Healthy Cat Treats: DIY Recipes and Low-Cal Store Options

DIY Cat Treats: Easy Recipes

Making cat treats at home can be quite simple and rewarding. You can tailor recipes to your cat’s taste and dietary needs. Here are a couple of easy DIY recipes that use cat-friendly ingredients. Remember, these are treats, not meal replacements, so even though we’ll include good stuff, they shouldn’t replace a balanced diet. Also, keep portions small.

1. Tuna Catnip Crunchies

Cats often go nuts for tuna and catnip – this recipe combines both into a crunchy bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna (5 oz, ideally in water, no salt added), drained .
• 1 cup all-purpose flour​(you can use whole wheat flour if your cat is fine with wheat).
• 1 large egg​.
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip​ (culinary catnip, pesticide-free).

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)​.
2. In a bowl, mash the drained tuna well (so there are no large chunks).
3. Add the flour and catnip to the tuna, mix a bit. Then add the egg and mix thoroughly until it forms a dough. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water; if too wet, a sprinkle more flour. It should be a firm dough you can roll.
4. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon size each) or you can flatten it and cut into tiny “cookie” shapes (like 1-inch fish shapes if you’re feeling creative). Pro Tip: 1/4 teaspoon dollops flattened make nice bite-sized crisps​. The recipe reference suggests 1/4 tsp portions flattened with a fork.
5. Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If they’re balls, flatten them slightly with a fork (they bake more evenly and get a little crispy).
6. Bake for about 12-15 minutes​ or until they’re just lightly browned and firm. (Time can vary; basically you want them to dry out a bit but not burn).
7. Let them cool completely. They will firm up more as they cool.

Storage: Store the treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, since they have fish and egg. For longer storage, freeze them (and thaw small batches as needed). The reference note suggests using within 3-5 days​, because homemade treats lack preservatives.

These tuna catnip crunchies are high in protein from tuna and egg, have a bit of fiber from the flour, and of course the allure of catnip. Many cats will go wild for them! Do note, because of flour and egg, they aren’t super low-calorie – but each treat is small. Roughly, each treat might be ~1-2 calories (given that recipe, they got ~50+ treats from it​, and a can of tuna + egg + flour is maybe ~200 calories total, so per treat likely ~4 calories if making ~50). Actually, the recipe we referenced says it yields 6 cups of treats? That seems off. Maybe it yields ~50 treats at 1/4 tsp each. Anyway, feed a few at a time, not the whole batch!

(Ref: CatVetLife site had a 4-ingredient tuna treat: tuna, flour, egg, catnip – which we basically used​.)

1. Cheesy Salmon Bites (Grain-Free)

Some cats adore cheese; others love salmon. This recipe has both and uses coconut flour for those avoiding grains.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces of cooked or canned salmon (boneless, skinless).
• 1 egg.
• 1/4 cup coconut flour (coconut flour is high in fiber, so a little goes a long way; you could substitute almond flour or another low-carb flour).
• 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese (or parmesan). (Cheese in moderation is okay for many cats, it’s high in protein and flavor. Use lactose-free cheeses like aged cheddar or parm since many cats are lactose intolerant).

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mash the salmon in a bowl. Mix in the egg and cheese. The mixture will be wet.
3. Add coconut flour gradually; it absorbs a lot of moisture. Mix until you get a doughy consistency. Coconut flour can be drying, so if it gets too thick, add a teaspoon of water or salmon juice. Aim for a dough that holds together but is not overly crumbly.
4. Form small balls (about marble-sized). Place on a baking sheet and flatten slightly.
5. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until set. They’ll smell quite “fishy-cheesy” (your cat will probably be circling).
6. Cool completely.

Storage: Because of cheese and fish, refrigerate these and use in 3-5 days, or freeze for longer.

These treats are protein-rich (salmon, egg, cheese) and fairly low-carb (coconut flour is mostly fiber). They are also quite high-value in taste – cats will usually find the salmon-cheese combo irresistible. Each treat might be a few calories (cheese and salmon have fat), so don’t overdo. But they’re nutrient-dense: salmon gives omega-3s, egg and cheese provide taurine and protein.

