The Ultimate Guide to Lickable Cat Treats
Hey there, fellow cat parent! If you’ve ever seen those little squeeze tubes of creamy goodness for cats, you know how wild our feline friends go for them. Often called “Go-Gurt for cats,” these lickable treats have taken the pet world by storm, and it’s easy to see why cats absolutely love them!
But with so many brands jumping on the bandwagon, the treat aisle has become a little overwhelming. The problem is that many of these new options are packed with ingredients that aren’t so great for our kitties. Giving our cats a treat is an expression of love, so we want to make sure we’re giving them something that’s not only delicious but also healthy and beneficial.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re going to break down everything you need to know to become a lickable treat expert. We’ll look at what makes a treat healthy, review some of the top brands on the market, and even share some fun and creative ways to use them. Let’s dive in!
The Science of Squeeze Tubes: Why Cats Love Lickable Treats
Ever wonder what makes these creamy treats so irresistible? It turns out it taps right into your cat’s natural instincts.
- A Unique Sensory Experience: The creamy texture satisfies a cat’s instinct to lick and groom, making it a uniquely satisfying experience for them. The soft texture is also a huge plus for senior cats or those with dental issues who might struggle with crunchy treats.
- Key Benefits for Your Cat’s Well-being: These treats are more than just a tasty snack!
- Hydration Boost: Most lickable treats are basically liquid (like 90% water!), which is awesome for getting extra water into your cat, especially if they’re one of those cats who thinks their water bowl is just decoration.
- Strengthening Your Bond: There’s something special about hand-feeding your cat directly from the tube. It’s a wonderful way to interact and strengthen your bond.
- A Solution for a Range of Needs: Lickable treats are incredibly versatile. They can help encourage a sick or picky cat to eat, serve as a great distraction during stressful events like vet visits or nail trims, and even help you give your cat medication.
How to Choose a Healthy Lickable Treat: A Pet Parent’s Guide
Ready to become a label-reading pro? It’s easier than you think! Here are a few key things to look for to make sure you’re picking a high-quality treat.
- The Golden Rule: Don’t Go Crazy with Treats Here’s the deal – treats should be like dessert for humans. A little bit is great, but you don’t want it replacing actual meals. Vets say keep treats under 10-15% of what your cat eats in a day. For most cats, that’s maybe 1-2 tubes max. These treats are pretty low-cal anyway, so you’re probably fine, but it’s good to keep in mind.
- Reading Labels Without Getting a Headache
- Look for Real Food First: Your cat’s basically a tiny lion, so they need meat. Check that the first few ingredients are actual meat or fish – stuff like chicken, tuna, or beef. If you see “chicken meal” or weird science-y names first, maybe keep looking.
- The Sneaky Carb Thing: Here’s a little trick – nutrition labels don’t tell you how much carbs are in there, but you can figure it out. Just add up all the percentages they DO tell you (protein, fat, etc.), and whatever’s left to get to 100% is basically carbs and minerals. Lower leftover number = better for chunky cats.
- Stuff to Avoid (AKA the Bad Guy Ingredients)
- Sugar: Cats literally can’t taste sweet stuff, so why is it even in there? Skip it.
- Carrageenan: Sounds fancy, but it’s just a thickener that can mess with your cat’s tummy and might even be cancer-y. Hard pass.
- Fake Flavors: If it says “artificial” anything or vague stuff like “natural flavoring,” it’s probably just lab-made taste enhancers. Real food is better.
- Filler Junk: Things like tapioca starch are basically just there to make the tube feel fuller. Not harmful, but not helpful either – like eating cardboard for cats.
The Best Lickable Cat Treats of 2025: Reviewed and Ranked
We’ve done the research for you! Based on nutrition, ingredients, price, and of course, cat-approved taste tests, here are some of the best lickable treats you can find.
- Best Overall: Tiki Cat Stix
- Why it wins: These are like the gold standard. Lots of protein, barely any junk carbs, and cats lose their minds for them. Plus Tiki Cat actually knows what they’re doing when it comes to cat nutrition.
