Cats are notorious for their finicky drinking habits, often leading to dehydration, especially on exciting outdoor adventures or during warmer months. If you’re a cat parent who enjoys exploring with your feline friend, or simply wants to ensure they’re getting enough fluids, you’ve likely encountered those convenient tube-like liquid cat treats. These “cat gogurts” are undeniably palatable and can be a sneaky way to boost your cat’s hydration on the go. Think of brands like Inaba Churu – they’re a hit! But while these Delectables Cat Food options are tasty and hydrating, they do come with a couple of drawbacks that might concern eco-conscious and practical pet owners.
The pre-packaged lickable cat treats, while convenient, often present two main issues. Firstly, once you open a tube, there’s no resealing it! Unless your cat devours the entire portion in one go, you’re left with a sticky, open tube that’s difficult to transport without making a mess. Wastefulness is another concern. Secondly, the vast majority of these delectables cat food style treats are packaged in single-use plastic. For those striving to reduce their environmental footprint, this adds up to considerable plastic waste.
Driven by these concerns, I embarked on a mission to create a homemade lickable cat treat recipe that addresses both the resealability and the single-use plastic problems. The goal was simple: a DIY delectables cat food alternative that could be stored after opening and served from a reusable container. After some experimentation, I’m thrilled to share a successful and easy recipe for homemade puree cat treats that my feline companions adore! While it might not be Michelin-star worthy, it’s a practical, eco-friendlier, and cost-effective solution for adventurous cat owners and anyone looking for a healthier treat option.
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DIY Delectables Cat Food: Homemade Lickable Cat Treat Recipe (Churu Copycat)
Important Note: This recipe is designed as a treat and should not replace a nutritionally complete and balanced cat food diet. Think of it as a delicious and hydrating supplement, not a meal.
| Ingredients: | Supplies Needed: |
|---|---|
| • 4 oz Cooked Chicken Breast (or your cat’s preferred protein source like fish or turkey)• Water | • Digital Food Scale (optional, for precise measurements)• Cutting Board• Knife• Measuring Spoons• Small Food Processor or Blender• Reusable Squeeze Bottles or Popsicle Molds (for freezing treats) |
Prep Time: Approximately 8-10 minutes
Recipe Notes: This recipe is easily scalable. Maintain a ratio of 1 tablespoon of water for every 1 ounce of cooked protein.
Get the Printable Recipe Here
Simple Steps to Delicious Homemade Delectables Cat Food:
Step 1: Protein Prep. Begin by measuring 4 ounces of cooked chicken breast. You can also use other cat-friendly protein sources like cooked and boneless fish (salmon, tuna) or turkey. Ensure the protein is cooked thoroughly and cooled slightly before proceeding.
Step 2: Boiling (if starting with raw protein). If you’re starting with raw chicken, place it in a pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Step 3: Chop and Cool. Cut the cooked chicken into smaller pieces. This will help your food processor or blender create a smoother puree consistency more efficiently. Let it cool down a bit before the next step.
Step 4: Blend to Perfection. Transfer the chopped chicken into your food processor or blender. Add 4 tablespoons of water. The water is crucial for achieving that signature lickable, pasty texture reminiscent of commercial delectables cat food.
Step 5: Puree Until Smooth. Blend the chicken and water mixture until it reaches a smooth, pasty consistency. Continue blending until no chunks of chicken remain, ensuring a palatable texture for your feline friend.
Step 6: Transfer and Store. Carefully pour the homemade liquid cat treat into your reusable squeeze bottle. If you have a funnel, it can make this step less messy! Alternatively, consider using popsicle tube molds, especially if you want to freeze portions for a refreshing summer treat.
Step 7: Bottle Modification (Optional). If using a squeeze bottle, you might need to slightly enlarge the bottle tip opening by carefully cutting a bit off the end. This ensures the treat flows out easily when your cat is enjoying it.
Step 8: Treat Time! Your homemade delectables cat food is ready to serve! Offer it to your cat directly from the squeeze bottle, or in a small dish.
Congratulations! You’ve now created a delicious and hydrating treat for your cat that’s perfect for adventures, training, or simply showing your feline some love. This homemade delectables cat food alternative is not only tasty but also allows for resealable storage and reduces single-use plastic waste thanks to the reusable container.
While homemade treats can be a tad messier than store-bought versions, the benefits of knowing exactly what goes into your cat’s treat and minimizing waste are well worth it. With a little practice, your cat will become a pro at enjoying their lickable treat straight from the bottle, minimizing any potential mess.
Too busy to DIY? You can always grab a case of Inaba Churus for convenience!
Explore More Cat Treat Ideas:
Discover 6 Easy Frozen Cat Treat Recipes for more ways to spoil your kitty!
Is your cat meant for a life of adventure?
Take our fun quiz to see if your feline is an adventure cat in disguise!
About the Author
Emily Hall, ABCCT, is a certified cat trainer and passionate advocate for feline adventures. Sharing her life with five cats and a dog, Emily has dedicated over a decade to writing within the pet industry. Her expertise focuses on enriching cat lives through travel, outdoor exploration, and positive training techniques.
Emily firmly believes in pushing the boundaries of what’s expected of cats, encouraging owners to explore the world alongside their feline companions. She and her husband frequently enjoy hiking, camping, road trips, and canoeing with their three adventure-loving cats. Learn more about Emily and her feline adventures here.
