Last updated Jun 2, 2026
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Temptations is widely known as America’s #1 cat treat, beloved for its crunchy‑and‑soft texture and wide variety of flavors. But beyond the hype, how do these treats measure up nutritionally? Our unbiased review takes a closer look at what’s inside Temptations and whether they’re a smart choice for your cat.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Temptations on What Matters
We analyzed Temptations cat treats and rated them according to the Cats.com standard. Our grades are based on the species-appropriateness of the food, the quality of the ingredients, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. You can read more about our ratings here.
Here are our ratings for Temptations in these key areas:
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 6/10
- Ingredient Quality – 6/10
- Product Variety – 8/10
- Price – 8/10
- Customer Experience – 7/10
- Recall History – 8/10
Overall Score: 7.2/10
We give Temptations cat treats a 43 out of 60 rating or a B grade.
About Temptations
Temptations is one of the most popular cat treat brands in the world, and part of what sets them apart is that their treats are 100% nutritionally complete and balanced for adult cat maintenance. While the company still recommends feeding a regular, well‑balanced cat food as the main diet, it’s reassuring to know that Temptations treats contain all essential nutrients in appropriate amounts, which most treats don’t offer.
The treats are also the perfect size and shape for treat‑dispensing toys, making them great for enrichment and play. Temptations’ classic treats feature their signature texture: crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The brand has expanded over the years to include creamy lickable treats and soft, meaty bites, along with a wide variety of flavors to satisfy even picky cats.
When it comes to feeding guidelines, Temptations suggests offering up to 15 treats per 10 pounds of body weight per day as a snack. Each treat contains fewer than 2 calories, making it relatively low-calorie compared to many other commercial treats. If you choose to use Temptations as part of your cat’s main meal, ¼ cup of Temptations treats can replace ¼ cup of a dry food such as Whiskas Meaty Selections. As always, fresh water should be available at all times.
On the downside, Temptations has earned a reputation as “kitty crack” because cats tend to go wild for them. The formulas rely on highly palatable ingredients like chicken by‑product meal, ground corn, animal fat, wheat flour, and dried meat by‑products that aren’t considered premium by many pet parents. However, unless your cat has allergies or sensitivities, these ingredients are usually safe in moderation, and most cats absolutely love the taste.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Temptations is produced by Mars Petcare, a division of Mars, Incorporated, one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the world. Mars Petcare is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, and operates facilities across the United States, Canada, the UK, and several other countries. According to product labels and retailer information, Temptations treats are made in Canada, though the company does not disclose the origin of all individual ingredients.
Mars has stated that it is working toward sourcing 100% sustainable fish, which is relevant for several Temptations flavors.
Has Temptations Cat Treats Ever Been Recalled?
A review of the FDA recall database shows no recalls for Temptations cat treats.
In 2016, a viral Facebook post claimed that Temptations treats had caused multiple cat deaths. The company responded, the post was removed, and Snopes later classified the claim as “unproven.” No recalls, withdrawals, or FDA actions were associated with the allegation.
What Kinds of Cat Treats Do Temptations Offer?
Temptations offers a surprisingly large variety of treats. On their website, the brand lists seven main product lines:
- Classics
- Creamy Purrrr‑ée
- Jumbo Stuff
- Meaty Bites
- MixUps
- Seasonal
- ShakeUps
Across these categories, Temptations produces an impressive range of flavors, including chicken, beef, dairy, tuna, salmon, shrimp, crab, lobster, turkey, and catnip. Altogether, we found 34 different Temptations products on the brand’s website.
