10 Best Vet-Approved Foods to Hide Cat Pills in
Last updated: October 19, 2023
Summary
The FELINE GREENIES PILL POCKETS is our top pick for the Best Vet-Approved Food to Hide Cat Pills in. These salmon-flavored treats have a pocket perfect for concealing medication in an appetizing way. The soft texture and tight seal help cats readily devour the pill pocket in one tasty, nutritious bite.
Has your favorite feline turned their nose up at medication time? You're not alone. Getting cats to take pills is notoriously difficult, leaving many pet owners stressed and frustrated. But what if there was an easier way? Hiding pills in food may be the perfect solution. With the right ingredients, you can seamlessly conceal those unpleasant pills, making medication time a breeze for both you and your cat.
In this article, we'll explore the best foods for disguising pills, from irresistible creamy treats to aromatic fish, providing actionable tips to reduce the struggle. You'll discover which textures adeptly hide pills and which flavors effectively mask any unpleasant medication taste. We'll also discuss which foods to avoid and why proper pill delivery is vital for your cat's health.
Whether your cat is on a new medication or you're struggling with a lifelong prescription, this guide will give you the knowledge to confidently provide your feline with the necessary medication. With the tips here, you can feel empowered, not stressed, at medication time. So read on to learn the secret weapons for delivering pills, and take the hassle and guesswork out of this important task.
No Time To Read The Whole Article? No Worries. We’ve Done The Work For You And Compiled A List Of The Top Performers.
| Product | Features | Our Rating |
|---|
The Best Cat Food to Hide Your Cat's Pills In
Let's now go through our list of top cat foods you can use to administer medication to your loved feline. The list contains different forms of food - from purees to meat and pill pockets, you will surely find one or more efficient ways to ensure your cat has its needed medicine without issues.
FELINE GREENIES PILL POCKETS for Cats
Our top pick, the FELINE GREENIES PILL POCKETS is an excellent option for hiding pills in your cat's food. These soft, natural salmon-flavored treats have a pocket in the middle perfect for concealing medication. The salmon flavor is appealing to most cats, and the treat's soft texture allows it to be easily molded around pills of any shape or size. Once closed, the pill pocket completely seals in the medication, masking any scent or flavor that might deter your cat from eating it.
We've found these pill pockets to be enormously helpful for finicky cats or those who spit out their medicine when mixed into food. The flavor entices them to readily devour the pocket and pill in one tasty bite. The treats are made with wholesome, natural ingredients like chicken, salmon, and cheese, providing a nutritious accompaniment to the medication. At only 1.6 ounces per pack (and 45-count), they are conveniently sized for daily use.
Pros
- Appetizing salmon flavor
- Soft and malleable texture
- Tight seal around pills
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- A few cats may detect the pill if they thoroughly chew the treat instead of gulping it down.
Overall, FELINE GREENIES PILL POCKETS are a game-changer for easily administering medication to stubborn, unwilling cats. We highly recommend this product to simplify the pill-giving process while providing cats with a delicious, irresistible treat.
Stella & Chewy's Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Stella & Chewy's Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food is an excellent option for cats with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. Made with 98% rabbit meat, organs, and bone, it's a protein-packed single-species formula free of common allergens like chicken, beef, and fish. The freeze-dried morsels can be easily rehydrated or fed as-is, making this a versatile cat food.
Since it's so nutrient-dense, you only need to feed about 1 1/2 ounces per day to meet the dietary needs of the average 10-pound cat. The high protein and fat levels mirror the natural rabbit-based diet cats evolved to eat. With low carbohydrate content and added probiotics, this is an optimal choice for cats prone to digestive upset.
The bite-sized morsels are perfect for concealing a pill or capsule. Just add a bit of water to partially rehydrate, then mold the morsel around the medication. Your cat will gobble it up without noticing the pill inside.
You'll appreciate that this cat food contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It delivers natural nutrition in a format your feline will love.
Pros
- Made with 98% high-quality rabbit ingredients
- Very palatable and appetizing for picky cats
- Low-carb, nutrient-dense formula
- Easy to use for hiding medication
- Contains probiotics for digestive health
Cons
- One of the more expensive freeze-dried options
- Must be rehydrated for cats not used to crunchy food
Stella & Chewy's Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels is the optimal choice if you're looking for a natural, high-protein cat food that makes pill-giving easy and stress-free. Your cat will relish the tasty rabbit flavor while getting complete and balanced nutrition.
Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Recipe in Chicken Consomme
If you're searching for a vet-approved wet cat food that makes giving medication easy, look no further than Tiki Cat's Succulent Chicken Recipe. With its shredded texture and rich chicken broth, it's ideal for concealing pills and capsules.
