This guide will show you how to make your own cat treats right at home. Making your own cat treats is cheaper than store-bought treats and easier than you think. They’re also much healthier for your cat. Try of the of the three recipes below; we guarantee your cat will love it!
Recipe 1: Salmon Delights
If your cat likes fish, they’ll go crazy for these simple salmon treats. And don’t let the “Salmon” in salmon treats make you think they’ll break the bank; you’ll be using canned salmon which is much more affordable.
Both fish and eggs are very healthy for cats, making these treats excellent all around!
Ingredients:
- 10oz canned Salmon (undrained)
- 1 egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
Recipe Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Pulse 10 ounces of undrained, canned salmon in a food processor. Blend it as finely as possible as there might be bones in there.
- In a stand mixer or by hand with a bowl, 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.
- Roll dough on a floured surface until about 1/4-inch thick. Use a 3/4-inch cookie cutter to shape the treats or roll small balls by hand.
- 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.
- Allow to cool before serving.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe 2: Easy Tuna Treats
Tuna is a favorite among cats, and is a healthy protein choice along with the egg in the recipe. Using olive oil provides healthy fats for your cat, and banana is a healthier filler alternative to corn or wheat.
Ingredients:
- 5oz can of tuna
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 Banana
- 1 cup wheat flour
- Parchment paper
Recipe Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Using a stand mixer or by hand, mix all ingredients together. The dough should be tacky.
- Make a large dough ball out of the all the dough and place it on the a piece of parchment paper about the size of the cookie sheet you’ll be using.
- Place all the dough onto parchment paper.
- Cut another piece of parchment paper and place it over the dough ball.
- Flatten the dough out with your hand somewhat then roll out with a rolling pin until about ¼” thick.
- Place the parchment paper with flattened dough onto the cookie sheet.
- Remove the top piece of parchment paper and discard.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until firm and golden.
- Let cool completely.
- Cut into small squares or triangle shapes with a pizza cutter.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe 3: Carrot and Catnip Bites
Your cat is sure to go crazy for these; what cat doesn’t love catnip, after all? Because carrot is a large amount of the bulk of these treats, they’re a good lower calorie alternative. Use these treats if you’re trying to help you cat lose weight.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups wheat or white flour
- 1 tbsp. dried catnip
- 3/4 cup finely shredded carrot
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- cold water as needed
Recipe Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In medium bowl add oil and mix in 1 cup of the flour until mixture looks sandy.
- Stir in catnip and carrots.
- 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.)
- 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.
- Prick dough all over with a fork. Use pizza wheel to cut dough into 1/2 inch squares.
- Arrange squares on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until starting to brown. (Bake longer for drier texture.)
- Cool on baking sheet.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why Make Your Own Cat Treats?
Making homemade cat treats can be a fun experience, especially if you do it with friends and family. Getting to pick the flavor and seeing how happy the delicious treats make your cat is extremely rewarding.
Also, a lot of cat owners are concerned about the quality of the ingredients in commercial cat treats. Most store bought cat treats are filled with carbohydrates (usually corn) and other fillers and additives that are not good for your cat. Cat treats high in carbs put your cat at risk of obesity and other health issues. Making your own treats at home will ensure fresh, healthy cat treats for your precious feline friend.
Do-it-yourself cat treats can also help you save money. Picking cheap, but healthy ingredients and making treats in bulk will be much cheaper by the pound that commercial cat treats. Once you know how to make your own cat treats, you’ll never go back to the lower quality, store-bought stuff.
How to Make Your Own Cat Food
Even though making your own cat food is a little more time consuming, it can also save you money in the long run. Homemade cat food is also healthier for your cat than commercial cat food. We’ve created the ultimate guide to making your own cat food to get you started.
