Easy-to-make natural treats for your feline companion

Treat time is a special moment to bond with your feline friend while keeping their health in mind. Offering nutritious, homemade treats ensures your cat enjoys delicious rewards without harmful additives or excess calories.

From protein-packed chicken and salmon to fiber-rich veggies and gut-friendly pumpkin, these 15 wholesome treat ideas are designed to support your cat’s well-being, from muscle health to shiny coats and happy digestion. These treats are also natural and free of additives.

Dive into these easy-to-make recipes to delight your cat with safe, tailored treats they’ll love — or not. Remember, each animal is different. Also, be sure to consult your local veterinarian (one who knows your pet) for any diet considerations.

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1. Freeze-dried chicken

Make these by thinly slicing raw chicken breast, baking it at a low temperature (around 170°F) until fully dehydrated, or using a food dehydrator. These bites are healthy because they’re pure, lean protein, supporting muscle maintenance and providing essential amino acids like taurine for heart and vision health. They’re free of additives, low in fat, and highly digestible, making them an ideal treat for cats. The dehydration process preserves nutrients without the need for fillers, ensuring a wholesome reward when given in moderation.

2. Baked salmon cubes

Cube fresh salmon, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through, and let cool. These cubes are beneficial due to their high omega-3 fatty acid content, which promotes a shiny coat, reduces skin inflammation, and supports joint health. Salmon is a protein-rich, low-carb treat that aligns with a cat’s dietary needs. Avoid seasoning to keep it safe, and offer sparingly to prevent excessive fat intake, making it a nutritious, fishy treat cats love.

3. Cooked, plain tuna flakes

Flake cooked, water-packed tuna (no salt or oil) into small pieces after boiling or baking. This treat provides lean protein for muscle health and energy, and its strong aroma makes it highly appealing for training. Tuna contains omega-3s but should be limited due to potential mercury buildup. By preparing it at home, you ensure no harmful additives, making it a safe, occasional treat that supports a balanced diet when given sparingly. Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids but should be limited due to potential mercury accumulation, which can be toxic over time. In moderation, it’s a nutritious treat that complements a balanced feline diet.

4. Scrambled egg morsels

Scramble an egg without oil, butter, or seasoning, and cut into tiny pieces once cooled. Eggs are a healthy treat because they’re packed with high-quality protein and amino acids, supporting muscle repair and overall vitality. They’re easily digestible and provide biotin for skin and coat health. Eggs are calorie-dense, so small portions prevent weight gain, making them a nutrient-rich treat for occasional use.

5. Steamed green beans

Steam fresh green beans until soft, chop into small pieces, and cool. These are low-calorie, fiber-rich treats that aid digestion and help with weight management, especially for overweight cats. Green beans provide vitamins A and C for immune and vision health. Preparing them plain ensures no toxic additives like salt, making them a safe, plant-based treat to add variety in moderation.

6. Pumpkin puree drops

Spoon small dollops of plain, canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling) onto a tray, freeze, and serve thawed. Pumpkin is high in fiber, promoting digestive health and alleviating constipation or diarrhea. It’s low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, supporting vision and immunity. Homemade drops ensure no added sugars or spices, making them a safe, gut-friendly treat for cats when given in small amounts.

7. Mashed blueberry treats

Mash fresh or thawed frozen blueberries into a paste and offer a small lick. Blueberries are antioxidant-rich, supporting immune health and combating oxidative stress. They’re low in calories, with vitamins C and K and fiber for digestion. As cats are obligate carnivores, fruit should be minimal, but homemade blueberry paste is a safe, occasional treat that adds a sweet, nutritious twist.

8. Cooked sweet potato chunks

Bake sweet potatoes at 375°F, peel, and cut into tiny chunks. These are healthy due to their fiber content and vitamins A and C, which support digestion, vision, and immunity. Low in fat, they offer a slightly sweet flavor that cats may enjoy. Prepare without seasoning to keep them safe, and limit portions due to their carbohydrate content, making them a wholesome occasional treat.

9. Homemade liver jerky

Thinly slice chicken liver, bake at 200°F until dehydrated, and break into small pieces. Liver is nutrient-dense, providing iron, vitamin A, and protein for energy and organ health. Its intense flavor is highly palatable, but it must be given sparingly to avoid vitamin A toxicity. Homemade jerky avoids preservatives, ensuring a healthy, protein-packed treat when offered in moderation.

10. Boiled chicken breast shreds

Boil chicken breast, shred into small pieces, and cool. This lean, high-protein treat supports muscle growth and is easily digestible, making it ideal for cats of all ages. It provides essential amino acids like taurine without added fats or carbs. Preparing it plain at home ensures no harmful seasonings, making it a versatile, nutritious treat for training or rewarding.

11. Catnip

Catnip is a natural herb that serves as a behavioral treat, stimulating mental engagement and reducing stress in many cats. It triggers a playful or relaxed response, offering enrichment without calories or nutritional concerns. While not a food, catnip supports emotional well-being and can encourage exercise. It’s safe in moderation, though some cats may not respond to it. Fresh or dried catnip, or catnip-infused toys, provides a non-food reward that enhances a cat’s quality of life.

12. Steamed broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a low-calorie treat rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K, supporting digestion and immune health. Its fibrous texture can aid in weight control by providing a filling snack without excess calories. Broccoli must be plain, steamed, and offered in small pieces to prevent choking or digestive upset. As cats are obligate carnivores, broccoli should be an occasional treat, but it offers a safe, plant-based option for variety.

13. Boiled shrimp bites

Boil fresh shrimp, peel, and chop into small pieces. Shrimp is high in protein and low in fat, supporting muscle health and providing iodine and omega-3s for thyroid function and coat health. Homemade preparation ensures no seasoning or oils, making it a safe, seafood-based treat. Offer sparingly to avoid overfeeding, as its strong flavor is highly appealing to cats.

14. Plain yogurt drops

Spoon small drops of plain, unsweetened yogurt onto a tray, freeze, and serve thawed. Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health and digestion in cats that aren’t lactose intolerant, along with small amounts of protein and calcium. Homemade drops ensure no artificial sweeteners or additives, like xylitol, which is toxic. Offer in tiny portions to avoid digestive upset, making it a gut-friendly occasional treat.

15. Homemade dental biscuits

Mix tuna, cod, haddock, herring, trout, salmon, or sardines (no added oils), oat flour, and a small amount of catnip. Form into tiny biscuits and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. These promote oral health by reducing tartar buildup through their texture, while tuna provides protein, and catnip adds appeal. Homemade biscuits avoid artificial preservatives and can be fortified with safe ingredients, making them a healthy, dental-supporting treat when given sparingly.

Concluding thoughts

Remember, these are treats and do not contain all the essential nutrients that your pet needs. They should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet. As always, be careful when changing your pet’s diet and always consult a trusted vet for what’s good for your favorite feline, especially if your cat has any kind of medical condition.