Made with just three ingredients - chicken, chicken broth, and sunflower oil - it's a limited-ingredient diet free of common allergens. The single animal protein source ensures easy digestibility for sensitive cats. With an astonishing 80% protein and only 7% carbs on a dry matter basis, it provides superior nutrition.
The finely shredded chunks soak up the savory broth, allowing you to tuck a pill inside. Your cat will be focused on the delicious chicken flavor and won't even notice the medication. The high moisture content keeps your cat hydrated while supporting urinary tract health.
While sunflower oil provides dietary fat, chicken fat would be a more species-appropriate choice. The low-calorie density also means you may need to feed larger portions to meet your cat's needs. But the ingredients and nutrition profile make this wet food an excellent choice.
Pros
- Shredded texture disguises pills easily
- Made with just three natural ingredients
- Very high in protein, low in carbs
- Provides lots of hydration for urinary health
- Most cats love the chicken flavor
Cons
- Lower calorie density than some wet foods
- Sunflower oil rather than animal-based fat
For a healthy, natural wet food that makes giving medication a breeze, Tiki Cat's Succulent Chicken Recipe is a superb choice. Cats devour the taste, and you'll appreciate the limited ingredients and nutritional quality.
Hartz Delectables Lickable Cat Treats
Next on our list, Hartz Delectables Lickable Cat Treats are a convenient and tasty way to administer medication to your feline friend. Unlike traditional pill pockets, these vet-approved liquid treats come in easy-to-use pouches that can be squeezed directly into your cat's mouth or onto their food. With a variety of appetizing flavors like chicken, tuna, and seafood, you can find one your furry companion will love while effortlessly delivering their necessary medication.
The key advantage of these lickable treats is their ability to conceal pills so your cat swallows their medication without resistance or stress. The smooth, lump-free texture masks any traces of the pill, allowing your cat to lick up the treat unaware that it contains their medicine. This makes dosing far easier compared to pilling a resistant or difficult cat. The liquid format also adheres securely to food or treats, ensuring the pill stays hidden.
You'll appreciate that these pouches were designed for convenience. They can be squeezed and directed precisely where needed and require no preparation or refrigeration. The single-use pouches mean no concerns about storage or resealability either. Made with quality ingredients, Hartz Delectables provide a nutritious daily snack packed with essential vitamins while satisfying your cat's cravings.
Pros
- Masks medication to reduce pilling stress
- Comes in appetizing wet treat flavors that cats love
- Precise squeeze pouches for easy administration
- Nutritious and high-quality ingredients
- Convenient single-use packaging
Cons
- Only available in set flavors
- Requires buying treats in bulk
For cat owners struggling to medicate a resistant or fussy feline, Hartz Delectables Lickable Cat Treats are a game-changer. Their clever liquid format effortlessly conceals pills in an irresistible treat your cat will lap up. This takes the stress out of pilling, making Hartz Delectables the best vet-approved way to seamlessly hide medication in your cat's diet.
Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Wet Cat Food
If you're searching for the most effortless way to hide pills in your cat's food, look no further than the Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Wet Cat Food. This smooth and flavorful wet food blends seamlessly with medication, providing a stress-free dosing solution.
The key advantage of this food is its velvety texture that envelops pills completely. Simply mix the pill into a small portion of gravy and it disappears from sight and smell. Your cat will be none the wiser as they eagerly lap up their medicated meal. The savory gravy also overpowers any odd medication tastes or scents. Made with real poultry and fish, it offers an irresistible aroma and flavor cats love.
You'll appreciate that this wet food provides more than just an easy way to hide pills. The high moisture content supports your cat's urinary tract health while the protein-rich ingredients promote lean muscle mass and an active lifestyle. Fancy Feast gives your cat the nutrition they need in a mouthwatering gravy mixture they can't resist.
With a variety pack offering 24 different flavor combinations, you can switch up the tastes to keep your cat interested. The pouches also let you mix precise single-meal portions to avoid waste. Do note that the foil pouches make storage slightly more difficult than a can. But for concealing pills in your cat's diet, no wet food does it better than Fancy Feast Gravy.
Pros
- Velvety smooth gravy texture hides pills completely
- Scrumptious flavors keep cats eagerly eating
- Supports urinary tract and muscle health
- Foil pouches allow precise single-serve portions
- Variety pack offers diverse flavor options
Cons
- Foil pouches not as easy to store as cans
- Needs refrigerating after opening
For cat owners struggling to sneak medication into finicky felines, Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Wet Cat Food is the clear solution. It effortlessly conceals pills in an irresistible smooth gravy your cat will love.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Cuts & Gravy Real Rabbit Wet Cat Food Topper
If you want chunky wet cat food that veterinarians recommend for hiding pills, Instinct's Limited Ingredient Diet Cuts & Gravy is an excellent choice. Made with real rabbit as the sole protein source, the large chunks of meat soaked in savory gravy make it easy to conceal medications.
