Best Cat Treats in North York 2026: Freeze-Dried, Lickable and Dental Options from Inaba, Primal and Greenies at Ashario Pets

Cat treats are not all created equal. Whether you're trying to reward a picky eater, keep your cat's teeth clean, or sneak in a little extra hydration between meals, the treat format matters just as much as the ingredients. As of 2026, Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7 carries an extensive selection of cat treats spanning freeze-dried, lickable, and dental formats from premium brands including Inaba, Primal, and Greenies — making it the go-to destination for cat owners across North York, Downsview, Weston, and the broader Toronto area.

In our store, we regularly see cat owners standing in the treat aisle genuinely unsure about which format is right for their cat's age, dental health, or hydration needs. This guide breaks down the three most popular treat categories in 2026 and explains exactly which brands are worth your attention — and why.

Key Takeaway: The best cat treat format depends on your goal: freeze-dried options deliver high-protein nutrition with minimal processing; lickable treats like Inaba Churu add moisture and palatability for hydration-challenged cats; and dental treats like Greenies actively reduce tartar buildup. Ashario Pets in North York carries all three formats, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year.

Why Cat Treat Format Matters for Nutrition and Health

Cat treat format directly affects protein delivery, moisture content, caloric density, and dental impact — making it one of the most important factors when selecting a treat for your cat. Not all treats are interchangeable, and choosing the wrong one for your cat's health needs can mean missed nutritional opportunities or even dental neglect.

Most cat treats fall into one of three functional categories: high-protein snacks (freeze-dried, air-dried), moisture-delivery treats (lickable pouches and purées), and dental health chews. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), treats should not account for more than 10% of a cat's daily caloric intake. For a typical adult cat consuming approximately 200–250 kcal per day, that means treats should cap at roughly 20–25 kcal.

Pet owners also often overlook the fact that cats, being obligate carnivores, thrive on high animal protein content. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that cats have a higher dietary protein requirement than most domestic animals, with protein being essential not just for muscle maintenance but for basic metabolic functions. A treat with less than 30% protein on a dry matter basis may offer limited nutritional benefit beyond palatability.

Our nutrition experts at the North York store recommend always checking the guaranteed analysis panel on any treat package before purchasing — specifically looking at crude protein, crude fat, and moisture levels to evaluate quality against your cat's current diet.

Freeze-Dried Cat Treats: Why Primal Leads the Category in 2026

Freeze-dried cat treats are among the most nutrient-dense options available because the freeze-drying process removes moisture at low temperatures, preserving naturally occurring proteins, enzymes, and amino acids without the use of artificial preservatives. Primal Pet Foods is one of the standout brands in this space in Canada.

Primal freeze-dried cat treats are made from single or limited animal protein sources — including chicken, turkey, beef, and rabbit — and typically contain 60–70% crude protein on a dry matter basis. Many of their formulas contain less than 5% carbohydrates, which aligns with the carnivore-appropriate macronutrient ratios recommended by feline nutrition specialists. A single serving of Primal freeze-dried nuggets averages approximately 5–8 kcal per piece, making it easy to control caloric intake during training or bonding sessions.

Our team at Ashario Pets recommends Primal freeze-dried treats specifically for cats transitioning from dry kibble to raw or high-moisture diets, because the familiar crunch and intense aroma make them an excellent palatability bridge. They also work exceptionally well crumbled over wet food as a topper.

For North York cat owners looking to explore the full range of freeze-dried treat options, our detailed guide on where to buy freeze-dried cat treats in North York and which brands Ashario Pets stocks on Finch Ave W covers the complete in-store selection.

You can also shop freeze-dried cat food and treat options online through Ashario Pets for home delivery across the GTA.

Lickable Cat Treats: Inaba Churu and What Makes Them Different

Lickable cat treats — led by Inaba Churu in the Canadian market — have become the go-to hydration-boosting treat format for cats who don't drink enough water on their own, which, according to veterinary data, is the majority of domestic cats on dry-food diets.

Inaba Churu purée treats contain approximately 85–90% moisture, making them one of the highest-hydration treat formats available. Each 14g tube delivers roughly 6–9 kcal alongside real tuna, chicken, or seafood blends as the primary ingredients. They are free from artificial colours and preservatives, which aligns with the ingredient transparency standards that discerning North York cat owners have come to expect.

What separates Inaba Churu from generic purée treats is their use of real fish-derived taurine — an essential amino acid that cats cannot synthesize on their own. Taurine deficiency in cats is linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and retinal degeneration, as noted in research indexed on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A treat that naturally contains taurine from whole-food sources adds meaningful nutritional value rather than just palatability.

Pet owners tell us that Inaba Churu is frequently used as a distraction tool — for nail trims, vet visits, or medication administration — because the licking behaviour creates a calming response. In our store, it's one of our consistently top-selling cat treat products week over week. The variety packs are particularly popular with customers in the Yonge-Finch corridor who have multi-cat households and cats with differing flavour preferences.

Inaba also produces a broader line that includes Inaba Grilled Tuna Slices and shredded chicken fillet treats — both available at Ashario Pets — which offer a slightly firmer texture for cats who prefer more chew resistance than a purée provides.

