The best cat training treat is one your cat eagerly takes, can eat quickly, and can have without exceeding an appropriate daily calorie budget. There is no universal winner: a treat works as a reinforcer only when this cat values it and the behavior improves. The seven options below are a use-based shortlist, not a tested ranking; no comparative trial across these products was located, and none was personally tested for this guide.
What makes a cat treat useful for training?
During repeated practice, small morsels that are easy to break and swallow help keep rewards moving. Soft, semi-moist, freeze-dried, crunchy, and lickable treats can all work, but delivery speed matters: a cat that has to chew for a long time may lose the thread of a short session. See PetMD’s guidance on choosing cat treats, VCA’s cat behavior and training guidance, and the AVSAB article on rewards in training.
As the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) toolkit puts it, “The best reward to use in training is one that is appealing to the specific cat.” Offer a few suitable options and notice what your cat chooses; preferences can change. Food is not every cat’s top reward: the FVMA toolkit summarizes a cited study in which 50% preferred social interaction, 37% food, 11% toys, and 2% scent. Those figures describe that study, not a universal preference among household cats. See the FVMA positive-reinforcement toolkit.
Seven cat treats to consider for training
These options suit different reward styles rather than forming a best-to-worst ranking. Product formulas, package sizes, availability, and calorie information can change, so check the current package before buying or portioning.
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#1 Best Overall
- FREEZE DRIED SALMON BITES CAT TREATS – CRUNCHY, BITE-SIZED, EASY TO EAT REWARDS, 1.1 OZ BAG: High protein, grain free cat treats made with single protein salmon in a light, crunchy format designed for cats of all ages
- HELPS ENTICE EVEN PICKY FELINES: Freeze dried cat treats preserve the aroma cats instinctively recognize, helping attract attention and encourage interest during treating
- USA MADE WITH U.S. AND GLOBALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS: Made with high-quality animal proteins from trusted suppliers. Salmon cat treats with no fillers, artificial flavors, or colors for nutrition and quality you can trust as a pet parent. Great for picky eaters and cats with allergies
- MEAT-FIRST REWARDS FOR OBLIGATE CARNIVORES: Made with salmon, these grain free cat treats deliver the protein-rich nutrition cats are naturally drawn to
- CRUNCHY CAT TREATS WORTH PURSUING: Bites of freeze-dried salmon provide a satisfying texture that helps support dental health while making treating more rewarding and fun for even the most finicky cat
| Option | Why consider it | Calories and evidence | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| PureBites Freeze-Dried Tuna Cat Treats | Freeze-dried fish pieces can be offered as small rewards. | PureBites reports an average of 1 calorie per treat and identifies the product as a training aid. Piece size may vary. | A cat that likes tuna and needs frequent, small food rewards. |
| PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Treats | The manufacturer lists chicken breast as the ingredient and names the product as a training aid. | PureBites reports an average of 2 calories per treat; piece size may vary. | A cat that prefers poultry or a simple listed ingredient. |
| PureBites Freeze-Dried Duck Cat Treats | Another freeze-dried protein, described by the manufacturer for use as a treat, topper, or training aid. | PureBites reports an average of 2 calories per treat; piece size may vary. Individual acceptance is unknown. | A cat that prefers duck to the other options. |
| INABA Churu Chicken with Salmon Lickable Purée | A lickable purée can suit cats that prefer licking or hand-feeding; INABA also describes it for disguising medication. | INABA lists 6 kcal per tube. | A cat that likes a lickable reward. Portion carefully if you need to deliver many quick repetitions. |
| INABA Churu Bites | A soft bite-sized treat with two textures. | INABA lists about ten bites per 0.35 oz tube and about 13 kcal per tube. The product page does not state calories per bite. | A cat that prefers soft, bite-sized rewards; divide portions with the tube total in mind. |
| Fancy Feast Savory Cravings | Purina describes soft, breakable squares and names them for positive reinforcement. | Individual calorie information was not visible in Purina’s guide; check the package. | A cat that likes a soft reward you can break into smaller pieces. |
| Purina Friskies Cat Treats | Purina names these as suitable for short training sessions; texture varies by product. | The guide does not provide a calorie count for the product; check the package and distinguish its texture variants. | A cat that prefers a particular lickable or crunchy Friskies option. |
How to choose between the options
Match the reward to your cat’s preference
Try a few appropriate rewards and observe which one your cat takes readily. Marketing descriptions and ingredient lists cannot establish what an individual cat will enjoy. If food does not hold your cat’s interest, try a favorite toy, play, or social interaction instead of escalating treat quantity.
Compare calories and portionability
Use the calorie figure for the amount you actually offer, not the package’s total calories. A stated per-piece average makes repeated rewards easier to estimate, while a tube’s total needs to be divided across the portions offered. The PureBites figures are manufacturer-reported averages, not guaranteed calories for every piece; INABA’s Churu Bites page does not establish a per-bite figure. For Fancy Feast Savory Cravings and Friskies, check the package because the cited Purina guide does not give a product calorie count.
