8 Ingredients That Make for Healthy Cat Treats
Dogs absolutely love getting treats, but cats are not as enamored by them. That said, keep some treats handy for that extra bit of motivation when your cat is stubborn. Are you wondering how to ensure that the food you’re offering is actually good for your feline? If so, look for these ingredients when buying healthy cat treats, or prepare homemade treats with these ingredients. Also, cat treats should only constitute about 10% of total calories in their diet; the rest should be provided through wholesome cat food.
Look for these ingredients when buying healthy cat treats or use them to make treats at home:
- Cheese
All cheesy and gooey treats are typically made using yogurt, cheese, flour, water, and cornmeal. The mix is then flattened using rolling pins and baked just like pizzas. Once done, it is cut into small squares that your kitty can munch on. - Mackerel
When buying treats for your kitty or making them at home, look for hose canned mackerel. You can mix it with eggs, yeast, bacon grease, and vegetable oil and serve healthy and tasty treats. - Tuna
Tuna is one of the primary ingredients to look for when buying healthy cat treats. Combining canned tuna, parsley, four, and water can make delectable tuna treats for your pet. - Rice chewy bars
You can buy these tasty treats online, and these are tried-and-tested baked snacks with canned wet food, parsley, flour, and rice. - Catnip
This is a treat your cat will surely love. Also, cat grass is a cereal grass like oats that is also very popular. - Flour
Freshly-baked flour can be mixed with mashed tuna, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil to make a dough. This is rolled into balls and baked for 10 minutes. Instead of tuna, you can also treat your cat to strained meat baby foods in chicken or ham flavors or salmon. - Chicken
Look for USDA-certified chicken when buying cat treats. These treats are prepared using dehydrated and sliced chicken breasts that are free of preservatives or additives. The jerky texture makes your kitty chomp and gnaw the treats, which helps promote stronger jaws and improves dental health. This ingredient is perfect for cats with allergies and sensitivities. - Fish
Bonito flakes are dehydrated pieces of fish flesh and are highly appetizing. These act as appetite stimulants for cats that are picky eaters. These flakes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and proteins that boost your cat’s coat and skin health.
Apart from these ingredients, some cat foods are specially made for felines with underlying health conditions. For instance, if your cat is eating therapeutic cat food or on a special diet, look for ingredients that follow the diet guidelines while buying healthy cat treats. Even the slightest amount of food that your cat may be allergic to can trigger a reaction, so steer clear of all hypoallergenic treats. Also, consult your vet before giving treats, as it may worsen an underlying condition.