I'm a bit crunchy when it comes to my family's food, and I am one of those people who it takes over an hour to get around the supermarket because of my obsessive food label checking. My cats food is no exception to this rule, and if you’ve ever taken a close look at the ingredient list on store-bought cat treats, you might be in for a surprise! Don't get me wrong, there are some good ones out there, but many of them are packed with artificial preservatives, unnecessary fillers, and spooky, mystery ingredients that do little for your cat’s health. While the sound of those rustling packets may summon them into a full sprint towards you, these commercial treats often contain excessive carbs, artificial flavours, and even additives that could contribute to long-term health issues.
One of my cats, Panda, is a little nervous, and a bit more reserved when it comes to giving affection. Because of this, I may be guilty of trying to buy her love with treats, resulting in her having a few more daily than what would be ideal. However, that is when I realised that if I knew the treats were healthy and not full of nasties, I could continue to buy those head bumps guilt free, so that's what I did!
Why Store-Bought Treats Fall Short
Many mass-produced cat treats contain ingredients that serve the manufacturer and their profits far more than they do your cat.
Common issues include:
• Fillers & Carbs – Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on animal-based protein, not grains or carbohydrates which, in the wild, would only be consumed in tiny amounts, and only through digesting what their latest kill had eaten. Yet, many store-bought treats mainly contain wheat, corn, or soy as cheap fillers that bulk up the product without offering any nutritional value.
• Artificial Preservatives – Many commercial treats are loaded with synthetic preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, which have been linked to potential health risks- ingredients I don't want anywhere near my cats!
• Mystery Ingredients – If you see vague terms like “meat by-products” or “animal digest” on the label, it’s very hard to know what’s actually in the treat. These are often lower-quality proteins and leftovers from the meat industry.
• Excessive Calories & Fat – Some treats are designed to be highly palatable but end up being little more than junk food for cats, leading to weight gain and potential health problems like diabetes.
The Joy of Baking for Your Cat
Homemade cat treats are a simple, heartfelt way to ensure your feline friend gets a nutritious snack made with real, wholesome ingredients. You can use any high-quality protein sources like chicken, fish, or liver, and skip all of those unnecessary fillers and artificial additives.
Beyond the health benefits, baking for your cat is also a fun and rewarding experience. Watching your cat excitedly sniff the air as their treats bake in the oven is a joy in itself! Plus, you can customize the recipe to suit your cat’s dietary needs—whether they prefer crunchy biscuits or soft, chewy treats.
Our Ingredients
Panda tends to lean more towards fish flavours rather than meaty ones, so for this recipe I used salmon which she loves, however, if your cat prefers something else you can easily adapt the recipe to suit their taste. Just be sure to avoid anything with preservatives or added salt etc.
The ingredients I use in this recipe and their benefits are:
Salmon- A high quality protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D & B along with essential minerals, all which contribute to reducing inflammation, promoting heart health, and supporting a healthy coat, skin, and overall health.
Eggs- Eggs are an amazing powerhouse of an addition to a cats diet, as they provide a complete protein profile, essential for muscle maintenance, repair, and overall body function. They also contain a wide range of important amino acids and vitamins, such as B12, riboflavin, and biotin, as well as healthy fats and minerals like selenium and phosphorus helping to support immune function and overall health.
Coconut Oil- Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT's) as well as antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to support the immune system and fighting off certain pathogens.
Coconut Flour- Gluten free, low carb, and a good source of dietary fibre that can aid in healthy digestion. However, keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores with limited carbohydrate needs, so coconut flour is only needed in small amounts as a binding agent or for adjusting texture to make the treats more palatable.
Salmon and Coconut Cat Treats Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of salmon
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tablespoons water (add more if needed)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 163°C (325°F).
- Line an oven tray with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the mashed salmon, coconut flour, egg, and melted coconut oil.
- Add water, a little at a time until the dough holds together but doesn't become sticky.
- Flatten the dough into your oven tray and cut to your desired shapes (I cut mine into small squares with a sharp knife) or alternatively roll into small balls.
- Bake for around 15 minutes or until firm.
- Let them cool completely before separating and serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also batch cook and freeze them for longer storage!
So, why not skip the questionable ingredients and whip up a batch of homemade cat treats? Your feline companion will thank you—with happy purrs, eager nibbles, and perhaps a few extra head bumps of appreciation like Panda.
Happy baking!