1. Chicken & Pumpkin Soft Treats

If your cat likes softer treats or you want to sneak in some fiber (pumpkin is great for digestion), this is a good recipe. Also nice for older cats who prefer softer foods.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded (plain, no seasoning). You can use canned chicken (low sodium, drained) or boil a chicken breast.
• 1/4 cup pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix, just plain pumpkin). Pumpkin is high in fiber but cats usually tolerate it well in small amounts.
• 1 egg.
• 1/2 cup oat flour (you can make this by grinding rolled oats) or whole wheat flour. (Oat flour keeps it a bit softer and is gluten-free if that matters; whole wheat holds together more, either is fine).
• Optional: a teaspoon of olive oil or salmon oil (for extra healthy fats and to keep treats moist).

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix chicken and pumpkin until combined. Add the egg and (if using) the oil, mix thoroughly.
3. Gradually stir in the flour until you get a thick batter/dough. It might be a bit sticky with oat flour – that’s okay.
4. Spoon out small dollops (around 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon) onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. You can flatten them slightly. Because these are meant to be soft, you don’t want them too thick or they won’t dry enough.
5. Bake about 10 minutes. They will be lightly cooked but still a bit soft – almost like a firm cookie. You’re basically cooking the egg and drying them a touch, but we want them chewy.
6. Cool. They will have a soft cookie texture.

Storage: These have moisture from pumpkin and chicken, so fridge for up to 3 days or freeze. They might spoil faster at room temp.

These treats provide protein from chicken, fiber and vitamin A from pumpkin, and eggs for nutrients. They’re on the softer side, which some cats (especially those with dental issues) appreciate. Pumpkin can help with hairballs and digestion. Just don’t overfeed too many (fiber overload can cause loose stool in large quantities). But a couple of these a day can actually be a functional treat for gut health.

DIY Treat-Making Tips:

• Keep portions cat-bite-sized. Cats prefer small pieces. And it helps keep calories per treat low.
• Avoid ingredients that are toxic or not recommended: no onion, garlic, chives (common in some human recipes but bad for cats). No chocolate (obviously), grapes/raisins, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in large amounts (a tiny may be okay but pumpkin pie spice is a no due to nutmeg).
• Some cats don’t do well with dairy. We used a small amount of cheese in one recipe; if your cat is very sensitive, you can omit it or try a lactose-free cheese (like many hard cheeses are very low lactose).
• If using canned fish or meat, get low sodium so you’re not giving too much salt.
• You can adjust recipes – for example, if your cat loves liver, you could replace some chicken with chicken liver (but don’t go too high, liver is rich and vitamin A heavy).
• Always let treats cool before serving, and break into smaller bits if your cat tends to swallow without chewing to avoid choking.

Now, not everyone has time to bake for their cat (and cats can be picky little critters – they might reject your lovingly baked goodies, how humbling!). So thankfully, there are healthy commercial treats available as well.

Healthier Store-Bought Treat Options

When shopping for cat treats, here’s what to look for:

• High protein, low calorie: Treats that are mainly meat or fish and have maybe 1-3 kcal per treat.
• Limited ingredients: The fewer, the better typically. Single-ingredient treats (like 100% freeze-dried chicken) are great choices​.
• Functional treats: Some treats are formulated to also deliver benefits (dental, hairball, vitamins). For example, dental treats are larger and textured to help scrub teeth (e.g., Greenies for cats – though they have some carbs, they are proven to reduce tartar). Hairball treats have added fiber like psyllium.
• No added sugar or excess salt: Check the ingredient list. Some moist treats or soft chews add corn syrup or sugar – not needed. Cats don’t have a sweet tooth anyway. Also too much salt is unhealthy, though a little for flavor is okay.

Here are some good categories and examples:

1. Freeze-Dried Meat Treats – These are perhaps the healthiest treats as they are literally just meat, with water removed. They retain nutrients and cats usually go crazy for the texture and taste. They are also low in calories and have no additives.

Examples:

• PureBites – They offer freeze-dried chicken breast, liver, shrimp, etc. The ingredient list is one thing: e.g. “Chicken Breast”. They are very low calorie (~2 calories per treat piece typically). mentions Stella & Chewy’s single-ingredient chicken treats – similar concept. Actually, Stella & Chewy has freeze-dried raw “Meal Mixers” or treats that are just meat (often HPP treated​). These are great because you can feed a bunch and it's basically like feeding plain chicken. The CatVetLife article specifically recommends Stella & Chewy’s chicken breast treats and Instinct Raw Boost Mixers as pure meat options​.
• Vital Essentials Minnows – Freeze-dried whole minnows. Some cats love the fishy crunch! (Just fish, nothing else).
• Orijen Cat Treats – Freeze-dried treats that often have multiple meats (like Tundra: venison, elk, quail, etc.). 100% animal ingredients, freeze-dried. They are very high protein.
• These kinds of treats often crumble easily, so some people sprinkle the powder on food as an appetite enhancer too.

