Cats are weird. One minute they’re ignoring a $50 bed you bought them to sleep in a literal cardboard box, and the next they’re screaming at your feet because you dared to open a yogurt container for yourself. Most cat owners know the struggle of finding a treat that doesn’t smell like a chemical factory or look like mystery meat kibble. That’s where Fancy Feast Savory Puree Naturals come in. Honestly, they’ve changed the game for picky eaters and owners who are tired of reading ingredient labels that look like a high school chemistry final.
It’s basically a squeeze tube. Think Go-Gurt, but for felines. But unlike the standard treat sticks that are loaded with artificial colors and "meat by-products" of questionable origin, the "Naturals" line from Purina focuses on actual recognizable ingredients. We’re talking real salmon, tuna, or chicken. No corn. No wheat. No soy. No artificial flavors or preservatives. It’s just a smooth, lickable puree that most cats treat like it's high-end caviar.
The Reality of What's Inside Those Squeeze Tubes
When you look at the back of a pack of Fancy Feast Savory Puree Naturals, the first thing you notice is the moisture content. It's high. Like, really high—usually around 90% or more. This is a massive deal for cat health. Many cats, especially those on a strictly dry food diet, live in a state of chronic mild dehydration. They just don't have a strong thirst drive because their ancestors evolved to get water from their prey. Giving them a puree isn't just a "good job for not scratching the sofa" reward; it’s a stealthy way to get more water into their system.
You've probably seen the three main flavors: Natural Salmon, Natural Tuna, and Natural Chicken. Each one is crafted with real meat as the primary protein. They also toss in some Vitamin E. Why? Because Vitamin E acts as a natural antioxidant that supports skin and coat health. It's not just fluff.
I've talked to several vet technicians who use these specifically for "fear-free" vet visits. If a cat is terrified of the thermometer or a needle, a tube of this stuff can be a literal lifesaver. It creates a "distraction lick." While the cat is hyper-focused on the savory flavor of real tuna, the vet can get the job done without the cat losing its mind. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, especially your hands, which remain un-scratched.
Why the "Naturals" Label Actually Matters Here
Marketing is usually a bunch of noise. Usually. But in the pet food world, the word "Natural" is actually regulated by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). It means the ingredients haven't been subjected to a chemically adaptive process and don't contain synthetic additives, excluding added vitamins and minerals.
When you compare Fancy Feast Savory Puree Naturals to the standard Savory Puree line, you'll see a distinct lack of dyes. Cats are colorblind to many hues anyway; they don't care if their treat is a vibrant red or a dull brown. But you should care. Artificial dyes like Red 40 or Blue 2 have been linked to various health sensitivities in pets. By stripping those out, Purina is basically admitting that the food should look like... well, food.
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The Texture Factor: Why Cats Go Crazy
It’s about the "mouthfeel."
Cats have relatively few taste buds compared to humans—only about 470 versus our 9,000. Because of this, they rely heavily on scent and texture. The Fancy Feast Savory Puree Naturals have a consistency that is silkier than a pate but thicker than a broth. It’s easy for senior cats with dental issues to lap up, and it’s engaging for kittens who are still learning how to eat "big cat" food.
Honestly, even the pickiest "I only eat freshly caught wild Alaskan salmon" cats often fold for these tubes. There’s something about the licking motion that is soothing for them. It mimics grooming.
A Look at the Competition: Puree vs. Everything Else
There are plenty of other lickable treats on the market. Inaba Churu is the most famous one. Then you’ve got Hartz Delectables and various store brands. So, why pick the Fancy Feast version?
- Price point: Usually, you can find these at a more competitive price in big-box retailers like Target or Walmart compared to the boutique brands.
- Availability: You don't have to go to a specialty pet store. If you’re grabbing milk and eggs, you can grab these.
- Ingredient Transparency: While some brands use "meat meal" or unspecified "fish broth," the Naturals line is pretty upfront about the protein source.
However, let's be real: these are treats, not a meal replacement. If you try to feed your cat only these tubes, they will end up with nutritional deficiencies. They lack the taurine and calorie density required for a primary diet. Think of them as the "dessert" or a "side dish." A single tube is usually only about 7 to 9 calories. That’s great for weight management, but it won't sustain a 10-pound tabby for long.