Some of the most popular flavors include:
- Tempting Tuna
- Savory Salmon
- MixUps Surfer’s Delight
The highest‑rated products include:
- 6‑Pack Variety Pack
- 6‑Pack Feline Favorites
- Crabby Crab Flavor
- ShakeUps Clucky Carnival
- MixUps Surfer’s Delight (Tuna, Shrimp, Salmon)
- Tempting Tuna Classic (16‑oz tub)
Temptations Cat Treat – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Primary Protein | Calories Per Ounce | Price | Our Grade |
| Temptations MixUps Surfer’s Delight treats | Dry | Chicken | 111 | $0.52 per oz | B- |
| Temptations Tempting Tuna Flavor Cat Treats | Dry | Chicken | 111 | $0.86 per oz | B |
| Temptations ShakeUps Crustacean Celebration Cat Treats | Dry | Chicken | 111 | $0.75 per oz | B- |
#1 Temptations MixUps Surfer’s Delight
Temptations MixUps Surfer’s Delight is one of the brand’s most popular varieties, combining tuna, shrimp, and salmon flavors in the classic crunchy‑outside, soft‑inside texture cats love. Like all Temptations treats, these are designed to be highly palatable, affordable, and easy to use for training, bonding, or treat-dispensing toys.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
The main ingredients, chicken by‑product meal, ground corn, and animal fat, reflect the typical Temptations formula. While these ingredients are not considered premium, they are extremely appealing to cats. Chicken by‑product meal, for example, includes organ meats like liver and kidneys, which are nutrient‑dense and highly digestible for carnivores. However, other ingredients such as ground corn, wheat flour, dried meat by‑products, and vague terms like “animal fat” and “natural flavors” may be concerning for pet parents who prefer clearly identified, whole‑food ingredients. These components are common in budget‑friendly treats but can be problematic for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.
One noteworthy inclusion is natural tuna flavor. Mars Petcare has also committed to improving seafood sustainability across its supply chain.
Overall, Temptations MixUps Surfer’s Delight is a blend of economical and highly palatable ingredients. At under 2 calories per treat, they’re easy to use in moderation without significantly impacting your cat’s daily calorie intake. While the ingredient quality isn’t exceptional, these treats are inexpensive, widely loved by cats, and nutritionally complete for adult maintenance, making them a fun, low‑cost option as long as they’re not overfed.
Calorie Content (ME): 4063 kcal/kg; 394 kcal/cup
Ingredients
Chicken By‑Product Meal, Ground Corn, Animal Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Wheat Flour, Brewers Rice, Dried Meat By‑Products, Natural Flavors, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, DL‑Methionine, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Natural Tuna Shrimp & Salmon Flavor, Red 40, Ferrous Sulfate, Dried Cheese, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Citric Acid (preservative), Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D‑Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Extremely palatable and most cats love the crunchy‑outside, soft‑inside texture
- Under 2 calories per treat, making them easy to use for training or enrichment
- 100% nutritionally complete and balanced for adult maintenance (rare for treats)
- Contains chicken by‑product meal, which includes nutrient‑dense organ meats cats naturally enjoy
- Includes natural tuna, sourced using more sustainable fishing practices
Cons
- Uses ground corn, wheat flour, and brewers rice, which are low‑value fillers and potential allergens
- Includes artificial coloring (Red 40)
- Higher in carbohydrates than many premium treats
#2 Temptations Tempting Tuna Flavor
Temptations’ Tempting Tuna Flavor is one of the brand’s most iconic and best‑selling treats, with thousands of positive reviews from cat parents. Like all Temptations treats, these snacks feature the classic crunchy shell with a soft, creamy center that cats go wild for. Despite the tuna theme, the primary ingredients are typical of the Temptations line: chicken by‑product meal, ground corn, and animal fat.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Chicken by-product meal may sound unappealing to humans, but it includes organ meats like liver and kidneys, nutrient-dense parts that cats naturally enjoy and digest well. However, other ingredients such as ground corn, wheat flour, dried meat by‑products, and vague terms like “animal fat” and “natural flavors” may be concerning for parents who prefer clearly identified, whole‑food ingredients. These components are common in budget‑friendly treats but can be problematic for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.
This recipe does include natural tuna flavor, though it appears lower on the ingredient list. Mars Petcare has committed to sourcing more sustainable fish, and while the tuna flavor isn’t a major component, it’s still a noteworthy inclusion. The treats also contain caramel color, which some pet parents prefer to avoid.
Despite the mixed ingredient quality, Temptations’ Tempting Tuna Flavor remains extremely popular because cats genuinely love it. At under 2 calories per treat, they’re easy to use for training, bonding, or treat‑dispensing toys. As long as your cat doesn’t have allergies to corn, wheat, or chicken, these treats are generally safe when fed in moderation.
