What Owners Often Get Wrong When Buying Treats And Tips to Avoid It

Cat treats can be a great way to reward good behaviour, help with training, add enrichment, or simply make your feline feel loved. But with so many options on the shelves, it’s easy to grab whatever looks appealing without realising what’s actually inside, or how it might affect your cat over time.

If you’ve ever stood in the pet aisle feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple guide to help you avoid the most common mistakes and choose treats that genuinely support your cat’s health and happiness.

Common Mistakes Cat Owners Make When Choosing Treats

Choosing treats with long ingredient lists

Anything with more than a handful of ingredients should raise an eyebrow. Many treats contain fillers, starches, artificial flavours, preservatives, or binding agents that cats don’t actually need, and some may even trigger sensitivities.

Not checking the protein source

Terms like “meat by-product,” “animal proteins,” or “poultry flavour” don’t tell you much. Cats are obligate carnivores that rely on real, clear, single-source proteins. Vague labelling usually means low-quality ingredients.

Relying on treat “flavours” instead of real meat

“Chicken flavour” doesn’t mean chicken. Cats follow scent and texture, not artificial flavouring. Treats made with real, species-appropriate meats will always be more nutritious (and more appealing).

How to Choose High-Quality Treats for Your Cat

• Look for short, simple ingredient lists: The best treats are clean and minimal – ideally just one single protein. This reduces the risk of allergies, improves digestibility, and supports your cat’s natural dietary needs.

• Choose real, human-grade meat: When the protein source is clearly named (kangaroo, duck, goat, pork heart, sardine), you know exactly what you’re feeding. Human-grade ingredients indicate better quality and safety standards.

• Opt for freeze-dried or raw-based treats: Freeze-drying keeps the nutrients intact without cooking, meaning your cat gets the benefits of raw nutrition with the convenience of a shelf-stable treat. It also maintains aroma and texture – a big win for picky cats.

• Consider novel proteins for sensitive cats: Novel proteins are meats your cat hasn’t eaten before, such as kangaroo, goat, duck, or wild boar. They’re great for reducing inflammation, calming sensitivities, and resetting digestion.

Why Clean, Single-Ingredient Treats Make a Difference

Cats don’t need complicated treats. Their digestive systems are designed for simplicity — clean animal proteins, minimal processing, and no additives. When treats mimic what cats are naturally built to eat, you’ll often notice:

• Better coat and skin health

• Fewer digestive upsets

• More enthusiasm at mealtime

• Reduced itchiness or flare-ups

• Calmer behaviour around food

How The Paw Grocer Fits In

At The Paw Grocer, we’ve always believed that the simplest treats are the best treats. Our cat and Black Label ranges are made from 100% human-grade, single-ingredient meats, sourced responsibly from Australian farms and freeze-dried to lock in natural nutrients.

No fillers.
No grains.
No additives.
Just clean, species-appropriate nutrition that cats genuinely enjoy.

Whether your cat is a sensitive eater, a fussy foodie, or you’re simply trying to upgrade to cleaner treats, our cat treat range is designed to make healthy choices easy.