Is it Possible for Cat Treats to be Healthy?

September 25, 2020
by Lorren Godfrey

Who does not love spoiling their furry friend once in awhile with a treat or two? Although you do not have to limit the amount of affection you give your cat, treats should always be given in moderation.

Did you know that one of the most common nutritional disorders seen in cats (and dogs!) is obesity? It is estimated that over 40% of pets in Australia are overweight. That is an alarming problem for their health and well-being!

If you are concerned about your cat’s health or weight, it does not mean that your cat should not enjoy a treat or two. It just means that you should be more mindful of the quality and quantity of teats your cat is consuming each day.

Not all treats are created equal either. Most cat treats have added fillers, preservatives, flavourings, and artificial colourings. These additives are very harmful to your cat’s health. However, it is possible to make healthier choices when selecting treats for your cat.

Here are 4 tips to ensure you choose the best quality treats for your cat:

Check the label – The ingredients should be natural and clearly labelled with no mention of preservatives or fillers.
Country of origin – Every country has different standards for pet treat production. Therefore, to be on the safe side, ensure that the treats are made locally with locally sourced ingredients.
High protein content – Cats are obligate carnivores. This means that protein is essential for the survival. To learn more about your cat's dietary needs, read our blog post - Can Cats be Vegan?
Treat size – Check that the size of the treats is not too big for your cat. Choose treats you can break into smaller pieces so that you can better moderate their treat intake if needed.

Rufus and Coco’s Reel Fish Crunchers ticks all the boxes. These Australian natural whole dried fish are sustainably sourced and contain nothing else. No added artificial colourings, flavouring or preservatives. All you see when you open the pack are whole dried fish! And they are crunchy and packed with 70% protein too.

Reel Fish Crunchers are available at both your local Woolworths and in our online store, and are loved by cats all over Australia.

Remember, treats should be given as part of a complete and balanced diet. You can also add some extra fun and exercise to treat time by getting your cat to chase the Reel Fish Crunchers before letting them eat it. Or use the treats to train some tricks or agility exercises. Treat time can be a great opportunity to have fun and bond with your cat too.