Who doesn’t love home-cooked food? We all are aware that though the outside food is delicious and sometimes healthy too but we cannot resist ourselves from eating home cooked food. After a long vacation to some foreign country where you did not get your authentic traditional homemade food, the first thing one does is to eat this food when he comes back. This is the power of meals cooked at home for a human being.
Likewise is with the dogs and cats who benefit from home-cooked meals in a number of ways. We can choose premium, fresh ingredients instead of artificial preservatives and additives that are frequently present in store-bought pet food for the good health of your cat or dog. Whether your pet has dietary requirements, allergies, or sensitivities, homemade food enables us to customise meals to meet our pets individual needs. Eating fresh, home-cooked food also helps facilitate better digestion and lessen stomach problems.
To assist us maintain a healthy weight, we can also modify the calorie content and portion sizes. According to some research, eating meals prepared at home may even lower our pets’ chance of developing certain illnesses, such allergies and kidney disease. But before switching to a home cooked meal, it’s important to speak with a veterinarian. They can offer advice on possible hazards, suggested recipes, and nutritional needs. Maintaining the right nutritional balance is crucial for the general health and welfare of your pet.
Given below is a list of some best home-cooked treat recipes for dogs and cats so that nothing comes in between their health and nutrition:
For Dogs
- Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol)
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and cinnamon in a bowl. 3. Gradually add flour until the dough forms.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes. 5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm.
- Let cool completely before serving.
- Chicken Jerky Strips
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C).
- Slice chicken into thin strips.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through, until completely dehydrated. 5. Cool before serving or store in an airtight container.
- Sweet Potato Chews
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Slice the sweet potato into 1/4-inch thick strips.
- Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 4. Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through, until slightly chewy.
- Let cool before serving.
- Banana and Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (no xylitol)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. 3. Scoop small spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. 4. Flatten slightly and bake for 15–20 minutes. 5. Cool completely before serving.
- Frozen Yogurt and Blueberry Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened, no artificial sweeteners) • 1/2 cup blueberries
Instructions:
- Blend yogurt and blueberries until smooth. 2. Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Pop out and serve as a refreshing treat!
For Cats
- Tuna Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna in water (drained)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend tuna, egg, and flour into a dough.
- Roll into small balls and flatten slightly.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. 5. Cool completely before serving.
- Salmon Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 small can of salmon (with liquid)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup oat flour (or grind oats to make flour)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the salmon and mix with the egg and oat flour.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. 4. Once cool, cut into small squares for serving.
- Chicken and Catnip Bites
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (finely chopped)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon dried catnip
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients into a dough.
- Roll into small balls and flatten slightly.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. 5. Cool before serving.
- Sardine Snacks
Ingredients:
- 1 small can of sardines in water (drained)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the sardines and mix with egg and flour.
- Spoon small amounts onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until firm.
- Cool before serving.
- Frozen Tuna Pops
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna in water (drained)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into ice cube trays or moulds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Serve as a cool treat on warm days.
Universal Recipe for Both Dogs and Cats
- Egg and Cheese Bites
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (low-sodium)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk eggs and mix in the cheese.
- Pour into small silicone moulds or a greased mini muffin tin.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until set.
- Cool before serving.
Important tips before giving your pet these treats
- If your pet has dietary restrictions then it is always advisable to check with your pet’s vet if the particular food is suitable or not.
- For a longer shelf life, freeze the treats and if you want it for 1 week then refrigerate it.
- Avoid ingredients like onions, garlic, chocolate, raisins, or xylitol, as they are toxic to pets.