Healthy Homemade Cat Treats Your Cat Will Go Crazy For

Treat your feline friend to something special with homemade cat treats that are healthy, delicious, and easy to make! In little more than 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of nutritious goodies your cat will adore. This guide will show you how to make quick and simple homemade cat treats that are as fun to create as they are for your cat to eat.

Pumpkin & Oat Vegan Cat Treats

Ingredients:

1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened, plain)
1 cup oat flour (or ground oats)
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional, for added fiber and omega-3s)
2 tablespoons water (or as needed to form dough)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, oat flour, and ground flaxseed (if using). Add water a little at a time until a dough forms. It should be firm enough to roll out.
Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut into Shapes: Use a small cookie cutter or knife to cut the dough into small, bite-sized shapes.
Bake: Place the cut-out shapes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the treats are firm and lightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Allow the treats to cool completely before serving them to your cat.

A dish and a jar with homemade cat treats in the shape of hearts.

Storage: Store the treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

This recipe uses pumpkin, which is known for its digestive benefits, and ground flaxseed, which offers fiber and healthy fats. It’s also a great option for a vegan treat that your cat will enjoy.

The total time to make the Pumpkin & Oat Vegan Cat Treats is approximately 30–35 minutes, broken down as follows:

Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes (mixing ingredients, rolling out the dough, and cutting into shapes).
Baking Time: 15–20 minutes (depending on your oven).
Cooling Time: 5 minutes (before serving).

The number of treats the recipe yields depends on the size and shape of each treat. Here’s an approximate guide:

Flat discs (1/2 inch diameter): Around 25–35 treats.

Mini cookie shapes: Varies based on the cutter size, but roughly 25–30 treats for small cutters.

Adjust the portion size depending on your cat’s preferences and the treat size they can easily handle.

Nutrition Facts:

Pumpkin is not only safe for cats, but it’s also quite beneficial in moderation. It is commonly used to support digestive health in cats. Here’s why:

Digestive Health: Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which can help with both constipation and diarrhea. It can aid in regulating your cat’s digestive system by adding bulk to stool or helping it pass more easily.
Nutrient-Rich: Pumpkin contains important vitamins, such as A, C, and E, and minerals like potassium, all of which can contribute to overall health.
Low in Calories: Pumpkin is low in calories, making it a healthy addition to a cat’s diet when used as a treat.

However, when giving pumpkin to cats, make sure it’s plain canned pumpkin (not spiced or flavored, as those can contain ingredients that are harmful to cats, such as sugar or spices like nutmeg). Fresh pumpkin is also safe, but it should be cooked and pureed before serving.

Remember that as with any treat, it’s best to feed pumpkin in moderation to avoid any stomach upset.

A woman feeding her cat with a homemade cat treat.

Oats are generally safe for cats in small amounts. Oats can be a healthy addition to a cat’s diet, providing fiber, protein, and vitamins like B1 and B5. However, because cats are obligate carnivores, their primary nutrition should come from animal-based proteins. Oats should only be used occasionally as an ingredient in treats, not as a primary food source.

It’s important to ensure the oats are prepared in a way that’s easy for cats to digest (like in ground or oat flour form) and that the treats do not contain any harmful ingredients, such as sugar or xylitol. If you’re ever unsure about an ingredient, it’s a good idea to consult your vet.

Making homemade cat treats is a fun and rewarding way to show your feline friend some extra love. With simple, healthy ingredients, you can whip up delicious snacks that your cat will adore. Check here for another vegan homemade cat treat recipe.