Are Cat Treats Safe? The Truth About 'Kitty Crack'

The Short Answer

Most cat treats are safe but unhealthy. Think of them as candy bars for your cat: they won't cause immediate harm, but they are often packed with corn, wheat, sugar, and artificial additives that contribute to obesity and diabetes.

However, "safe" has caveats. In 2025/2026, we are seeing two distinct risks: synthetic preservatives (BHA/BHT) in cheap grocery store brands, and pathogen contamination (Salmonella and Bird Flu) in premium raw brands. The safest bet is a single-ingredient freeze-dried treat originating from a safety-tested facility.

Why This Matters

Obesity is the #1 health threat.

Over 60% of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Treats are dense in calories; just 15-20 Temptations treats can equal a huge chunk of a cat's daily caloric needs. When the label says "under 2 calories per treat," remember that your cat only needs about 200 calories total per day.

Ingredients can be toxic.

While rare, ingredients like propylene glycol (banned in cat food but historically found in dog treats) cause Heinz body anemia in cats. More commonly, BHA and BHT are legal preservatives used to extend shelf life in cheap treats, despite being probable carcinogens. You need to read the label every single time. Cat Food Ingredients To Avoid

The "Health Halo" trap.

Many "dental" or "hairball control" treats are just high-carb kibble with a different shape. Feeding a cat starchy "cookies" to clean their teeth is like eating crackers to clean yours—it's mechanically questionable and nutritionally backwards.

What's Actually In Popular Cat Treats

Most crunchy treats are made of a carbohydrate shell filled with fat and flavor enhancers.

• Chicken/Poultry By-Product Meal — The protein base, often rendered from less desirable parts of the bird. Is Meat Meal Bad
• Ground Corn & Wheat Flour — Cheap fillers. Cats have no biological requirement for these carbs, which spike blood sugar and lead to weight gain. Is Corn In Dog Food Bad (applies to cats too!)
• Animal Digest — The "secret sauce." This is chemically hydrolyzed animal tissue sprayed onto treats to make them hyper-palatable ("kitty crack"). Safe, but processed.
• BHA/BHT — Red Flag. Synthetic preservatives used to stop fats from going rancid. Linked to liver and kidney damage in lab animals.
• Food Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2) — Added solely for your benefit. Cats don't care if their treat is red or brown.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• Single Ingredient: "Freeze-dried chicken breast" or "dried minnows." You know exactly what they are eating.
• High Moisture: Lickable treats (like Churu) help with hydration, which protects kidney function.
• Natural Preservatives: Mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) or rosemary extract instead of chemicals.

Red Flags:

• BHA / BHT: Put the bag back immediately.
• "Animal Digest" as top ingredient: Indicates the product relies on flavor sprays rather than quality meat.
• Propylene Glycol: Toxic to cats. Sometimes found in soft, chewy "dog" treats—never share dog treats with cats without checking.
• Vague "Meat" labels: "Meat by-products" or "poultry flavor" without naming the animal.

The Best Options

If you want to treat your cat without wrecking their health, here is how the options stack up.

2024-2026 Recall Watch

The landscape of safety has shifted recently. While dry "junk" treats rarely get recalled, premium raw treats have faced issues.

1. Bird Flu (H5N1): In 2025, brands like Savage Pet and Wild Coast Raw faced recalls due to potential H5N1 contamination. This is a new risk factor for raw poultry products.

2. Salmonella/Listeria: Recalls for Viva Raw and Blue Ridge Beef (often used as treats/toppers) remind us that raw products carry bacterial risks.

3. No Recent "Jerky" Crisis: The massive kidney failure crisis linked to Chinese chicken jerky (from the early 2010s) has mostly subsided, but we still recommend avoiding treats Made in China as a precaution.

The Bottom Line

1. Check the preservatives. Flip the bag of Temptations or Meow Mix. If you see BHA or BHT, do not buy it.

2. Limit the quantity. Treats are calorie bombs. If your cat eats 15 treats a day, reduce their dinner portion.

3. Go Freeze-Dried. The healthiest treat is a piece of real meat. Freeze-dried chicken, minnows, or liver offer high reward with zero junk.

FAQ

Are Temptations treats bad for cats?

They are junk food. While generally "safe" from toxins, they are high in calories, carbs, and artificial ingredients. Some flavors still use BHA/BHT preservatives, which should be avoided. Feed them sparingly, if at all. Are Temptations Safe For Cats

Can I give my cat dog treats?

Caution. Never give a cat a soft/chewy dog treat without checking the label for propylene glycol, which is safe for dogs but toxic to cats. Also, dog treats are often too large (choking hazard) and lack taurine (essential for cats).

Do Greenies actually clean cat teeth?

Sort of. They have the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal, meaning they reduce tartar some amount. However, they are high in carbs (which can stick to teeth) and calories. Brushing is far superior; rely on Greenies only as a supplement, not a solution. Is Greenies Safe

Is Churu safe for cats?

Yes. Churu treats are excellent for hydration and hiding medication. They contain some thickeners (guar gum, tapioca), but are free from grains and harsh preservatives. They are one of the better "processed" treat options.

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