Lickable cat treats have become incredibly popular for good reason. These puree-style treats come in convenient squeeze tubes and provide both nutrition and hydration. They're perfect for picky eaters, senior cats who may have difficulty chewing, or as a special reward that most cats absolutely love.
In this comprehensive guide, we've researched and compared the best lickable cat treats available on Amazon. We've evaluated each product based on ingredients, palatability, nutritional value, and value. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Our Top Picks
If you're in a hurry, here are our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: INABA Churu Lickable Treats - Low calorie, high moisture, cats love them
- Best Variety: Variety Pack - Multiple flavors, great for trying different options
- Best Budget: Budget-Friendly Option - Good value, quality ingredients
- Best for Hydration: High Moisture Treats - Extra hydration support
What to Look For in Lickable Cat Treats
When choosing lickable cat treats, consider these important factors:
Calorie Content
Lickable treats should be low in calories since they're meant to be supplemental. Look for treats with 6 calories or less per serving to avoid overfeeding.
Moisture Content
One of the benefits of lickable treats is their high moisture content, which helps with hydration. Most contain 85-90% moisture, making them excellent for cats who don't drink enough water.
Ingredients
Look for treats with real meat or fish as the first ingredient, and avoid those with excessive fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives. Natural ingredients are always preferable.
Texture and Consistency
The treat should have a smooth, puree-like consistency that's easy for cats to lick. It should be thick enough to stay on a spoon or plate but not so thick that it's difficult to squeeze.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Calories | Moisture | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INABA Churu | 6 per tube | 91% | All-around use | $$ |
| Variety Pack | 5-7 per tube | 85-90% | Flavor variety | $$ |
| Budget Option | 6-8 per tube | 85-90% | Value | $ |
| High Moisture | 5-6 per tube | 90%+ | Hydration | $$ |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. INABA Churu Lickable Treats - Best Overall
INABA Churu is the original and most popular lickable cat treat, and for good reason. These treats contain 91% moisture, making them excellent for hydration, and only 6 calories per tube, so they won't contribute to weight gain.
Made with real meat or fish as the first ingredient, Churu treats come in a variety of flavors including chicken, tuna, salmon, and more. The smooth, puree texture is irresistible to most cats, making them perfect for training, medication administration, or as a special treat.
These treats are made in Japan with high-quality ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives. They're suitable for cats of all ages, including kittens and seniors. The convenient tube packaging makes them easy to serve and store.
Key Features: Low calorie (6 per tube), high moisture (91%), real meat/fish, multiple flavors, no artificial additives
2. Variety Pack Lickable Treats - Best Variety
Variety packs allow you to try multiple flavors and find what your cat prefers. These packs typically include 3-5 different flavors, giving you options to rotate and keep your cat interested.
Variety packs are great for discovering your cat's favorite flavors and can help prevent treat fatigue. They're also convenient for multi-cat households where different cats may prefer different flavors.
When choosing a variety pack, look for one with quality ingredients across all flavors. Some packs focus on specific protein sources (like all fish flavors), while others offer a mix of proteins.
Key Features: Multiple flavors, discover preferences, prevent boredom, suitable for multiple cats
3. Budget-Friendly Lickable Treats - Best Value
There are several affordable lickable treat options that still provide quality nutrition and high palatability. These treats offer good value, especially for multi-cat households or frequent treat givers.
Budget options typically come in larger packs or bulk sizes, reducing the per-tube cost. They still contain quality ingredients and high moisture content, making them a good choice for cost-conscious pet owners.
When choosing budget treats, ensure they still have real meat or fish as primary ingredients and avoid those with excessive fillers. Even affordable treats should provide nutritional value.
Key Features: Affordable, good value, bulk options, quality ingredients, economical
4. High Moisture Lickable Treats - Best for Hydration
Some lickable treats are specifically formulated with extra-high moisture content (90%+) to provide maximum hydration benefits. These are particularly useful for cats who don't drink enough water or those prone to urinary tract issues.
High moisture treats can help supplement your cat's water intake, which is especially important for cats on dry food diets. They're also useful for senior cats who may have decreased thirst drive.
These treats maintain the same low-calorie profile as other lickable treats while providing extra hydration. They're an excellent way to encourage water intake in cats who are reluctant drinkers.
Key Features: Extra-high moisture, hydration support, low calorie, suitable for dry food diets, urinary health
Final Verdict
INABA Churu Lickable Treats are our top choice for most cats, offering the perfect combination of low calories, high moisture, and irresistible taste. Variety packs are excellent for discovering preferences, while budget options provide good value for frequent use. Remember to use these treats in moderation and account for their calories in your cat's daily intake.
Lickable treats are a great way to bond with your cat, provide hydration, and offer a special reward. They're particularly useful for training, medication administration, or simply showing your cat some love.