Last updated Dec 7, 2023
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Whether you’re training your cat through positive reinforcement or simply spoiling him with a little extra love, delicious and healthy cat treats are a must. When shopping for cat treats, look for a protein-rich recipe packed with species-appropriate animal ingredients. And don’t forget about flavor!
If you’re looking for the tastiest cat treats in Canada, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find reviews of our favorite cat treats available to buy in Canada.
At a Glance: Best Cat Treats To Buy In Canada
Want a quick look at the best cat foods reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Cat-Man-Doo Bonito Flakes
- Made with a single ingredient, dried bonito
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Low in calories, easy to break apart
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows Cat Treats
- Made with a single animal-based ingredient
- Very low in calories, great for training
- High in species-appropriate animal protein
Orijen Tundra Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
- Packed with species-appropriate animal ingredients
- Rich in flavor and low in calories
- No added carbohydrate ingredients
Feline Greenies Oven-Roasted Chicken Flavour Cat Treats
- Approved by the VOHC to control tartar
- Crunchy texture helps scrape teeth clean
- Rich in protein and natural chicken flavour
Shameless Pets Catnip N Chill Cat Treats
- Fresh chicken is the primary ingredient
- Only source of added fat is animal-based (chicken fat)
- Crunchy texture and catnip flavor cats seem to like
Blue Buffalo Bursts Natural Filled Chicken Cat Treats
- Top three ingredients are animal-based
- Crunchy exterior with a creamy center
- Low in calories, about 2 calories per treat
Inaba Churu Bites Chicken Recipe Wraps
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Chewy exterior with a creamy center
- Individually packaged for freshness
PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
- Made with a single high-protein ingredient: chicken
- Absolutely no added carbohydrates
- Free from fillers, by-products, and artificial additives
Inaba Churu Creamy Puree Chicken Variety Pack Lickable Cat Treats
- Soft, creamy texture is easy to enjoy
- Good option for cats with dental problems
- Individually packaged for freshness
Catit Nuna Insect Protein & Herring Crunchy Cat Treats
- Made with 97% sustainably sourced protein
- Cats seem to enjoy the crunchy texture
- Very low in calories, about 1.3 calories per treat
Now that you’ve seen a preview of our top picks, let’s dive into the details of how we decided to include them in this roundup of popular cat treats in Canada.
Why Trust Cats.com
I’ve evaluated dozens of the world’s most popular pet product brands and have tested hundreds of products with my three cats, Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit. After researching the Canadian cat treat market, I selected a variety for up-close analysis and in-house testing. All products were purchased at full retail price and selected without direct influence from the brands.
I chose the cat treats on this list because they are formulated with meat as the first ingredient. They’re packed with species-appropriate animal protein and natural flavor but low in calories. You’ll find an assortment of treats with different textures on this list so you can find the perfect product to appeal to your unique cat’s tastes and preferences.
What to Look For in Cat Treats
The best cat treat is one your cat loves. It has an appealing scent and a meaty flavor that captures your cat’s attention and makes him beg for more.
But a good cat treat isn’t just delicious—it’s also healthy.
When you indulge yourself in a cheat day or a sweet treat after dinner, you’re probably not too concerned about how “healthy” it is. It’s a treat, after all, so all that really matters is that it’s delicious. As a cat owner, however, you’re the protector of your cat’s health and everything you feed him should support his overall health and nutrition.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they crave animal-based ingredients (and can’t live without them!). These ingredients are the easiest for your feline friend to digest and they support optimal nutrient absorption.
When selecting cat treats, skip the high-carbohydrate ingredients and pass over the recipes loaded with by-products and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. This may mean saying no to popular (and cheap) brands like Temptations and Friskies but it’s worth spending a little more to get something that promotes cat health.
With these simple recommendations in mind, you can easily separate good cat treats from bad.
Some of the best treats for cats are made from 100% species-appropriate animal protein and complement your cat’s diet. You’ll find low-calorie treats and treats in different textures like lickable cat treats and soft cat treats. There are even dental treats that support your cat’s dental health.
Having learned the basics of shopping for cat treats, let’s move on to our top picks.
Top 10 Best Cat Treats in Canada
To help you pick the best treats for your cat, we tested dozens of different brands and recipes to bring you our top picks. Read on to see what we think are the best cat treats available in Canada.
#1 Overall Best: Cat-Man-Doo Bonito Flakes
If you’ve read our other cat treat reviews, you won’t be surprised to see Cat-Man-Doo’s bonito flakes at the top of this list. They’re one of our favorite cat treats of all time simply because they’re highly appealing, made with a single ingredient, and easy to feed.
Made with a single ingredient—100% dried bonito—these treats are a hit with cats. They have a strong fish aroma that is sure to capture your cat’s attention and a flakey texture that makes them very low in calories. My cats went nuts for them, gathering around as soon as I opened the bag.
