This year, why not spread the festive cheer with a homemade, cat-safe treat your kitty will love? Baking these Cat-Friendly Holiday Cookies is the purr-fect way to bond with your cat while helping them indulge in the holiday season with something tasty and nutritious. Whether you're cuddled up by the fire or hanging Christmas stockings, these wholesome cookies will keep your kitty purring with joy all season long. Let’s get those aprons on and paws ready to make some memories (and delicious cookies)!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned tuna (in water) or salmon, drained and mashed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup baked sweet potato, mashed (acts as a binder and adds texture)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or psyllium husk (for binding)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for added flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons water or bone broth (for moisture)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl or food processor, combine the mashed tuna or salmon, sweet potato, egg, flaxseed (or psyllium husk), nutritional yeast, and water or bone broth. Stir or blend until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
- Form the Cookies: Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a non-stick surface and cut into fun shapes (we love using small holiday-themed cookie cutters). If the dough is too wet, add a little more flaxseed to help it hold together.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until firm and slightly golden.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cookies cool completely before offering one to your kitty. Store the rest for later!
Optional Cat-Safe Frosting
Want to add a little holiday flair to these treats? Try this simple, cat-safe frosting that’s easy to make and adds a festive touch!
Ingredients:
- 1 Kitty Up Optimal Puree cat treat (flavor of your cat’s choice)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of water
- 1/4 teaspoon psyllium husk or ground flaxseed (for thickening)
Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine the Kitty Up Optimal Puree with water in a small bowl.
- Add the Thickener: Gradually sprinkle in the psyllium husk or flaxseed, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Let It Rest: Allow the frosting to sit for 5 minutes to fully thicken.
- Frost the Cookies: Use a spoon to drizzle or spread the frosting onto the cooled cookies for an extra festive look!
Nutritional Breakdown
This recipe should give you around 20, 1” cookies, making it perfect for treating your kitty throughout the holiday season.
- Calories (per cookie): 20.82
- Protein: 2.48 g
- Fat: 0.59 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.92 g
Storage Tips
Keep these cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Want to save some for later? Freeze them, and just thaw before serving!
Health Benefits of These Ingredients
- Canned tuna (in water) or salmon: A great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, helping to support your cat's muscle strength, skin health, and shiny coat.
- Egg: Eggs offer high-quality protein and essential amino acids that boost muscle maintenance and overall energy levels.
- Baked sweet potato: Rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes aid digestion, support the immune system, and improve vision.
- Ground flaxseed: A source of omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed helps reduce inflammation and promotes healthy skin and fur.
- Psyllium husk: An excellent fiber source that aids in digestion and supports healthy bowel movements.
- Nutritional yeast: Packed with B-vitamins, nutritional yeast enhances your cat’s energy and metabolism.
- Bone broth: Hydrating and nutrient-dense, bone broth promotes joint health, improves digestion, and supports hydration—especially important for older kitties.
Wrap It Up
Don't forget that these are still treats - so they shouldn't replace your cat's regular diet.
These festive, nutritious Cat-Friendly Christmas Cookies are sure to bring joy to your kitty and strengthen the bond you share this holiday season. So go ahead, pop on some Christmas music, grab those cookie cutters, and create some holiday magic for your cat!
What fun holiday traditions do you share with your cat? Did you start a new one with this recipe? Share your creations with us on Instagram @soykittylitter or Facebook @soykittylitter.
