10 Healthy Homemade Cat Treats: Natural, Freeze-Dried & Vet-Approved Recipes

Introduction

When it comes to pampering your feline friend, nothing beats homemade cat treats that are both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re rewarding good behavior, celebrating a special day, or just want to treat your cat to something nutritious, making treats at home allows you to control ingredients and ensure your pet’s well-being. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 healthy homemade cat treats — including Freeze Dried Cat Treats and vet-approved recipes — perfect for even the pickiest kitties.

From savory bites to chewy morsels, these cat treat recipes are designed with both taste and health in mind. If you’ve ever wondered what the best cat treats for cats are, you’re in the right place.

Why Choose Homemade Cat Treats?

Commercial treats are convenient but often loaded with artificial additives, excess carbohydrates, and preservatives. By making your own treats, you can:

• Use fresh, natural ingredients
  
• Avoid fillers and artificial chemicals
  
• Cater to your cat’s specific dietary needs
  
• Save money in the long run
  

Homemade treats give you peace of mind, knowing exactly what your cat is consuming—especially important if your cat has allergies or a sensitive stomach, Hill’s Pet Nutrition emphasizes that homemade cat treats can be a healthy supplement to your cat’s diet when prepared with the right ingredients (source).

10 Healthy Homemade Cat Treats Recipes

Let’s dive into ten simple and nutritious recipes that have feline approval written all over them!

1. Tuna & Oat Biscuits (Baked Treat)

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna in water, drained
  
• 1 cup oat flour
  
• 1 egg
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
2. Mix ingredients into a dough.
   
3. Roll out and cut into small shapes.
   
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
   

Why it’s healthy: Tuna is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Freeze Dried Chicken Bites (Freeze-Dried Treat)

Ingredients:

• Cooked, plain chicken breast (shredded)
  

Instructions:

1. Place chicken pieces on a dehydrator tray.
   
2. Freeze dry for 24–36 hours.
   
3. Store in an airtight container.
   

Note: You’ll need a home freeze dryer for this, According to PetMD, while freeze-drying reduces some pathogens, it’s important to handle and store these treats properly to ensure safety (source).

Why it’s healthy: Pure protein, no additives—one of the healthiest cat treats available.

3. Salmon & Parsley Crunchies

Ingredients:

• ½ cup canned salmon (no salt)
  
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  
• ½ cup brown rice flour
  
• 1 egg white
  

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients and form small balls.
   
2. Flatten and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
   

Benefits: Parsley is great for fresh breath and digestion.

4. Pumpkin & Tuna Mash Balls

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain pumpkin purée
  
• ½ can tuna
  
• ¼ cup oat flour
  

Instructions:

1. Combine and form small balls.
   
2. Chill before serving.
   

Bonus: Pumpkin helps with digestion and hairball control.

5. Liver Freeze Dried Cat Treats

Ingredients:

• Chicken or beef liver (sliced)
  

Instructions:

1. Cook lightly and pat dry.
   
2. Freeze dry until completely dehydrated.
   
3. Break into bite-sized pieces.
   

Why cats love it: Organ meats are nutrient-rich and naturally flavorful.

6. Sardine & Egg Mini Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 can sardines (in water, no salt)
  
• 1 egg
  
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
  

Instructions:

1. Mix and spoon into mini muffin tin.
   
2. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
   

Benefits: Sardines are full of omega-3s and calcium.

7. Chicken & Catnip Crunch Bites

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked chicken
  
• 1 tbsp dried catnip
  
• ½ cup flour
  
• 1 egg
  

Instructions:

1. Blend into dough.
   
2. Cut into pieces and bake until firm.
   

Why it’s special: Combines a protein punch with a bit of fun.

8. Goat Milk & Tuna Freeze-Dried Cubes

Ingredients:

• Goat milk (unsweetened)
  
• Tuna flakes
  

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients and pour into silicone molds.
   
2. Freeze dry until solid and dry.
   

Tip: Great for cats with dairy sensitivity (goat milk is easier to digest).

9. Turkey & Carrot Bites

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked ground turkey
  
• ¼ cup shredded carrot
  
• ½ cup oat flour
  

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients, shape into small patties.
   
2. Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
   

Why it’s great: Carrots add vitamins and texture.

10. Egg Yolk & Tuna Drops

Ingredients:

• 1 cooked egg yolk
  
• ¼ cup tuna
  
• 1 tbsp potato flour
  

Instructions:

1. Blend ingredients and shape into small drops.
   
2. Freeze or refrigerate for freshness.
   

Benefit: High in protein and ideal for senior cats.

What Makes a Healthy Cat Treat?

The healthiest cat treats are those made with:

• Single protein sources like chicken, turkey, or fish
  
• Limited ingredients to minimize allergens
  
• No added salt, sugar, or artificial colors
  
• Natural binders like egg or oat flour
  

Avoid onions, garlic, chocolate, raisins, or anything with xylitol, as these are toxic to cats.

Tips for Making the Best Cat Treats for Cats

1. Start small. Introduce one treat at a time to monitor reactions.
   
2. Store smart. Freeze-dried treats last longer; others should be refrigerated.
   
3. Keep portions tiny. Treats should never exceed 10% of your cat’s daily intake.
   
4. Use vet-approved ingredients. Always double-check anything new with your vet.
   

How to Freeze Dry Cat Treats at Home

Want to make your own freeze dried cat treats? Here’s a quick guide:

1. Cook your protein source (chicken, liver, salmon).
   
2. Cut into small chunks.
   
3. Use a freeze dryer machine.
   
4. Store in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight jars.
   

These treats are shelf-stable and perfect for cats who love a chewy crunch.

FAQs About Homemade Cat Treats

Final Thoughts

Creating your own homemade cat treats is a fulfilling and healthy way to bond with your cat. Whether you choose baked bites, natural chews, or freeze dried cat treats, these recipes offer variety and nutrition you can trust. As always, consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about a new ingredient or recipe.

Have you tried any of these cat treat recipes at home? Share your favorite in the comments—or tag us with your kitty’s reaction!