DIY Cat Treats: Healthier, Happier, Homemade

In a world where pet owners are increasingly concerned about the ingredients in their pets’ food, making your own cat treats is becoming more popular. Not only do DIY treats allow you to control what goes into your cat’s diet, but they also offer a fun and rewarding way to bond with your feline friend. In this blog, The Refined Feline explores the benefits of making your own cat treats and provides several easy recipes that you can try at home.

Why Make Your Own Cat Treats?

1. Control Over Ingredients

Many store-bought cat treats contain preservatives, fillers, and other questionable ingredients that might not be the best for your cat’s health. Making your own treats means you can select high-quality, natural ingredients and avoid anything that might harm your cat.

2. Cost-Effective

While premium, organic cat treats can be expensive, making them at home can be a more economical option. You can buy ingredients in bulk and make large batches of treats that last several weeks.

3. Customizable for Dietary Needs

If your cat has specific dietary requirements or allergies, homemade treats can be tailored to fit their needs perfectly. You can substitute ingredients and adjust recipes to ensure they are safe and healthy for your cat.

4. Enhanced Bonding

The process of making treats can enhance the bond between you and your cat. Cats are naturally curious and may enjoy watching or even participating (as much as they safely can) in the preparation of their snacks.

Related: 9 Foods To Keep Away From Your Cats

Simple and Delicious DIY Cat Treat Recipes

Here are a few simple recipes to get you started on making your own cat treats. Each recipe uses just a few ingredients and can be easily adjusted based on your cat’s preferences and dietary needs.

1. Salmon and Sweet Potato Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 can of salmon (unsalted, in water)
• 1 small sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of catnip (optional)
• 1/4 cup of coconut flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon, sweet potato, egg, catnip, and coconut flour. Stir until the mixture forms a dough.
3. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the treats are firm and slightly browned.
5. Let them cool completely before serving.

2. Chicken and Rice Bites

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of cooked chicken, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon of parsley, finely chopped
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
3. Form small bite-sized pieces with the mixture and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until they are firm and golden.
5. Allow to cool before serving to your feline friend.

3. Tuna and Cheddar Crackers

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup of oat flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, blend the tuna, oat flour, and egg until smooth.
3. Stir in the cheddar cheese.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into small, cracker-sized pieces.
5. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until crispy.
6. Cool completely before offering to your cat.

4. Beef and Catnip Jerky

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound of lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons of catnip

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
2. Mix the ground beef and catnip together in a bowl.
3. Spread the mixture thinly over a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is dry and jerky-like.
5. Let it cool and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Storing Homemade Cat Treats

Store your homemade cat treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Always keep a close eye on the treats for any signs of spoilage before giving them to your cat.

Advantages of Homemade Over Store-Bought

Beyond the joy of creating something special for your cat, there are several compelling reasons to prefer homemade treats over store-bought options:

Customization for Health Conditions

Cats with specific health issues such as diabetes, allergies, or kidney disease can greatly benefit from homemade treats. These allow you to control the ingredients to avoid allergens, reduce phosphorus intake, or manage calorie content.

Reducing Additives and Preservatives

Homemade treats don’t require preservatives or additives, which are often found in commercial treats and can be harmful or unnecessary for your pet’s diet.

Cost Efficiency

Making treats at home can be significantly cheaper in the long run, especially if you are using ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen or can be bought in bulk.

Creative Presentation

Another fun aspect of making your own cat treats is getting creative with their presentation. Use cookie cutters in the shape of fish, birds, or mice to make the treats more visually appealing—not just to you but potentially to your cat as well. This can make treat time an exciting event for your cat.

Incorporating Treats into Training

Homemade treats can be a powerful tool in behavioral training. Use them to reward your cat for good behavior, whether it’s using the scratching post, responding to their name, or using the litter box properly. The positive reinforcement that treats provide can help strengthen desired behaviors.

Sharing the Love

If you find yourself enjoying the process of making cat treats, consider sharing your creations with friends and family who also have cats. Homemade treats can make thoughtful and personal gifts that show care not just for the pet, but for the pet owner as well.

Final Thoughts

Making your own cat treats is about more than just creating snacks; it’s about taking an active role in your cat’s health and happiness. As you explore different recipes and ingredients, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your cat’s preferences and nutritional needs. Remember, the key to successful cat treats is ensuring they are safe, healthy, and appealing to your feline friend. With homemade treats, you provide not just food, but also love and care in every bite.