Many commercial cat treats contain grains such as wheat and corn, which can cause allergies and digestive issues in some cats. By making your own treats at home, you can control the ingredients and ensure that your cat is getting a healthy, grain-free snack.
From tuna balls to chicken jerky, these treats are sure to become your cat’s new favorite. In addition, these treats are not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, and you can customize them according to your cat’s taste.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the importance of a grain-free diet for cats and sharing some delicious homemade treat recipes that are easy to make and sure to please even the pickiest of felines.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of grain-free homemade cat treats!
Contents
Importance of a Grain-free Diet
As Stated By Nutriment”Grain-Free and Gluten Free Cat Food provides complete nutrition as well as great taste.” A grain-free diet for cats is important for several reasons:
- Allergies: Many cats are allergic to grains such as wheat and corn, which can cause skin irritation, itching, and digestive issues. By eliminating grains from their diet, these symptoms may be reduced or eliminated.
- Digestive Health: Grains are difficult for cats to digest, and can lead to issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. A grain-free diet can help reduce these symptoms and promote better overall digestive health.
- Nutritional Needs: Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they have a biological need for a diet high in animal-based protein. Grains are not a natural part of a cat’s diet and do not provide the necessary nutrients that cats need to thrive.
- Weight Management: Grains can be high in calories and contribute to weight gain in cats. A grain-free diet can help cats maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related health problems.
- Better Taste: Cats are known to be picky eaters and may not like the taste of food with grains. A grain-free diet can improve the taste and smell of food and make it more appealing to cats.
Top Homemade Cat Treats Grain Free
Recipe 1: Chicken Jerky
Equipment
- Oven
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (boneless)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 150°F (65°C) or the lowest setting possible.
- Slice the chicken breast into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Place the chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the strips are not touching each other.
- Bake the chicken strips in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours or until they are dry and crispy. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken strips, so check on them periodically
- Once the chicken jerky is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before serving it to your cat.
Notes
Recipe 2: Sardine Bites
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Sardines | 1 Can |
| Egg | 1 |
| Water | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the sardines with a fork or a potato masher.
- Add the egg and water to the bowl and mix well.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a marble.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bites are firm and lightly golden brown on the outside.
- Allow the bites to cool completely before serving to your cat.
Recipe 3: Fish Cake
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Cooked Fish (such as salmon or white fish) | 1 Cup |
| Sweet Potato (mashed) | 1/2 Cup |
| Egg | 1 |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the cooked fish with a fork or food processor until it’s in small pieces.
- Add the mashed sweet potato and egg to the fish, and mix everything together until well combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small cakes, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Place the cakes on the prepared baking sheet and press down on them gently to flatten them slightly.
- Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are firm and golden brown.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before serving them to your cat.
FAQs
Can I use any type of fish for homemade cat treats?
Yes, you can use any type of cooked fish for homemade cat treats, such as salmon, white fish, or tuna. It’s important to make sure the fish is cooked and deboned before using it in the recipe. Avoid using raw fish as it can contain bacteria that can make your cat sick.
Can I use other types of vegetables in place of sweet potato?
Yes, you can use other types of vegetables in place of sweet potato, such as pumpkin, squash, or carrots. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your cat’s health.
How do I store homemade cat treats?
Hill’s Pet Says’‘All homemade cat treats should be stored in the refrigerator no longer than 5-7 days to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage.”
Homemade cat treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents to keep track of when you made the treats.
How often can I give homemade cat treats to my cat?
It’s important to give homemade cat treats in moderation, as they should not replace your cat’s regular meals. Treats should be given as occasional rewards or as a supplement to your cat’s diet. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your cat’s diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making homemade grain-free cat treats is a great way to provide your feline friend with a healthy and delicious snack. By eliminating grains from their diet, you can help reduce the risk of allergies and digestive issues and provide your cat with the necessary nutrients they need to thrive.
Homemade cat treats are also budget-friendly and allow you to customize the ingredients according to your cat’s preferences. However, it’s important to always consult with your veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your cat’s diet and serve the treats in moderation.
With a little bit of creativity and some basic kitchen tools, you can make your cat happy and healthy with homemade cat treats!
Charlene Pare is the founder of Cat Likes Best. She manages and strategizes the content published on this website. When she isn’t working, she enjoys exploring the city around with her Ameican Shorthair kitty–Moli. Being a technocrat and an avid cat lover, she also writes on pet tech products and some of the featured articles.
My cat love these grain free treats especially the fish cake which has become her everyday happy moment of the day.
Thanks for sharing such a wide variety of recipes. Will ensure tḥat my cat ṭries one of ṭḥese
Thank you so much for this grain-free homemade cat treat recipe! It’s so hard to find treats that are both healthy and delicious, but this recipe hits the mark.