Cat Treats
Verified Jun 16, 2026
These crunchy chicken-flavored cat treats are high in protein and fat for a treat, and use corn, chicken by-product meal, and other grains and plant proteins as the main base. They’re designed specifically as dental treats to be fed alongside a regular complete diet, providing a low-calorie option (about 1 calorie per piece) for cats who enjoy daily rewards.
Nutritionally, this is a well-formulated dental treat with a solid protein level for a snack and a very low calorie count per piece, which is helpful for cats who get treats regularly. The recipe relies on a mix of animal and plant proteins with chicken by-product meal and salmon meal supplying key amino acids, along with added vitamins, minerals, and taurine. It’s best used in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially for cats without sensitivities to chicken, fish, wheat, corn, or soy.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein (30% minimum) and moderate fat (15% minimum) for a cat treat, which helps keep it more in line with feline nutritional needs than many higher-carb snacks.
- Includes animal-based ingredients such as chicken by-product meal and salmon meal, plus added taurine, which are important for cats’ heart, eye, and overall health when used within a complete diet.
- Very low calorie density at about 1 calorie per piece, making it easier to give multiple treats without adding a lot of extra energy, which is helpful for weight control.
- Fortified with a full vitamin and trace mineral premix, so nutritionally more complete than many basic treats when used alongside a regular cat food.
Considerations
- Primary ingredients include corn, wheat, soybean meal, and rice, so this may not be ideal for cats who need lower-carbohydrate treats or who have sensitivities to grains or soy.
- Contains chicken by-product meal and salmon meal, which are common animal protein allergens; cats with known chicken or fish allergies should avoid these treats.
- Designed as a treat, not a stand-alone diet, so it should only be fed in addition to a complete and balanced cat food and not as the main source of nutrition.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Corn
Corn is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates and calories, and it also provides some plant protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals while helping with kibble structure and palatability. While generally safe and economical, corn is relatively high in starch and has an incomplete amino acid profile for obligate carnivores (cats), can be a source of mycotoxin contamination if poorly stored, and although true corn allergies are uncommon, some pets may be sensitive, so quality and proper formulation with animal proteins are important.
02
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
03
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour is commonly used in pet foods as a carbohydrate source, binder and extender that provides digestible energy, some protein (including gluten), and small amounts of fiber and B‑vitamins when enriched. While generally safe and economical for many dogs, it is not a required ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, can contribute to excess calories or a high glycemic load, and can trigger food allergies or gluten sensitivity in susceptible pets, so animals with known wheat sensitivities or weight concerns may benefit from wheat‑free formulations.
04
Corn Gluten
Corn gluten (often listed as corn gluten meal) is a concentrated plant-based protein and kibble-binding ingredient commonly used in dry pet foods to boost protein content, energy density, and help with texture. It provides digestible protein for dogs but is relatively low in essential amino acids like lysine, is not an ideal sole protein source for obligate carnivores such as cats, and can be a sensitivity/allergen for some pets, so it’s best used alongside high-quality animal proteins and complementary ingredients.
05
Soybean
Soybean is a common plant-based ingredient in pet foods used as a concentrated protein and fat source (in forms such as soybean meal, soy protein concentrate/isolate, and soybean oil) that supplies essential amino acids, calories, and beneficial polyunsaturated fats. It can be a cost-effective, digestible protein for many dogs but is less ideal as the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may trigger allergies or deliver phytoestrogens and antinutritional factors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors, phytates) that are typically reduced by proper processing, so diets using soy should be balanced and monitored.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Tartar Shield is a pet oral care brand offering dental chews, treats, and oral care solutions designed to support dental health and fresh breath in dogs and cats. The brand emphasizes scientifically backed formulations and patented active ingredients to help reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
Visit Tartar ShieldManufacturer
Tartar Shield Pet Products manufactures its products in FDA-registered and USDA-inspected facilities with quality control practices adhering to pet food industry safety standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Tartar Shield Cat Treats has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Tartar Shield ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Tartar Shield. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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