Because of Rover sitter Janelle Leeson for this visitor submit, initially revealed on her weblog, Paws PDX Travels, which chronicles her adventures together with her cats, Lyra and Atlas.
We love fall. From crispy leaves underneath our paws, to chill afternoon hikes, it’s really one of the best season to be an journey cat!
Like lots of our cat journey buddies, we take puree push-up treats on each hike. They’re a high-reward deal with and supply very important hydration. However store-bought treats could be stuffed with preservatives, so whereas I sip on my 600-calorie pumpkin spiced latte, I wish to be certain that my cats eat one of the best meals.
So, I placed on my cozy sweater and I set to work making my very own fall-inspired DIY cat push-up deal with.
Courtesy Janelle Leeson
Cats can eat pumpkin within the appropriate kind and amount. And it’s nonetheless more healthy than my PSL.
Let’s begin by discussing the weight loss program cats are born to eat. They’re obligate carnivores, which suggests they have been born to eat animal proteins. Their our bodies aren’t actually meant to interrupt down and digest plant proteins—like pumpkin, corn, potato, or among the different elements usually present in business pet meals. You possibly can be taught extra about Atlas and Lyra’s diet here.
Nevertheless, a small quantity of pure pureed pumpkin is okay as a deal with each from time to time. In reality, pumpkin is low in energy and excessive in fiber, filling your cat up with out wrecking their weight administration targets. And, in case your cat is experiencing digestive upset (diarrhea or constipation), the soluble and insoluble fiber present in pumpkin may help get issues again on monitor. However an excessive amount of pumpkin and your cat might develop digestive upset.
Bear in mind, pumpkin must be use as an occasional deal with and any long-term digestive points, in addition to your cat’s weight loss program on the whole, must be mentioned along with your vet.
As for pumpkin pie and pumpkin pie filling? Maintain the pie all to your self! Spices comparable to allspice and cloves are poisonous to our feline buddies. To not point out the upset abdomen they could expertise from sugar, milk, and different elements.
Pumpkin Push-Up Cat Treats
For these limited-ingredient treats, I selected three elements: rooster, pumpkin, and water. It’s that straightforward.
The enjoyable factor about this recipe (aside from sharing a secure Thanksgiving deal with along with your cat!) is that it could actually simply be altered. Be at liberty to change up the protein and add different elements which might be scrumptious and useful to your cat—uncooked goat’s milk, fish oil, and dietary yeast are only a few nice choices! Or, you’ll be able to sprinkle somewhat catnip on prime and you’ve got your self a pawty deal with!
- Yield: 6 3-oz treats 1x
Scale
Elements
- 2 boneless, skinless rooster breast
- 1/3 cup pure pureed pumpkin
- 1/2 cup water or cooking liquid (such because the water used to boil the rooster)
Directions
Cook dinner the rooster: In a medium-sized saucepan, place two boneless and skinless breasts in simply sufficient water to cowl. Carry the water to a simmer, cowl, and prepare dinner till the rooster reaches an inside temperature of 160 levels Fahrenheit.
Mix the elements: Take away the rooster from the pan to chill, reserving the liquid for later. Roughly chop the rooster and place it in a high-powered blender or meals processor together with the pure pumpkin puree. Add 1/2 water or reserved cooking liquid and mix, including extra water as wanted till the combination is easy.
Fill your molds: Switch your blended puree to a freezer-safe, single-serving container, leaving a half-inch hole between puree and the highest for enlargement within the freezer. You possibly can serve instantly, or freeze for as much as 4 months. Optionally, sprinkle the highest of the deal with with catnip.
Notes
To serve and retailer my do-it-yourself treats, I purchased silicone molds. Though my cats are raw-fed, I selected to make use of cooked protein for secure serving. Altas and Lyra cherished the deal with contemporary, or pop them within the freezer for as much as 4 months for a chilly deal with!
Utilizing these molds, my treats have been about 3 ounces every, which is massive. When you’ve got two or extra cats sharing the deal with, this serving measurement is appropriate. For one cat I’d suggest filling the molds solely midway.
Concerning the writer: Janelle Leeson is a Rover sitter, a cat mum to 2 resident journey kitties, and a cat mum to quite a few cat and kitten fosters! Janelle and her furry household get pleasure from filling their days with climbing, kayaking, and looking for out one of the best cat-friendly locations. Janelle can also be one of many recipients of the 2021 Rover Above and Beyond award. You possibly can comply with Janelle, her journey kitties, and her adoptable fosters at @paws_pdx and Paws PDX Travels.
Additional Studying
