dental” treats are filled with low-quality ingredients and fillers. Many of them are also very high in carbohydrates. So some pet food manufacturers often spray dry food and treats with flavor enhancers (mostly restaurant grease and fat). Cats form an addiction to these flavor enhancers. And this can cause picky eating habits.

Why are carbs bad for cats?

The cat’s natural diet is only about 2% carbs on a dry matter basis. However, many dry foods and treats average 30% or more. That’s a 1,440% increase! Cats rely on animal protein and fat for energy, not carbohydrates. Instead, carbs break down into sugar. This excessive sugar is stored in the body as fat. It can cause obesity, fuel serious health issues like diabetes and certain cancers, and cause picky eating.