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Healthy Snacks for Cats
May 23, 2010
As an obligatory carnivore, a cat is designed by nature to eat a high protein, low carb diet with moderate amounts of animal fat. As with dogs, pet stores and pet aisles in supermarkets are filled with products that will make your cat sit up and beg, but most of these treats are poor choices. Here are some healthy alternatives:
• Carrots and zucchini, either shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces. Suitable for those with chronic pancreatitis.
• Alfalfa sprouts
• Catnip makes a fine cat treat, its low-calorie and a pretty garden plant, too.
• Cat grass is easy to grow in a sunny window
• Dried and fresh greens are also available in pet stores.
Always be sure the plant you’re offering your cat is safe for felines. If you’re not sure a plant is cat-safe, check the ASPCA’s web site for information on plants toxic to felines. If you think your cat may have eaten a dangerous plant call us immediately, or contact the Animal Poison Control Center at(888-426-4435.
If you prefer to have a handy packaged treat Halo’s Liv-a-Littles® 100% Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Protein Treats are also suitable for cats as well as dogs with chronic pancreatitis. You can also try making your own treats using The Homemade Chicken Treats for My Dog recipe and making the treats smaller, kitty sized.
Another home made treat we found on the internet is for Tuna Pops:
Drain liquid from tuna packed in spring water. Freeze liquid in small ice cube trays (cocktail ice cube trays work nicely, as well as little square pill boxes available at most drug stores - only fill these half full). Give no more than 2 cubes at 1 time as a treat. Reuse your can of drained tuna by placing in it an airtight container and covering with filtered water overnight for a second batch of tuna-pop water.
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