are freeze-dried cat treats healthy or just clever marketing?

if your social feed is anything like ours, you’re probably spammed with “what i feed my cat in a day” videos too. (we swear, some cats eat better than we do.) they’re getting served fancy platters of wet food, broth, quail eggs (seriously), and an extra special topping: freeze-dried treats.

but if you’re not addicted to tiktok, you’ve definitely seen these treats in the cat aisle. freeze-dried minnows, tuna, duck, chicken hearts, wild venison. . . the list goes on.

but are freeze-dried treats actually good for cats?

the short n’ sweet answer: they’re only as good as the ingredients put in them.

so, what does freeze-dried actually mean?

freeze-dried = all the moisture was removed through very cold temperatures. 

freeze-drying thankfully preserves the ingredient’s original flavor and nutrients. the final texture is light, airy, and crunchy—which our kitties love! 

it sounds like a holy grail treat, BUT not all freeze-dried treats are made alike. more into that later.

cat parents want clean ingredients now more than ever

we all want our cats to be healthy (and preferably live forever). so it’s no surprise that people are gravitating towards more nutritious options.

freeze-dried treats seem like the best pick: they’re usually one ingredient, high-protein, and not packed with fillers. simplicity feels safer! especially with so many meat by-products hidden in cat food.

but the quality of freeze-dried treats vary drastically brand to brand.

are all freeze-dried treats healthy? how do you find the best ones for your cat?

just like with human food trends (ahem fibermaxxing or putting protein into everything), you need to be discerning. freeze-dried doesn't automatically mean it’s good for your cat.

marketing does a great job at skewing public opinion. “clean” and “natural” are all the rage right now—in the pet world and beyond—but it’s always good to look past the buzz words or pretty packaging.

freeze-dried treats can be low quality or packed with unnecessary ingredients. so keep your eye on the “boring” side of the food label.  

if you want the best freeze-dried treats, here’s what to look for:

• single-ingredients (i.e. chicken breast, tuna, minnow)

• recognizable protein (no meat by-products)

• no added extras like preservatives or fillers

raw vs fully cooked freeze-dried treats

this is a nuanced discussion, but we like to always err on the side of caution. that’s why all of our treats are fully cooked to help prevent contamination from bacteria and viruses. 

cooked treats help your kitties:

• digest food easier
• absorb important nutrients better
• get quality protein that supports eye and heart health

on the other hand, raw treats can pose risks:

• increased chances for bacterial and viral contamination
• upsetting sensitive stomachs
• interference with nutrient absorption

peace of mind is priceless when it comes to our cats. so fully cooked freeze-dried treats are the clear choice for us. the hard part is that many brands don’t disclose if their treats are raw or cooked. 

chicken, tuna, or minnow… how do you choose?

we know, cats are picky eaters. but there are some no-fuss proteins that (almost) every cat loves. 

chicken

chicken is popular for good reason. most cats love it, and it’s a common ingredient in many food options on the market. so if you’re looking for something safe and familiar, a freeze-dried chicken treat like this is great!

tuna

cats usually LOVE tuna. the * intense * smell and flavor draws in even the pickiest of eaters (we apologize for the cat breath in advance). a freeze-dried tuna option like this will probably be gone a week after opening. 

minnow

minnows might seem a little strange at first, but it’s a great introduction to whole-prey treats. it’s the whole fish, bones included, which means more natural nutrients. if you want to mix things up, freeze-dried minnows add some great variety.

remember, cat treats are not that serious. so have fun and experiment with new flavors to see what your kitty will love! 

best enjoyed in moderation

even if a treat is “good,” it’s still a treat. freeze-dried options can be really nutrient dense, so a little goes a long way!

they work best as:

• rewards
• toppers
• a little upgrade to your cat’s routine

like with everything, balance is key.

so…healthy or just clever marketing?

it’s both! freeze-dried treats can be a fantastic option, but they’re not all created equally. 

and since they’re everywhere now, (you can even find ours at walmart!), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. so before you add to cart or go on your grocery run, do a bit of research to make sure your cat is getting the very best.