Even if your kitty will eat anything and everything under the sun, making your own cat treats generally provides a higher level of nutrition for your cat than the typical store-bought treat. Not only that, making something delicious for your little purr factory is just fun!

More Meat, Please!

Because cats are obligate (true) carnivores, meat should be the primary ingredient in any cat treat. Cooked liver, fish, eggs, chicken, or beef make the perfect base for a DIY kitty concoction.

No-Nos

Keep kitty safe and healthy by staying away from ingredients that can be toxic to cats, including:

  • Chocolate
  • Alcohol
  • Dairy products (many cats become lactose intolerant as adults)
  • Raw meat, eggs, or fish
  • Fat trimmings or drippings
  • Onions, garlic, leeks, and scallions
  • Cooked bones

Too Much Of A Good Thing?

Just like with humans, too many excess calories in the form of treats can lead to weight gain and all the health concerns that go along with it. Your cat should receive the bulk of his or her caloric intake from a high quality, nutritionally complete cat food.

DIY Cat Treats

A quick glance at Pintrest or Google will reveal more DIY cat treat options that you’ll know what to do with. We found a few recipes that really stood out as being healthy for kitty and easy to make, including the “Cat Pancake” and the “Kitty Heaven Sardine Surprise”.

Not all DIY cat treats require firing up the oven. Simply offering your cat a bit of cooked chicken, or pouring a small amount of beef broth into a bowl are wonderful, simple, and healthy ways to give your kitty something special.

Many cats love to nibble on grass. Consider planting or buying a small pot of cat grass, or offering fresh or dried catnip as a treat. Not only will it satisfy your cat’s occasional craving for greenery, it will keep him or her away from your houseplants as well!

Allergy Concerns

If your cat has any allergies or other health concerns, talk with your veterinarian before you tie on that apron. Some foods may trigger an allergic reaction, or exacerbate your pet’s health problems, while others may actually be beneficial for certain conditions as well.

Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions or concerns about DIY cat treats.