Treats That Should Be Marketed for Both Dogs and Cats

Because good ingredients don’t need a species label.

We live in a world where dogs steal cat treats and cats nibble on dog jerky—and the truth is, many treats don’t need to be separated by species at all. Especially in multi-pet homes, the overlap in healthy, species-appropriate ingredients is huge. So why are treats marketed so differently?

Why the Divide Exists

Short answer: marketing and money. The pet industry thrives on duplication—more labels, more packaging, more sales. But if you read the back of a high-quality single-ingredient cat treat and compare it to a dog treat… they’re often identical. Dogs are scavenging carnivores, cats are obligate carnivores, and both benefit from meat-first, low-carb, additive-free snacks.

Treats That Are Perfect for Both Dogs and Cats

🐟 Freeze-Dried Fish (Salmon, Minnow, Whitefish)

• Why it works: High in Omega-3s, supports joint and coat health, and irresistible to both species.
• Tip: Break into smaller pieces for cats or small dogs.

🍗 Freeze-Dried Chicken or Turkey (Liver, Heart, Breast)

• Why it works: Protein-rich, nutrient-dense, and palatable for training or enrichment.
• Note: Liver is powerful—use in moderation for both species.

🥩 Dehydrated Beef Heart or Lung

• Why it works: Great source of iron and amino acids, appropriate for both cats and dogs.
• Texture tip: Some are puffed and crunchy, others are denser—adjust to your pet’s preference.

🥚 Dehydrated Quail or Duck Eggs

• Why it works: Tiny and packed with nutrients. Good source of healthy fat and digestive enzymes.
• Bonus: Excellent for skin and coat health.

🐇 Rabbit Ears or Small Fur-on Treats

• Why it works: Mimics prey model feeding, offers fiber and dental benefits. Loved by raw-fed pets.
• Caution: Always supervise. Not all cats are interested, but some go wild for them.

Cat-Branded Treats That Dogs Love (and Can Safely Eat)

Some of the most popular cat treats on the market are dog-approved—and in most cases, perfectly safe to share. Here's a breakdown of cat-branded treats that your dog might love, and what to look out for:

🧴 Inaba Churu (Cat Version)

• Texture: Lickable purée
• Why dogs love it: Tastes amazing, works as a topper or pill hider
• Safe for dogs? ✅ Yes—in small amounts
• Watch for: Some flavors contain green tea extract—safe, but not necessary for dogs

🍗 Tiki Cat Stix / Tiki Cat Mousse

• Texture: Creamy, smooth, meat-forward
• Safe for dogs? ✅ Yes—clean protein, no harmful additives
• Great for: Seniors, small breeds, or dogs recovering from illness

🐟 Vitakraft Lick 'n Lap

• Texture: Purée
• Safe for dogs? ✅ Yes—avoid dairy-based ones
• Use for: Nail trims, enrichment, or as a bribe!

🥩 PureBites Cat Treats

• Why it works: Same ingredients as the dog version, just smaller pieces
• Safe for dogs? ✅ 100%

What to Avoid

Just because a treat is marketed for cats doesn’t always mean it’s dog-friendly. Here's what to watch for:

• Onion or garlic powder – toxic to both dogs and cats
• Artificial flavors or preservatives
• Glycerin or molasses – often added to soft treats and unnecessary
• High sodium content – common in fish-only cat treats

Why This Matters

Shared treats reduce food waste, save money, and make life easier for multi-pet families. When we focus on what’s inside rather than the label, we can support companies making truly species-appropriate snacks—and skip the marketing fluff.

🐾 Pets Dig This Approved Shared Treats

Brand	Treat	Safe for Dogs?	Notes
Inaba	Churu (Cat)	✅ Yes	Hydrating purée, watch flavor ingredients
Tiki Cat	Stix / Mousse	✅ Yes	Clean, meat-forward, great for picky eaters
Vitakraft	Lick 'n Lap	✅ Yes	Avoid dairy or dessert-themed options
PureBites	Freeze-Dried Cat Treats	✅ Yes	Identical to dog version
Northwest Naturals	Raw Rewards	✅ Yes	Single-ingredient, excellent quality

Final Word

If it’s meat-based, free of fillers, and doesn’t contain garlic or onion, there’s a good chance it’s safe for both your dog and your cat. At the end of the day, a chicken liver doesn’t care who it’s feeding. Let's shop smarter, waste less, and feed better.

Does your dog love the cat’s snacks? Drop a comment or tag us @PetsDigThis—we’d love to know your pets’ favorites!

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