Giving your cat an occasional puree treat can be a great way to provide extra nutrition and variety in their diet. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as too many treats can lead to weight gain or other health issues. Here are some tips on the recommended frequency for puree cat treats.
What are puree cat treats?
Puree cat treats have a smooth, pudding-like texture that makes them easy for cats to eat and digest. They are made by pureeing meat, fish, veggies, or other ingredients into a smooth paste or gel. Some common puree treat varieties include:
- Chicken, tuna, salmon, or other meat purees
- Vegetable purees like pumpkin or sweet potato
- Fruit purees like banana or apple
The pureeing breaks down the ingredients into a soft, palatable texture. Puree treats tend to be very aromatic and flavorful, which makes them appealing to finicky cats. They typically come packaged in tubes or pouches.
Benefits of puree cat treats
Some benefits of puree treats for cats include:
- Added nutrition: The pureeing process retains more nutrients from the ingredients compared to dry treats.
- Moisture: The smooth texture provides extra hydration for cats.
- Easy to eat: Purees are easy for senior cats or those with dental issues.
- Supplements diet: Can provide nutrients missing from a cat’s regular food.
- Promotes oral health: The gel-like consistency helps scrape away plaque.
How often can cats have puree treats?
There are no definitive guidelines on how often to feed puree treats. Here are some general tips:
- 1-2 times per week: This is a reasonable starting frequency for most healthy adult cats.
- A few times per month: For less active cats or if weight is a concern.
- A few times per day: This may be fine for kittens or senior cats needing extra calories and nutrition.
- As daily meal topper: Adding a spoonful on top of meals can make it easier to give more frequently.
The right amount will depend on factors like your cat’s age, activity level, health issues, and any dietary needs or restrictions. Check the package instructions for amounts based on your cat’s weight.
Guidelines for frequency based on age
The ideal frequency for puree treats may vary based on your cat’s life stage:
Kittens
- May be fed small amounts 1-2 times daily
- Provides extra nutrition for growing cats
- Only give amounts recommended for kitten size
Adult cats
- 1-2 times per week is usually sufficient
- Good for picky eaters or supplementing nutrition
- Adjust amount based on activity level and metabolism
Senior cats
- Can be fed daily or a few times per week
- Makes it easier to eat for cats with dental issues
- Provides extra calories for older cats
Consider your cat’s health
Cats with certain health conditions may need more tailored guidelines on treat frequency:
Weight concerns
- For overweight cats, limit to 1-2 times a month
- Use very small serving sizes
- Give as a meal topper rather than treat between meals
Diabetes
- Avoid sugar-filled fruit and yogurt flavors
- Meat or fish varieties are better choices
- Discuss appropriate frequency with your vet
Food allergies/intolerances
- Check ingredients to avoid problematic foods
- May be able to give purees more often for alternative protein sources
- Talk to your vet about options safe for your cat
Kidney disease
- Purees provide extra hydration for kidney health
- Some ingredients like tuna may need to be limited
- Discuss best options and amounts with your vet
Signs your cat is getting too many treats
Look for these signs your cat may be getting too many puree treats:
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
- Leaving more food uneaten at mealtimes
- Less interest in toys or physical activity
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Coat appearing dull or greasy
If you notice any of these, cut back on treats and talk to your vet.
Tips for safe treat feeding
Follow these tips when feeding your cat puree treats:
- Read packaging carefully and follow serving size guidelines
- Measure servings instead of feeding directly from pouch or tube
- Refrigerate opened packages and use within a few days
- Give treats at mealtimes instead of free-feeding throughout the day
- Gradually introduce new flavors to check for allergies or tummy upsets
- Make sure treats don’t provide more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories
- Don’t give human yogurt or baby food, as these are unsafe for cats
Homemade puree treat recipes
You can also make healthy puree treats at home. Here are some recipes to try:
Pumpkin puree
Combine 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling), 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tsp cinnamon. Puree until smooth. Refrigerate leftovers.
Banana “ice cream”
Mash 1 ripe banana with a fork until smooth. Stir in 1 tsp honey and 2 tbsp full-fat Greek yogurt. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Tuna cake
Blend one 5-oz can tuna in water with 1 egg, 1/4 cup whole wheat flour, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Pour into greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F 15-20 minutes. Cut into pieces when cool.
Fruit salad
In a blender, puree 1/4 cup each of strawberries, blueberries, and plain yogurt. Blend until smooth. Serve chilled.
Conclusion
Puree cat treats can be a healthy supplement to your cat’s diet when fed in moderation. An optimal frequency may be 1-2 times per week for healthy adult cats, but this can vary based on your individual cat’s needs. Pay attention to serving sizes, ingredient labels, and your cat’s reaction to prevent overfeeding. With some care and common sense, puree treats can provide a tasty nutrition boost!