- The Numbers: About 8 calories per tube, decent protein.
- Best Value: Hartz Delectables Squeeze Up
- Why it wins: Cheap but not cheap quality – that’s rare! These have good protein, low junk, and they’re thick enough that you won’t end up wearing half the tube. Your wallet and your cat will both be happy.
- The Numbers: About 7 calories per tube, good protein.
- Best for Chunky Cats: Cafe Nara Lickable Treats
- Why it wins: If your cat’s on a diet (we’ve all been there), this is your friend. Lowest calories, lowest carbs, and it’s made with human-grade stuff. Plus it’s gentle on sensitive tummies.
- The Numbers: Only about 4 calories per tube – guilt-free treating!
- The Popular Kid: Inaba Churu
- Why it wins: This is the one everyone talks about, and for good reason. Cats are absolutely obsessed with this stuff – like, dangerously obsessed. Good nutrition, tons of flavors, but fair warning: your cat might become a Churu snob.
- The Numbers: About 6 calories per tube, solid choice all around.
- For Skinny Cats: Puddonio Lickable Treat
- Why it wins: If your cat needs to gain weight or you’ve got a growing kitten, this packs way more protein and calories than the others. Great for cats who need the extra nutrition boost.
- The Numbers: About 14 calories per tube – the heavyweight champion.
- For Old-Timer Cats: Hartz Delectables Stew Senior 10+
- Why it wins: Made specifically for senior cats with extra vitamins and a softer texture. It’s in a pouch instead of a tube and has little meat chunks in gravy – perfect for cats with dental issues.
- The Numbers: About 14 calories per pouch.
Beyond the Snack: Creative Ways to Use Lickable Treats
Think these are just for snacking? Think again! Here are some creative ways to use them:
- As a Meal Topper: A squeeze over their regular food can entice even the pickiest of eaters.
- To Administer Medication: The strong flavor is perfect for hiding a crushed pill or mixing with liquid medicine.
- As a Frozen “Popsicle”: Pop a tube in the freezer for a few hours for a cool, refreshing treat on a hot day.
- For Training and Distraction: Use it as a high-value reward or to keep your cat happily distracted during nail trims or trips to the vet.
The Savvy Cat Owner’s Guide: What Most Reviews Don’t Mention
- The Addiction Problem: Are You Creating a Monster? Let’s be real – cats can become total treat addicts with this stuff. Some people call it “cat crack” for a reason! If you use these too much, especially mixed with regular food, your cat might turn into a diva who refuses to eat anything else. Don’t let your cat train YOU!
- The Packaging Guilt Trip Yeah, all these little tubes create a ton of trash. It’s not great for the planet, but unfortunately there aren’t many alternatives right now. Maybe just something to keep in mind if you’re trying to be more eco-friendly.
- The Gummy Bear Situation You’ll see ingredients like guar gum and xanthan gum – these are just what make the treats thick and creamy instead of watery. They’re not bad, but they’re basically filler. The fewer weird gums and starches, the more actual good stuff your cat’s getting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How often can I give my cat a lickable treat? Daily is fine, but don’t go nuts! Stick to 1-2 tubes max, and make sure most of their calories are still coming from real cat food.
- Are lickable treats actually good for cats? The good ones are! They’re mostly water (great for hydration) and protein (great for cats). Just pick brands that aren’t loaded with junk.
- Do these treats really help with hydration? Yep! They’re like sneaky water delivery systems. Perfect for cats who act like drinking water is beneath them.
Conclusion: Treat Your Cat Lovingly and Wisely
Lickable treats can be a wonderful, fun, and healthy part of your cat’s life. Now that you’re armed with all this information, you can feel confident walking down that pet food aisle. By prioritizing high-protein, meat-first ingredients, keeping an eye on calories, and avoiding those unhealthy additives, you can pick a treat that is both a delicious indulgence and a great contribution to your cat’s overall well-being.
Happy treating!
