Are you already planning your holiday menu and thinking, “Hmm, maybe I’ll make something for my cat?” Homemade treats are a fantastic way to spice up your cat’s diet, but how do you go about it to ensure you’re serving up something genuinely beneficial? Today, we’re diving into whether making snacks yourself is a good idea, which treats are best for your cat, what meat to choose, and what to avoid as a feline chef. Stick with us, fabCat—this is going to be delicious! 😺

Dried Meat for Cats: A Simple Recipe for Homemade Treats

Cats love meat—there’s no doubt about that among fabCats. It’s no surprise then that one of the best treats we can offer them is just that: meat. Since treats are meant to serve as rewards rather than full meals, there’s plenty of flexibility in how you prepare them and the types of meat you can choose. One of the easiest and most versatile options is drying meat—it only takes an oven or food dehydrator, some quality meat cuts, and a little time. Even during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, this is something you can easily manage, fabCat!

What Meat Is Best for Drying?

The options are plenty: muscle meat, organ meats, or even certain types of fish. Popular choices among cat parents include chicken and turkey fillets, beef strips, or organ meats like hearts and livers (e.g., poultry). The key is to choose lean meat, as too much fat makes drying difficult—leave the more complicated recipes for when you’ve gained more experience. Remember that homemade dried meat will be firmer than store-bought freeze-dried snacks, so test whether your cat enjoys it before you stock up. Start with small amounts of various meats and let your furry inspector decide which is the tastiest!

Ready to get started? Let’s do it. Slice the meat into thin, small strips—this allows it to dry more quickly and thoroughly while being safe for your cat to nibble. Cats don’t chew food like humans; they rip and swallow it in chunks. Treats should be small enough for them to eat comfortably, even in one bite, without causing harm. If using an oven, set the temperature to about 60-70°C (140-160°F) and leave the door slightly open to let moisture escape. Drying usually takes a few hours, so plan it for when you’re tidying the house, playing with your cat, or relaxing on the couch with a good movie or book.

Why Make Homemade Treats for Cats?

The simple answer: because you can! It’s not just a great way to add variety to your cat’s diet but also an opportunity to bond. Making treats yourself gives you complete control over the ingredients—you know it’s 100% meat with no preservatives, colorants, or unnecessary additives. With store-bought treats, even the ones that look like simple “dried meat,” you can’t always be sure about the ingredient list, which can sometimes be surprisingly long with unwanted extras.

Cooking for your cat is also a chance to spend quality time together—your furry friend will likely keep you company as you slice the meat, ensuring the quality is purrfect. Who knows, they might even show off a few unexpected tricks along the way!

What About You, fabCats? Who’s swapping gingerbread for cat treats in the oven this weekend? Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever tried drying meat for your cat and how your furry inspectors rated the results! 😻