If your cat loves those store-bought lickable treats, you’re in for a treat, too!
Many people don’t realize how easy it is to make homemade lickable cat food, which has many benefits. Keep reading to learn more about this topic!
I decided to create my own version of Homemade Lickable Cat Food that keeps my kitty purring for more and is packed with nutritious ingredients.
Best part? You can make this lickable cat food home with simple, fresh ingredients.
Plus, it’s free from preservatives and artificial ingredients that you might find in commercial options.
Trust me, this will become a favorite for your furball!
This recipe contains all-natural ingredients, is easy to prepare, and only requires one pot instead of several bowls. Give it a try today!
How To Make Homemade Lickable Cat Food Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Cat Treats/Food
Cuisine: Pet Food
Yield: 6 servings (depending on your cat’s portion size)
Ingredients for Homemade Lickable Cat Food:
To whip up this best lickable cat food, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that are safe and healthy for your kitty:
1 cup of boneless, skinless chicken breast (or turkey, if you prefer)
1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth (or bone broth for added nutrition)
1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin (this helps thicken the mixture)
1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree (adds fiber and a touch of flavor)
1/4 cup of water (to adjust the consistency)
1 teaspoon of fish oil (for healthy fats and flavor)
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon of taurine powder (to ensure your cat gets this essential amino acid)
Instructions for Making Homemade Lickable Cat Food:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by boiling the boneless, skinless chicken breast in a small pot of water. Cook for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked through. Once done, shred the chicken finely or chop it into tiny pieces. You want the texture easy for your cat to lick up, so make sure it’s finely processed.
2. Create the Base
In a separate bowl, mix the unflavored gelatin with the water. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until the gelatin blooms (this ensures a smooth texture for the lickable treats).
3. Blend Everything
Combine the shredded chicken, low-sodium chicken broth, gelatin mixture, and pumpkin puree into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add fish oil at this stage for extra taste and nutrition. Add more water or broth to reach the desired lickable consistency if your mixture feels too thick.
4. Heat Gently
Transfer the mixture into a small saucepan and gently heat it on low until it thickens slightly—about 5 minutes. Don’t let it boil; you just want the gelatin to dissolve fully and the flavors to meld together.
5. Cool and Serve
Once it’s thickened, let the mixture cool down completely. You can serve this delicious homemade lickable cat food immediately or store it in the refrigerator in small, airtight containers.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 60 kcal (approx.)
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
How to Store Your Homemade Lickable Cat Treats?
Once your homemade lickable cat food has cooled down, it will firm up slightly due to the gelatin.
Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions in an ice cube tray for easy serving.
I always keep a stash in the freezer for those moments when my cat needs a little extra love in her bowl!
Recipe Variations
➤ Tuna Twist: Swap the chicken for canned tuna (in water, not oil!) and adjust the broth amount accordingly.
➤ High-Calorie Lickable Cat Food: Add a bit of full-fat yogurt or heavy cream to the mix if your cat needs more calories. This will make it a high-calorie, lickable cat food ideal for underweight or elderly cats.
➤ Fish Oil Alternative: If your cat isn’t a fan of fish oil, you can substitute it with salmon oil or leave it out altogether, though I find it really amps up the flavor.
Why Does This Recipe Work?
This homemade lickable cat food is packed with protein from chicken (or turkey), healthy fats from fish oil, and a little fiber from the pumpkin.
Plus, it’s easy to digest and can be customized to fit your cat’s taste preferences or dietary needs.
Since it’s soft and smooth, it’s also perfect for cats who struggle with chewing or older cats with dental issues.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Lickable Cat Food:
1. Consistency Is Key: Adjust the water or broth for perfect consistency. It should be soft enough for your cat to lick but not too runny.
2. Safety First: Always use low-sodium broth to ensure your cat isn’t consuming too much salt.
3. Protein Variety: Switch up the protein! While chicken is a great base, use turkey, tuna, or even salmon for variety.
4. Taurine Addition: If your cat is on a homemade diet, adding a bit of taurine powder ensures they get this essential amino acid crucial for heart and eye health.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/RqF4xq9be7A?feature=oembedBest Lickable Cat Treats
Benefits of Homemade Lickable Cat Food
| Features | Values |
| Nutritional Control | You have full control over the ingredients, ensuring balanced nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals. |
| Allergy Management | Customizing the food helps avoid allergens and ensures it’s safe for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. |
| No Artificial Additives | Homemade recipes eliminate preservatives, colorants, and artificial flavors, which can sometimes harm cats. |
| Hydration Support | Lickable cat food is usually moist, promoting better hydration, which is important for feline kidney health. |
| Palatability | Cats are more likely to enjoy fresh, homemade food, enhancing their eating experience and overall satisfaction. |
| Digestive Health | Tailored recipes can be designed for easy digestion, avoiding irritants, and providing fiber for gut health. |
| Cost-Effective | In the long run, homemade food can be cheaper than store-bought premium cat food, especially for larger households. |
| Bonding Opportunity | Preparing food for your cat can foster a stronger bond between you and your pet. |
| Customization Options | Recipes can be altered for cats with unique dietary needs (e.g., senior cats, overweight cats). |
| Freshness and Quality | Homemade food is fresher than commercial products, offering a higher quality meal with no risk of stale food. |
| Better Ingredient Transparency | You know exactly what’s going into your cat’s food, avoiding low-quality fillers often found in commercial food. |
| Weight Management | You can control portion sizes, which helps manage your cat’s weight. |
| Supports Natural Diet | Homemade recipes can mimic a cat’s natural diet, supporting their biological needs. |
Advantages of Lickable Cat Food
This table outlines the key advantages of making homemade lickable cat food, providing a healthier, safer, and more personalized option for your feline companion.
Which Homemade Food is Good for Cats?
Homemade cat food typically includes high-quality protein sources like cooked chicken, turkey, or fish.
You can also include small amounts of cooked vegetables such as carrots or peas and a limited amount of grains like rice or oatmeal.
It’s essential to ensure the food is balanced with the right amount of taurine, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for a cat’s health.
Avoid harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, chocolate, and too much salt.
Are Lickable Treats Healthy for Cats?
Lickable treats can be healthy for cats if used in moderation and as a supplement to their regular diet.
They provide hydration and are often palatable, making them a good option for picky eaters or cats who need encouragement to drink more water.
However, they should not replace a balanced diet, as many commercial lickable treats may contain fillers, artificial additives, and lower nutritional value.
Homemade, lickable treats from wholesome, cat-safe ingredients can be healthier.
Conclusion
This Homemade Lickable Cat Food is an easy, nutritious, and cost-effective way to spoil your cat.
The smooth texture makes it irresistible to cats, especially those who love lickable treats and cat food.
Plus, by making it yourself, you can ensure that only high-quality, wholesome ingredients go into your cat’s food. This recipe is perfect for picky eaters or cats needing extra encouragement to eat.
This recipe will be a hit whether you want to give your kitty a healthy treat or a main meal.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures, and let me know how your kitty likes this recipe. Trust me, once you see the satisfied look on their face, you’ll make it again and again!