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

🔑 Key Findings

Common treats like Temptations and Greenies are heavy on corn and wheat fillers—ingredients your obligate carnivore has zero biological need for.

Recalls in 2024-2025 have hit raw and freeze-dried brands (like Viva Raw and Savage Pet) due to Salmonella and a new concern: Bird Flu (H5N1).

Some versions of Temptations still list BHA/BHT on their labels, synthetic preservatives linked to cancer and liver issues in animal studies.

Dental treats often rely on texture rather than active ingredients to clean teeth, meaning you're feeding high-carb cookies to fight plaque.

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.

Brand	Product	Verdict	Why
PureBites	Freeze Dried Chicken	✅	Single ingredient, high protein, zero fillers.
Inaba	Churu Purée	✅	High moisture, no grains, highly palatable for picky eaters.
Greenies	Dental Treats	⚠️	High in corn/wheat/soy. Acceptable for dental use, but calorie-dense.
Blue Buffalo	Bursts	⚠️	"Natural" marketing, but still loaded with rice, barley, and oatmeal.
Temptations	Crunchy Treats	🚫	High calorie, addictive flavor sprays, potential BHA/BHT usage.
Hartz	Delectables Squeeze Up	✅	Safe lickable option, comparable to Churu but check for "artificial flavors."

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.

References (24)

🛒 Product Recommendations

✅

Freeze-Dried Lamb & Salmon Feast

Feline Natural

Sourced entirely from New Zealand grass-fed lamb and sustainable salmon. These freeze-dried bites contain zero fillers, grains, or starch—just meat, organs, and blood (a vital nutrient source for cats).

Recommended

✅

Freeze-Dried Minnows

Vital Essentials

A single-ingredient treat consisting solely of whole, freeze-dried minnows. They provide natural abrasive action to help clean teeth and are rich in Omega-3s without any processing or additives.

Recommended

✅

Just One Salmon

Whole Life Pet

Human-grade, single-ingredient salmon fillet that is flash-frozen and freeze-dried. Uniquely, this brand cooks the fish to 165°F before freeze-drying to eliminate pathogen risks while retaining nutrients.

Recommended

✅

Extra Large Bonito Flakes

Cat-Man-Doo

These are paper-thin slices of dried bonito (tuna) with no additives or preservatives. They are naturally high in protein and taurine, making them an excellent low-calorie topper for picky eaters.

Recommended

✅

Feline Dental Treats

Emerald Pet

A superior alternative to Greenies, these dental treats are grain-free and use natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols instead of BHA/BHT. They use calcium carbonate and glucono delta-lactone for dental health rather than harsh chemicals.

Recommended

✅

cleanprotein™ Protein Bites

Dr. Elsey's

Boasts an exceptionally high protein content (over 55%) with hydrolyzed pork or chicken as the primary ingredient. Unlike most crunchy treats, these contain no fillers, grains, or starchy binders.

Recommended

✅

Freeze Dried Hearts (Beef/Turkey)

Smallbatch Pets

Single-ingredient organ meat treats sourced from responsibly raised animals. Hearts are dense in taurine and essential B-vitamins, offering a nutrient boost that standard muscle meat treats lack.

Recommended

✅

Freestyle Perfect Purée

Nulo

A safe lickable treat that uses natural gums (guar) rather than carrageenan. It serves as a hydrating topper with simple ingredients like chicken broth and chickpeas, avoiding the by-product slurries found in cheaper competitors.

Recommended

✅

Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast

Made by Nacho

Founded by Chef Bobby Flay, these treats are single-ingredient cage-free chicken breast infused with bone broth for extra palatability. They are freeze-dried to preserve nutrients without high-heat processing.

Recommended

✅

Crunchers

Tiki Cat

A crunchy treat that avoids the usual corn/wheat fillers, using pumpkin and flaxseed instead. They are grain-free, non-GMO, and free from artificial colors or flavors, offering a cleaner 'cookie' style treat.

Recommended

👌

Digestive Health Soft Treats

Get Naked

These functional treats include GanedenBC30 probiotics to support gut health. While they contain some vegetable glycerin and starch, they are free from grains and artificial preservatives, making them a decent functional option.

