Cat treats are a must-have when you have a feline pet in your home. Whether you wish to treat your cat with something special, or make them feel loved, cat treats need to be picked carefully. You need to check the labels and look for specific ingredients so that you know what you are giving your cat is good. Here are a few tips to pick the right cat treats.

1. Choose protein-rich treats
Cats that have a high protein diet are healthier. Proteins are often one of the major ingredients for healthy cat treats. Always check the label while buying cat treats to make sure it has protein as a primary component.

2. Look for lower calorific value treats
Treats have often been found to be a major cause of obesity among cats. While treats are never a replacement for actual food, many pet owners sometimes go overboard in feeding too may treats to their cats. While giving treats in moderation is a must, it is equally important to choose cat treats that have low calorific value. Pick treats that provide not more than 2-3 calories per treat.

3. Avoid treats with artificial sweeteners
Added sweeteners are never among the ingredients for healthy cat treats. This is because treats that are sweet are the worse for your feline pet. These add to excess weight gain. Moreover, giving treats with added or artificial sweeteners can also cause diabetes in cats. Keep away from treats that have any form of artificial sweeteners.

4. Choose treats that are carb-free
Carbohydrates or carbs are not great ingredients for healthy cat treats. This is because carbs can cause digestive issues such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloating. Pick treats that are carb-free. Always check the label for ingredients such as soy, wheat, corn, or rice. It’s best to not buy treats with these ingredients.

5. Stay away from treats with added colors or flavors
Many brands often want to make their range of treats more appealing and appetizing. As a result, they end up adding artificial flavors and colors to the treats. In addition, they also add preservatives. The added colors, flavors, and preservatives are often carcinogenic. These increase the risk of cancer. Make sure to look out for ingredients such as BHA, BHT, food colors, and glycerin in cat treats.

6. Pick treats with low or no sodium
Nearly all cat treats contain sodium. This is a necessary ingredient to improve the taste. However, this same ingredient makes cats dehydrated. This is why many cats seek out water for drinking after having treats. If looking for healthy treats, pick the ones that have low or zero sodium.

7. Watch out for the fat content
Look out for the percentage of fat in your cat’s treat. If you cat snacks on treats that have excess fats, it could lead to intestinal troubles. This can cause frequent diarrhea and vomiting. So, make sure to check the fat content before buying cat treats for your furry pet.