Homemade Cat Treats Recipe: 100% Natural & Budget-Friendly

Updated at: 25/06/2025

Spoiling your feline friend doesn't have to break the bank or compromise their health. Many commercially available cat treats are filled with artificial ingredients and preservatives that can be detrimental to your cat's well-being. Fortunately, creating delicious and nutritious homemade cat treats is easier than you might think! This simple recipe uses only natural, readily available ingredients, offering a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought options while ensuring your cat enjoys a healthy and delightful snack. You'll be amazed at how much your cat appreciates these lovingly prepared treats, and you'll feel good knowing exactly what's going into them.

Forget expensive, questionable ingredients – prepare to discover the joy of crafting 100% natural cat treats tailored to your cat's preferences. This recipe requires minimal preparation time and utilizes common pantry staples, making it perfect for busy pet owners. Ready to get started on these purr-fectly delicious and healthy treats? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Frying pan
  • Pot
  • Grinder (optional)
  • Spoons
Safety Guidelines
  • Never use xylitol or chocolate in cat treats. These are extremely toxic to cats and can be fatal.
  • Introduce new treats gradually to monitor for any allergic reactions. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation.
  • Store homemade treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Boil Vegetables and Chicken

    • Boil chicken, potatoes, and carrots until tender and oil separates from the water. Reserve the broth (yakhni).
    Boil chicken, potatoes, and carrots until tender and oil separates from the water. Reserve the broth (yakhni).
    Boil Vegetables and Chicken

  2. Cook Eggs

    • In a separate pan, gently cook eggs in a small amount of water until set. Do not use oil or butter.
    In a separate pan, gently cook eggs in a small amount of water until set. Do not use oil or butter.
    Cook Eggs

  3. Soften Biscuits

    • Soften cat biscuits by adding the reserved broth (yakhni). Allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
    Soften cat biscuits by adding the reserved broth (yakhni). Allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
    Soften Biscuits

  4. Mash Vegetables and Biscuits

    • Mash the boiled potatoes, carrots, and softened biscuits thoroughly. You can use a food processor or mash by hand.
    Mash the boiled potatoes, carrots, and softened biscuits thoroughly. You can use a food processor or mash by hand.
    Mash Vegetables and Biscuits

  5. Combine Ingredients

    • Add the cooked eggs and any additional dry cat food to the mixture. Mash until well combined and a smooth paste forms.
    • Shred the cooked chicken and add it to the mixture. Mix thoroughly.
    Shred the cooked chicken and add it to the mixture. Mix thoroughly.Shred the cooked chicken and add it to the mixture. Mix thoroughly.
    Combine Ingredients

  6. Store Treats

    • Store the homemade treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
    Store the homemade treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
    Store Treats

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

Tips

  • If your cat is hesitant to try new foods, gradually introduce the homemade treats by mixing them with their usual food.
  • Don't overload the treats with biscuits. Start with 3-4 spoons and adjust according to your cat's appetite.
  • Carefully remove any eggshell fragments before mixing into the treats.
  • The reserved broth (yakhni) can be used separately as a tasty supplement or mixed with dry food.
  • Boiling the vegetables and chicken thoroughly makes them easier to mash and more palatable for cats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong ingredients

Reason: Certain human foods, like onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and raisins are toxic to cats. Using the wrong type or amount of a safe ingredient (like too much tuna) can also cause digestive upset.
Solution: Always double-check that all ingredients are safe for cats and use the recipe quantities precisely.

2. Incorrect baking temperature or time

Reason: Overbaking can burn the treats, making them hard and potentially unappetizing or even harmful to your cat. Underbaking can leave them raw and potentially unsafe.
Solution: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature and closely monitor baking time, adjusting if necessary based on your oven and the recipe.

3. Poor storage leading to spoilage

Reason: Improperly stored treats can quickly spoil, leading to mold growth and making them unsafe for consumption.
Solution: Store homemade cat treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

FAQs

Can I use any type of fish for these treats?
While tuna is popular, it's best to stick to plain, cooked fish like salmon or cod. Avoid fish with added seasonings or bones. Always ensure the fish is thoroughly cooked before incorporating it into the treats.
How long can I store the homemade cat treats?
Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Always ensure the treats are completely cool before storing.
My cat has allergies. Can I adjust this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is a base. If your cat has allergies, substitute ingredients accordingly. For example, if they have a chicken allergy, replace the chicken with cooked salmon or turkey. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your cat's diet.