Like dogs, cats are next to being the favorite family pet. We treat them as part of the family, too. No doubt that we give our cat the best care they deserve including cat food and pet treats.
Unlike dogs, cats are fussy eaters. Thus, it is not recommended that you feed them their favorite foods often or else they will refuse to eat anything sooner or later. Give them a variety of fish, turkey, chicken, liver, and lamb.
Make sure you give them the balanced diet that your feline pets deserve. Their diet usually weighs 6 ounces of food a day which could be split into smaller meals over the course of the day. Adding approximately 1 ounce of treats a day may help reinforce or reward good behavior. Every cat is different therefore some cats need more, others need less.
It is better to discuss with the veterinarian to have a better idea of how much food you should be feeding your cat on a daily basis, including appropriate treats.
RELATED ARTICLE: Let’s Make Dried Pet Dog Treats This Time
Table of Contents
Raw Meat
Cats are carnivores therefore they eat meat, even if it’s raw. Although the idea of eating raw meat is unthinkable among us humans, it is something natural for our pets because they’re animals. Raw meats provide the highest level of nutrition because it’s natural and no processing involved. Cut raw meat into one-inch cubes to keep the cat’s teeth and gums healthy.
Raw chicken hearts contain taurine, an essential amino acid not only for humans but also for our feline pets. Slice raw chicken hearts in half and you may use the small hole in the center as pill pocket when you need to give cat medications.
Raw chicken livers are irresistible to cats. Aside from being iron-rich, it is also rich in Vitamin A. However, excessive vitamin A levels can be toxic for cats. So it is recommended to limit raw chicken liver to one ounce per day.
Raw chicken wings can also be a great treat not only because these will help with the cat’s dental health but also these will keep the cats busy for a while. Cut the tip off and discard it. Then cut the wings into portions, separating the bones. These pieces can be given to the cat separately. Make sure to feed raw chicken wings with supervision to prevent any choking hazards.
Never feed your cat any raw fish or pork as these may harbor parasites that may infect your pet.
And if your cat has been used to canned food or kibbles, make a few slices of raw meat first and keep trying until they realize their true carnivorous nature.
Cooked Meat
Yes, cats eat cooked meat, too. However, never feed them cooked bones and meat that has been laden with strong flavors like barbecue sauce, spices, and nitrates from cured meat.
Vegetables and Other Greens
Many cats love greens, whether they are catnip, cat grass, or any other veggies. Feed them with veggies that are low in carbohydrates and make sure they are cooked and cooled before serving. Also, do not feed them onions, nuts, mushrooms, spices, grapes, and raisins. Although catnip can be enjoyed often, vegetables should not be given to cats on a daily basis. Again, cats are generally carnivorous therefore they may not digest plant materials that easily.
Milk and Other Dairy Products
Unlike what many believe, cats are lactose-intolerant. Therefore, never give the felines milk as it may cause stomach upset, cramps and gas. But if they are used to milk, you may feed them up to twice a week.
Although cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, unflavored yogurt, or any fermented or cultured milk products may be acceptable cat treats, check first if these products could be tolerated by your furry feline pet.
Dehydrated Treats
Cats prefer homemade cat food with meat, poultry, dairy products, and some vegetables. They can chew and digest soft, canned salmon bones but they can’t handle chicken and other small, hard bones.
Here are easy cat food recipes that you can prepare for your pet cat to love.
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Shrimp Treats For Cats
Ingredients
- 1 4-ounce can small peeled shrimp
- 1/3 cup catnip flowers, fresh
Steps
- Open the can of shrimp and pour out the water the shrimp were packed in.
- Put the shrimp in a small bowl.
- Chop the catnip flowers into ¼ inch pieces. Although some leaves are fine, discard any stems.
- Add the flowers to the shrimp and mix, taking care not to break up the shrimp.
- Put the shrimp and flowers onto the dehydrator rack.
- The shrimp and flowers should remain in the dehydrator for about two hours or until thoroughly dry.
- Remove shrimp and flowers from the rack and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
One or two shrimp and a pinch of flower make a good treat for most cats.
Variation: If you can’t find any fresh catnip flowers, you can use dehydrated or dried catnip, just add it to the dehydrated shrimp as you serve your cat a treat.
Crunchy Salmon Circles For Cats
Ingredients
- 1 6-ounce can of salmon packed in water
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 cups oat bran flour
Steps
- Put the salmon, including the water in the can, in the food processor or blender.
- Puree until a thick paste. If the mixture is too heavy, add a small amount of water, up to 1/3 cup. But only add as much water as needed to puree the fish.
- Spoon the paste into a bowl and add the flour, mixing well. The dough will become thick and stiff. If it isn’t, because you needed to add more water, add a little bit more flour until you can form a ball with the dough.
- Place the ball of dough onto a floured bread board and roll out to about ¼ inch thick.
- Using a round, inch across cookie cutter, cut out the dough circles and place them on the dehydrator rack.
- With a sharp, pointed knife, gently score each circle crosswise both directions so that when done, the cookie can be broken into four pieces.
- Leave in the dehydrator for 4 to 5 hours or until the dough circles are thoroughly dry, crispy and crunchy.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they will remain good for three weeks.
To give your cat a treat, break one circle into four bite-sized pieces.
Final Thoughts
Keep your cat healthy by feeding it wholesome treats and snacks. Remember that moderation is key as too many greens and fats may negatively impact your cat’s diet. There are many uses of a food dehydrator other than drying your food. It can also make pet treats for your furry little feline. Go ahead and make them, your kitty will love you more for it!
Recommended article: Magic Mill Food Dehydrator