Make sure to keep the bag sealed or in a tight container – freeze-dried treats can get stale if exposed to air (they’ll absorb moisture and lose crunch). But sealed, they last a long time.

2. Dental Treats – If used appropriately, these can help. The key is the cat actually chews them (some cats swallow Greenies whole – which defeats the purpose; if your cat does that, maybe a different approach to dental care is needed). Dental treats are generally bigger and have a porous texture to scrape teeth.

Examples:

• Feline Greenies – Popular and VOHC-approved for tartar reduction. They are about 2 calories each, and contain things like chicken meal and oat fiber. Not grain-free, but as an occasional treat for dental benefit, they’re okay. They also have vitamins like chlorophyll which supposedly freshens breath. The important part is the mechanical action. A few of these a day can be part of dental care routine.
• Science Diet Oral Care kibbles – Not exactly treats, but some use Hill’s t/d or Science Diet Oral Care as treats because those kibble pieces are large and meant to be chewed for dental effect. You could ask your vet for a sample of t/d dental cat food and use those as treats (they’re complete food, so perfectly fine to give in small amounts).
• Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats (Grain Free) – these use potato and chicken, are larger size. Grain-free alternative to Greenies.

Dental treats aren’t super high protein (they need starch to get that texture). But used sparingly, they won't impact diet much and can help teeth. Just keep track of calories if you give several daily.

3. Hairball Control Treats – If hairballs are an issue, some treats incorporate petrolatum or fibers to help. However, many hairball treats are basically flavored petroleum (like Laxatone in a treat form). If you want a more natural fiber approach, some treats include things like pumpkin or slippery elm.

Examples:

• Temptations Hairball Control – These have added petroleum and fiber. Temptations are very palatable but not the healthiest (contain by-products and some fillers). So, not the best daily treat, but they can work to reduce hairballs if used short-term. They are low calorie (~2/cal each).
• Greenies SmartBites Hairball – These have a fiber blend (like powdered cellulose, which helps move hair through). And they taste like other Greenies (so cats usually eat them).
• Honestly, plain canned pumpkin or a dab of hairball paste might be more effective. But if your cat refuses those, hairball treats could be a compromise to get some remedy into them.

4. High-Protein Crunchy Treats or Jerky – Look for treats that list meat as the first ingredient and avoid a lot of fillers.

Examples:

• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Treats – grain-free crunchy treats, first ingredients are usually chicken or trout etc., and they have no corn/wheat/soy. About 1.5 calories each.
• Wellness Kittles – grain-free crunchy treats, 2 calories each, first ingredients are often meat (like salmon, turkey). They also have some berries and flaxseed in them.
• True Chews (now under Blue Buffalo, I think) – soft jerky treats made of real meat. E.g., chicken & duck treats that are basically meat, glycerin, salt, natural flavor. They are chewy so cat has to gnaw a bit.
• Inaba Churu or Delectables Squeeze Up – These are actually lickable treats (puree in a tube). They are not crunchy at all, but they are high in moisture and cats adore them. Churu for example is about 92% moisture, with tuna/chicken and some thickeners. ~6 calories per tube. They’re great for hydration and bonding (you can hand feed from the tube). They do have some sodium and stuff but as an occasional treat they are fine. They could be considered “healthy” especially if your cat needs more water. Just watch, they do have some sugar in form of guar gum or maltose but low amount.

5. Diet-Compatible Treats – If your cat is on a special diet (like urinary or kidney or allergen-free), check if that brand makes treats.

For instance:

• Royal Canin makes Urinary cat treats that are formulated to be low in minerals so as not to interfere with a urinary diet.
• Hill’s makes Hypoallergenic treats that go along with their z/d or d/d diets for cats with allergies.
• These ensure that even cats with health issues can enjoy a treat without sabotaging their regimen.

How Many Treats Can I Give?

