Kittens are adorable little balls of energy. They will run around your house, climb your curtains, and chase everything that moves. When you factor in the rapid rate at which their tiny bodies are growing, kittens need a lot of food!
It is important to expose your kittens to a variety of foods when they are young. Starting from about 7 weeks of age, you can begin incorporating treats into their diet. You don’t want to give kittens too many treats, but occasional splurges are perfectly fine.
We have compiled the following reviews to help you pick the best treats for kittens so you have more time to play with your fluff ball!
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A Quick Comparison of Our Top Picks 2025
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Cat-Man-Doo Dried Bonito Flakes |
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Best Value
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Wellness Kittles Salmon & Cranberries Cat Treats |
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Premium Choice
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PureBites Chicken Freeze-dried Raw Cat Treats |
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Whole Life One Ingredient Freeze-Dried Cat Treats |
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Feline Freeze-Dried Healthy Cat Bites |
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The 9 Best Kitten Treats
1. Cat-Man-Doo Large Dried Bonito Flakes – Best Overall
| Nutritional Benefits | High in protein |
| Caloric Content | 5 calories per serving |
| Main Ingredient | Dried bonito |
This product tops our list as the best overall kitten treat due to its high protein content and use of only 1 ingredient! Made from only dried bonito fish, these treats are a healthy choice for your kitten without the additives so many treats are laden with. Your kitten will love the taste and you can feel confident that you are providing them with the muscle-building protein they need to promote healthy growth.
This great treat choice will also keep your kitten’s fur soft and shiny because of the fish oils occurring naturally in the product. Finally, dehydrated bonito contains taurine, a necessity for healthy eyes. You’ll have trouble finding a better treat to reward your kitten with!
All in all, we think these are the best treats for kittens this year.
- 76% protein content
- Contains taurine
- No fillers, preservative, or additives
- Grain-free
- Only 1 ingredient
- A little pricey
2. Wellness Kittles Salmon & Cranberries Cat Treat – Best Value
| Nutritional Benefits | Contains protein and other nutrients |
| Caloric Content | 1 calories per treat |
| Main Ingredient | Salmon |
Wellness Kittles come in several different flavors, including salmon, tuna, and chicken. Kittens love these crunchy treats and you will love that they are the best kitten treats for the money! These treats are grain-free and contain all-natural ingredients.
Each bag contains 2 ounces of treats. Since these treats are small, the bag will last for a long time if you’re giving your kitty a few each day. The other great thing about these treats is they are nice and crunchy. This increases their value as they can also serve as a tool for helping keep your kitten’s growing teeth clean.
- Low in calories
- Decent amount of protein in a small package
- Good value
- Flavors your kitten will enjoy
- No artificial ingredients
- Lower in protein than some other options
- Some kittens might struggle with crunchy texture
3. PureBites Chicken Freeze-dried Raw Cat Treats – Premium Choice
| Nutritional Benefits | High in protein |
| Caloric Content | 2 calories per treat |
| Main Ingredient | Chicken |
These freeze-dried treats are another great option for your kitten. They are made from only one ingredient—chicken. The freeze-drying process prevents the loss of nutrients that can occur with cooking. This ensures you are providing your kitten with a treat that is good for them and that they will enjoy.
You can relax and know that your kitten will not be getting any dangerous preservatives or artificial additives in their treats. The lack of these problem ingredients makes these treats ideal for kitties who have digestive problems or food sensitivities.
- High in protein
- Only one ingredient
- Freeze-drying prevents nutrient loss
- Good for kitties with sensitive stomachs
- Higher price than others
4. Whole Life Just One Ingredient Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
| Nutritional Benefits | High protein content |
| Caloric Content | 6 calories per treat |
| Main Ingredient | Salmon |
These freeze-dried salmon bits are another outstanding choice for kittens. Salmon is the only ingredient. This treat is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are necessary for your kitten’s healthy growth. The lack of additional ingredients makes these a good choice for kitties with sensitive tummies too!
You will also love the flexibility these salmon treats provide. You can serve them straight out of the package, or moisten them with a little water to make them softer. This works well if your kitten is having trouble chewing crunchier pieces.
- High in protein
- Only 1 ingredient
- Can be soaked in water to soften for easier chewing
- No additives or preservatives
- A little expensive
- Higher in calories than other options
5. Feline Natural Freeze-Dried Healthy Bites for Cats
| Nutritional Benefits | Good source of protein |
| Caloric Content | 83 calories per treat |
| Main Ingredient | Chicken |
Although they are more expensive than the other options on our list, Feline Natural Freeze-Dried Healthy Bites are another healthy choice for your kitten. Like many of their counterparts, these treats include only one ingredient—chicken. The lack of extra ingredients is always helpful for sensitive stomachs.
Your kitten will love the taste of these chicken-flavored bites. They are grain-free, gluten-free, and made from non-GMO ingredients. They are a little lower in protein than the other freeze-dried choices but still contain a solid 46%.
- Only 1 ingredient
- Good source of extra protein
- Cats like the taste
- Lower protein than other freeze-dried choices
- Quite expensive
6. Vital Essentials Minnows Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
| Nutritional Benefits | High in protein |
| Caloric Content | 42 calories per bag |
| Main Ingredient | Minnows |
If you aren’t squeamish and don’t mind handling a whole freeze-dried fish rather than a pellet, then these treats are a good choice for your kitten. They are high in protein and completely natural. The only processing is the freeze-drying process.
The lack of additional ingredients and processing makes these treats a good choice for kitties with sensitive stomachs, although your kitten might be confused by the shape and texture. These treats don’t stay fresh for long once they have been opened, so you will need to use them up quickly.