Calorie Content (ME): 4064 kcal/kg; 394 kcal/cup
Ingredients
Chicken By‑Product Meal, Ground Corn, Animal Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Wheat Flour, Brewers Rice, Dried Meat By‑Products, Natural Flavors, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Caramel Color, DL‑Methionine, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Natural Tuna Flavor, Ferrous Sulfate, Dried Cheese, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Citric Acid (preservative), Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D‑Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Only 2 calories per treat
- 100% nutritionally complete for adult maintenance
- Affordable and widely available
- Great for training and treat‑dispensing toys
- Contains organ‑rich chicken by‑product meal, which cats digest well
- Comes in large value tubs and over 30 flavors
Cons
- Includes vague ingredients like “animal fat,” “natural flavors,” and “dried meat by-products.”
- Contains caramel color
- Natural tuna flavor is present but not a major ingredient
- Not suitable for cats with chicken, corn, or wheat sensitivities
#3 Temptations ShakeUps Crustacean Celebration
Temptations ShakeUps Crustacean Celebration follows the same winning formula that has made Temptations one of the most popular cat treat brands in the world. These treats are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, nutritionally complete for adult maintenance, and only 2 calories per treat. ShakeUps add a twist by offering unique flavor blends and slightly higher protein levels than many other Temptations varieties.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Crustacean Celebration features lobster, crab, and shrimp flavors, though, as with most Temptations treats, these appear as natural flavors low on the ingredient list rather than whole seafood ingredients. The primary ingredients remain the same as the classic Temptations formula: chicken by‑product meal, ground corn, and animal fat.
Chicken by-product meal may sound unappealing to humans, but it includes organ meats like liver and kidneys, nutrient-dense components that cats naturally enjoy. However, other ingredients such as ground corn, wheat flour, dried meat by‑products, and vague terms like “animal fat” and “natural flavors” may be concerning for pet parents who prefer clearly identified, whole‑food ingredients. These ingredients are common in budget‑friendly treats but can be problematic for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.
One notable drawback is the use of artificial colors (Red #40, Blue #2, Yellow #5, and Yellow #6). These dyes serve no nutritional purpose and are added solely for consumer appeal, and cats do not care about the color of their treats.
Regardless, ShakeUps Crustacean Celebration is still extremely popular. Many cats seem to love the seafood‑inspired flavor blend, and the slightly higher protein content may make them even more appealing. As long as your cat doesn’t have allergies to corn, wheat, or chicken, these treats are generally safe when fed in moderation.
Calorie Content (ME): 394 kcal/cup
Ingredients
Chicken By‑Product Meal, Ground Corn, Animal Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Wheat Flour, Brewers Rice, Dried Meat By‑Products, Natural Flavors, Brewers Dried Yeast, Choline Chloride, Salt, DL‑Methionine, Red #40, Blue #2, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Natural Lobster Crab & Shrimp Flavor, Ferrous Sulfate, Dried Cheese, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Copper Sulfate, Citric Acid (preservative), Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), D‑Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Only 2 calories per treat
- Slightly higher protein than many other Temptations varieties
- Over 30 flavors across the Temptations line
- Nutritionally complete for adult maintenance
- Affordable and widely available
Cons
- Contains vague ingredients like “animal fat,” “natural flavors,” and “dried meat by‑products.”
- Lobster, crab, and shrimp are flavors only, not whole seafood ingredients
- Includes corn, wheat flour, and brewers rice, which may be problematic for sensitive cats
What Do Customers Think of Temptations Cat Treats?
There are literally thousands of positive reviews online about Temptations cat treats. People and their cats love these treats. Of course, there are some negative reviews but most people report that cats are crazy for these treats.
