10 Easy Homemade Cat Treat Recipes (That Your Kitty Will Beg For!)
Let’s be honest—our cats totally own us, right? And you know their biggest weakness? Treats! But instead of grabbing another packet of store-bought snacks filled with who-knows-what, what if we could whip up delicious, homemade cat treats right in our own kitchen?
I’ve been making homemade cat treats for my own furball, Luna, and not only does she love them, but I feel so much better knowing exactly what’s going into her tiny tummy. If you’re looking for simple, nutritious, and totally kitty-approved cat treats recipes, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 super easy homemade cat treat recipes your kitty will beg for! Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a pro chef. I’ll keep it simple, practical, and super fun. Plus, I’ll share some pet treats recipes tips I’ve picked up along the way to keep our fur babies happy and healthy.
Why I Started Making Homemade Cat Treats
When I first peeked into the ingredient list of store-bought treats, I was shocked! Fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives—stuff I’d never want my cat to eat.
That’s when I switched to homemade cat treats recipes and honestly, I’ve never looked back.
Here’s why I love making them:
- I can choose fresh, healthy ingredients.
- No preservatives or artificial junk.
- I can tailor them to my cat’s taste buds.
- Perfect for sensitive stomachs or allergies.
And let’s be real—making these treats is actually pretty fun! Who knew?
10 Easy Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into these simple, healthy, and totally irresistible cat treats recipes that our kitties will go wild for!
1. Tuna Crunch Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 can of tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon dried catnip (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix everything together until you get a dough.
- Roll into small balls and gently flatten them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re nice and firm.
Why My Cat Loves It: Tuna + crunch = instant approval. Luna devours these homemade cat treats like I just served her gourmet!
2. Chicken & Oat Soft Treats
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chicken broth
Instructions:
- Blend all the ingredients into a thick, sticky paste.
- Shape into tiny balls.
- Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Perfect for Older Cats: These are soft, easy-to-chew cat treats recipes—perfect for our senior fur babies who can’t handle crunchy treats anymore.
3. Salmon Surprise Stars
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup canned salmon
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients into a soft dough.
- Roll it out and cut star shapes (or whatever fun shape you like!).
- Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
Fun Tip: My Luna is a fish fanatic—she can’t resist these fishy pet treats recipes!
4. Catnip Cheddar Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon dried catnip
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Mix everything until it comes together.
- Roll into small, bite-sized balls.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Why It Works: Cheese plus catnip? It’s basically a party in Luna’s mouth! These are my go-to homemade cat treats recipes when I want to give her something extra fun.
5. Tuna & Sweet Potato Bites
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 egg
- 1 cup flour
Instructions:
- Mix everything until it forms a dough.
- Shape into tiny cookies.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
Extra Benefit: Sweet potatoes add fiber and a hint of sweetness. These cat treats recipes are a healthy win!
6. Chicken & Pumpkin Mini Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pure canned pumpkin (no sugar)
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Mix everything until it’s well combined.
- Spoon the mix into mini muffin tins.
- Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Perfect for Batch Baking: I love making these in big batches and freezing some for later. These muffins are one of my favorite make-ahead pet treats recipes.
7. Sardine Crunch Squares
Ingredients:
- 1 can sardines in water, drained
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Blend everything into a smooth paste.
- Spread the mix onto a baking sheet.
- Score into small squares with a knife.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until crispy.
Crunch Alert: The crispy texture? Totally irresistible. Luna gives these homemade cat treats a huge paws-up!
8. Turkey & Rice Poppers
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 tablespoon parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix it all together.
- Roll into tiny popper-sized balls.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Why It’s Great: These are easy-to-digest cat treats recipes and perfect for kitties with sensitive tummies.
9. Chicken Liver Crisps
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound chicken livers, cooked
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Blend the cooked chicken livers until smooth.
- Add flour to form a dough.
- Roll out and cut into small pieces.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Super High Reward: Chicken liver is like gold to cats! These homemade cat treats are Luna’s jackpot snack.
10. Catnip & Tuna Mini Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 tablespoon dried catnip
- 1 egg
- 1 cup flour
Instructions:
- Mix everything into a soft dough.
- Roll out and cut into mini cookie shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
Fun Factor: These cookies are the ultimate pet treats recipes hit in our house. They never last long!
Essential Tips for Making Homemade Cat Treats
Let me share some quick tips that made my life easier when making homemade cat treats recipes:
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Avoid anything toxic to cats like garlic, onions, or chocolate.
- Keep treats small to help with portion control.
- Store treats in airtight containers so they stay fresh.
- Introduce new treats slowly and watch for any tummy troubles.
Simple, right? These little steps make a huge difference!
Why I Love Making Cat Treats at Home
Making cat treats recipes has honestly become one of my favorite hobbies. Watching Luna’s excited tail flicks as I bake makes my heart melt.
Plus, I have total control over what goes into her snacks. No weird chemicals, no surprises—just love and good ingredients.
If your kitty has a sensitive stomach like mine, making homemade cat treats can be a real lifesaver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do homemade cat treats last?
A: Most homemade cat treats last 1-2 weeks in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for extra freshness.
Q: Can I swap out ingredients?
A: Definitely! You can switch proteins (like turkey instead of chicken), but always double-check that everything is cat-safe.
Q: How many treats can I give my cat?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. Moderation is key!
Q: Are homemade treats better than store-bought?
A: From my experience? Yes! You get to control the ingredients, skip the preservatives, and tailor them just for your fur baby.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade cat treats has been a total game-changer for me and Luna. It’s simple, affordable, and brings us even closer.
If you’ve never tried pet treats recipes before, I promise—it’s way easier than you think. And your kitty will definitely love you for it.
So why not grab that can of tuna, roll up your sleeves, and give one of these cat treats recipes a try today?