How to Serve Them (Without Making a Mess)
You can just tear the top and let them lick it directly from the tube. This is the "bonding" method. It’s great for getting a shy rescue cat to come closer to you. It builds trust.
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But sometimes, that gets messy. Cats are messy.
A better way? Squeeze it over their boring kibble. It acts as a "food topper." If your cat is starting to get bored with their daily meal, a swirl of Fancy Feast Savory Puree Naturals on top can kickstart their appetite. It’s a classic move for older cats who have lost some of their sense of smell. The aromatics in the puree are strong enough to signal to their brain that it's time to eat.
Misconceptions and the "Is it Healthy?" Debate
Some people see "Fancy Feast" and think "McDonald's for cats." That reputation mostly comes from their older, budget-friendly canned lines that used a lot of fillers and gravy thickened with wheat gluten. But the brand has pivoted hard with the Naturals line.
One common misconception is that these treats cause diarrhea. While any new food can upset a cat's stomach if introduced too quickly, the ingredients in the Fancy Feast Savory Puree Naturals are actually quite simple and easy to digest. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, the Chicken flavor is usually the safest bet. Fish can sometimes be a bit richer and harder on the gut for certain cats.
Another thing: Don't overfeed. It’s tempting to give them three tubes because they look so cute licking them. Don't. Stick to one a day. Too much of any treat can throw off the nutritional balance of their actual cat food.
Real-World Use Cases for the Savory Puree
I've seen people use these for things you wouldn't expect.
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- Medicine Hiding: If you have to give your cat a pill, crush it up (if the vet says it's okay) and mix it into a bowl with one of these tubes. The strong scent of the tuna or salmon masks the bitterness of the medication.
- Hydration Boost: If it's a hot summer day, you can actually freeze the tube for a bit. Not until it’s a rock, but just until it’s slushy. It’s a "catsicle."
- Nail Trimming: This is the ultimate hack. Smear a little bit of the puree on a silicone lick mat. While the cat is busy working every last drop out of the mat's crevices, you can clip their nails. They won't even notice.
Comparing the Flavors: A Quick Breakdown
The Salmon flavor is usually the crowd-favorite. It has the strongest scent, which is a major plus for older cats. The Tuna is a close second, offering a lean protein option that isn't too heavy. Then there's the Chicken. It’s the "vanilla" of the group—safe, reliable, and perfect for cats who might have allergies to seafood.
Surprisingly, some cats prefer the chicken because it’s a more "natural" prey flavor for a land-dwelling predator. It just depends on your specific cat’s personality. My neighbor’s cat won't touch the fish but will go absolutely feral for the chicken. Cats are weird like that.
Addressing the Packaging Concerns
One downside? The plastic waste. Each treat is individually wrapped. In an era where we're all trying to reduce single-use plastics, this is a tough pill to swallow. Purina has made some strides in sustainability, but these tubes are not currently recyclable in most curbside programs. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, you might want to look into bulk cans of pate and just water them down yourself. But for convenience, nothing beats the tube.
Actionable Steps for Your Cat’s Snack Time
If you’re ready to try Fancy Feast Savory Puree Naturals, don’t just buy a 40-pack immediately. Buy a single small variety pack first.
- Start Slow: Give them half a tube to see how their stomach reacts. If there’s no vomiting or litter box "surprises" the next day, you’re good to go.
- Check the Seal: Always make sure the tube hasn't been punctured in the store. Since there are no artificial preservatives, if air gets in, it will spoil fast.
- Use it for Training: Yes, you can train cats. Use the tube as a reward for "sit" or "high five." It works better than dry treats because they can't just run away with it; they have to stay near you to keep licking.
- Temperature Matters: If your cat is particularly picky, try warming the tube in your hand for a minute before opening. It releases more of the aromatic oils.
Ultimately, these treats are about the bond. There’s something uniquely satisfying about holding the tube while your cat leans into your hand, purring like a motorboat. It’s a quiet moment in a busy day. And since you know you aren't pumping them full of Red Dye #40, you can actually enjoy it too.
Go grab a pack. See if it's the thing that finally makes your cat forgive you for that one time you took them to the vet three years ago. It just might be.