Dental Cat Treats: Greenies and the Case for Daily Oral Care

Dental cat treats are the most functionally specific treat category and one that many cat owners underestimate. Periodontal disease affects an estimated 70–85% of cats over the age of three, according to veterinary dental specialists — making daily oral hygiene one of the most important and most neglected aspects of feline preventive care.

Greenies Feline Dental Treats are a VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) accepted product, meaning they have met independently verified clinical standards for plaque and tartar reduction. Each Greenies treat is approximately 1.5–2 kcal per piece, allowing cat owners to offer 3–7 treats per day without significantly affecting total daily caloric intake for a typical 4–5 kg adult cat consuming 200 kcal daily.

The dental action in Greenies comes from their chewy texture, which creates mechanical abrasion against the tooth surface as the cat bites through the treat. This, combined with proprietary ingredient formulas designed to reduce mineral buildup, results in measurably less tartar with consistent daily use over 30 days. Their life-stage formulation includes adult and kitten-appropriate sizing, and they're available in flavours including chicken, salmon, and tuna at Ashario Pets.

Our team at Ashario Pets often recommends Greenies as the starting point for cat owners whose cats resist toothbrushing — which, frankly, is most cats. It's a practical compromise that delivers real oral health benefits without the stress of manual brushing. When a customer comes in asking how to manage their senior cat's dental health without veterinary cleaning costs, Greenies dental treats are typically the first product we suggest as part of a home maintenance routine, always alongside a recommendation to book a professional dental assessment with their vet.

Browse our full cat treats collection at Ashario Pets, which includes Greenies, Inaba, and Primal alongside other premium options from brands like Tiki Cat, Stella & Chewy's, and The Honest Kitchen.

Quick Comparison: Freeze-Dried vs Lickable vs Dental Cat Treats

To help you choose the right format, here's a straightforward breakdown of what each treat type delivers best:

• Freeze-Dried (e.g., Primal) — Best for: high-protein supplementation, food toppers, raw diet transitions. Protein content: 60–70% dry matter. Moisture: 3–5%. Avg. kcal per serving: 5–8 kcal per piece. Available at Ashario Pets.
• Lickable Purée (e.g., Inaba Churu) — Best for: hydration support, picky eaters, medication delivery, multi-cat households. Moisture: 85–90%. Taurine-rich from whole fish sources. Avg. kcal per tube: 6–9 kcal. Available at Ashario Pets.
• Dental Chews (e.g., Greenies Feline) — Best for: daily tartar and plaque reduction, cats resistant to toothbrushing. VOHC accepted. Avg. kcal per piece: 1.5–2 kcal. Life-stage formulations available. Available at Ashario Pets.

Each format serves a distinct purpose. Many cat owners we speak with in our North York store end up incorporating all three into their routine — freeze-dried as a high-value training reward, Churu for hydration and enrichment, and Greenies as part of a nightly dental routine.

For further guidance on managing your cat's overall health through diet and supplementation, visit our cat wellness needs resource page.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Cat Treats in North York 2026

What are the best cat treats available in North York in 2026?

As of 2026, the top cat treat formats available in North York include freeze-dried options from Primal, lickable purée treats from Inaba (Churu line), and dental chews from Greenies. All three are available at Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily. The best choice depends on your cat's specific health goals — protein intake, hydration, or dental hygiene — and many owners use all three formats in rotation throughout the week.

Are Inaba Churu treats healthy for cats?

Inaba Churu treats are generally considered a healthy supplemental treat when used within the 10% daily caloric guideline recommended by AAFCO. Each 14g tube contains approximately 6–9 kcal and provides meaningful moisture (85–90%) along with naturally occurring taurine from fish-based ingredients. They are free from artificial preservatives and colours. As with any treat, they should complement — not replace — a complete and balanced main diet. Consult your veterinarian if your cat has specific dietary restrictions or health conditions.

Do Greenies dental treats actually work for cats?

Yes. Greenies Feline Dental Treats are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), meaning they have met clinical standards for reducing plaque and tartar in cats. Each treat delivers mechanical abrasion against tooth surfaces through its chewy texture. At 1.5–2 kcal per piece, they can be offered daily without significantly impacting caloric intake. They are most effective when used consistently and as part of a broader oral care routine that includes periodic professional veterinary dental assessments.

Where can I buy Primal freeze-dried cat treats in Toronto or North York?

Primal freeze-dried cat treats are available in North York at Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, open every day of the year from 7 AM to 11 PM. You can also order online through Ashario Pets with GTA delivery available via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. Ashario Pets is conveniently accessible for cat owners in Downsview, Weston, Wilson Heights, and the broader Toronto area. You can call ahead at +1-647-564-4433 to confirm current stock.

How many cat treats can I give my cat per day?

AAFCO guidelines recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of a cat's total daily caloric intake. For a typical adult cat eating approximately 200–250 kcal per day, this means treats should not exceed 20–25 kcal. In practical terms, that translates to roughly 3–5 Greenies dental pieces, 2–3 Inaba Churu tubes, or 3–5 Primal freeze-dried pieces per day — though not necessarily all in the same day. Always read the guaranteed analysis on the package and adjust based on your cat's weight, activity level, and any existing health conditions. Your veterinarian can help establish appropriate treat portions for your individual cat.