Cat treats can be a great way to show your fur baby that you care. Before you sneak some leftovers from your plate, you should be aware that many human foods aren’t necessarily the safest for the feline digestive system. Many human foods, like wheat, grapes, chocolate, onions, and garlic can lead to allergies, obesity, and even pet toxicity in cats. If you want to treat your kitty, consider making them these homemade snacks, made with safe foods they will love:
1. Tuna and banana cat treats
Many top-rated cat treats contain tuna, and it isn’t just because cats go crazy for it. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals that benefit humans and felines alike, including protein, selenium, and omega−3 fatty acids. Bananas can also be safely incorporated into your cat’s diet. In fact, it’s one of the rare fruits that can. It isn’t recommended as something to feed them regularly because of its high sugar content, but it’s just fine as a treat. Another benefit of bananas is the way that they can act as a binding agent in things like tuna and banana cat treats. Just mix together tuna, mashed bananas, some flour, and an egg. Blend them all together and dollop them on a baking tray. Cook for 10 – 15 minutes at 350°F. Voila! You have healthy, bite-sized cat treats.
2. Pumpkin and salmon cat treats
Salmon is just as nutritious as tuna for your feline friend, and its protein will help them stay fuller for longer periods of time between meals. Pumpkins can also help with digestive issues, bowel regularity, and other elements of gastrointestinal health. The recipe for pumpkin and salmon cat treats contains pumpkin puree, salmon, some flour, and an egg. However, the cooking process varies a bit since these treats will have a different consistency thanks to their different ingredients. Rather than dispensing your dough with a spoon, for example, you’ll want to roll it on a sheet of parchment paper so it’s flat. Then, after it’s baked for 20 – 30 minutes at 325°F, you’ll want to remove them and cut them into bite-sized chunks with something like a pizza roller. The end result will be worth the effort.
3. Chicken and potato cat bites
Chicken is another go-to favorite for most cats, and as with tuna and salmon, it’s packed with protein that can benefit their health. It can be especially helpful for weight loss if you’re trying to help your feline friend slim down a little. You’ll need to be a little more careful with the potatoes. Raw potatoes contain a toxic chemical called solanine that needs to be broken down during the cooking process. Once you take this step, however, potatoes can be a filling ingredient for all kinds of cat treats. You can also substitute sweet potato with no ill effects. To make some chicken-and-potato snacks, you’ll need plain-cooked chicken breast, potatoes or sweet potatoes, some flour, and an egg. This is the perfect blend of textures and ingredients for creating firm, tasty, and bite-sized treats. Just stick them in the oven for 10 – 15 minutes at 350°F.
You can never be too sure what human food will do to your kitty, so it’s best to make your own cat treats from vet-approved safe foods if you can. Use these recipes to whip up something tasty, nutritious, and safe for your favorite felines. Also, if you’d like more variety, speak to your vet about high-quality store-bought cat treats.
