It is well known that an organic and natural diet is the best for our health, but, what about our cats? Yes, there are great options of cat food with multiple benefits on the market, but the downside is that we will never control the ingredients. This is why more and more people around the world have decided to cook for their cats, which has also turned out to be very affordable.
The key of a good recipe is understanding which nutrients cats need, which are the foods they can consume and how often. Of course there are certain foods that can harm your pet’s health, which is why it is very important to always do the proper research before trying any recipe. We advise you to always reach out to your veterinarian before testing something new.
If you are not ready to completely change your pet’s diet, you can start baking small snacks to store in your kitchen for a few days and use as treats. Here you have some of our favourites:
Tuna and salmon crackers
Tuna will always be one of the favorites for cats, which is great due to all the health benefits it provides. Salmon also is a great source of nutrients, but if you don’t want to add it, you can simply double the amount of tuna.
Ingredients
- Water (30 ml)
- Canned tuna (2 oz)
- Smoked salmon (2 oz)
- Eggs (1 piece)
- Olive oil (30 ml)
- Whole wheat flour (3.5 oz)
Instructions
- Whisk the egg and then add olive oil and water.
- Chop the salmon and add it to the mix together with the tuna.
- Slowly add the flour.
- Once you have your mix, place it on a flat surface and make a thin layer.
- Cut them in the shape of crackers and put them on an oven tray.
- Bake them at 320°F for 15 minutes.
Chicken treats
Given the high nutritional value and low fat content of the chicken, it is highly advised to feed it to cats, making these treats an excellent choice. We recommend using chicken breast, but other parts work just as great.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast (1 cup)
- Whole wheat flour (1 cup)
- Olive oil (1 spoon)
- Eggs (1 piece)
- Any kind of vegetable milk (1 spoon)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into small pieces and shred it in the food processor.
- Once the chicken is shredded, add olive oil, the egg and non dairy milk.
- Slowly add the flour as you keep mixing.
- Roll the dough with your hands and fully extend it on a flat surface with a rolling pin.
- Make small spheres.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake them for 10 to 15 minutes.
Vegetarian cookies
Contrary to popular belief, not everything has to be animal protein on a cat diet. Some owners have even eliminated this food group completely, as fruit and vegetable consumption is highly advised due to their vitamin, mineral and fiber content.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour (1 cup)
- Carrots (1 piece)
- Pears (1 medium piece)
- Eggs (1 piece)
- Olive oil (2 spoons)
Instructions
- Grate the carrot and cut the pear into tiny pieces, mix them together.
- Mix them in a bowl with the egg and oil.
- Add the flour as you keep mixing.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F while you roll the mix with a rolling pin on a flat surface and create your cookies in the shape you prefer.
- Put your cookies on an oven tray and bake for about 15 minutes.
Cats are just as humans, they have different tastes and preferences when it comes to food. Be patient, experience with different recipes, change the ingredients and you will find the perfect treat. Remember that before feeding your cat you have to make sure that the treats are cold. Also, try to slowly introduce them to their diet, remaining aware of any changes they may cause.
We will love to know if you tried any of these recipes, so tell us in the comments if you did or if you have any other treat you would like to share.