As a cat owner, you want to give your furry friend treats that are both delicious and healthy. Many commercial cat treats are full of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. However, you can make your own natural, homemade cat treats using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Natural, homemade treats have many benefits for cats. They often have fewer calories than store-bought treats, so they can be given more frequently without worrying about obesity. Homemade treats also avoid unnecessary additives and fillers that may cause gastrointestinal upset in some cats. Additionally, making your own treats allows you to control the ingredients so you can avoid anything your cat may be allergic or sensitive to.
What Makes a Good Natural Cat Treat?
When choosing ingredients for homemade cat treats, look for items that are flavorful, healthy, and safe for your feline buddy. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, tuna, and salmon are good options. Avoid fatty meats.
- Grains like oats, wheat germ, rice, and quinoa can add fiber and nutrients.
- Veggies like carrots, peas, green beans, and sweet potatoes provide vitamins. However, avoid garlic and onion as these can be toxic to cats.
- Eggs are a healthy source of protein but should be cooked. Raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency.
- Low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, and hard cheeses are tasty sources of calcium.
- Foods with strong flavors cats enjoy include tuna, salmon, cheese, catnip, and meat broths.
It’s also important to avoid ingredients that are toxic or harmful to cats like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol (artificial sweetener), and raw dough with yeast.
10 Best Natural Treat Recipes for Cats
Looking for ideas to get you started? Here are 10 purr-fectly healthy homemade cat treat recipes:
1. Tuna Fudge
Cats go crazy for the flavor of tuna. Combine it with eggs for protein and oats for fiber to create a tasty tuna fudge treat. Here is the simple recipe:
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
- 2 eggs
- 1⁄4 cup oats
Blend all ingredients together until a thick, fudge-like consistency forms. Spoon into a baking dish lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Let cool and cut into bite-sized pieces. Refrigerate for up to a week.
2. Chicken and Catnip Bites
These savory nibbles contain two flavors cats adore – chicken and catnip. The catnip gives them an enticing aroma and flavor.
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon catnip
- 1⁄4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1⁄4 cup oats
In a bowl, mix together all ingredients until a dough forms. Roll into marble-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Let cool before serving.
3. Salmon Cakes
Salmon is a favorite feline taste and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These mini salmon cakes make for a protein-packed treat.
- 1 (5 oz) can salmon, drained and flaked
- 1 egg
- 1⁄4 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons oats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
In a bowl, mix salmon, egg, flour and oats until fully combined. Form into small patties, about 1 inch wide. In a skillet over medium heat, cook patties in olive oil 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Cool before serving.
4. Freeze-Dried Chicken
Crunchy freeze-dried chicken makes for a tasty, wholesome treat you can serve as-is or crumble on top of food. Purchase 100% freeze-dried chicken treats made for pets or make your own by:
- Cutting cooked chicken breast into small bits
- Placing in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Freezing for 1-2 hours until completely frozen
- Transferring to a food dehydrator and dehydrating 5-6 hours at 135°F until dried
5. Sweet Potato Fries
The natural sweetness of sweet potato appeals to many cats. Turn them into healthy fries by:
- Cutting 1 large sweet potato into thin fries
- Tossing with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1⁄4 teaspoon ginger
- Baking at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway
The fries will become crispy outside and tender inside. Let cool before serving.
6. Pumpkin Kitty Cookies
These baked goodies get terrific texture from whole wheat flour and pumpkin. The pumpkin provides vitamin A and fiber.
- 1⁄2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 egg
- 1⁄4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ginger
In a bowl, mix together all ingredients until a dough forms. Scoop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing apart. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until set. Cool before removing cookies from the sheet.
7. Tuna Pate
Whip up this protein-packed tuna pate in just 5 minutes. It can be served on its own or spread on kitty cracker treats.
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1⁄4 teaspoon catnip (optional)
In a food processor, blend together all ingredients until smooth. Spoon into a sealed container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
8. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt and fruit for a nourishing snack cats will lap up.
- 1⁄4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 tablespoon pureed baby food fruit (banana, mango, etc.)
In a small bowl, alternately layer the yogurt and fruit puree. The parfait can be served immediately or refrigerated up to 24 hours. The flavors and aromas will develop more over time.
9. Beef and Cheese Sliders
These mini cat burgers are simple to make but full of irresistible flavors. The beef and cheese will have your kitty meowing for more.
- 1⁄4 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon shredded cheddar cheese
- 1⁄4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
In a bowl, gently mix all ingredients together. Form into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until cooked through. Allow to cool before serving.
