Every cat owner loves spoiling their feline friend with tasty treats, but have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually in those store-bought snacks? Many commercial treats contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, excessive carbohydrates, and fillers that don’t contribute to your cat’s overall health. While they may be convenient, they often lack the essential nutrients that your pet truly needs.
That’s where homemade cat treats come in! By making treats at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, portion sizes, and overall quality. You can ensure your cat is getting real, nutritious, and wholesome snacks without unnecessary additives. Plus, it’s a great way to cater to specific dietary needs, whether your cat requires grain-free, high-protein, or allergy-friendly options.
But where do you start? What ingredients are safe for cats? Should you consider making freeze dried treats to preserve freshness? And what about households with both cats and dogs—are raw dog treats a good option for both?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making easy, healthy cat treats at home. From choosing the right ingredients to simple, nutritious recipes, you’ll discover how to create homemade treats that your cat will love—without compromising on quality or nutrition.
Let’s dive in and make snack time healthier and more enjoyable for your feline friend!
Why Make Homemade Cat Treats?
Making cat treats at home isn’t just about spoiling your feline—it’s about providing them with healthier, fresher, and more nutritious options that support their well-being. While store-bought treats can be convenient, they often contain low-quality fillers, artificial preservatives, and excessive carbohydrates that provide little to no nutritional benefit.
Here’s why homemade cat treats are the better choice:
✔ Healthier Ingredients – You control what goes into them, avoiding artificial flavors, additives, and low-quality fillers that can contribute to weight gain and digestive issues.
✔ Customizable for Your Cat – If your cat has allergies, food sensitivities, or specific dietary needs, you can tailor recipes to avoid problematic ingredients while ensuring they get the nutrients they need.
✔ Cost-Effective – Premium store-bought treats can be pricey, but making them at home saves money in the long run while still providing top-quality nutrition.
✔ Encourages Fresh, Natural Eating – Homemade treats can be freeze dried treats or baked, ensuring your cat gets minimal processing and maximum nutrition in every bite.
✔ Safer for Multi-Pet Homes – If you also have dogs, you can prepare treats that are safe for both cats and dogs, ensuring every pet gets a nutritious snack without the worry of harmful ingredients.
By making your own cat treats, you ensure that every bite is packed with high-quality protein, essential nutrients, and flavors your cat will love—without any of the unnecessary extras found in many store-bought options. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding way to bond with your pet!
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Cat Treats
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must be meat-based. When learning how to make cat treats, focus on protein-rich ingredients with minimal fillers.
1. Protein-Packed Ingredients
- Chicken, Turkey, or Beef – Cooked, unseasoned meat is an excellent protein source.
- Salmon or Tuna – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Eggs – A natural source of protein and essential amino acids.
2. Healthy Additions
- Pumpkin – Supports digestion and prevents hairballs.
- Blueberries – A natural antioxidant that helps boost immunity.
- Catnip – A fun, safe addition for flavor and excitement.
3. What to Avoid
Never include onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, dairy, or artificial sweeteners in your homemade cat treats.
Easy Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
Here are simple, nutritious recipes you can try:
1. Simple Tuna Bites
✅ Ingredients:
- 1 can of tuna (in water, drained)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon oat flour
✅ Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend tuna, egg, and flour into a smooth dough.
- Roll into small bite-sized balls.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Why it’s great: High in protein, easy to digest, and irresistible for cats!
2. Freeze-Dried Chicken Treats
✅ Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
✅ Instructions:
- Place shredded chicken on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours.
- Transfer to a food dehydrator or bake at low heat (150°F/65°C) for 5-6 hours.
- Store in an airtight container.
Why it’s great: Freeze dried treats retain more nutrients and are lightweight for easy storage.
3. Raw Cat & Dog Meatballs (for multi-pet households)
✅ Ingredients:
- ½ cup ground turkey
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin puree
✅ Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Form into small balls.
- Serve fresh or freeze for later.
Why it’s great: These raw dog treats also work for cats, providing pure, natural protein without additives.
