| Cats > Diet and Nutrition > Making High-Nutrient Gourmet Cat Treats at Home | |
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also see Cat Treats
also see Q&A Homemade Cat Treats
To provide the most nutritious snacks for your cat, gourmet treats can be made at home. You can choose the best ingredients and use them according to your cat's tastes and needs.
Cats are carnivores. They cannot survive without meat. Commercial cat treats are often full of carbohydrates, sugars and fillers. Preservatives, colorings and undesirable by-products are often included, and many that claim to be flavored with tuna, salmon or other expensive ingredients contain only traces of these ingredients.
Cat treats are not meant to be a substitute for your kitten's food. They are intended to be used sparingly as a reward, an enticement or a treat. By preparing these items at home, you can effectively supplement traditional feline cat food and ensure a complete and healthy diet for your cat.
If most of your cat's meals come from a can, cat food treats that are baked and crunchy can provide needed tartar control for your pet.
Here is an example process for preparing healthy, homemade cat treats:
Do not add salt, sugar or processed foods to your treats. Fresh, whole foods will provide the best possible results.
also see What type of cat food do you give your pet?
also see Homemade Cat Food for Diabetic Compliance
also see The Dangers of Feeding a Cat Dog Food
also see Cancer - special diet needs