Rank #2
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Blue Buffalo Bursts cat treats start with real chicken as the first ingredient that deliver the savory chicken flavor cats crave
- EXPERT-LED NUTRITION: Formulated to help your pet thrive from the inside out, Blue Buffalo natural cat treats are developed by a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists for a trusted option in healthy cat snacks
- IRRESISTIBLE DUAL TEXTURE: BLUE Bursts cat treat bites deliver crunchy texture on the outside and a creamy center for a satisfying dual-texture cat treat
- FLAVORFUL NATURAL INGREDIENTS: These Blue Buffalo natural treats for cats are made with wholesome grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, and they're enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: These training cat treats with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a shiny coat
Consider texture and delivery
Freeze-dried pieces are easy to carry and can often be broken up; soft treats can be split; lickable purées work for cats that prefer licking but may take more effort to portion during rapid repetitions. If a cat grabs or scratches at fingers, AVSAB suggests offering food on a spoon, wooden spatula, or stick rather than directly from your hand.
Check ingredient and health fit
A single listed ingredient can make a label easier to assess, but it does not establish that a treat is hypoallergenic or suitable for a medical condition. Ask your veterinarian before adding conventional treats for a cat on a prescribed diet, with a medical condition, or with food sensitivities.
Rank #3
- Cats Can't Resist: Your cat can't wait to get their paws on these irresistible Temptations cat treats for indoor cats that are crunchy outside and soft inside, so shake the pack and they'll come running for their cat snacks treats
- Under 2 Calories Per Treat: Feel good about rewarding your cat every day because these low calorie cat treats deliver a crunchy treat under 2 calories and can be used as a meal, or cat food toppers
- 100% Complete and Balanced For Adult Cats: Feel great about treating your phenomenal feline with cat supplies that are 100% nutritionally complete and balanced cat food treats for adult cat maintenance
- Convenient Stay-Fresh Tub: Resealable dry cat treats tub makes for easy treating and keeps your cat's paws off when you're not watching
- The Purr-fect Pairing: Try all of our irresistible options that come in a variety of flavors cats come running for
How many treats can you use?
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) advises that treats make up less than 10% of daily calories; the remainder should come from a complete and balanced diet. Its 2024 example table gives a 4 kg average healthy adult cat in ideal body condition a maximum of 22 kcal per day from treats. That is an example, not an individualized allowance. VCA Canada Animal Hospitals illustrates the same principle with a 200 kcal daily need: 20 kcal from treats and 180 kcal from complete and balanced food. That, too, is an illustration rather than a prescription for every cat. See the WSAVA nutrition guidelines and handout and VCA Canada’s training guidance.
Count regular kibble if you use it as a reward. VCA notes that a cat’s usual food can work when it is motivating, and it still counts toward the daily ration. Once a behavior is established, VCA describes rotating to lower-value food, affection, or a toy rather than relying on high-value treats every time.
Rank #4
- IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR FOR PICKY CATS: Even the choosiest cats will crave the delicious combo of real tuna and pumpkin in every bite; With a rich, satisfying crunch and mouthwatering flavor, these treats keep picky eaters excited for treat time
- LOW-CALORIE CRUNCH: With fewer than 1 calorie per treat, these light and crunchy snacks are perfect for frequent treating without the extra calories; They’re a smart way to reward your cat while supporting healthy weight and overall well-being
- MADE WITH SUPERFOODS: Packed with nutrient-rich superfoods like pumpkin, these treats offer natural vitamins and antioxidants to help support your cat’s immune system; Delicious and wholesome, they’re a treat you can feel good about giving every day
- HEALTHY CAT TREATS: Made without wheat, corn, or soy, these treats are perfect for cats with common food sensitivities; They provide a safe, wholesome reward packed with flavor, so you can treat your feline with confidence and care every day
- SIMPLE INGREDIENTS: Made with just the good stuff, these treats deliver delicious flavor without any artificial additives, fillers, or by-products; It’s a wholesome way to treat your cat and feel confident about what you’re putting in their bowl
How to use treats in a short training session
- Choose a calm moment. Do not train a cat that is ill, in pain, or showing protective behaviors such as hiding, crouching, growling, or hissing.
- Prepare small portions. Set aside a modest amount and account for it in the day’s food. Have a spoon or spatula ready if your cat grabs at fingers.
- Reward the target behavior immediately. Deliver the reward as soon as the behavior occurs so the cat can connect the action with the outcome.
- Keep practice brief. The FVMA toolkit recommends several 5–10-minute sessions per day rather than a single hour-long session.
- Adjust to your cat’s response. If the cat stops engaging, reassess the reward, the setting, or whether it is a good time to train rather than continuing to offer more food.
For further guidance on positive reinforcement and safe reward delivery, see the FVMA toolkit and AVSAB’s training article.
Ingredients and safety checks
WSAVA warns against raw animal-based treats because of pathogen-transmission risk. Its toxic-food list includes onion-family foods, grapes and raisins, chocolate, xylitol, alcohol, raw yeast dough, and caffeine. Check ingredients and avoid giving foods that contain these hazards. Treats should not replace a complete and balanced diet; veterinary advice is important when diet or health needs are specific. See the WSAVA nutrition guidance and VCA’s cat behavior and training article.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- REAL CHICKEN LIVER FIRST: Blue Buffalo Bursts cat treats start with real chicken liver as the first ingredient that deliver the savory liver and real beef flavor cats crave
- EXPERT-LED NUTRITION: Formulated to help your pet thrive from the inside out, Blue Buffalo natural cat treats are developed by a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists for a trusted option in healthy cat snacks
- IRRESISTIBLE DUAL TEXTURE: BLUE Bursts cat treat bites deliver crunchy texture on the outside and a creamy center for a satisfying dual-texture cat treat
- FLAVORFUL NATURAL INGREDIENTS: These Blue Buffalo natural treats for cats are made with wholesome grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, and they're enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: These training cat treats with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a shiny coat
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
