Food & Treats

10 Best Cat Treats for Training 2026: Ones Cats Actually Eat

Find training cat treats your cat will actually eat, not just the ones with great reviews. Save money and frustration.

Every cat treat brand claims to be ideal for training, but the real test happens when you open the bag. Many cats simply turn up their noses at treats that thousands of reviewers swear by, leaving owners frustrated and wondering what went wrong.

The biggest divide comes down to texture: crunchy biscuits versus lickable purees. Each has trade-offs in convenience, calorie density, and portion control. No single texture works for every cat, and the wrong choice can derail a training session.

This guide focuses on the one factor that matters most: what your cat will actually eat. We highlight treats that balance palatability, calorie count, and practicality so you can train without guesswork.

1

INABA Churu Chicken Variety 20ct

Top Pick
INABA Churu Chicken Variety 20ct

Health-conscious owners

Our Score 9.6/10
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Worth Noting

  • Small 0.5 oz tubes may not be enough for multiple cats or longer training sessions
  • Higher per-treat cost compared to dry crunchy treats
Texture
Creamy puree
Portion Control
Squeeze tube, small portions
Calories per treat
6 cal per tube
Ingredient Quality
Clean, taurine, green tea
Read the full review

At 6 calories per tube and 91% moisture, INABA Churu delivers a low-calorie reward that cats consistently accept. The creamy puree has no grains, artificial colors, or preservatives, and includes taurine for heart health — a clean profile that suits owners who scrutinize ingredient lists.

Health-conscious owners will value the absence of fillers and the hydration boost from each 0.5 oz tube. The small size and mid-range per-treat cost mean this works best for single-cat training sessions rather than multi-cat households or heavy daily use. The price per tube is higher than crunchy alternatives, but the near-universal cat appeal and low calorie count offset the cost for focused reward use.

The 0.5 oz tube suits a single cat per training session; for multiple cats, consider buying multiple boxes or pairing with a lower-cost option.

Bottom line: If you prioritize ingredient quality and want a low-calorie reward that few cats will refuse, this puree fits — just budget for smaller portions if you have more than one cat.

2

Temptations Classic Crunchy Chicken 16oz

Temptations Classic Crunchy Chicken 16oz

Frequent training sessions

Our Score 9.6/10
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Worth Noting

  • Plastic lid may crack with rough handling or repeated opening.
  • Some cats may not respond to the chicken scent and refuse the treat.
Texture
Crunchy outside, soft inside
Portion Control
Small whole treats
Calories per treat
under 2 cal
Ingredient Quality
Artificial additives
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Under 2 calories per treat and a 16-ounce tub make this a budget-friendly choice for daily training rewards. The crunchy exterior with a soft center appeals to many cats, though the plastic lid may crack with frequent use and a minority of cats may ignore the chicken flavor. Best for owners who need a large supply of low-calorie treats and whose cats enjoy a textural contrast.

Twist the lid gently to avoid cracking – the plastic is thin.

Bottom line: This tub suits owners who prefer a crunchy training treat over a puree and want a large supply at a low cost per treat.

3

Temptations Creamy Puree Variety 24ct

Temptations Creamy Puree Variety 24ct

Budget puree training

Our Score 9.6/10
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Worth Noting

  • Tubes are smaller than other brands (0.42 oz) and may feel less satisfying for larger cats
  • Some cats refuse the palatability, so it’s not a universal winner
Texture
Creamy puree
Portion Control
Squeeze tube
Calories per treat
under 15 cal
Ingredient Quality
No sugar/fillers
Read the full review

At under $12 for 24 tubes with fewer than 15 calories each and no added sugar, this is the puree treat that stretches a training budget farthest. Senior cats and kittens lap up the smooth texture easily, and the chicken-salmon-tuna variety keeps interest high session after session.

This works best for owners who want a low-cost puree reward and don’t mind smaller portions — each tube is 0.42 oz versus INABA Churu’s 0.5 oz. Some cats may turn up their noses at the flavor, so a single-tube test run is wise before committing to the 24-count pack.