These treats are packed with animal protein and contain a decent amount of healthy fats, including skin and coat-supporting omega-3s. They’re a little pricey but they’re so thin that the bag lasts for quite a while.
Ingredients
100% Dried Bonito.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with a single ingredient, dried bonito
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Low in calories, easy to break apart
- Strong aroma that is appealing to cats
What We Didn’t Like
- Fairly expensive
- Some found the texture too crumbly
#2 Runner Up: Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows Cat Treats
If you’re looking for a cat treat that’s highly appealing to cats and very species-appropriate, you can’t go wrong with these freeze-dried minnows.
Made from a single ingredient—minnows—these treats contain just 2 calories a piece. They are a bit larger than the average cat treats, but you may be able to break them up into smaller pieces for kittens or training purposes.
These single-ingredient treats are great for cats with food allergies or sensitivities as long as they can tolerate fish. They’re completely free from carbs and artificial additives. The downside is that they’re a little bit pricey given that they’re sold in half-ounce bags.
Ingredients
Minnows.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with a single animal-based ingredient
- Very low in calories, great for training
- High in species-appropriate animal protein
What We Didn’t Like
- Fairly pricey for a half-ounce bag
#3 Premium Pick: Orijen Regional Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Orijen is a company well-known for its high amount of animal ingredients in all of their cat foods and treats. The dry foods contain up to 90% animal ingredients and their newly released wet foods contain up to 95%. These cat treats are packed with animal protein with no added carbohydrates.
With three sources of animal liver as the top three ingredients, these treats are rich in both protein and healthy fats. These and other organ meats also provide essential nutrients that support your cat’s optimal health and wellness.
These freeze-dried treats are incredibly cat-friendly and species-appropriate. The downsides are that they’re pretty expensive and not all cats like the freeze-dried texture.
Ingredients
Beef Liver, Lamb Liver, Wild Boar Liver, Goat, Wild Boar, Lamb, Goat Liver, Beef, Goat Kidney, Goat Tripe, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Tripe, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Packed with species-appropriate animal ingredients
- Rich in flavor and low in calories
- Made with muscle meat and nutritious organ meats
- No added carbohydrate ingredients
What We Didn’t Like
- More expensive than the average treat
#4 Best For Dental Health: Feline Greenies Oven-Roasted Chicken Flavour Cat Treats
Your cat’s oral health is important and dental cat treats can help you protect it. Feline Greenies is one of the most popular brands of dental pet treats on the market and one of the only ones approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
Greenies offers a variety of treats to protect your cat’s teeth, including classic flavors like oven-roasted chicken. As the first ingredient, chicken meal provides a concentrated source of animal protein and, paired with poultry fat, plenty of tasty poultry flavor.
What makes these treats especially appropriate for dental health is their crunchy texture. As your cat chews, the treats gently scrape plaque and tartar from the surfaces of their teeth. Greenies recommends feeding your cat several treats twice daily to help clean their teeth and freshen their breath.
Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Ground Wheat, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oat Fiber, Natural Poultry Flavour, Ground Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (a Preservative), Fruit Juice Colour, Taurine, DL-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols (a Preservative), DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Ferrous Sulfate, Turmeric Color, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Approved by the VOHC to control tartar
- Crunchy texture helps scrape teeth clean
- Rich in protein and natural chicken flavor
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains corn and wheat ingredients
- High carbohydrate content
#5 Best Catnip Treat: Shameless Pets Catnip N Chill Cat Treats
Though not all cats react to catnip, some absolutely love it. Catnip treats are a cleaner alternative to dried catnip because they’re easy to eat and won’t be scattered all over your floor (unless, of course, your cats find their way into the bag on their own).
These treats are made with chicken as the first ingredient and chicken fat as the only source of added fat. They’re free from artificial additives as well as low-value fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.
While Shameless Pets cat treats contain more carbohydrates than most of the picks above, the company tries to sustainably source as many plant ingredients as possible. Shameless uses “upcycled” produce that is misshapen or surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste.
Ingredients
Chicken, Sweet Potato, Brown Rice, Tapioca, Brewers Dried Yeast, Miscanthus Grass, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Inulin, Catnip, Phosphoric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Fresh chicken is the primary ingredient
- Only source of added fat is animal-based (chicken fat)
- Crunchy texture and catnip flavor cats seem to like
- Free from artificial color, flavor, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains a significant number of plant ingredients
- High overall carbohydrate content
#6 Best Crunchy Treat: Blue Buffalo Bursts Natural Filled Chicken Cat Treats
Made with deboned chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients, these cat treats are packed with species-appropriate animal protein. Chicken fat and pork fat contribute to the meaty flavor while the per-treat calorie content remains low. Whether for training or everyday indulgence, these low-calorie treats are a great option.