Even with healthier treats, moderation is key. As mentioned, treats (plus table scraps, etc.) should ideally be <10% of your cat’s daily intake​. For example, if your cat eats 200 kcal/day, keep treats under 20 kcal. If a treat is ~2 kcal, that means up to 10 treats. That’s quite a few – honestly you probably don’t need to give that many daily. A lot of owners give 1-2 treats a day or a few times a week. Some use kibble from the cat’s regular diet as treats (especially if on a weight loss program – using their measured food as “treats” during training so you’re not adding calories).

For training sessions, you can use tiny bits (break commercial treats into halves/thirds or use low-cal ones) to reward frequently without piling on calories.

Remember to adjust your cat’s meal portions if you’ve given a lot of treats one day. But with low-cal, high-protein treats, the impact is minimal.

Final Tips for Treat-Time

• Make Treats Special: If treats are available 24/7, they lose their novelty and your cat might pester you more. Keep them as a reward or a routine at certain times (like one at bedtime, etc.). Cats can get fixated (who hasn’t had a cat meowing incessantly near the treat cupboard?). Consistency helps them know when to expect (and not expect) treats.
• Use Treats for Positives: Many cats hate nail trims, carrier rides, or pills. Using a favorite treat right after these experiences can help form a positive association. For example, I give my cat a Churu lickable treat right after she takes her medication – now she actually comes when she sees the pill syringe because she knows treat follows!
• DIY Trial and Error: If you try making homemade treats, be patient. Cats can be weird about new textures or flavors. They might sniff and walk away initially. Try again later, or tweak the recipe (maybe smaller pieces, or a different protein). If your cat absolutely refuses one recipe, don’t be disheartened – there are many to try. Perhaps start with simple single-ingredient treats (like cooked unseasoned chicken bits or freeze-dried meats) to gauge their preferences.
• Read Labels on Commercial Treats: Just as you would with their main food, glance at the treat’s ingredient list. The first ingredient being an animal protein is a good sign. Avoid treats where sugar or propylene glycol or lots of wheat/corn are high up. A good example of a label: “Chicken, chicken liver, cod, pea fiber, salt, mixed tocopherols”(that would indicate a mostly meat treat with natural preservative). A not-so-good example: “Chicken by-product meal, ground corn, corn gluten, animal fat, flavor, lots of chemical names, artificial color”. The latter is more like a junky treat – okay once in a blue moon, but not as a regular indulgence.
• When In Doubt, Use Kibble or Plain Meat: If your cat is on a vet diet or you just don’t want to risk extras, you can always set aside a few pieces of their regular dry food as “treats”. If you want to spoil them with real food, give tiny pieces of cooked chicken, or a bite of salmon, or a little scrambled egg. Those make excellent treats and are whole foods. Just remember things like cooked meat have no calcium (so don’t feed as a large portion replacement for balanced food), and avoid seasoning. My cat thinks a piece of plain scrambled egg is the best thing ever – and it’s literally just egg.
• DIY Treats as Occasional Projects: Home-baked treats often lack preservatives (which is good) but means they spoil quickly​. So maybe make small batches and freeze, or plan a treat-baking day once a month and freeze the yield, taking out a few days’ worth at a time. It can be a fun weekend project, especially if you enjoy baking. Also, you could share them with fellow cat parent friends – a cute gift that their cats might enjoy (just label the ingredients in case their cats have allergies).

The bottom line is: Treats should be fun and healthy! By choosing or making better treats, you’re ensuring your cat can enjoy snack time without any negative effects on their health. It’s a great way to show love – and we all know a loved cat is a happy cat.

Summary / Call to Action: Next time you’re grabbing a bag of treats or thinking of tossing a table scrap to your kitty, remember you have options. Maybe try one of the DIY recipes above (your cat might love your homemade tuna cookies – and you’ll know exactly what’s in them)​. Or next pet store trip, check out the freeze-dried aisle for a one-ingredient treat – many cats go nuts for those and they couldn’t be healthier​. Swap out those high-calorie, sugary bites for something more wholesome. Your cat likely won’t notice the difference in “junk” vs “healthy” – a tasty treat is a tasty treat in their book.

By keeping treats healthy, you can give them more often, keep your conscience clear, and maybe even support your cat’s health goals (be it weight, teeth, or coat condition). That’s a win-win-win for you, your cat, and your vet (who will be pleased at your cat’s next check-up)!

So go ahead – treat your furry friend, wisely and lovingly. Happy treating, and may the purrs be ever in your favor! 🐱💕🍪