Are Your Cat's Favorite Treats Actually Good for Them?
Are Your Cat's Favorite Treats Actually Good for Them? An Honest Look at Friskies Beachside Crunch
You shake the bag, and that familiar rattle brings your cat running from three rooms away. Their usual composure dissolves into a flurry of meows and figure-eights around your ankles. It’s treat time, a simple ritual that brings both of you a moment of joy.
But as you toss them another fish-shaped morsel, a question might flicker in your mind: what exactly am I giving them?
Why This Matters
The bond we share with our pets is often built on these small moments of indulgence. However, a cat's nutritional needs are finely tuned. Veterinarians generally recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of a cat's total daily caloric intake. When treats are high in fillers and low in quality nutrients, they can easily contribute to weight gain, dental issues, and other long-term health problems. The conflict is clear: we want to give our cats what they love, but we also have a responsibility to give them what they need for a long, healthy life.
This article uses one of the most popular cat treats on the market—Purina Friskies Party Mix Beachside Crunch—as a case study to help you navigate this choice.
The Pros: What Makes Friskies Treats So Popular
Based on an analysis of the product and thousands of user reviews, here are the undeniable benefits.
✅ Unmatched Palatability: These treats are famously irresistible. Many owners of extremely picky cats report that this is the one and only treat their feline will eat, often referring to it as "kitty crack."
✅ Exceptional Value: In a market flooded with expensive, boutique options, Friskies offers an incredibly budget-friendly price point, especially when purchased in larger containers.
✅ Effective Training Tool: Because cats desire them so strongly, these treats are highly effective for positive reinforcement, from clicker training to the dreaded task of getting your cat into their carrier.
✅ Satisfying Crunch: While not a substitute for proper dental care, the crunchy texture provides a satisfying experience for the cat and can help scrape away a minor amount of plaque.
✅ A Powerful Bonding Ritual: The sheer excitement these treats generate can be a joyful and consistent way to interact and bond with your pet.
✅ Widely Available: You don't need a specialty pet store to find them; they're on the shelf at nearly every supermarket.
The Cons: The Hidden Downsides of an Inexpensive Treat
Honest evaluation means looking past the happy meows and at the ingredient label.
❌ Questionable Core Ingredients: The first ingredient is ground yellow corn, followed by brewer's rice and chicken by-product meal. High-quality protein from real meat is not the primary component.
❌ Contains Artificial Additives: The ingredient list includes artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2. These dyes serve no nutritional purpose and are a concern for many health-conscious owners.
❌ "Junk Food" Calorie Profile: These are essentially empty calories. They are high in carbohydrates and fillers, offering little in the way of species-appropriate nutrition for obligate carnivores.
❌ Can Create Picky Eaters: The intense flavor profile can make a cat's regular, healthier food seem boring by comparison, potentially leading them to refuse their meals and hold out for treats.
❌ Potential for Digestive Upset: While most cats tolerate them fine, a notable number of user reviews mention instances of vomiting or digestive distress, which could be linked to the grain content or artificial ingredients.
❌ Risk of Overfeeding: Because cats love them so much and the price is low, it’s very easy to be too generous, contributing directly to obesity and related health risks.
Bottom Line
Friskies Beachside Crunch are the feline equivalent of potato chips: an undeniably delicious, affordable, and highly motivating indulgence that should be given in strict moderation due to its poor nutritional profile.
Should You Buy Them?
This isn't a simple yes or no. It depends entirely on your cat, your budget, and your goals.
YES, if:
You need a "high-value" reward for critical training (like carrier acclimation or administering medicine) and healthier alternatives have failed.
Your budget is the primary constraint, and you are committed to extreme moderation (e.g., one or two treats per day).
Your cat is incredibly picky and refuses all other treats, and this small indulgence significantly improves their quality of life and your bond.
NO, if:
Your cat is overweight, diabetic, or has any health condition requiring a carefully managed diet.
Your cat has known food sensitivities, allergies, or a sensitive stomach.
You are looking for a treat that contributes positively to your cat's health (e.g., dental health, joint support, or skin/coat benefits).
Your priority is to feed your cat a species-appropriate, meat-first, and low-carbohydrate diet.
What to Look For in Any Cat Treat
If you decide Friskies aren't the right fit, or you want to find a healthier alternative, here are the key features to look for when shopping:
Meat as the First Ingredient: The label should list a specific meat like "chicken," "tuna," or "salmon" first, not a grain or a vague "meat by-product."
Limited Ingredients: Simpler is often better. Single-ingredient treats, like freeze-dried chicken breast, salmon, or minnows, are excellent choices as they contain no fillers or additives.
No Artificial Additives: Actively avoid products with artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives (like BHA, BHT).
Calorie Information: Responsible brands list the calories per treat. This helps you stick to the "10% rule" without guessing.
Functional Purpose: If you have a specific goal, seek it out. Look for dental treats with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval, or treats with added Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.