Squeeze a small amount per training session to make each tube last longer.

Bottom line: If your cat will eat them, this is the best value puree for frequent training rewards — just be aware of the smaller tube size.

4

Friskies Natural Yums Salmon 20oz

Friskies Natural Yums Salmon 20oz

Multi-cat household

Our Score 9.6/10
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Worth Noting

  • Pieces can be larger than other crunchy treats, making them less suitable for small cats or training rewards
  • Crunchiness may be too hard for cats with sensitive teeth or older felines
Texture
Crunchy
Portion Control
Bite-sized pieces
Calories per treat
2 cal per treat
Ingredient Quality
Natural, added vitamins
Read the full review

With 20 ounces for a budget price and real salmon as the first ingredient, this is the most cost-effective natural crunchy treat in the set. Each piece is only 2 calories, making it suitable for frequent rewarding. However, the pieces are larger and harder than other crunchy options, so senior cats or those with dental issues may struggle. Best for multi-cat households or owners who prioritize value over treat size.

Break the larger pieces into smaller bits if your cat prefers a more manageable treat size.

Bottom line: A cost-effective choice for multi-cat households, but those training with tiny, soft rewards should consider the Temptations Classic instead.

5

Delectables Squeeze Up Variety 24ct

Delectables Squeeze Up Variety 24ct

Medication hiding treat

Our Score 9.6/10
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Worth Noting

  • Strong fishy odor may be unpleasant for some owners during feeding.
Texture
Creamy puree
Portion Control
Squeeze tube
Calories per treat
under 15 cal
Ingredient Quality
Grain-free, no fillers
Read the full review

This puree offers multiple feeding options and excels at hiding pills or enticing picky eaters. Its strong fishy smell may put off some owners, and per-tube cost runs higher than Temptations Creamy. While similar to INABA Churu, a slightly less clean ingredient profile keeps it from top tier, but cats who love these flavors will devour them.

Bottom line: Best for owners who need a high-palatability treat for medicating or enticing a picky cat, and can look past the fishy smell.

6

Sheba Meaty Tender Sticks 40ct

Sheba Meaty Tender Sticks 40ct

Breakable meat sticks

Our Score 9.4/10
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Worth Noting

  • Some cats may experience digestive upset (diarrhea or vomiting) after eating.
  • Texture can be too soft or rubbery for some cats, making it difficult to chew.
Texture
Soft meat sticks
Portion Control
Breakable sticks
Calories per treat
5-10 cal per stick
Ingredient Quality
Real meat
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Unlike puree tubes that require squeezing, these individually wrapped sticks allow precise breakage into tiny training rewards — no guesswork. The real chicken, tuna, and salmon blend keeps cats interested, and the soft texture works for cats that dislike crunchy options. However, some cats may have digestive reactions to the ingredients, and the softness can be too rubbery for certain felines. This treat suits owners who want portion control for structured training, as long as their cat's stomach accepts it.

Bottom line: A practical training treat for owners who value portion control, best suited for cats without sensitive stomachs or chewing preferences.

7

Blue Buffalo Bursts Chicken 5oz

Blue Buffalo Bursts Chicken 5oz

Fortified training treat

Our Score 9.4/10
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Worth Noting

  • Some cats may refuse this treat entirely, limiting its usefulness for training rewards.
Texture
Crunchy outside, creamy center
Portion Control
Bite-sized pieces
Calories per treat
~2 cal per treat
Ingredient Quality
Natural, added nutrients
Read the full review

This treat offers a unique crunchy exterior with a creamy center, plus added Omega fatty acids and Taurine for coat and heart health. However, palatability varies sharply — some cats will refuse it entirely, making it a risky choice for consistent training rewards. Best suited for owners willing to test acceptance before committing.

Bottom line: Worth trying if your cat enjoys the texture, but test a small bag first given the risk of rejection.

