Freeze-dried cat treats

Freeze-dried cat treats are small pieces of food that were frozen and then dried under low pressure so almost all the water is gone. They are light, shelf stable and easy to portion, which suits cats who want a tiny reward. A single ingredient cat treat has one item on its label, such as one type of meat, so you know exactly what you are offering.

What freeze drying does

Freeze drying freezes the food, lowers the pressure and adds a little gentle heat so the ice turns directly into vapor. University of Minnesota Extension describes this as sublimation, and it leaves a dry food. It is not a cooking step, so whether a freeze-dried treat is raw or cooked depends on the maker. Read the label. Our freeze-dried dog treats guide covers the process and how it compares to air drying.

Single ingredient for cats

A single ingredient cat treat has one thing in the ingredient list. That makes it easy to check against a protein your cat has had before, and easy to pass over if you want to skip one. Treats are for intermittent or supplemental feeding, not a complete and balanced diet.

Offering them as treats, not meals

VCA Animal Hospitals states the general rule that 90 percent of a cat's daily calories come from complete and balanced food and the remaining 10 percent can come from treats and snacks. Treats are extras. A few small pieces from your hand, a reward after a nail trim, or something to bring a cat to the carrier are what they are for.

• Break them small. Tiny pieces are easier to count.
• Offer by hand or on a plate, and keep fresh water nearby.
• Introduce one new treat at a time, in a small amount, so you can tell how your cat takes to it.
• Watch the total. Light pieces add calories quickly. Your vet can tell you your cat's daily target.

Raw freeze-dried treats

Some freeze-dried treats are made from raw ingredients. The FDA publishes guidance on handling raw pet food (FDA, raw pet food diets), and VCA cautions about bacterial contamination with freeze-dried or dehydrated raw treats (VCA, Dog Treats). Wash your hands after handling treats, and ask your vet before bringing raw treats into a home with a kitten, a senior cat, a baby or anyone told to avoid raw foods.

Why cats get their own box

Cats and dogs are different animals with different habits, so Modified Monthly has a separate cat version, chosen at checkout. You can name proteins your cat loves and ones to skip, and we use that when choosing treats. Contents, sizes and quantities vary each month, and photos are examples, so read the label on every treat. One box covers one pet, so a household with two cats buys two boxes. See the cat box page for more, or see how it works.

Storage

Check each bag for its own storage directions. In general, keep a bag sealed between uses in a cool, dry place so the pieces stay crisp.