Reward Your Cat with These Irresistible Homemade Cat Treats: Vet Approved Recipes

Catsher Easy Healthy Homemade Cat Treats 1

It is the duty of the cat parents to look after the nutritional requirements of your cat and ensure that your cat is being fed properly. However, when it comes to fun and games with those furballs, we require some additional help to get those aloof creatures interested. This is where cat treats come in handy. Our experts at Catsher have compiled a complete guide where they have provided the pros and cons of cat treats and recipes for homemade cat treats that are easy to prepare, nutritious and cat’s favourite.

Cat treats are usually not prepared with nutrition in mind, instead, cat treats are more focused on deliciousness which helps us to lure our cats into practising good behaviour during the training and after. However, with our nutritious homemade recipes, you don’t only master deliciousness but end up providing great nutritional value to your cat with fresh protein and clean ingredients.

The Joy of Homemade Cat Treats

Creating homemade treats for your cat is not just about the delicious end outcome; it’s about providing them with a healthy, balanced treat that completes their diet. Vet-approved homemade cat treats offer a safe and nutritious alternative to store-bought options, giving you peace of mind and your cat a taste sensation.

How to Make Homemade Cat Treats: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making homemade cat treats is easier than you think. Start with simple recipes that require minimal ingredients, such as the popular homemade tuna treats or the delightful pumpkin treats. These recipes provide your cat with a delicious and nutritious snack.

Ingredients for Success

When making treats for your furry friend, it’s essential to use safe and beneficial ingredients for their health. Homemade treats for cats and dogs can have a wide range of ingredients. However, it’s best to focus on cat-friendly options like tuna, salmon, and pumpkin. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make homemade cat treats with peanut butter recipes, offering a unique flavor your cat may enjoy. But always make sure that the peanut butter you use does not contain xylitol, as it harms pets.

Vet-Approved and Loved by Cats

Consulting with a veterinarian is a key step in ensuring that your homemade cat treats are not only tasty but also appropriate and safe for your cat. Vet-approved homemade cat treats can include a variety of ingredients and flavors, from the classic tuna to the more innovative homemade pumpkin cat treats.

Choose the Right Ingredients for Homemade Cat Treats

When making homemade cat treats, the first and most important step is choosing the right ingredients. The key to creating a delicious and healthy cat treat recipe is to ensure that all the components are safe, nutritious, and appealing to your furry buddy. This step not only guarantees the nutritional value of the treat but also ensures that your pet enjoys every bite without any health risks.

Understanding Cat-Friendly Ingredients

Cats are obligate carnivores and should primarily eat meat. However, non-meat ingredients can also be beneficial and provide variety in treats. Here’s a guide to safe cat ingredients:

Proteins: Tuna, salmon, chicken, and turkey are excellent cat protein sources. These can be cooked (always without any seasoning) and used as the main ingredient in your treat recipes.
Vegetables: While not a natural part of a cat’s diet, small amounts of pumpkin or carrot can add fiber and vitamins to your treats. Ensure these are cooked and pureed for easy digestion.
Grains: Small amounts of rice or oatmeal can be included in homemade cat treats as a binding agent. These should be used sparingly, as cats have limited ability to process grains.

Avoiding Harmful Ingredients

It’s equally important to know which ingredients to avoid to prevent harm to your cat. Some common kitchen ingredients that should never be used in cat treats include:

Onions and Garlic: These can cause anemia in cats, even in small quantities.
Chocolate: It’s well-known to be toxic to cats.
Raisins and Grapes: These can cause kidney issues in cats.
Xylitol: This sweetener found in many sugar-free products (including some peanut butter) is highly toxic to pets.

Tips for Choosing Ingredients

Opt for Fresh and High-Quality: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. This ensures that your cat is getting the best nutritional value.
Keep It Simple: Start with recipes with a few ingredients to ensure your cat tolerates them well.
Consider Your Cat’s Preferences: Pay attention to your cat’s taste preferences. If they love a specific type of fish or meat, use that as the main ingredient in your treats.

