Treats for Kittens: What Ingredients are safe?

Kittens are eager for play, affection and treats, but not all treats are made equal. At this crucial stage of development, it’s important to give your felines nutrient-rich treats that support their growth.

In this article, we’ll take a look at safe treats for kittens (that are also delicious!) and those ingredients that are best avoided.

What treats can kittens eat?

Kitten-friendly treats are usually those that suit their digestion, tastes and nutritional requirements. They need to be:

1. Easy to eat and digest 

Treats that are made especially for kittens need to be simple to digest, small enough to fit tiny mouths and soft enough to be chewed easily. 

2. Made with real Chicken or fish

It’s best to avoid unidentifiable, or highly processed meats. Felines are instinctually drawn to good meats like Meowsi kitten treats. These are made with well-chosen ingredients that are meant to provide your kitten with the best nutrition.

3. Without artificial preservatives, sugars and salts

Preservatives extend the shelf life of treats but aren’t beneficial for your pet. If you’re looking for a highly nutritious treat, artificial preservatives shouldn’t be one of the first ingredients listed. Some common artificial preservatives to avoid are BHA and BHT. Added sugars and salts can be harmful for your pet as well.

So, what do kitten-friendly ingredients look like?

The best kitten treats in India contain real ingredients with minimal processing. Here’s what to look out for when choosing treats for your kitten:

Natural, real ingredients

Ingredients that are minimally processed and mindfully cooked to retain naturally available nutrients offer your pet the best benefits.

Limited ingredients or functional ingredients 

Single-ingredient treats or those made with limited ingredients that you can easily recognise are best. This way you know exactly what you’re feeding your kitten.

Taurine 

Look for naturally present or added nutrients that are beneficial for your kitten. Taurine, for example, is essential for felines.

HUFT Tip: The ingredient list on pet food and treat packages is arranged by weight. The very first ingredient listed is present in the largest amount.

Ingredients to avoid in treats for kittens

Long ingredient lists dominated by chemical compounds is a red flag. Additionally, these are some ingredients that can be toxic for kittens:

• Grains and sugars: These are not necessarily nutritionally beneficial for your pet. And while they are tolerated in small portions, they can be harmful in large quantities.

• Soy/corn: These are common ingredients in pet food that are added to make recipes more economical, but they are common allergens for felines.

• Highly processed meats: Unidentified meats that are highly processed don’t usually offer the best nutrition. These are best avoided.

• Xylitol: This is a sweetener that is often added to human foods but it’s toxic to pets

• Milk products: Despite the common idea that cats like milk, they are often lactose intolerant.

Shop The Best Kitten Treats at HUFT

HUFT offers a new kitten parents a range of treats to choose from. These are some of the most popular choices -

• Meowsi Light Tuna and Chicken Soft Cat treats for cats that are over 3 months old. These are high-protein treats for active kitties.

• Meowsi by HUFT Salmon & Chicken Soft Cat Treats are soft and easy to eat. They are made to contribute to the overall well-being of your kitty.

• Meowsi by HUFT Salmon & Chicken Soft Cat Treats are made with wild caught salmon and are rich in omega 3 and 6. These are especially great for the skin and coat.

How often should you treat your kitten?

Kittens can enjoy treats only once they’ve begun to eat solid foods, this is at least after 8 weeks of age. Most treat brands will state the guidelines for feeding kittens so be sure to check the back of the pack. Other general guidelines for treats include:

• Feeding in moderation to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Ideally, treats should not make up more than 10% of your kitten’s daily caloric intake.

• Don’t use treats as a replacement for meals. A variety of nutrients need to go into a kitten’s diet, and these can’t be found in treats alone. 

• Usually, treats are given as rewards or used as training aids, you can also make them part of playtime.

• Make sure your kitten always has access to fresh, clean water as hydration is an important accompaniment to any type of food. 

Find the best treats for your kittens at HUFT

Drop by the HUFT store closest to you for personalised kitty snack recommendations. We have plenty of treats, food and other kitten essentials that our staff would be happy to show you.