Homemade Cat Treats with Natural Ingredients: Why It's Better Than Store-Bought

Is Homemade, Really Better than Store-bought?

 

 Absolutely! And I am going to share why.

 

 

 

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 So, I have this cat. A cat that has been with me for almost 14 years. He is such a character. He's fussy about what he eats. He's picky about who he spends his "valuable" time with.  He's a bit shy with most people, so I'm lucky he chose me. "Hi Oreo" (photo below)

 

 

 (Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

 

He is getting older now, and his tastes, and nutritional needs have changed. I want to make sure that he's getting the most out of his food.

 

So, I started brainstorming some delicious and nutritious ways to make snacks at home. 

 

Why not create a DIY homemade cat treat using Simple ingredients? It would be a healthier approach to store-bought. Guaranteed.

 

 

Making your cat treats at home is a game changer. "It can be fun for the whole family to be involved!" Win-Win!

 

 

Some cats may be picky eaters. Some cats might have sensitive stomachs like aging cats or cats with medical issues. When making homemade nutritious cat treats at home, you’ll know exactly what’s in each bite, ensuring your cat receives the best nutrition without unwanted fillers or chemicals. 

 

 

 

Let’s dive into why homemade cat treats are superior to those on the shelves and share some easy, nutritious recipes to try at home.

  -With love, of course.

 

 

Why ARE Homemade Cat treats better?

 

Let's go over the important stuff!

1. Fewer Additives and Preservatives - when you're buying treats at the store, you're buying a whole list of unnecessary fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors. By making treats at home, you control what goes into them—no weird chemicals, just wholesome ingredients.
2. High-Quality, Natural Ingredients - Of course, you want to choose nothing but fresh, natural ingredients like chicken, tuna, rice flour, and even catnip
3. Customizable to Your Cat’s Needs - You know your cat's unique needs. Whether it's stomach sensitivity issues, weight issues, or maybe your cat is a senior cat needing more of a soft chewable treat you to tailor recipes to fit your cat's specific dietary needs
4. Supports Weight Control - obesity in cats is a real concern. Homemade treats let you manage the calorie content by using lean proteins and low-fat ingredients like rice flour and salmon.
5. Bonding with Your Pet -  "Making homemade cat treats at home feels more personal, doesn't it!" You’ll be able to give them something you made specifically for them, which can strengthen the bond between you and your cat. "I know it does with me and my cat."

 

"Did you know..." Fresh meats like tuna or chicken are a great source of protein, which is key for your cat's muscle health.

 

 

 Here are Some Nutritional Benefits you will Expect to get from Homemade Cat Treats

 

Homemade treats offer several key benefits for your cat’s diet:

• High-Protein Content: Chicken, tuna, and salmon are packed with protein, which is vital for muscle maintenance, energy, and overall health.
• Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
• Fiber: Ingredients like oats and pumpkin can help aid in digestion and prevent hairballs. "And don't we all want fewer hairballs around the house?"
• Catnip: Adding catnip isn’t just fun—it’s a natural herb that can stimulate your cat’s mood and promote activity, making treat time more playful.



 We've got you covered! Check out our fresh naturally grown catnip without pesticides and grown with love, here.

 

  I have made both recipes and my cats "absolutely" LOVE the treats! 

 

"Let's Dive into Making some DIY Homemade Cat Treats."

 

Baked Cat Treats with Rice Flour:

Catnip Chicken Biscuits (Rice Flour Edition)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken (For better results, finely chop the chicken)
• 1 egg (mix) 
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip
• 1/2 cup rice flour (You can make your rice flour by grinding uncooked rice)

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, egg, and dried catnip.
3. Slowly add the rice flour until the mixture forms a dough.
4. Roll out the dough and cut it into small shapes or squares.
5. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until firm and lightly golden.
6. Let them cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.

 The chicken and egg ingredients bring this recipe together well!

"Just ask my cat!"

 

 Are you interested in growing your fresh catnip at home? Check out:  How to grow and harvest wheatgrass at home

 

Tuna & Catnip Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna in water (drained)
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1 egg

 

 

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the drained tuna, catnip, and rice flour in a bowl.
3. Add the egg and mix until the ingredients form a dough-like consistency.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into small bite-sized pieces.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm and lightly golden. Let cool completely before serving.

"We're giving this one a thumbs-up for its nutritional benefits, like protein and omega-3s, making them great for your cat’s muscle health and coat."

 

The hardest part is to decide which recipe you want to make today. You can adjust these recipes to fit your cat's specific dietary needs. 

 

What was your favorite recipe? Let me know in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!  -Annmarie