Let’s be honest. You’ve flipped the bag, squinted at the ingredients, and asked yourself—what is in this treat?
“Natural flavor”? “Animal digest”? “By-product meal”? Nope. Not good enough.
If you’re here, you want better. Better food. Better ingredients. Better energy from your pets and fewer surprises in the litter box or backyard. You’re asking the right questions. Now let’s talk about answers—real ones.
This guide breaks down cat treat ingredients that do more than taste good. We’re talking functional, clean, freeze-dried, supercharged ingredients that support your cat’s health—and bonus? They’re just as good for dogs too.
Because the best pet households don’t stock separate pantries for every species. They pick ingredients that work. Across breeds. Across needs. Across the board.
Let’s dig in.
What Makes a Cat Treat Ingredient “Healthy”?
The word “healthy” gets tossed around like a squeaky toy. But when it comes to your pet’s nutrition, vague claims won’t cut it. So what does it actually mean?
A cat treat ingredient earns its stripes when it checks a few non-negotiable boxes:
Biologically appropriate – Is it something a cat would naturally crave and use? Think animal-based, nutrient-dense, species-specific.
Clean – No dyes, artificial flavors, preservatives, or weird lab-made binders. Just real food.
Freeze-dried or raw – Not baked into oblivion. Nutrients like taurine, B vitamins, and enzymes should still be intact.
Single or limited ingredient – The fewer, the better. Less confusion, fewer allergens, more digestibility.
Dual-species compatible – Cats love it. Dogs benefit too. Makes snack time easier across the board.
Remember—cats are obligate carnivores. That means meat isn’t optional. Organ meats, bone broth, collagen—they’re essential. But here’s the cool part: these same ingredients work wonders for dogs as well.
And when they’re freeze-dried? You retain the flavor, texture, and nutrition—making them potent, real-deal healthy snacks for cats, dogs, and even sensitive, growing kittens. The right ingredients don’t just taste better—they do better.
Top Cat Treat Ingredients That Actually Do Something
1. Liver (Beef, Chicken, Turkey)
A supercharged source of vitamin A, iron, copper, and B vitamins. Great for energy, coat health, and immune strength.
Bonus: One of the few healthy snacks cats and dogs equally obsess over.
2. Turkey Heart
Packed with taurine (essential for cats), iron, zinc, and lean protein. When freeze-dried, it becomes a crunchy snack that nourishes the heart—literally.
Cats crave it. Dogs demolish it. Win-win.
3. Kale
Yes, really. Dogs love kale for its fiber and antioxidant benefits. And while cats won’t gnaw on leaves, finely crushed kale blended with liver or broth? Total game-changer. It aids digestion and detox.
4. Pumpkin
A hero ingredient for both species. Regulates digestion, soothes upset tummies, and delivers soluble fiber that balances things out—no matter who’s using the litter box or taking a walk.
5. Freeze-Dried Salmon or Whitefish
Loaded with omega-3s, these treats support brain function, joint health, and silky fur. Great for senior pets and perfect for kittens too.
What Is a Healthy Snack for Dogs… That Works for Cats Too?
Here’s a trick question: what is a healthy snack for dogs that your cat won’t turn their nose up at?
Answer: the kind made with organ meats, freeze-dried fish, or functional superfoods—not wheat, rice, or sugar.
When you’re feeding a multi-pet household, cross-species compatibility becomes a lifesaver. You don’t want five different treat jars, and your pets don’t want junk. The solution? Cat treat ingredients that also work for dogs—clean, nutrient-rich, and minimally processed.
When snacks are built from turkey heart, beef liver, or whitefish, they’re not only safe across species—they’re beneficial. No grains, no starch, just functional proteins and natural fats.
A few healthy snack ideas that work across both:
- Crushed turkey heart in broth – pour over kibble or wet food to enhance flavor and moisture
- Freeze-dried liver bits – easy to break into training-size pieces, great for portion control
- Pumpkin + fish blend – rich in fiber, omega-3s, and easy on sensitive stomachs
And don’t forget the kittens—these treats double as healthy snacks for kittens too. Soft enough to chew, pure enough to digest, and powerful enough to support growth. Simple, real food that bridges the gap—for everyone in your furry family.
Why Most “Healthy” Treats Miss the Mark
Let’s talk about the freeze-dried elephant in the room: not all treats that say they’re healthy… actually are.
