Feeding your cat homemade snacks is one of the best ways to show your cat love and friendship. Not only is it possible to select proper healthy ingredients and prepare them, but one can make it quite an entertaining process.
In this article, you will learn the benefits cat treats offer, and the best ingredients required in making them. Here we list some simple recipes for cat treats, what to avoid while making them, and storage methods for these treats.
Benefits of Homemade Cat Treats
Healthier Ingredients
One of the biggest benefits of homemade cat treats is that you can choose the ingredients you put in. While commercial foods are filled with preservatives and filler elements, you can make yours free of such ingredients.
You can choose healthy ingredients to cater to your cat’s needs while staying on a budget. Who said that healthy food has to be expensive?
Cost-Effective
You can often give homemade treats to your cats as they’re even cheaper than those prepared for supermarkets. Commercial treats are loaded with fats making them unhealthy for your feline friends. But, the point is that buying commercial treats can become quite costly, especially if you have more than one cat at home.
Some treats can be prepared right at home using ingredients you may already have or some that you can purchase in large amounts and store for future use to ensure that your pet is only given healthy treats that can also be bought cheaply.
Customizable
Another distinct merit is that the treats can be prepared in a way that will be most liked by your cat or prepared for your cat’s specific needs. Cats’ diets are very sensitive and you should substitute the ingredients according to your cat’s allergy, which foods your cat cannot eat, or the sort of flavors they prefer.
Essential Ingredients
Protein Sources
Pet owners should be aware that cats, despite being playful creatures, are true carnivores and thus their diet should contain more animal proteins than anything else. Poultry such as chicken and turkey, fish like tuna and salmon, and red meat like beef should ideally be used for homemade cat treats. Make the meat well cooked and don’t add any bones since they might cause choking.
Healthy Fats
Fats are important nutrients for the skin, coat, and overall cat’s health. These include fish oil, flaxseed oil, and a limited amount of olive oil sources of healthy fats. These fats could be included in the treats to make them well enriched in nutrients and tasty.
Carbohydrates
Carbs are a good way to give your cats some energy. While they don’t need many carbs, they are a good way to hold the treats together and offer your cats a little energy boost. You can use complex carbs from brown rice, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.
Flavor Enhancers
To make the treats more palatable you can also season them. You can add catnip, parsley, or a pinch of cheese. These components can make the treats more attractive and palatable for your cat to enjoy.
Simple Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
Chicken and Catnip Bites
Ingredients:
150 g cooked chicken, chopped
1 tablespoon dried catnip
1 egg
1/4 cup water
Instructions:
First, set your oven at 350°F (175°C) for baking.
Mix the chicken, flour, and catnip.
Next, beat the egg & add it to the mix followed by the water.
Combine and blend until you get a dough.
Knead the dough and spread it flat then divide it into little round shapes.
Put on a baking tray with parchment paper underneath.
Bake for 20 minutes until the biscuits have a golden brown color.
Allow the treats to cool down before serving.
Tuna and Pumpkin Treats
Ingredients:
1 can of drained tuna in water
½ cup cooked and mashed pumpkin
1 cup oat flour
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, add pumpkin, tuna, and egg.
Slowly incorporate the oat flour until you obtain a dough.
Once the dough is baked, spread the desired filling in a thin layer. Then roll the dough, and cut it into the desired shapes.
Arrange the dough on a baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Wait for the treats to cool down before you give them to your cats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overfeeding
The biggest mistake many cat owners make is that they overfeed their cats. Like humans, cats also develop conditions like obesity. Make sure that these healthy cat treats are just a tiny portion of their diet. It can be tempting to give large amounts of treats to your cats. But remember that this can have negative effects on their health.
Allergies
Like humans, many cats struggle with food allergies. One of the most common allergens are grains and dairy products, so remember to take your cat to the vet if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.
Unsafe Ingredients
Certain ingredients are poisonous to cats and should not be incorporated into homemade treats. Avoid making treats that contain onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeine, grapes, and raisins. Lastly, always ensure that the ingredients you use for the treats are cat-safe.
How to Store Homemade Cat Treats
Refrigeration
It is important to note that DIY cat treats should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This is good for keeping them fresh and avoiding cases of spoilage.
Freezing
If you want to store the homemade cat treats for longer you can freeze them. Spread the treats on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer until frozen. Place the frozen treats in an airtight bowl or a freezer bag. These can be kept in the freezer for not more than 3 months.
Shelf Life
Good treats for cats can be expected to last depending on the ingredients used and the storage condition. Refrigerated treats may be kept for a week while frozen treats may be stored for up to three months. Before giving food to your cat, ensure that there is no mold, bad smells, or the texture is different from before.
Conclusion
DIY cat treats are one of the best options to give your cat something healthy to munch on. They are a great alternative to store-bought treats as they are easy to cook and have much better ingredients. However, it is important to store them right so you avoid spoiling them fast and making them unsafe to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homemade cookies for cats good for cats?
Yes, homemade cat treats are very good for cats. You can monitor which ingredients are used and ensure they are healthy and safe for cats.