Positive Reviews
“My team loves these. Their “ go to “ flavor is Seafood medley , but they enjoy these as an alternative. Everyday when I return from work, they line up in the kitchen for their snack.”- by Kenneth reviewing Temptations MixUps Surfer’s Delight on May 20, 2026
“My bebes love this. Just shake and they come running. Hahaha”- by ShoSho reviewing Temptations Tempting Tuna Flavor on May 17, 2026
Negative Reviews
“My cat got sick several times. When I stopped giving the treats to her, she stopped getting sick. I thought it was from hairballs at first, but it wasn’t. She liked them, but I know some foods bother some cats. I’m sure Temptations is a great product though.” – by Amy reviewing Temptations MixUps Surfer’s Delight on Jan 23, 2026
“Temptations treats have unhealthy dyes in them for cats and I do not recommend feeding them to your cats. Mine were addicted and when I stopped giving them temptations they would throw tantrums. That’s the best I can put it”- by Kyrah reviewing on Temptations Tempting Tuna Flavor on December 30, 2025
How Much Do Temptations Cat Treats Cost?
Temptations cat treats remain one of the most affordable options on the market. A 3‑ounce bag typically costs around $1.50 to $2, depending on the retailer. The popular 16‑ounce value tub usually sells for about $8 to $9, and many cat parents prefer this size because it’s resealable and lasts longer. For multi‑cat households, the 30‑ounce mega tub is also widely available for around $15 to $17.
If you’re shopping online, it’s worth comparing prices between Amazon, Chewy, Walmart, and pet‑supply sites. Some retailers offer lower base prices, while others make up the difference with shipping fees. Autoship programs on Amazon and Chewy can also reduce the cost.
Overall, Temptations treats are inexpensive, easy to find, and budget-friendly for most cat parents.
Overall, Are Temptations Cat Treats a Good Choice?
Temptations are the most popular cat treats in the United States, and it’s easy to see why cats absolutely love them. They’re crunchy, soft‑centered, highly palatable, and nutritionally complete for adult maintenance. While the ingredient quality isn’t premium and includes fillers like corn, wheat, and by‑products, most healthy cats can enjoy these treats safely in moderation.
If you’re looking for an affordable, widely available treat that your cat will come running for, Temptations are a solid choice. Just be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overfeeding, especially if your cat has food sensitivities or weight concerns.
How Do You Order Temptations Cat Treats?
Temptations are extremely easy to find in the United States and Canada. They’re sold in nearly every grocery store, big‑box retailer, and pet‑supply chain. Online, you can order them through Amazon, Chewy, Walmart, and most major pet retailers.
In the UK, Temptations are available on Amazon UK and various pet-supply websites. They’re also sold through the Whiskas website, since both brands are owned by Mars Petcare.
All About Cats is uber fabulous.. I have a question regarding seafood and oil in cstfood; is the seafood checked for mercury content?
I suppose it depends on the supplier, but there is no requirement for cat food to be tested for mercury, and these levels are often higher than the levels recommended for certain species. Note that neither the AAFCO nor NRC have established appropriate or excessive levels for mercury in pet food. This article sheds some more light on the issue.
My cats are so addicted to Temptations that I got worried. That they are made by Mars and have a laundry list of ingredients, with grains at the top, added to my skepticism. Your review has somewhat eased my doubts about this “crack” for cats, so I’ve decided to hold off on flushing it down the toilet.
Hate that they changed the name to indoor care instead of hairbball control, not even the same ingredients!!! Why would you break something that is not broken? Are you not Cat Friendly? My cat can only have the hairball treats for he is on special cat food from the vet, and now its even worse because my cat has no treats. Guess you wanted your customers not to be happy!!! Or our furbabies…..
Hey Gwen, sorry to hear that the formulation change left your cat without treats. What are your cat’s special needs? I might be able to help you find a good alternative.
A neighbor gave me a 6.3 oz bag of Temptations MixUps. My cat went crazy over it. I only gave her 3 – 4 pieces once or twice a day. When she got to the end of the bag she quit eating and drinking and would hide in a corner. This went on for about ten days and it looked like she would die soon if she didn’t get help. I made a vet appointment: He determined that her kidneys, etc were good. Somehow I believe that Tempations did this to her and almost killed her. She’s better now since she went to the vet. I would not recommend that anyone give Temptations to their cats.