- One ingredient
- Different shape and texture
- Nutritious option
- Some may not like the fact they are freeze-dried whole fish
- Can spoil quickly if not used
- Pricey for the package size
7. Tiki Cat Stix Tuna Mousse Kitten Treats
| Nutritional Benefits | Source of protein and extra moisture |
| Caloric Content | 9 calories per stick |
| Main Ingredient | Tuna |
Some kittens prefer wet food over kibble. Wet food can also help ensure that your cat is getting enough water. These tubes contain a smooth, moist, tuna-flavored treat that can be served by itself or as a topper for the kitten’s dry food.
Kittens may have an easier time eating these treats because they don’t require the chewing of a dried treat. These treats are higher in calories than other options on this list, so be careful not to use them too frequently. They also contain some preservatives and salt, both of which may cause problems for sensitive stomachs. There are only 6 servings per package, so these also come with a higher price tag.
- Smooth texture for easy eating
- Contain some protein
- Picky eaters tend to like these
- Some preservatives, including salt
- Higher in calories
- Lower protein content
8. Buddy Biscuits Grain-Free Tuna Cat Treats
| Nutritional Benefits | Good source of supplemental protein |
| Caloric Content | 3 calories per treat |
| Main Ingredient | Tuna |
These tuna-flavored treats are soft and easy for kittens to chew. Tuna is the first ingredient so your kitty will enjoy the flavor. They don’t contain corn, soy, or wheat so if your kitten has a sensitivity to grains these treats will suit them well.
These treats do contain chickpea flour, potato flour, and maple syrup. None of these are necessary for your cat’s diet so it is a little questionable to use them in a treat. They also don’t have the high protein content that some of our other favorites have. As an occasional treat, though, these are a fine choice at a good value.
- Tuna is the first ingredient
- The soft, chewy texture is easier to chew
- Gluten-free
- Lower in protein than other choices
- Uses preservatives to maintain freshness
- Contain added salt and sugars
9. Greenies Feline SmartBites Cat Treats
| Nutritional Benefits | Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids |
| Caloric Content | 3 calories per treat |
| Main Ingredient | Chicken meal |
Greenies are a widely available commercial cat treat. Cats like the flavors and owners like that they help clean teeth and provide their pets with a protein boost. These treats are also a good value and come in a variety of flavors and packaging sizes.
They do contain more ingredients than most of the other treats on this list. The first ingredient is chicken meal, rather than real chicken. They don’t contain any artificial flavors or fillers, but some of the ingredients they do use might upset your kitten’s stomach if they have any sensitivities. These are a good option as an occasional treat but should be supplemented with some that are higher on this list for optimal health.
- Protein and omega-3 fatty acids for muscle, skin, and hair health
- Flavor cats like
- Good value
- Contains preservatives
- Some ingredients may cause upset stomachs in sensitive kitties
- More ingredients than other options on this list
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Kitten Treat
Now that you have read about our top picks for kitten treats, here are some important considerations when choosing the right treats for your special kitten.
Finding the Best Kitten Treats for Your Needs
There are some important factors to consider when deciding on the best treats that will meet your needs and your kitten’s needs. These include the following:
- Variety – Veterinarians recommend that you provide your growing kitten with a variety of food flavors and textures from a young age. This allows your kitty to realize that food is not just dehydrated nuggets or the opposite, all wet food.
- Nutrition – No more than 10 percent of your kitten’s diet should come from treats. Even so, the treats they get should provide them with the nutrition they need during this crucial growth period. Empty calories are not only bad for people!
- Ingredients – The best treats on our list have a real meat source as the first ingredient. They are free from grains, additives, artificial flavors, and other unnecessary ingredients.
- Taste – Some kittens will eat anything, while others might prefer salmon over chicken. Getting to know your cat’s preference will ensure you are providing them with treats and foods they enjoy eating.
What Makes a Good Kitten Treat?
Good kitten treats provide your kitten with a needed nutrient, like protein without adding extra ingredients or calories they don’t need. The best kitten treats are not overloaded with preservatives, fillers, or other additives.
Buying Tips
Here are a few quick things to look for when you are shopping for kitten treats:
- The fewer ingredients, the better
- Meat (chicken, tuna, salmon, or other) as the first ingredient
- Low in calories
- High in protein
Our Kitten Treats Selection Process
Our Hepper team includes experienced writers and editors who collaborate closely with licensed veterinarians to find the best, most beneficial pet products. Customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary insights, and, occasionally, hands-on testing are a few factors they consider when making their selections. Our goal is to choose and review only the highest-quality products to help our readers make informed decisions that benefit both them and their pets.
Why Trust Hepper?
Hepper has been an evolving online resource since 2007, specializing in innovating and retailing a range of cat furniture, gear, and toys, and pet consumables. This experience has given our team valuable insights into selecting kitten treats. Our passionate team of animal-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is truly committed to helping readers make the best choices for their pet companions. We are focused on delivering accurate information and recommending the highest-quality products available. Our team is wholeheartedly invested in the health and well-being of pets everywhere, believing that expert knowledge is key to success.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read our reviews, you will be able to find the best kitten treats for your needs. For overall health and quality, you can’t find a better option than Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes. These high-protein, single-ingredient treats are a great choice for all kittens. The best value for your money comes with the Wellness Kittles Natural Grain-Free treats. These treats will please your kitten’s taste buds and your wallet.
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Featured Image Credit: Vershinin89, Shutterstock