How to Store Homemade Cat Treats
Since homemade cat treats don’t contain preservatives, proper storage is essential to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Unlike store-bought options, homemade treats need extra care to ensure they stay safe for your cat to enjoy. Here’s how you can extend their shelf life:
✔ Refrigerate Baked Treats – Store treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to prevent them from becoming stale. If they contain moisture-rich ingredients like pumpkin or eggs, refrigeration is even more important.
✔ Freeze for Long-Term Storage – If you’ve made a large batch, freeze them in small portions. Most homemade cat treats last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
✔ Use Freeze-Drying for Shelf Stability – If you make freeze dried treats, they can last several months without refrigeration. This method preserves nutrients and texture while keeping the treats lightweight and easy to store.
✔ Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags – Removing excess air can prevent moisture buildup and keep your treats fresh for longer.
✔ Store in a Cool, Dry Place – If you’ve made dehydrated or dry treats, an airtight container in a cool, dark place will help maintain their texture and flavor.
By properly storing homemade cat treats, you ensure they remain fresh, tasty, and safe for your feline friend while minimizing food waste.
Can Cats and Dogs Share Treats?
If you have both cats and dogs, you may wonder if best natural dog treats are safe for felines. While some raw dog treats can be shared, always check the ingredients.
What works for both:
- Single-ingredient meat treats (freeze-dried chicken, turkey, or beef)
- Egg-based snacks
- Pumpkin puree
What to avoid:
- Dog treats with grains or fillers – Cats don’t digest carbs well.
- Rawhide or tough chews – These can be difficult for cats to eat.
The best approach? Stick to single-ingredient, protein-based treats that are safe for both pets.
Why Choose Remy’s Kitchen for Healthy Cat & Dog Treats?
Finding high-quality treats that are both nutritious and safe can be a challenge, especially when store-bought options often contain fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality ingredients. If you’re looking for the best natural dog treats or healthy cat snacks, Remy’s Kitchen offers a superior alternative with freeze-dried, single-ingredient options that are crafted with your pet’s health in mind.
✔ Made from 100% Real Meat – Each treat contains just one high-quality protein like chicken, salmon, or turkey, ensuring pure nutrition with no unnecessary additives.
✔ Freeze-Dried for Maximum Nutrition – Unlike traditional treats, freeze-dried snacks retain essential vitamins and minerals while offering a crunchy, satisfying texture that pets love.
✔ Safe for Both Cats and Dogs – If you have a multi-pet household, Remy’s Kitchen treats eliminate the need for separate snacks, making treat time simple and hassle-free.
✔ Easily Digestible – Perfect for pets with sensitive stomachs, these treats lack grains, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions.
✔ Perfect for Training & Mealtime Enhancements – Whether you’re rewarding good behavior, using them as meal toppers, or simply giving your pet a healthy snack, these treats offer versatile, high-value nutrition.
✔ Long Shelf Life – Thanks to the freeze-drying process, these treats last months without refrigeration, making them a convenient, nutrient-dense option for any pet owner.
By incorporating Remy’s Kitchen into your pet’s routine, you prioritize quality, health, and taste, ensuring your cat or dog enjoys treats that fuel their well-being—without the risks of artificial ingredients or unhealthy fillers.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Making Cat Treats at Home
Learning how to make cat treats isn’t just about avoiding unhealthy ingredients—it’s about giving your pet fresh, natural snacks made with care. Whether you choose freeze dried treats, experiment with raw dog treats, or bake simple goodies, your cat will appreciate the effort and quality behind every bite.
Homemade treats offer control over ingredients, allowing you to customize recipes to suit your cat’s preferences and dietary needs. Plus, making treats at home is a fun and rewarding experience that strengthens the bond between you and your pet.
If you’re short on time or looking for a reliable, high-protein alternative, Remy’s Kitchen offers premium, freeze-dried treats made from 100% real meat—free from grains, artificial preservatives, or fillers. With pure nutrition and great taste, they’re a convenient, safe option that keeps your feline happy and healthy!