Acceptable

🚫

Whisker Lickin's Crunch Lovers

Purina

Contains **BHA and BHT**, synthetic preservatives linked to potential carcinogenicity. The ingredient list is also heavy on corn gluten meal and artificial dyes like **Yellow 5, Red 40, and Blue 2**.

Avoid

🚫

Irresistibles Soft Treats

Meow Mix

Preserved with **BHA** and uses fish meal preserved with **Ethoxyquin**, a chemical preservative banned in human food in some regions. Also contains **Titanium Dioxide** for artificial whitening.

Avoid

🚫

Moist Treats

Pounce

A legacy brand that still relies on **BHA** for preservation. The formula is primarily wheat flour and animal digest, with added **Titanium Dioxide** and **Red 40** solely for visual appeal.

Avoid

🚫

Party Mix Original Crunch

Friskies

The quintessential 'junk food' treat. Ingredients include **BHA/BHT**, **Yellow 5**, **Yellow 6**, **Red 40**, and **Blue 2**. The first few ingredients are by-product meals and corn/wheat fillers.

Avoid

🚫

Tender Morsels

9Lives

Contains **BHA/BHT** and high-glycemic fillers like high fructose corn syrup (in some formulations) or sugar. Relies heavily on **artificial colors** and meat by-products.

Avoid

🚫

Savory Cravings

Fancy Feast

Contains **Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil**, a source of trans fats which are generally unsafe for consumption. While breakable and popular, the ingredient profile is highly processed compared to freeze-dried alternatives.

Avoid

🚫

Frozen Chicken Formula (Recall)

Wild Coast Raw

**Recalled in 2025** due to **Bird Flu (H5N1)** contamination. Raw poultry treats currently carry a higher risk of H5N1 transmission; consumers should verify batch safety or switch to cooked/freeze-dried options temporarily.

Avoid

🚫

Chicken Packets (Recall)

Savage Pet

**Recalled in 2025** for potential **H5N1 (Bird Flu)** contamination. Like other raw poultry brands, this highlights the current volatility and risk in the raw treat supply chain.

Avoid

⚠️

Frozen Turkey Recipe (Recall)

Northwest Naturals

Faced a recall in late 2024 linked to **Bird Flu (H5N1)**. While typically a high-quality brand, caution is advised with their raw frozen poultry treats until the H5N1 outbreak in dairy/poultry is fully contained.

Use Caution

⚠️

Nutrish Love Bites

Rachael Ray

Promoted as natural, but contains **Titanium Dioxide**, an artificial whitener that the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) no longer considers safe as a food additive. Better options exist without unnecessary cosmetic chemicals.

Use Caution

⚠️

Meaty Tender Sticks

Sheba

These sticks use **Animal Plasma** and **Sugar** as key ingredients, along with chemical preservatives like **Potassium Sorbate**. While they lack BHA, the high processing and added sugar make them a poor nutritional choice.

Use Caution

💡 We don't accept payment for recommendations. Some links may be affiliate links.

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

TL;DR

🔑 Key Findings

The Short Answer

Why This Matters

What's Actually In Popular Cat Treats

What to Look For

The Best Options

2024-2026 Recall Watch

The Bottom Line

FAQ

Are Temptations treats bad for cats?

Can I give my cat dog treats?

Do Greenies actually clean cat teeth?

Is Churu safe for cats?

🛒 Product Recommendations

📖 Related Research

Is Dog Food Safe? The Truth About Toxins, Kibble, and Recalls

Is Kibble Bad for Dogs? The Hidden Risks of Dry Dog Food

Are There Heavy Metals in Dog Food?

More about Pet Products

Search GetCrunchy

TL;DR

🔑 Key Findings

The Short Answer

Why This Matters

What's Actually In Popular Cat Treats

What to Look For

The Best Options

2024-2026 Recall Watch

The Bottom Line

FAQ

Are Temptations treats bad for cats?

Can I give my cat dog treats?

Do Greenies actually clean cat teeth?

Is Churu safe for cats?

🛒 Product Recommendations

📖 Related Research

Is Dog Food Safe? The Truth About Toxins, Kibble, and Recalls

Is Kibble Bad for Dogs? The Hidden Risks of Dry Dog Food

Are There Heavy Metals in Dog Food?

More about Pet Products