Thanksgiving Cat Treats Recipe

Thanksgiving Cat Treats Recipe

Thanksgiving is a time for the whole family to celebrate, and that includes your cat! Cats can be picky eaters, so this recipe is crafted to suit feline palates with healthy and safe ingredients. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for making these tasty treats, packed with turkey, a hint of pumpkin, and some irresistible fishy flavors.

Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including cooling)
• Yield: About 30 small bite-sized treats

Ingredients

Base Dough

1. 1 cup whole wheat flour (or a substitute like oat flour for a gluten-free option)
2. 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened; make sure it’s pure pumpkin)
3. 1 egg (adds binding and protein)
4. 1 tablespoon dried catnip (optional, but many cats find it irresistible)
5. 1 tablespoon olive oil (for a healthy coat)
6. 1 tablespoon water or low-sodium chicken broth (for moisture)

Thanksgiving Flavors Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked turkey (plain, skinless, and boneless)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked chicken liver (or another organ meat like turkey liver; adds flavor cats love)
• 2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese (optional; cats love cheese, but only use a small amount)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened canned tuna or salmon (for an added fishy scent and flavor)

Optional Toppings

• Sprinkle of dried bonito flakes (a fishy garnish cats adore)
• Pinch of dried parsley (freshens breath and supports digestion)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Small cookie cutters (cat-themed shapes or simply a small round cutter)
• Blender or food processor (for mixing)
• Cooling rack
• Fork for mashing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the treats from sticking.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

• In a blender or food processor, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, olive oil, and a tablespoon of unsweetened canned tuna or salmon. Blend until you get a smooth mixture.
• If you don’t have a blender, you can whisk the ingredients together by hand, making sure to break down any lumps.

Step 3: Mix in the Flavors

• Add the finely chopped cooked turkey and chicken liver to the wet mixture. If you’re including catnip, sprinkle it in now.
• Mix well so the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour (or oat flour) with the wet mixture.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water or low-sodium chicken broth until the dough holds together but is not overly sticky.

Step 5: Roll Out or Shape the Dough

• Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness if you prefer cut-out treats.
• Alternatively, you can simply pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into tiny bite-sized balls if your cat prefers softer, chewier treats.

Step 6: Cut Out the Treats

• Use small cookie cutters (about 1-inch in size) to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. You can use simple round cutters or fun shapes like fish or cats.
• Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. These treats don’t spread, so you can place them fairly close together.

Step 7: Bake the Treats

• Bake the treats in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes. They should be firm to the touch but not too hard—cats tend to prefer softer treats.
• If you want extra-crispy treats, bake for an additional 3–5 minutes, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 8: Cool the Treats

• Remove the treats from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before serving, as the texture will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Optional Decoration

• Sprinkle a few dried bonito flakes or a tiny bit of grated cheddar on top for an extra tasty garnish. Make sure to use sparingly—these are just for an extra boost of flavor and scent.

Storage Tips

• Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.
• If frozen, thaw the treats in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Tips & Safety Considerations

Ingredients to Avoid

• Onions, garlic, and spices like nutmeg are toxic to cats. Make sure any turkey or other meat used is plain and free from seasoning.
• Avoid using too much cheese, as some cats can be sensitive to dairy.
• Artificial sweeteners like xylitol are extremely dangerous for cats—make sure any canned pumpkin or other ingredients don’t contain it.

Tailoring the Recipe

• If your cat has a sensitive stomach, leave out the cheese and opt for a simpler mix of turkey, pumpkin, and liver.
• For a grain-free version, substitute whole wheat flour with coconut flour, but use a little less as it absorbs more moisture.
• If your cat prefers a stronger fish flavor, increase the amount of canned tuna or salmon, but keep it under 1/4 cup to avoid overpowering the recipe.

Texture Adjustments

• For softer treats, bake for a slightly shorter time (12–15 minutes) or add a bit more moisture to the dough.
• For a crunchier texture, bake longer or leave the treats in the oven as it cools down.

Nutritional Benefits

• Turkey is a great lean protein for cats, providing essential amino acids.
• Pumpkin is high in fiber and supports healthy digestion, helping with both constipation and diarrhea.
• Chicken liver is nutrient-dense, packed with iron, and adds a flavor most cats find irresistible.
• Cheddar cheese, if tolerated, adds calcium and an enticing flavor.
• Olive oil is excellent for a cat’s skin and coat health.

Serving Size

• Keep treats small and portion-controlled. Cats are small animals and don’t need large amounts of treats—about 1–2 treats per day is a good guideline, depending on the cat’s size and health.

Homemade Treat Variations

Fish-Lover’s Delight

• Replace the turkey with cooked white fish (like cod or haddock) and increase the canned tuna or salmon to 1/4 cup for a super fishy treat.
• Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork before baking.

Pumpkin & Turkey Chews

• Keep the pumpkin and turkey as the main ingredients, but use chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste.
• Shape the dough into tiny squares or balls to create chewy bites.

Catnip Crumble Toppers

• For a crunchy topping, add a mix of crushed dried catnip and finely chopped dried liver on top before baking. These make a great topper for wet food too!

This Thanksgiving cat treat recipe offers a simple and festive way to spoil your feline friend during the holidays. These treats are not only tasty but also nutritious, featuring ingredients that are beneficial for your cat’s health. Plus, they’re a fun way to include your cat in the holiday festivities without risking exposure to harmful human foods.

Remember to always introduce new treats gradually to ensure your cat doesn’t have any sensitivities, and enjoy watching your kitty indulge in these delightful bites!

Happy Thanksgiving, and may your furry companion enjoy the holiday with you!