Though the top three ingredients in these treats are animal-sourced, they still contain a significant amount of carbohydrates. That said, many cats enjoy the dual-texture experience. These treats have a crunchy exterior and a creamy center.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, Barley, Tapioca Starch, Oatmeal, Peas, Natural Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Pork Fat, Dried Whey, Lecithin, preserved with Citric Acid and Mixed Tocopherols, Dried Cultured Whey, Glucono-Delta-Lactone, Potassium Chloride, Yeast Extract, DL-Methionine, Taurine, Oil of Rosemary.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Top three ingredients are animal-based
- Crunchy exterior with a creamy center
- Low in calories, about two calories per treat
What We Didn’t Like
- High in carbohydrates
#7 Best Chewy Cat Treat: Inaba Churu Bites Chicken Recipe Wraps
Whether your cat has dental problems or simply prefers a softer texture, these Inaba Churu cat treats are a popular pick. They have a chewy exterior and are filled with a creamy chicken-flavoured purée. To ensure every bite is nice and soft, they’re sold in individual tubes with three per pack.
These Churu Bites are primarily meat-based, with chicken, tuna, and egg white as three of the top five ingredients. Tapioca serves primarily as a binder and, while it doesn’t provide much in the way of nutrition, it’s not a harmful ingredient. Guar gum may trigger loose stools in some cats if they have too many. However, many cats have no issue eating a few of these treats a day.
Ingredients
Chicken, Water, Tuna, Tapioca, Egg White, Sodium Caseinate, Guar Gum, Natural Chicken Flavour, Natural Flavours, Yeast Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Paprika Oleoresin (color), Green Tea Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Chewy exterior with a creamy center
- Individually packaged for freshness
What We Didn’t Like
- Guar gum may trigger loose stools in some cats
#8 Best High-Protein Treat: PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Cat Treat
The best cat treats are packed with species-appropriate animal protein and these PureBites treats have it in abundance. If you’re looking for a high-protein treat loaded with chicken flavor and low in calories, consider these freeze-dried chicken treats.
PureBites treats are made with a single high-quality ingredient: chicken breast. Because they only have one ingredient, they are easy to digest and perfect for cats with food allergies (except for chicken allergies, of course).
Because these treats are so simple, they’re great for cats of all life stages. Some cats don’t enjoy the freeze-dried texture, but the treats have the benefit of being easy to break apart for older adult cats and kittens.
Ingredients
100% Pure USA Sourced & Made Human Grade Chicken Breast.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with a single high-protein ingredient: chicken
- Absolutely no added carbohydrates
- Free from fillers, by-products, and artificial additives
What We Didn’t Like
- Fairly pricey compared to average cat treat
- Some cats don’t like the freeze-dried texture
#9 Best For Seniors: Inaba Churu Creamy Puree Chicken Variety Pack Lickable Cat Treats
Many cats develop dental problems as they get older, which can make it difficult to eat dry food and crunchy treats. Senior cats often appreciate soft cat treats or even puree-style treats like these lickable treats from Inaba Churu.
Not only are these treats soft and easy to enjoy, but they’re also packaged in individual 0.5-ounce tubes. You can squeeze out a little at a time, making them a great low-calorie option for training. You can even use these treats as a soft food topper.
Though pricier than the average crunchy cat treats, puree-style treats from Inaba Churu come in a wide variety of flavor combinations. This variety pack includes four different chicken-based flavors.
Ingredients
Water, Chicken, Tapioca Starch, Natural Flavors, Natural Scallop Flavor, Guar Gum, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Green Tea Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Soft, creamy texture is easy to enjoy
- Good option for cats with dental problems
- Individually packaged for freshness
- Low-calorie option
What We Didn’t Like
- Fairly expensive
- Guar gum may trigger loose stools in some cats
#10 Best Alternative Protein: Catit Nuna Insect Protein & Herring Crunchy Cat Treats
If you’re concerned about sustainability, these alternative-protein cat treats are a good choice. Though they also contain herring meal to give them a familiar flavor, up to 97% of the protein in the formula is sustainably sourced from black soldier fly larvae.
These insect-protein cat treats from Catit are bite-sized and low in calories. Cats seem to enjoy the crunchy texture, and at around 1.3 calories per treat, they’re a good option for training. The downside is that they contain added sweetener and are relatively high in carbohydrates.
Ingredients
Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Herring Meal, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Millet, Buckwheat, Lentils, Peas, Natural Chicken Flavor, Cane Molasses, Sunflower Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Sodium Bicarbonate, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with 97% sustainably sourced protein
- Cats seem to enjoy the crunchy texture
- Very low in calories, about 1.3 calories per treat
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains added sweetener
- High in carbohydrates
Final Thoughts
Every cat has unique preferences and dietary needs, so you may want to purchase a few different kinds to see what your cat likes. Fortunately, cat treats are fairly inexpensive.
Any of the treats from the list above would be a great choice for your cat. Simply think about what benefit is most important to you to make your choice.
Looking for more recommendations on great cat treats? Check out our other top picks here.
