We most often use treats to reward our pets for good behaviour or to pamper them. Ensuring that these treats are healthy and provide your pet with the nutrients they need is key. Listed below are a few nutrients that you should check for on the labels of the treats you wish to purchase.

1. Animal protein
This is one of the essential nutrients that should be present in healthy cat treats. This protein provides your pet with the essential amino acids that are necessary to build organs and tissues such as skin, blood and muscles. Proteins are also necessary for producing enzymes, antibodies and hormones. Ensure that the animal protein is from a wide range or sources such as chicken, beef, fish, eggs and turkey. Avoid items that contain meat meal as it might not be possible to determine the quality of the product.

2. Fats
This nutrient in healthy cat treats provides your furry friend with the energy they need to get through the day. It includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and help your pet to absorb vitamins such as A, E, D, and K from the food it eats. As cats get this nutrient only from what they consume, look for healthy cat treats that are enriched with omega-3s and 6s.

3. Carbohydrates
This is another source of energy for your pet and can be found in grains such as rice and wheat. Most often these grains are pre-treated to make them easy to digest for cats. Ensuring that the pet food and treats you purchase are made with natural ingredients will guarantee that they are of good quality and nutritious.

4. Vitamins
These nutrients are needed by all mammals for good overall health. The common vitamins necessary for your cat’s health are vitamins A and D and the B-vitamins. These are needed to boost the immune system, promote a healthy vision and for good digestive health. A deficiency of vitamins could cause a range of health issues in your pet from convulsive seizures to kidney lesions. If you feel your pet is not getting a sufficient amount of this nutrient from the food and treats they consume, you can speak to your vet about giving them a supplement.

5. Minerals
Minerals to look for in healthy cat treats are iron, calcium, magnesium, etc. Similar to vitamins, these are necessary to maintain strong bone and teeth and proper enzyme function. To ensure that your pet gets the minerals they need to thrive, look for healthy cat treats that are fortified with them.

Just like human snacks, you should ensure that the treats you give your pet do not replace normal meals. They should also have some nutritional value and not contain empty calories.