Since it contains just a handful of natural ingredients, this cat food topper is easily digestible for cats with sensitive stomachs. The limited ingredients and single animal protein also reduce the risk of adverse food reactions. With 82% moisture content, it provides hydration to support urinary tract health.
Simply mix your cat's medication into the chunky gravy and meat pieces. The strong aroma and taste will capture your cat's attention while the large bites prevent spitting out pills. The rabbit flavor is enticing, but chicken, duck, salmon, and tuna varieties are also available.
While nutritious and palatable, Instinct's Cuts & Gravy does contain guar gum for thickness which can cause digestive upset in some cats. It's also relatively high in carbohydrates compared to other wet foods. Use it as a meal topper rather than a complete diet.
Pros
- Chunky texture perfect for hiding medicine
- Made with a single protein source
- Provides supplemental hydration
- Very appetizing to most cats
- Limited ingredients for easy digestion
Cons
- Contains guar gum thickeners
- High in carbohydrates for a wet food
For an easy way to make pilling your cat stress-free, Instinct's Limited Ingredient Diet Cuts & Gravy is a veterinarian-recommended choice. Your cat will love the delicious flavors.
Wellness CORE Simply Shreds Grain-Free Wet Cat Food Topper
Veterinarians often recommend Wellness CORE's Simply Shreds as an easy way to hide pills in your cat's food. The wet cat food topper features shreds of savory chicken or seafood soaked in a rich broth.
With just a single animal protein source and added broth, the limited ingredients make it highly digestible for cats with sensitive stomachs. The high moisture content provides supplemental hydration to support urinary tract health. And at 120% protein on a dry matter basis, it delivers plenty of nutrition.
To give medication, simply drain off a bit of the broth and tuck the pill between the tender morsels. The strong aroma and taste will capture your cat's attention. You can also use it as a meal topper, placing the pill on dry food before pouring it on the topper.
Some cats may find the loose, brothy texture too messy or soupy. It's designed for supplemental feeding and needs to be served with a complete and balanced meal. But for cats that love a good broth, it makes pilling easy and stress-free.
Pros
- Shredded texture hides pills easily
- Made with limited, highly digestible ingredients
- Provides supplemental hydration
- Very high in animal protein
- Strong aroma appeals to most cats
Cons
- Quite soupy and messy for some cats
- For supplemental feeding only
If you want a vet-recommended wet cat food that makes giving medication a breeze, Wellness CORE's Simply Shreds is a superb choice. It provides a tasty, nutritious topper that cats devour, allowing you to effortlessly hide pills.
Inaba Churu Grain-Free Cat Bites
If you dread medicating your feline friend, Inaba Churu Grain-Free Cat Bites offer the purrfect solution. These soft, chewy treats seamlessly conceal pills in a mouthwatering chicken or tuna center that cats devour.
The genius of Churu Bites lies in their inventive tube design. Simply place your cat's medication into the creamy filling, squeeze it out, and watch your cat happily lick it up without detecting the pill inside. The soft texture ensures the pill blends right in while the savory flavor keeps your cat's attention on the treat, not the medicine.
You'll also appreciate Churu's high-quality ingredients. Made with real chicken or tuna and free of grains, these bites provide a nutritious and allergen-friendly option. Available in an array of flavors from salmon to chicken liver, you can choose one to suit your cat's preferences. The smooth, easily digestible texture further makes them ideal for cats with dental issues.
While the tube dispenser wonderfully hides pills, it can make portion control tricky. But for stress-free pill popping, Churu Cat Bites are unmatched.
Pros
- Hides pills in savory soft centers
- Tube dispenser simplifies pill concealment
- Quality proteins and grain-free ingredients
- Ideal for cats with dental issues
- Variety of flavors to choose from
Cons
- Tube dispenser makes portion control difficult
- Higher cost than some other options
With their innovative tube design and irresistible fillings, Inaba's Churu Grain-Free Cat Bites make medicating your feline hassle-free. Just one lick, and your cat will be begging for these tasty, nutrition-packed treats.
Temptations Meaty Bites Cat Treats
The Temptations Meaty Bites Cat Treats is a clever solution designed to make medicating your cat a breeze. These treats are not just your typical cat snacks; they are designed with a clear purpose in mind.
The soft and chewy texture allows you to effortlessly conceal small pills or capsules within. The meaty flavor is a hit with cats, making these treats appealing even to the most discerning feline palates.
One of the most significant advantages of these treats is their practicality. Inserting medication into the treat is simple and quick, and your cat will devour the tasty morsel without any inkling that they've just taken their medicine.