10. Crunchy Rice Treats
With just 3 ingredients, you can make these satisfying crunchies full of fiber.
- 1⁄2 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
In a bowl, stir together rice, egg, and Parmesan until mixed. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 30 minutes, remove, and let cool completely until hardened. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
Choosing the Best Treats for Your Cat
When selecting homemade treats for your cat, consider your cat’s unique nutritional needs and tastes.
- Kittens need more calories, protein, and nutrients for growth and development. Treats made with eggs, yogurt, and meat are ideal.
- Senior cats can benefit from easily digestible treats with softer textures as they may have dental issues. Try pates, parfaits, and mashed treats.
- Overweight cats require lower calorie options. Choose treats made with lean meats, veggies, and whole grains.
- Diabetic cats need treats very low in carbs/sugar. Focus on high protein options like meat, eggs, and cheese.
- Allergic cats require treats that avoid their allergen triggers. Common options are rabbit, duck, venison, and hypoallergenic protein sources.
Also consider your cat’s preferences. If they go crazy for tuna, salmon, or catnip, make treats spotlighting those flavors. Observe how they respond to different textures as some cats like crunchy treats while others prefer softer ones.
Tips for Making Homemade Cat Treats
Follow these tips for safely preparing and storing homemade cat treats:
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Avoid spoiled or moldy foods.
- Wash produce thoroughly. Remove peels, cores, seeds, pits, and any other inedible parts.
- Cook any raw meat, fish, or eggs to prevent bacterial contamination.
- Work cleanly by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces before and after.
- Avoid adding excessive salt, sugar, spices, or other flavorings which may upset your cat’s tummy.
- Cut treats into appropriately sized pieces based on your cat’s size to prevent choking.
- Make sure treats are fully cooled before giving to your cat to prevent mouth burns.
- Refrigerate perishable treats in a sealed container up to 5-7 days or freeze up to 2-3 months.
Start with small treat portions to confirm your cat tolerates the ingredients well before giving larger amounts. Monitor your cat during treat time and cease feeding if they display signs of intestinal upset or allergic reaction.
Benefits of Natural Homemade Cat Treats
With homemade treats, you can cater recipes and ingredients to your cat’s needs and preferences. Here are some of the benefits:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Control of ingredients | You choose healthy, high-quality ingredients tailored for your cat. |
| Avoidance of allergens | Omit any ingredients your cat is allergic or sensitive to. |
| Lower calories | Homemade treats can be lower in fat and calories versus mass-produced commercial treats. |
| Variety | With endless recipe options, you can offer your cat different flavors, textures, shapes. |
| Preservative-free | Avoid unnecessary preservatives used in many store-bought treats. |
| Cat-pleasing flavors | Use flavors like tuna, salmon, and catnip that cats naturally crave. |
| Economical | Making your own is cheaper than buying treats regularly. |
| Bonding activity | Your cat will appreciate the time and care you put into making treats. |
Ready-Made Natural Cat Treats
If preparing homemade treats seems too time-consuming, know that many commercial brands now offer all-natural, preservative-free cat treats made with wholesome ingredients. Here are some top options to consider:
PureBites Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Made with just one ingredient, these freeze-dried treats come in chicken, salmon, tuna, and other flavors. The freeze-drying process preserves nutrition without preservatives.
Halo Grain-Free Natural Cat Treats
With formulas like salmon and chicken, turkey and cheese, and fish and greens, Halo cat treats focus on quality protein and superfood sources.
Whole Life Pet Organic Cat Treats
Their cat treats are made exclusively with organic, non-GMO, sustainably sourced ingredients like chicken, salmon, pumpkin, and cranberries.
PureBites Crunchy Cat Treats
Grain-free and high in protein, PureBites makes oven-baked crunchy treats in flavors like chicken breast and ocean fish.
Zuke’s Natural Cat Treats
All Zuke’s products are made in small batches with real meat, wholesome carbs, and added vitamins and minerals. Try their moist cat treats in savory flavors.
Final Thoughts
From tuna fudge to pumpkin cookies, making natural treats for your cat at home provides a healthy alternative to store-bought options. You can control the high-quality ingredients to match your cat’s dietary needs and please their taste preferences. While more time-consuming than buying treats, the homemade route offers more variety at a lower cost. For ready-made treats, look for premium commercial brands using all-natural ingredients free of byproducts and fillers. With thoughtful choices, homemade and natural cat treats can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your cat’s diet.