Homemade Cat Treats Recipes

Did you know that making your own homemade cat treats can have numerous benefits for both your furry friend and yourself? Not only are homemade cat treats a healthier alternative to store-bought options, but they also allow you to customize the ingredients based on your cat’s specific dietary needs or preferences.

We’ll explore easy and yummy homemade cat treats, discuss important nutritional considerations, and provide some delicious recipes for you to try at home. 

The Benefits of Homemade Cat Treats

When it comes to treating our beloved cats, homemade cat treats offer a wide range of benefits. By making your own treats, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into them. This means you can avoid any additives or preservatives that may be present in store-bought options.

• Another advantage of homemade cat treats is the ability to cater to your furry friend’s specific dietary needs. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies require a diet primarily composed of meat. By creating treats at home, you can ensure they contain high-quality protein sources such as chicken or fish.
• Homemade cat treats also provide an opportunity for bonding with your feline companion. Involving them in the treat-making process can be a fun and interactive experience for both of you. Your cat will enjoy watching and sniffing as you prepare their special snack.
• Making your own cat treats can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to constantly purchasing pre-packaged options from the store. With just a few simple ingredients and some time in the kitchen, you can create batches of delicious treats that will last for weeks.

1- Carrot and Catnip Kitty Treats

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil I use coconut or olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups flour – plus additional flour for rolling dough Use whatever flour your cat can have – I used oat
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip optional
• 3/4 cup finely shredded carrot
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• cold water as needed

Instructions 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In medium bowl add oil and mix in 1 cup of the flour until mixture looks sandy.
4. Stir in catnip and carrots.
5. Mix in egg. Add a little water if the mixture looks too dry and isn’t holding together. Add a little flour if the mixture looks too wet and sticky. (Sometimes the carrots can be more wet or dry.)
6. Sprinkle flat surface with a little additional flour and roll or pat out dough to ¼ inch thickness. Sprinkle dough with additional flour as needed.
7. Prick dough all over with a fork. Use pizza wheel to cut dough into 1/2 inch squares.
8. Arrange squares on prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for about 12 minutes or until starting to brown. (Bake longer for drier texture.)
10. Cool on baking sheet.
11. Store in airtight container for several days or freeze for longer storage. (If baked to a softer texture store in refrigerator.)

Recipe from epicuricloud

2- Salmon Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 10 ounces canned salmon undrained
• 1 egg beaten
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Pulse 10 ounces of undrained, canned salmon in a food processor to chop as finely as possible.
3. 10 ounces canned salmon
4. In a stand mixer, combine salmon, 1 egg (beaten), and 2 cups whole wheat flour until dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add up to 1/3 cup water. If it’s is too wet or sticky, add a bit more flour. The dough should be tacky but not sticky.
5. 1 egg,2 cups whole wheat flour
6. Roll dough on a floured surface until about 1/4-inch thick. Use a 3/4-inch cookie cutter in the shape of your choice to create your treats.
7. Place treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350° for about 20 minutes. When they’re slightly browned and crunchy, they’re done.
8. Allow to cool before serving.
9. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

From the Cookie Rookie

3- Chewy Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 4-oz jar chicken and brown rice baby food (or something meaty which may include canned wet cat food)
• 1/4 cup parsley, coarsely chopped
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup brown rice flour
• 1/2 cup cooked white (or brown) rice
• other things you might add other treats like : 1 tablespoon of catnip or a hearty tablespoon of extra wet cat food.

Instructions

1. Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, baby food (or wet cat food), parsley, olive oil,  and water.  Add brown rice flour and cooked rice.  Stir to incorporate.  The mixture will be thick but spreadable.
3. Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet creating a rectangle that is about 1/3 of an inch thick.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven.  Let rest until cool enough to handle, then slice soft dough into bite-sized pieces.  Return pieces to the oven to bake for another 8 minutes.  Remove from the oven.  Allow to cool completely.  Store in an airtight container in the fridge.  I store my treats in the fridge just to be safe.  

From Joy the Baker

4- Cheesy Homemade Cat Treats Ingredients

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt, vanilla yogurt, or sour cream Note: We used vanilla yogurt.
• 3/4 cup flour Note: We used white whole wheat
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup water, more or less

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine the cheeses and the yogurt (or sour cream), then add the flour and cornmeal.
3. Add enough water to create a workable dough.
4. Form the dough into a ball, then roll out to a square or rectangle 1/4 inch thick.
5. Cut into one inch sized pieces and place on a greased cookie sheet.
6. Bake approximately 25 minutes.

From Cow Boy Way

Nutritional Considerations for Homemade Cat Treats

When it comes to feeding our furry friends, nutrition is key. This holds true for their regular meals as well as their treats. While cats may be known for being picky eaters, it’s important to provide them with snacks that not only satisfy their taste buds but also meet their nutritional needs.

1- Protein:

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet high in animal-based proteins. Look for treats made from real meat or fish as the main ingredient. Avoid ones that contain fillers like grains or artificial additives.

2- Portion Control:

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and other health issues such as diabetes or digestive problems.

3- Dietary Restrictions:

If your feline friend has allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients, opt for treats that are free from those allergens.

Always read and understand the ingredient list on the packaging of cat treats you’re considering purchasing. Look out for common culprits such as excessive sugar or sodium levels which can be harmful to your pet’s health.

Making homemade cat treats can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for both you and your feline companion. By using simple ingredients that are readily available at home, you have the opportunity to provide your cat with healthy and nutritious snacks.

Remember that moderation is key when it comes to treating cats. While these homemade delights may be tasty and tempting for our feline friends, overindulgence can lead to weight gain or health issues. Treats should never replace a balanced diet but rather serve as occasional rewards or special surprises.

Read: 5 Best Cat Treats of 2024

If you loved this article, you will also love reading our eBook Dubai Ruff Guide

For more furry destinations, the latest blogs, events, and providers you can stay updated by following us on Instagram and signing up for our newsletters.