Furthermore, if your cat has dental problems or difficulty eating solid food, these soft and chewy treats are easy to eat and digest, providing a safe and effective way to ensure your furry companion receives the medication they need without any unpleasant side effects.
The real meat and natural ingredients used in these treats make them a nutritious and wholesome snack for your cat, aligning with the requirements of a vet-recommended diet.
Pros
- Soft And Chewy Texture for Hiding Pills
- Made with Real Meat and Natural Ingredients
- Appeals to Cats with Its Meaty Flavor
- Effortless Medication Administration
- Ideal for Cats with Dental Problems
Cons
- May Not Accommodate Larger Pills
The Temptations Meaty Bites Cat Treats provide a practical and efficient solution for administering medication to your cat. The soft and chewy texture, along with the appealing meaty flavor, makes these treats an ideal choice for pet owners.
Tiki Cat Special Fussy Mousse, Duck Liver & Egg
Tiki Cat's Fussy Duck Liver & Egg formula offers the ideal texture for hiding feline medication in their meals. This smooth, mousse-like wet food makes administering pills or powders effortless. Its rich protein content and savory flavor also entice finicky eaters.
The mousse texture easily incorporates medication without detection. Both capsules and tablets blend in when stirred into the dense, creamy formula. The food also mixes well with powdered supplements. Even when pills remain visible, the bold aroma motivates cats to readily consume their medicated meals.
An optimal protein level comes from duck liver, chicken, and egg ingredients. At 55% protein on a dry matter basis, it provides ample nourishment for cats requiring more protein. Moisture also reaches 82%, promoting hydration especially helpful for seniors and ill pets.
Despite relying on sunflower oil as the primary fat source, the addition of omega-3-rich tuna oil boosts this formula's nutritional profile. The minuscule 5% carbohydrate proportion suits low-carb diets. This wet food contains only natural thickeners and supplemental vitamins for a short, clean ingredient list.
Pros
- Smooth texture disguises medication
- High protein and moisture levels
- Very low-carb recipe
- Entices picky eaters
- Clean label with added vitamins
Cons
- Primarily plant-based fat source
For cats requiring medication, Tiki Cat's Fussy Duck Liver & Egg wet food is a healthy, flavorful option. The mousse-like texture effortlessly hides pills and powders within its protein-packed nutrition profile. This makes administering feline medication easy and stress-free at mealtimes.
Types of Food You Can Use to Hide Cat Pills In
There are several clever methods to seamlessly incorporate medications into your cat's meals. Most of these are usually available in your kitchen. By finding the right food vehicles, you can help your feline take their medicine without a fuss.
Cooked Meat
For protein-loving cats, cooked chicken can encourage eating medicated meals. Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then discreetly place pills within some of the morsels. Avoid using spices that may cause stomach upset.
While nutritious in moderation, don't serve cooked meat frequently, as cats require balanced nutrition.
Pill Pockets
Specifically designed for hiding feline meds, pill pockets are a handy option. Simply place the pill inside and pinch the treat closed. Made to mask medication in a pocket of flavor, your cat will readily accept it.
Pill pockets come in various flavors to entice picky palates. While convenient, they carry a higher cost than alternatives, so reserve them for when other methods fail. Always follow dosing guidelines.
Canned Fish
Cats go crazy for the scent of fish. Take advantage of your cat's fish fascination by blending pills into canned tuna or salmon. Simply drain the liquid, then mash the fish into a mixture. Next, stir in the medication thoroughly to mask it. You can add a touch of water to help dissolve the pills.
Present the fish puree on a plate, spoon or even inside a piece of bread. The fishy aroma will entice your cat to gobble it up. For picky eaters, briefly microwave the mixture to amplify the scent. Just be sure to limit portions, as too much tuna carries health risks from mercury content.
Wet Cat Food
Wet food's soft texture lets you seamlessly mix pills into your cat's normal meals. Stir medication into a small portion, masking it completely so your cat can't detect anything unusual. Appeal to your cat's preferences with favorite flavors and brands.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese makes an adaptable pill disguise. Mold a small amount around your cat's medication to completely enclose it. The creamy texture helps the pill slide down easily. You can adjust serving sizes based on pill shape and your cat's appetite.
Serve the cheese ball as a special treat. However, monitor intake, as the high fat content can cause weight gain if given too often. Use this technique in moderation.
Final Thoughts
This guide offers cat owners several effective methods for easily administering medication to their feline companions. By being patient, strategic, and utilizing tasty foods that naturally appeal to cats, you can make pill time less stressful for both you and your furry friend. The key is finding the right technique and treats that work for your particular cat. We hope the tips provided here give you new ideas to try the next time medication calls.
Please let us know in the comments which methods worked best for you and your cat! Sharing your experiences gives valuable insights to others facing this common challenge of cat ownership.
Thanks for reading!
