DIY Dehydrated Chicken Cat Treats: A Simple Recipe

Updated at: 20/03/2025

Spoiling your feline friend with delicious and healthy treats doesn't require a trip to the pet store. In fact, creating nutritious, homemade cat treats is easier than you might think! This simple recipe for DIY dehydrated chicken cat treats offers a fantastic alternative to commercially produced snacks, allowing you to control the ingredients and ensure your cat is enjoying only the best quality. Forget expensive, processed options packed with fillers and questionable additives; this recipe uses just a few wholesome ingredients to create crunchy, flavorful treats your cat will adore.

These delectable dehydrated chicken treats are not only budget-friendly but also a great way to sneak in some extra protein for your furry companion. Ready to get started whipping up a batch of these irresistible snacks? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions below.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Nesco American Harvest Food Dehydrator
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use 100% cooked chicken. Never give your cat raw or undercooked chicken to prevent bacterial contamination like Salmonella.
  • Remove all bones and gristle from the chicken before dehydrating. These can be choking hazards for cats.
  • Store dehydrated treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Discard any treats showing signs of mold or unusual odor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    • leftover ground chicken, ground chicken patties, cooked chicken pieces, and catnip.
    Prepare ingredients: leftover ground chicken, ground chicken patties, cooked chicken pieces, and catnip.
    Prepare Ingredients

  2. Mix Catnip Chicken

    • Mix catnip into some of the ground chicken to create catnip chicken patties.
    Mix catnip into some of the ground chicken to create catnip chicken patties.
    Mix Catnip Chicken

  3. Dehydrate in Food Dehydrator

    • Place the ground chicken patties, cooked chicken pieces, and catnip chicken patties into the food dehydrator.
    • Dehydrate the ingredients in the food dehydrator until hard and dry.
    Dehydrate the ingredients in the food dehydrator until hard and dry.Dehydrate the ingredients in the food dehydrator until hard and dry.
    Dehydrate in Food Dehydrator

  4. Break into Smaller Pieces

    • Break the dehydrated treats into smaller pieces for easier consumption by cats.
    Break the dehydrated treats into smaller pieces for easier consumption by cats.
    Break into Smaller Pieces

  5. Offer Treats to Cats

    • Offer the treats to the cats and observe their reaction.
    Offer the treats to the cats and observe their reaction.
    Offer Treats to Cats

Read more: Homemade Chicken Broth for Healthy Cats: Boost Immunity & Recovery

Tips

  • Monitor the dehydrator to prevent potential issues (e.g., pets getting to the machine).
  • The treats will be hard and may need breaking into smaller pieces for easy consumption by cats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-drying the chicken

Reason: Leads to excessively brittle and crumbly treats that can easily break or become dusty.
Solution: Reduce drying time or lower the temperature to achieve a slightly chewier texture.

2. Using unclean equipment or ingredients

Reason: Can introduce bacteria and make the treats unsafe for your cat to consume.
Solution: Thoroughly wash and sanitize all equipment and ensure your chicken is fresh and properly handled.

3. Not storing the treats properly

Reason: Can result in the treats becoming stale, attracting pests, or developing mold.
Solution: Store the dehydrated treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat besides chicken?
Yes! Turkey, beef, or even cooked fish (boneless and skinless) can be used. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and finely chopped before dehydrating.
How long do these treats last?
Properly dehydrated and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, these treats should last for approximately 2-3 weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before giving to your cat.
My cat has allergies. Can I adjust this recipe?
Absolutely! Omit any ingredients your cat is allergic to. For example, if your cat has a poultry allergy, you can substitute with other protein sources mentioned above. Always consult your vet if you have concerns about your cat's diet.