Store-bought cat treats aren’t only expensive but unhealthy. They’re filled with unnecessary preservatives, filler carbohydrates, and low-quality meat ingredients with little nutritional value.
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on treats that aren’t doing your cat any favors, why not make your own at home?
These healthy homemade cat treat recipes are ten times better than what you’d find in the store, using 100% pet-safe and nutritious ingredients.
Table of Contents
Pumpkin Puree Catnip Ice Cubes
Ideal for summer months, this iced pumpkin puree treat is a refreshing way to keep your cat cool and hydrated. This recipe should make approximately 12 to 16 ice cubes, depending on the size of your tray. Adjust the measurements as you see fit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon dried catnip
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and dried catnip until well combined.
- Slowly add water to the pumpkin puree mixture, stirring until you reach a smooth consistency.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cube and freeze for at least four hours.
Baked Fish Treats
Perfect for the occasional snack, this recipe is both nutritious and filling. It makes 6 to 12 treats, depending on the size of your tray mold.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of shredded tuna
- ½ cup cooked brown rice
- ¼ cup mashed sweet potato
- ⅓ cup rolled oats
- ⅛ teaspoon taurine supplement (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the tuna, cooked brown rice, and mashed sweet potatoes in a deep bowl.
- Gradually add rolled oats, mixing them in until evenly distributed throughout. If the mixture appears too dry, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth a little at a time.
- Fold in the taurine supplement over the mixture. Taurine regulates heart health and keeps a cat’s teeth strong and healthy.
- Lightly grease a fish-shaped mold press with olive or regular vegetable oil and pour the mixture in.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Similar: The Best Low Iodine Cat Food
Easy Salmon Bites
Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your cat’s heart and skin health. It’s also an excellent source of protein.
Here’s how to make a simple salmon treat for your feline friend:
Ingredients
- Small salmon fillet (skin removed)
- Pinch of catnip (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the salmon fillet on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake the salmon for 10 to 12 minutes or until cooked through.
- Let the salmon cool completely, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Optionally, sprinkle a bit of catnip on the salmon piece when treating your cat.
Cat Muffins With Mashed Potato Icing
Is your cat’s birthday coming soon? Indulge her with delicious mini muffin cakes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned tuna or shredded chicken breast
- Medium egg
- ¼ cup mashed sweet potato
- ½ cup cooked oatmeal
- ½ cup mashed potatoes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the tuna, egg, mashed sweet potato, and oatmeal. If your cat doesn’t like tuna, replace it with shredded chicken breast. Mix well.
- Lightly grease a muffin tin and divide the mixture evenly in the cups, filling them no more than ¾ full.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown.
- Ice the muffins with mashed potatoes and decorate them with treats like Dreamies or Temptations.
Shelf-stable Cat Treats
Instead of going to the store every other week for cat treats, why not make these irresistible shelf-stable cat treats instead?
In an airtight container, these treats will stay fresh for months.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned tuna
- Medium egg
- ¼ flour
- ½ cup mashed banana
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the tuna, egg, flour, and mashed banana in a bowl until fully combined.
- Flatten the mixture onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet using a spoon or spatula.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces once completely cool.
- Store in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags.
Sushi Treats
This cat-safe sushi recipe is packed with beneficial nutrients and minerals. Salmon and tuna are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and white rice and seaweed provide fiber and essential vitamins. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- ½ cup of canned tuna
- ½ cup of cooked salmon
- ½ cup of cooked plain white rice
- 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt
- 1 sheet of nori (seaweed), cut into small strips
Instructions
- Combine drained tuna, salmon, and cooked plain white rice in a mixing bowl. Bind the ingredients together with Greek yogurt.
- Lay a strip of nori on a clean surface and spoon a small amount of the fish mixture onto it. Spread the mixture out evenly.
- Carefully roll the nori into a tight cylinder. Aim for a roll that’s as thin as your finger.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the sushi rolled into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight food container in the fridge for up to three days.
Also check: The Best 3 Z/D Cat Food Alternatives in 2023
Salmon-flavored Cat Biscuits
With only three ingredients, these salmon cat biscuits take no time and effort to make!
Ingredients
- 1 can of salmon, drained
- Medium egg
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a stand mixer, combine salmon, egg, and whole wheat flour.
- Roll the mixture onto a floured surface and slice or cut with a ¾-inch cookie cutter.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Beetroot and Oat Cat Treats
These treats aren’t only visually appealing with their vibrant red color but also pack a nutritional punch with beetroot and oats. Plus points if you have a cat-shaped mold tray!
Ingredients
- 1 cup beetroot (cooked until fork tender)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tablespoon of water or unflavored chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a hand blender, blend beetroot, oats, and flour until it resembles a smooth puree.
- If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add 1 tablespoon of water or chicken broth. The mixture should be moist but hold its shape.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking mold. If you don’t have a baking mold, roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a cat treat.
- Sprinkle chia seeds onto the treats.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Final Thoughts
These cat treats are super easy to make, with ingredients readily available at home! Ditch the expensive supermarket treats and try these out; your cat will thank you for it!
