When living with pets, treats are never just food. They can be a training aid, a reward, a comfort, or even a quiet little secret of mutual understanding during bonding moments. After living with both cats and dogs, I’ve come to truly appreciate the “art” of treats. Unlike crispy biscuits or freeze-dried bites that offer a quick crunch, soft treats are more like little drops of tenderness in everyday life. They’re subtle yet practical—perfect for senior pets with dental issues or picky feline gourmets.
Over the past few years, I’ve tested dozens of soft pet treats. Some might say, “Soft treats are just a texture variation,” but the more I tried, the more I realized that truly excellent soft treats must be both enticing and easy to chew, while also balancing ingredients, nutrition, palatability, and convenience.
What Are Soft Treats—and Why Choose Them?
When shopping for pet treats, we often come across a wide variety of formats: freeze-dried, jerky strips, biscuits, and meat chunks. Among them, “soft treats” refer to those with a moist, easily breakable or tearable texture. They might come in the form of meat sticks, diced bits, paste tubes, or even sausage-like pieces—very different from crunchy or raw food types.
Soft treats are gaining popularity among pet owners due to several advantages:
- Highly palatable: Great for picky eaters or senior pets with weak teeth
- Training-friendly: Easy to break into small pieces for flexible rewarding
- Safer: Less risk of choking, especially for small breeds or young pets
- Versatile: Available in pure meat, mixed recipes, or functional (skin/coat, digestion support) options
- Cross-species appeal: Many soft treats are made with simple ingredients and suitable for both cats and dogs
Four Key Criteria for Choosing Soft Pet Treats
When evaluating pet treats among the many available brands, I focus on these four aspects:
1. Ingredient Transparency
A good soft treat should proudly list all ingredients on the packaging. Top-quality meat sources such as “chicken breast” or “beef chunks” should appear near the top, rather than vague fillers like “meat by-products” or “animal fats.”
Pro Tip: If corn, soy protein, or cereal fillers appear in the first two ingredients, the treat may be soft—but it adds little nutritional value for your pets.
2. Palatability and Texture
Palatability means more than whether your pet eats it. It’s about whether they want to eat it, how easily they chew it, and whether the treat creates crumbs or choking risks. Some treats, despite having great ingredients, are too sticky or smelly to be enjoyable.
I usually perform a little test: place the treat in my palm and observe whether my pets approach eagerly and how they chew and swallow it.
3. Nutritional and Functional Value
Soft treats shouldn’t just be tasty—they can also be functional. Some include taurine, fish oil, probiotics, or glucosamine to support heart, coat, digestion, or joints.
While treats are not meal replacements, it’s a bonus if they offer added health benefits.
4. Ease of Use and Packaging
A well-designed treat package should not feel soggy or spoil quickly once opened. I prefer single-serve packs or resealable zip-lock designs, which make storage easier and help preserve freshness—especially handy when traveling.
Top 7 Soft Treats Loved by Both Cats and Dogs
Here are seven carefully selected soft treats, not ranked in order, but each tested and approved by both feline and canine connoisseurs.
1. Vitakraft Chicken Sausage Sticks
Features: Classic German brand, high meat content, tender texture
These sausage-shaped treats have been a staple in my household for years. They’re incredibly soft—you can break them with just a gentle press. Chicken is the primary ingredient, making them hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive pets.
Pros:
- Small sausage form makes them portable
- High palatability for both cats and dogs
- No pungent smell—ideal for indoor feeding
Where to buy: Available on Amazon Germany and select local pet chains.
2. Inaba CIAO Meat Paste Sticks
Features: Paste texture, perfect for picky eaters or pets who dislike dry food
This Japanese favorite has taken the pet world by storm. Each stick is individually wrapped and can be fed directly or squeezed onto kibble to boost appeal. It’s especially friendly for senior pets or those with dental problems.
Pros:
- Transparent ingredients, mostly chicken and bonito
- Taurine-enriched, ideal for cats
- Variety of flavors: fish, meat, and combinations
3. Lily’s Kitchen Soft Meat Bites
Features: UK-based organic brand, high meat content with healthy extras
These meat bites are the kind you can smell from the moment you open the bag—authentic meat aroma. They’re small, moist, and easy to chew. The recipe includes sweet potatoes and carrots for natural fiber, aiding digestion.
Pros:
- UK organic certification ensures safe ingredients
- Soft without being greasy
- Suitable for both cats and small-to-medium dogs
4. Chewies Mini Trainer Soft Bites
Features: Small meat bits ideal for reward-based training
Chewies is a popular German brand known for its cost-effectiveness. Their Mini Trainer series features soft, training-friendly morsels in various meat flavors (venison, lamb, duck), perfect for everyday training sessions.
Pros:
- Low-fat, weight-friendly
- Simple ingredients, grain-free
- Excellent treat for positive reinforcement training
5. Granatapet Liebling’s Mahlzeit Mini Meat Strips
Features: Includes pomegranate seeds and fish oil for skin and coat health
Granatapet is a premium natural food brand from Germany. Their treats follow the same nutritious philosophy as their meals, combining high-quality animal protein with superfoods and no artificial additives.
Pros:
- Balanced nutrition; visible improvements in coat shine
- Strips can be torn or cut easily
- Great for pets needing extra nourishment
6. Trixie Premio Soft Meat Cubes
Features: Budget-friendly, ideal for daily use
Trixie’s Premio series is a go-to for pet owners seeking good value. The soft meat cubes are gentle on the stomach, not overly greasy, and perfect to pair with dry kibble.
Pros:
- Clearly labeled ingredients
- Multipack options for variety
- Good packaging seal—easy to store
7. Wildes Land Semi-Moist Meat Strips
Features: Wild-style recipes with no grain, sugar, or artificial additives
These treats reflect a “back to nature” approach, using wild meats like duck or venison. They retain their natural aroma and texture while offering a little extra chewiness compared to standard soft treats.
Pros:
- Unique proteins for picky eaters
- High-value reward during training
- Mini versions available for cats
Where to Buy: Shopping Suggestions
Most of the above treats are available on Amazon, which remains my top pick for pet supply purchases. The platform offers a wide selection, dependable delivery, and detailed product tracking. Especially in Germany, you can often find bundle deals or discounts—perfect for multi-pet households looking to stock up.
Softness That Speaks Love
For cats and dogs alike, soft treats are more than something to eat—they represent moments of emotional connection. They reflect anticipation when your pet nuzzles up to you, serve as tangible rewards during training sessions, offer joy upon your return from errands, and most importantly, act as a gentle concession to aging pets who still deserve delicious moments.