8

Fruitables Salmon & Cranberry 2.5oz

Fruitables Salmon & Cranberry 2.5oz

Weight management treats

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

Texture
Crunchy biscuits
Portion Control
Tiny biscuits
Calories per treat
under 1 cal
Ingredient Quality
Natural, superfoods
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At under 1 calorie per biscuit, Fruitables Salmon & Cranberry is the lightest crunchy treat for frequent training rewards, packed with real salmon and superfoods. The tiny biscuits work well in treat puzzles and for weight management, though some cats may find them unsatisfying or reject the flavor entirely – this treat is best for cats that readily accept small, crunchy bites.

Bottom line: Ideal for weight-conscious owners who need ultra-low-calorie rewards – just confirm your cat enjoys small crunchy biscuits.

9

Wellness Kittles Salmon 2oz

Wellness Kittles Salmon 2oz

Natural dental treats

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Some cats may refuse the small crunchy pieces due to size or taste.
Texture
Crunchy
Portion Control
Tiny pieces
Calories per treat
2 cal per treat
Ingredient Quality
Natural, grain-free
Read the full review

Wellness Kittles uses real salmon and cranberry in a grain-free recipe, delivering just 2 calories per crunchy piece that helps clean teeth. The 2 oz bag runs out quickly, making it better suited for initial taste tests than ongoing training.

Bottom line: Use this as an affordable sample to gauge your cat's preference before investing in a larger bag of similar treats.

10

Meow Mix Irresistibles Salmon 5x3oz

Meow Mix Irresistibles Salmon 5x3oz

Senior cat treats

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Some cats may refuse the salmon flavor
Texture
Soft, tender
Portion Control
Soft pieces
Calories per treat
2 cal per treat
Ingredient Quality
Natural
Read the full review

These treats deliver a very soft texture that works well for senior cats, and the low calorie count supports frequent training. However, the strong salmon odor may be off-putting to some owners, and not all cats accept the flavor – the treats are best reserved for cats that already enjoy soft salmon treats.

Bottom line: Best for owners of senior cats or cats with dental issues who already know their cat likes soft salmon treats.

How to Choose

Calories per Treat

For training, you will give many treats per session. Calories add up fast. A treat with 2 calories or fewer allows frequent rewards without overfeeding. Lickable purees like Churu have 6 calories per tube, and you can squeeze out tiny amounts. Crunchy treats vary: some are 2 calories, others like Fruitables are under 1 calorie. Check the label and adjust your feeding plan accordingly.

Texture

Crunchy treats are easy to toss across the room for recall training and work well in treat puzzles. They also help scrape plaque. But some cats, especially seniors or those with dental issues, prefer soft or puree textures. Puree treats let you control the serving size drop by drop, making them ideal for shaping behaviors. The trade-off is mess: puree can get on your hands and surfaces, while crunchy treats are dry and portable.

Portion Control

The ability to break a treat into tiny bits is critical for training. Sheba meat sticks are individually wrapped and tear easily into small pieces. Puree tubes let you squeeze a bead of treat for each repetition. Crunchy treats are already bite-sized, but some larger pieces (like Friskies Natural Yums) may need to be snapped in half. Portion control directly affects how many rewards you can give without exceeding calorie goals.

Ingredient Quality

Marketing terms like 'natural' and 'grain-free' don't guarantee your cat will eat the treat. What matters is the absence of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives that can cause long-term health concerns. Treats with added taurine or omega fatty acids offer a small nutritional bonus. However, the best ingredient profile is worthless if the cat refuses the treat. Always test a small bag before committing to a large tub.

Flavor Variety and Palatability

Cats can be surprisingly picky. A treat that one cat loves may be ignored by another. Flavor variety packs (like Temptations Creamy Puree or INABA) let you rotate flavors to prevent boredom. Strong seafood scents appeal to many cats but can offend owners. The safest strategy is to buy a single tube or small bag of a new flavor before buying in bulk. Palatability is the single biggest variable in this category.

Frequently Asked Questions