There is no one we know who doesn’t like to be surprised with treats. Just like us, ordinary humans, our mighty magical pets too, enjoy the occasional crunchies. The reaction of our cats to catnip or the occasional cheese is heartwarming. That reaction is enough to have any pet owner out the door on their way to stock up on cat treats. But before you hit the stores, make note of these useful tips for buying healthy cat treats.

Quality is the priority

Sometimes spending the extra bucks or picking the popular brand pays off. When you are out looking for a potential option for your kitty, try and stick to brands that are well known. Bigger brands would contain fewer fillers or substitutes that may or may not prove to be unhealthy. Plus, you don’t have to worry about its hygiene when it comes to care and handling.

Nip on the natural

Wondering what is the big deal about the source of cat food? Here’s why natural is good for your cat. Like us humans, our pets, too, are at risk of developing diabetes. Packaged foods contain a higher amount of sugar than natural foods, thus adding to the health threat. When you treat your cats with natural food sources you ensure that their blood sugar levels remain stable and are not headed down the bad-health way. Look for ingredients that are rich in protein sources like salmon and chicken.

Understand the importance of healthy food

An important and obvious tip for buying healthy cat treats is to pick healthy options. Look for options that have more proteins and fats as your cat would be utilizing these macronutrients for energy. Don’t be fooled by terms like meat by-products; nothing about these by-products is healthy. Stick to the more sure sources of proteins and nothing that you would have to look up the Internet. Some packaged treats that have all these “by-products” or other incomprehensive ingredients can, in fact, lead to health issues. Some treats available in the market are even designed to help address issues like digestion, dental health, and weight gain.

Carb control

Looking out for unknown ingredients in packaged foods is essential. You also need to keep an eye out on cat’s carb consumption. Learning the art of reading the nutritional label helps. All food packets have a nutritional label that mentions the ingredients and its quantity. Try to avoid carb-rich foods. This is one of the most important tips for buying healthy cat treats. Although your cat would happily gobble up the food, increased intake of carbs can lead to health issues greater than just weight gain.

Consult your vet

Before deciding and modifying things related to your pet, it is important to seek professional advice. There is no one who can guide you better than your vet. Whether you are opting for store-bought treats or homemade ones, your veterinarian’s opinion counts the most.