Tips for Healthy Cat Treats
Most of use just fall prey to the cute purring sound of a cat. And in return, we do everything to keep them comfortable; more than that, we show our love by feeding them the best treats we can find. But there are a few things that you need to know about treats. How much is good, what is good, and what to avoid are bits of information that will help you giving them the best there is. Here are some handy tips for buying healthy cat treats.
Count the Calories
the first of our tips for buying healthy cat treats is to be aware of the calories you are feeding your cat through a packaged cat treat. All the information may not be on the label, but you can find that out through the manufacturer. Cats can suffer from weight-related problems, so feed smaller portions of calorie-rich treats. But not all treats focus on nutrition. You should also check if the treatment is approved by the officials of the Association of American Feed Control.
Treats Should be Occasional
You must feed moderate quantities of treats to your cat. If they develop a liking for the treat, they may avoid their regular healthy food. And that would lead to overfeeding unhealthy food, leading to obesity or even diabetes. You can give treats for training activities or when your cat has gone through stress. Treats can be limited to a couple of times a week.
Cats Don’t Need Human Food
Cat food normally has the right amount of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. As a treat, if you share the food you eat with your cat, it could be unsafe or toxic. Food that you cook, cheese or milk could be given occasionally, but you have to check if your cat has lactose intolerance. This is good in one way as you will be aware of the ingredients that go into the cat treat. But you have to remember to keep it to a minimum. Raisins, grapes, onions, salt, and tea are some of the food that you should avoid giving your cat as they are toxic to them.
Extra Care for Overweight Cats
Treats mean additional calories and they have to be planned carefully if your cat is overweight. A safe diet plan with a healthy treat has to be considered. A sudden drop in weight would also be dangerous for your cat.
Green Treats
Cats love catnip and cat grass, which can be grown at home. They can also be bought fresh or dried. Cat grass is generally wheat or oats grass. Test your cat’s acceptance to the plant first.
Use Cat Treats as Rewards
Treats can be given to cats as rewards for physical activity, or obedience or when you want to appreciate them. They can soothe your cat if you have put them through some discomfort like a bath or claw trimming or fed them some medication. What your cat needs are your time, love, and a healthy diet. So, you don’t need to make up for your time by giving treats to your cats.
These tips for buying cat treats will make sure that your beloved feline stays healthy and happy.