When making homemade cat food, it’s important to choose the right ingredients carefully. This step involves not only deciding what to include but also being aware of what to avoid to ensure your cat’s safety and well-being. Selecting the right ingredients will create a foundation for healthy and delicious treats your pet will enjoy.

Tasty and Healthy Homemade Cat Treat Recipes

Creating homemade cat treats is a delightful way to show your cat some extra love. These treats provide a healthier alternative to many store-bought options and allow you to customize ingredients according to your cat’s specific tastes and dietary requirements. The Catsher guide explores some simple-to-make, tasty, and healthy homemade cat treat recipes. These recipes will bring variety and joy to your cat’s snack time, ensuring they are satisfied and receiving the necessary nutritional benefits.

Recipe 1. Classic Tuna Crunch Treats

Ingredients:

1 can of tuna in water, drained
1 egg
1 cup of whole wheat flour (substitute with coconut flour for a grain-free option)
1 tablespoon of olive oil or fish oil

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, egg, and olive oil, mashing the tuna until it’s broken down into small pieces.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to create small shapes.
Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until they are dry and slightly golden.
Let them cool completely before serving.

Tip: To enhance the nutritional value of your cat’s food, add a small amount of finely ground eggshell for calcium or a sprinkle of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s important to ensure that any additions are safe for cats and used in moderation.

Recipe 2. Salmon and Sweet Potato Delights

Ingredients:

½ cup of cooked, flaked salmon
1 small sweet potato, cooked and mashed
1 egg
1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix together the salmon, sweet potato, and egg until well combined.
Slowly incorporate the flour until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough and cut into treat-sized pieces.
Bake on a lined baking sheet for 25 minutes, or until crisp.
Allow to cool before treating your cat.

Tip: Incorporating a small amount of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds can add omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your cat’s skin and coat health. Start with a very small amount to ensure your cat tolerates the taste nicely.

Recipe 3. Chicken and Catnip Bites

Ingredients:

1 cup of cooked, finely chopped chicken
1 tablespoon of catnip
1 egg
1 cup of flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tablespoon of powdered gelatin (optional for added nutrition)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Mix the chicken, catnip, and egg in a bowl. Add the flour and gelatin, if using, and stir to form a dough.
Roll the dough into small balls or use cookie cutters to create shapes, dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until they are firm and slightly golden.
Cool completely before serving.

Tip: For an extra hydrating treat, especially during warmer months, consider adding a bit of chicken broth (ensure its low sodium and onion/garlic-free) to the dough. This can make the treats more enticing and provide additional water to your cat’s diet.

Recipe 4. Pumpkin and Tuna Treats

Ingredients:

1 can of tuna in water, drained
½ cup of pumpkin puree (ensure its 100% pumpkin)
1 egg
2 cups of whole wheat flour

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Blend the tuna, pumpkin, and egg in a food processor until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl and gradually mix the flour to form a dough.
Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
Bake on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes.
Cool thoroughly before serving.

Tip: To add texture and fun, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the treats before baking. Sesame seeds are safe for cats in small amounts and add a nice crunch. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods to your cat’s diet.

Final Thoughts

There is no better way to indicate that you adore your cat than by making the effort and preparing fresh homemade cat treats yourself. Commercially made treats might be more addictive to your cat but those treats surely do not match the nutritional aspect of homemade treats. You get to choose the right ingredients such as proteins, vegetables and grains and can change to formulation according to the taste preferences of your cat or according to the nutritional requirements.

You can even ignore the wrong ingredients that are not beneficial to your cat’s dietary requirements such as onions and garlic, chocolate, raisins or Xylitol etc. However, its business as usual when it comes to dispersing those treats to your cat. Give those treats in moderation and it is always the best practice to consult with the veterinarian and discuss the ingredients for the safety of your cat.