Easy Homemade Kitty & Puppy Treats Recipe

Spoiling your furry friends is a joy, and what better way to show your love than with delicious, homemade treats? Forget expensive store-bought options packed with questionable ingredients; creating healthy and scrumptious snacks for your cat and dog is easier than you think! This simple recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, ensuring you're providing your beloved pets with wholesome goodness they'll adore. You'll be surprised by how straightforward it is to whip up a batch of these tasty treats, saving you money and giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what's in your pet's food.

These homemade kitty and puppy treats are not only budget-friendly but also incredibly customizable to suit your pet's dietary needs and preferences. Whether your furry companion has sensitive stomachs or specific allergies, you can easily adapt this recipe to create the perfect snack. Ready to get started on creating these irresistible treats? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Whisk
  • Hand blender
  • 8x8 pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Cutting board
  • Cookie cutters (small & medium)
  • 9x14 baking pan
  • Airtight container
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise your pets when they are eating treats. Choking hazards can occur, especially with small breeds or those who gobble their food.
  • Never use xylitol, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or macadamia nuts in pet treats. These are toxic to dogs and cats.
  • Introduce new treats gradually to monitor for any allergic reactions or digestive upset. Start with a small amount and observe your pet for a few hours.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough

    • Whisk one egg.
    • Add one can of tuna (packed in water).
    • Add 2 cups rolled oats or 1 3/4 cups ground oats (combined with a hand blender).
    • Add ground oats and mix thoroughly until a ball forms.
    Add ground oats and mix thoroughly until a ball forms.Add ground oats and mix thoroughly until a ball forms.Add ground oats and mix thoroughly until a ball forms.Add ground oats and mix thoroughly until a ball forms.
    Prepare the Dough
  2. Prepare Baking Pan

    • Prepare 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
    Prepare 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
    Prepare Baking Pan
  3. Portion and Freeze Dough

    • Put the dough onto a cutting board and cut into four equal sections. Freeze three sections for later.
    Put the dough onto a cutting board and cut into four equal sections. Freeze three sections for later.
    Portion and Freeze Dough
  4. Roll and Cut Dough for Cats

    • Lightly flour surface. Roll out dough to about one centimeter thick.
    • For adult kitties, use a small cookie cutter and a spoon to press out treats.
    • For kittens, chop the treats into smaller pieces.
    For kittens, chop the treats into smaller pieces.For kittens, chop the treats into smaller pieces.For kittens, chop the treats into smaller pieces.
    Roll and Cut Dough for Cats
  5. Bake Cat Treats

    • Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes (soft) or 25 minutes (crunchy).
    Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes (soft) or 25 minutes (crunchy).
    Bake Cat Treats
  6. Cool and Store Cat Treats

    • Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
    Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
    Cool and Store Cat Treats
  7. Prepare Baking Pan for Dogs

    • For adult dogs, use a medium-sized cookie cutter. Put treats onto a 9x14 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
    For adult dogs, use a medium-sized cookie cutter. Put treats onto a 9x14 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
    Prepare Baking Pan for Dogs
  8. Bake Dog Treats

    • Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
    Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
    Bake Dog Treats
  9. Cool and Store Dog Treats

    • Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
    Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
    Cool and Store Dog Treats

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

Tips

  • If the dough is too dry, add a little water.
  • Label frozen dough for easy reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong ingredients

Reason: Many human foods are toxic to pets, like chocolate, onions, grapes, and xylitol.
Solution: Stick to pet-safe ingredients like peanut butter (xylitol-free), oats, bananas, and sweet potato.

2. Baking at the incorrect temperature or for too long/short a time

Reason: Incorrect baking leads to either hard, inedible treats or undercooked, potentially harmful ones.
Solution: Follow the recipe's instructions carefully and use a reliable oven thermometer for accurate temperature control.

FAQs

Can I use other ingredients besides the ones listed in the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is a base; feel free to experiment with other healthy additions like sweet potato, blueberries (in moderation), or even finely chopped carrots. Always ensure any added ingredient is safe for both cats and dogs.
How long can I store the homemade 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. Make sure to thaw completely before serving.