Here’s what you’ll find in most store-bought brands:
“Natural flavors” – Sounds nice, right? But it’s just a code word for synthetic scent boosters designed to trick your pet into thinking it’s meat. Spoiler: it’s not.
Glycerin – Keeps treats chewy, but it also disrupts digestion and adds unnecessary sugar.
Flour or rice as a base – That’s a filler, not fuel. Cats and dogs don’t need grains to thrive.
Heat-baked ingredients – Most nutrients don’t survive the oven. What’s left is fiber and empty calories.
These treats often promise superfood dog benefits or “healthy snacks for cats,” but what they really deliver? Fluff, fillers, and flashy packaging.
That’s where clean, freeze-dried, single-ingredient options—like the ones in your Remys Cart—completely change the game. They’re raw in spirit. Nutrient-dense by design. And preserved with purpose.
They don’t just promise wellness—they deliver it. One crunch, one purr, one happy tail wag at a time. Because your pets can taste the difference. And you’ll see the results.
Why Dogs Love Kale (And Cats Can Too)
Let’s clear something up: your dog probably isn’t begging for kale chips. But when kale is freeze-dried, chopped finely, or blended with rich organ meats? It turns into one of those low-key superfood dog ingredients that packs a serious nutritional punch.
Loaded with antioxidants like quercetin and beta-carotene, kale helps combat inflammation, support detox, and even boost immune function. It’s also rich in fiber and trace minerals—excellent for dogs that need a little gut reset or weight control support.
And cats? They’re not grazing like herbivores, but a touch of kale in the right form can go a long way. Think of it as a background player—something that supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and offers plant-based nutrients without overwhelming their carnivorous needs.
Ways to serve kale:
- Mixed into organ blends – adds fiber and antioxidants without diluting protein
- Crushed over food – a light sprinkle goes a long way for mineral support
- Baked into DIY nuggets – pair with bone broth and meat for species-friendly snacks
When it’s part of a freeze-dried blend—like the balanced options found in Remy’s Kitchen—you may just catch your cat sneaking a second bite. Because when real food tastes real? Pets say yes. Every time.
Healthy Snacks for Kittens, Too?
Absolutely. Kittens need high-protein, high-fat diets packed with taurine, DHA, and essential B vitamins to support healthy growth, brain development, and immune strength. But here’s the kicker—you don’t need a separate, overcomplicated snack drawer just for the baby fluffballs.
Ingredients like turkey heart, chicken liver, and freeze-dried fish make perfect healthy snacks for kittens. They’re soft enough to chew, tiny enough to swallow safely, and biologically appropriate—because growing carnivores need meat, not mystery crunchies.
Even better? These same treats double as nutrition-packed snacks for dogs and puppies too. That’s what makes Remy’s Kitchen a total lifesaver for multi-pet households. One bag. Multiple species. Zero filler.
Here’s how to use them:
- Training rewards – Break into small pieces to build recall and confidence early
- Crumbles over wet food – Adds irresistible scent and flavor to every bite
- Frozen in broth – Soothing for teething kittens and extra hydrating
- Digestive support – Gentle on sensitive tummies new to solid food
When it’s one ingredient, ethically sourced, and freeze-dried to preserve every nutrient, you don’t need to stress. With Remy’s Kitchen, you’re not just giving your kitten a treat—you’re building a healthy foundation from the very first bite.
Final Scoop: Let Ingredients Lead
You don’t need a degree in pet nutrition—or a pantry packed with different bags for every species—to make smart, healthy choices. What you do need? The ability to read an ingredient label and trust what you see.
The cat treat ingredients that matter most are the ones your pet’s body recognizes and knows how to use. Real meat. Real organs. Maybe a few carefully chosen superfoods. That’s it. No fillers. No dyes. No sugar-glazed anything.
And when you lean into quality over trends, freeze-dried over baked, and single-ingredient over “flavor-enhanced”—that’s when the magic happens.
Suddenly, you start noticing the difference. Shinier coats. More stable digestion. Cleaner ears. Fewer itches. Fewer mystery poops. More tail wags. More head nudges. More connection. Because feeding with intention builds trust.
So next time you’re choosing healthy snacks cats will actually eat—or wondering what is a healthy snack for dogs that doesn’t mess with their gut—don’t fall for fancy words or bright packaging. Trust the food. Trust how your pet reacts.
And trust Remy’s Kitchen to make that process easier. Honest food. Transparent sourcing. Functional formulas. Pet-approved results.
Start with food that doesn’t just say it’s good.
Start with food that proves it.
Start with Remy’s.
