Confused about what to look for when shopping for treats for your cat? You’re not alone. With hundreds of varieties from many different brands, buying healthy cat treats for your feline friend isn’t easy. But we’re here to help. Listed below are some of the essential nutrients that your cat needs for good health. So, check the labels of items you wish to purchase to ensure they have these ingredients.

1. Animal protein
Big or small, cats are carnivores. Therefore, the first nutrient to look out for is animal protein. Cats need proteins to build and repair organs and tissues, such as the skin, blood, muscles, and more. Proteins also help produce antibodies to fight infections and enzymes necessary for various body functions. High-protein healthy cat treats are those with turkey, chicken, fish, eggs, or beef. These ensure that their claws and fur are healthy and strong.

2. Fats
Healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in meat and fish, are essential for your pet’s overall health. These fats provide energy and facilitate the proper absorption of vitamins A, E, D, and K. Therefore, when shopping for healthy cat treats, check the label to ensure fats are listed as one of the ingredients.

3. Vitamins
Vitamins are vital not just for humans but all mammals. The healthy cat treats and foods you choose for your cat should contain vitamins A and D, thiamine (better known as vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and others. These nutrients work to provide your pet with a clear vision, an efficient immune system, strong teeth and bones, and a healthy coat and skin.

4. Minerals
Like vitamins, minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium are necessary for your feline. A deficiency of these can result in health disorders and parasitic invasions. Calcium is essential for bones and teeth, whereas chloride stimulates the production of stomach acid to digest proteins. If you’re unsure of the number of vitamins and minerals your pet needs, you can check with your vet.

5. Specific carbs
Besides providing energy, carbohydrates usually aren’t very beneficial for cats. In fact, certain carbs like corn and wheat can be harmful and cause allergies. However, pet food brands do use carbs to hold the other ingredients together and are, hence, unavoidable to a certain extent. When it comes to choosing carbs, peas and the starch from potatoes are suitable.

Now that you know the essential nutrients to look out for in healthy cat treats, you would be better able to find a delicious treat for your furry friend. But remember that treats shouldn’t be a replacement for everyday food. They should be only given to reward or pamper your pet occasionally.