Sorry to hear about your kitty, Margaret! It’s heartening that your vet didn’t find any medical problems but you’re right that it could still have something to do with the Temptations. I am by no means a veterinarian or expert, but I’ve seen anecdotes (and have heard cat owner friends) that say some cats who eat Temptations regularly will later refuse to eat anything else.
This is a potential issue with other products that contain flavoring agents. Pet food manufacturers have found a way to make their products more appealing in an inexpensive but not particularly cat-appropriate way. If this is what’s happening, it might not be that your cat is sick – he just doesn’t want to eat anything but Temptations.
Did the vet find anything else that could be contributing to the problem? It sounds like your cat is doing better now and it’s probably a good call to avoid Temptations in the future. Best of luck!
My 11 year old male feral cat loves the chicken Temptations treats for cats in either the 3 oz & 6.3 oz sizes, but a few years ago, during Pandemic, my grocer had only the $8-$9 bucket size of the same exact treats and my cat would eat a few then snub them…when he was in back sleeping I’d transfer some into the 6:3oz bag he had just finished but he took a sniff & wouldn’t touch them. Luckily the 2 bag sizes are USUALLY back at my grocers. Recently a neighbor was going to store so I gave her money for a couple of the 6.3 oz bags, grocer was out of both & she came back with that bucket one…she wasn’t aware of past problem with it. Darnit! the exact same thing happened again! Supposedly same product, (same labeling as the 2 smaller packages), but my cat will not eat it.
AND NOW, an even bigger upset, about a month ago Freddie’s had the 3oz packages for $1.67, they’d been gradually going up in price since Pandemic, NOW, a week or two ago, the package is down to TWO ounces, AND, they were ON SALE for 2 packages of the TWO oz bags, for $5!! Within a month, 3oz bags were $1.67 each, now the bags are $2.50 each but only 2 oz! Oh, and like I said, that was $2.50 ON SALE! Yikes! I hope my cat doesn’t go through withdrawal because I just can’t stand getting screwed by those companies that WE, the consumers, made rich…
Barb
.n
I don’t like how you basically dismiss the fact that Temptations contain so many red flags in terms of ingredients: by-products, meal, unnamed meats, corn, grains, etc, just because cats like them. Why should treats be given special treatment from normal food?
Also, Temptations are Dreamies in the United Kingdom, correct?
Good point—I’ll keep your critiques in mind. Regarding your last question, yes! They are Dreamies in the UK.
My cats love , love temptation treats so when I the cat food by temptations I was excited. However both of my cats throw up this food. Im very so disappointed and wasn’t $15 dollars. What is in this cat food to make not one but both of my cats throw up….
Hi Kelly, I’m so sorry that your cats became sick. I’m not sure which Temptations treats you gave them but the treats I reviewed all contained wheat flour, artificial colors, and some ingredients that could be allergens for some cats. Many cats do seem to love the taste of the treats but they don’t contain the healthiest ingredients. Even though some of the ingredients were not great, I did feel that I also had to consider the fact that there are hundreds of very positive reviews for the treats online.
I hope your cats will be well.
Nov. 2023 Christmas Advertisement on TV is Horrible. The orange tabby cat at the piano is fine. The orange cat the ladies are feeding the cat HAS DILATED EYES LOOKS DRUGGED. SO SAD. My cat’s years ago lived temptations. Today and the last 5 years my cat will not touch them in any way. He must know something is wrong with them. Will not buy product. They should take this advertisement off TV.
Every time my cat eats these even if I give him just a few he throws up would not recommend this product!
I hope the right eyes sees my comment.
Instead of the cat saying non. Make the cat act like it was throwing up
What is the consensus on the creamy purrrée? Is it a good choice of squeeze pouches or should I opt for a different brand?
Temptations now have two wet food varieties, a pate and bits in gravy. I would love to see a review as these are a very affordable wet food option in my area. 🙂
They made my cat so constipated that she was leaking blood out her bum. She only stopped when the treats were removed from her diet, Later added back in to have her constipated and bleeding again. After multiple vet visits and switching out foods . Temptations was responsible for the constipation. Once removed from her diet she was able to go back to “normal” though she had kidney failure and passed within the year from old age… she probably wouldve lived longer had we not been through all those constipation spells.