Do you want to spoil your cat with some delicious and healthy treats? Making your own cat treats at home is easy, fun, and affordable.
You can use simple ingredients that you already have in your pantry, such as canned fish, eggs, flour, and catnip. You can also customize the treats to suit your cat’s taste and dietary needs.
In this article, we will share five homemade cats treat recipes that are vet-approved and cat-approved. Your kitty will love these tasty snacks!
Tasty Salmon Cat Treats
Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for cats. These crunchy treats are made with only three ingredients: canned salmon, egg, and flour. They are easy to make and store well in an airtight container.
Ingredients: 10 oz canned salmon, 1 egg, 2 cups flour
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a blender or food processor, puree the salmon with its juice.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg and then add the salmon and flour. Mix well to form a dough.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to a month.
Sardine & Flax Seed Catnip Treats
If your cat loves sardines, they will go crazy for these treats. Sardines are rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Flax seeds add some fiber and omega-3s to the mix. And of course, catnip is the ultimate treat for cats. It stimulates their senses and makes them happy.
Ingredients: 3-4 oz package of sardines, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 2 tbsp flax seed, 1/4 cup catnip, 1 egg, 2 tsp coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and carefully place a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Finely chop the catnip and mix it with the flour and flax seed in a bowl.
- In a blender or food processor, puree the sardines with the oil and egg.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir well to form a sticky dough.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and press it to 1/4 inch thickness with your hands.
- Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter or a knife and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until hard and crunchy.
- Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to a month.
Tuna Cat Treats
Tuna is another favorite food for cats. It has plenty of protein, iron, and vitamin B12. These soft treats are made with tuna, olive oil, egg, flour, and banana. The banana adds some natural sweetness and moisture to the treats.
Ingredients: 6 oz can of tuna, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 egg, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup mashed banana
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the tuna well with a fork and then add the oil, egg, flour, and banana. Mix well to form a dough.
- Flatten the dough onto the prepared baking sheet with your hands or a rolling pin to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden and firm.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces with a knife or a pizza cutter and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Carrot and Catnip Kitty Treats
These treats are perfect for cats who like some veggies in their diet. Carrots are low in calories and high in vitamin A and fiber. They also help keep your cat’s teeth clean. Catnip adds some flavor and fun to these treats.
Ingredients: 1/4 cup shredded carrot, 2 tbsp catnip, 1 egg, 2 tbsp oil, 1 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, vigorously mix the egg and oil together.
- In a large bowl, combine the carrot, catnip, and flour.
- Add the egg mixture and stir well to form a dough.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes or until slightly golden on top.
- Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Cat Treats from Canned Cat Food
If you don’t have time to make your own cat treats from scratch, you can still use your cat’s favorite wet food to make some simple and tasty treats. All you need is a can of cat food and a microwave oven.
Ingredients: One can of your cat’s favorite wet food
Instructions:
- Open the can and vigorously empty the loaf of cat food onto a cutting board.
- Cut the loaf into 1/4-inch thick slices and then cut the slices into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the pieces on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 2.5 to 3 minutes or until they are dry and crisp.
- Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Conclusion
Making homemade cat treats is a great way to show your cat some love and appreciation. You can use simple and healthy ingredients that your cat will enjoy.
You can also customize the treats to suit your cat’s preferences and needs.
Try out these five homemade cats’ treat recipes and see how your kitty reacts. Remember to check the ingredients for any allergies or sensitivities your cat may have and to consult your vet if you have any questions or concerns.
