When it comes to treats, dogs will perform any trick to get their sweet reward. Cats, on the other hand, aren’t interested in performing for our attention, which can make treats seem impractical, but that’s far from the truth. Cats love getting treats, whether everyday or on special occasions. Since so many store-bought treats are loaded with artificial flavors, processed ingredients, and cheap fillers, it’s up to cat caretakers to make their own healthy treats.
If you know exactly what flavors your cat loves, then try making these simple and healthy treats for them in your own kitchen. Here are three recipes you could try baking today:
1. Chewy diamonds
This is one of the most healthy and flavorful treats for your cat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked brown rice
- 2-3 oz. of canned wet cat food
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of catnip
- 3 teaspoons of coconut oil
- ½ of cup chopped parsley
- Water, as required
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325 °F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a bowl, break open the eggs and whisk them.
- Add canned wet cat food to this and stir.
- Add the parsley, catnip, and coconut oil. Combine everything well.
- Add the cooked brown rice and give everything a good mix. Make sure this mixture is not too thick. Add a teaspoon or two of water, if required.
- Spread mixture onto the baking sheet evenly and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Cut up the treats into bite-sized diamond-shaped pieces and bake again for 10 minutes in the oven.
- Cool and store away from your cat’s reach.
- Reward them with these super delicious treats once a day.
2. Cheesy squares
This yummy and healthy treat will be loved by your cat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of wheat flour
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of unflavored yogurt
- ½ cup of sour cream
- Water, as required
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cheddar, and parmesan cheese, yogurt, and sour cream.
- Knead these into a pliable dough. Add water (little by little) only if the dough becomes too thick.
- Roll this dough flat, and make tiny one-inch squares out of this.
- Arrange these pieces on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool before you pack them in air-tight containers.
- Reward your cats with these healthy cheesy treats, and you will have them begging for more!
3. Fishy chicken balls
Fish are classic favorites of cats, and this healthy treat will keep them wanting more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of deboned, skinned, minced chicken
- 2 cups of chopped spinach
- 2 cups of oats
- 1 cup of minced tuna
- 1 cup of minced salmon
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of catnip
- 1 cup of cooked brown rice
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- A pinch each of salt and sugar
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Steam the tuna, salmon, and chicken well until they are properly cooked. Cool this down thoroughly.
- Combine all the ingredients except the flour in a mixer jar and blend coarsely.
- Transfer this to a bowl, add the flour and knead into a dough.
- Make tiny balls out of this dough and place them neatly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fishy chicken balls cool down.
- Try keeping your cat away from the baking sheet when these treats are cooling down. It will be impossible for them to resist.
