How to Make Your Own Cat Treats
Just remember to mark the container clearly before storing it in the refrigerator.
Christmas and Hanukkah coincide this year, so there’s no better gift to give cat owners (and their felines) than some tasty homemade treats.
Here are two recipes featuring two feline favorites: liver and tuna. The treats are easy and quick to make. Package them in a cellophane bag with a bow or have fun hand painting a mason jar or ceramic container that can be reused and/or re-purposed.
Liver and Pumpkin Squares
Ingredients:
½ lb raw beef liver
2 large eggs
4 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp unsweetened canned pumpkin
1-cup instant oats
Water to make a batter
You will need:
A standard loaf pan or an 8- to 10-in. square cake pan
Food processor or blender
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Puree the liver in a food processor or blender.
- Add the pumpkin and blend in to the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the vegetable oil.
- Add the liver and pumpkin mix to eggs and oil bowl.
- Next, mix in the oats and add a little water until the mix is the consistency of thick cake batter.
- Use a cooking spray to lightly spray the pan and spoon in the mixture.
- Bake on a middle shelf in the oven for about 50 minutes until the mixture feels firm on the top.
- Allow to cool. Turn out onto a rack.
- When completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut in to tiny feline bite-sized pieces. The treats should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Tuna Delights
Ingredients:
1 can of tuna in oil
1 large egg
1¼ cups of flour, plus a little extra to dust your working surface
½ cup water
¼ to ½ tsp. fresh or dry parsley
You will need:
A food processor or blender
A cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
A metal bottle top to use as a cookie-cutter. (For example, use the top from a bottle of olive oil.)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Drain the oil off the tuna.
- Place all the ingredients in the food processor and blend until they reach the consistency of dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Use flour to dust your working surface.
- Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick and use the bottle top to cut out individual treats.
- Place the treats on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for about 20 minutes on a middle shelf in the oven.
- Allow the treats to cool. Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Happy holidays. And, remember to treat responsibly; treats have calories too!
About the Author: Sandy Robins is the 2013 winner of the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contribution to the Pet Industry Award.” Her work appears on many of the country’s leading pet platforms, such as MSNBC.com, MSN.com and TODAYShow.com. She is a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national and international publications, including Catster, as well as the author of the award-winning books “Fabulous Felines: Health and Beauty Secrets for the Pampered Cat” and “For The Love of Cats.” Learn more about Sandy on her website or Facebook page. #welovecats
Toys for Dogs
Christmas Mugs: Everyone loves a cheerful mug for the holidays. Imagine being able to drink spiced apple cider or eggnog from a mug with a Christmas dog motif, while helping find a cure for canine cancer at the same time. The National Canine Cancer Foundation is offering nine different dog-themed Christmas mugs, with proceeds going to the organization. Each mug hold 11 ounces. (
Pet Pillows: Nothing says love like your dog’s face on a throw pillow, thanks to Custom Pet Pillows! Upload a photo of your dog and his face will be printed on a light gray or medium brown pillowslip, which covers a 20-inch by 20-inch feather pillow. Detailed instructions on how to choose the best photo of your dog (or any other pet) and upload it are available on the Custom Pet Pillows website. (
Paw Print Ornament: You won’t find a better way to personalize a Christmas tree than with an ornament featuring your dog’s own paw print. Pearhead’s Pawprints Keepsake allows you to press your dog’s paw into a nontoxic, soft air-drying clay to capture the print. The kit comes with a plastic shaping ring, air-drying clay, a rolling pin, and a plastic hole punch. Red and green satin ribbons add a finishing touch and make the ornament hangable. The clay takes 24 to 48 hours to dry. (
Every dog and cat, whether naughty or nice, deserves a fun and festive holiday toy and West Paw Design has new ones for dogs and one for cats. The white-and-white striped Holiday Bear comes in two sizes (9 in. and 6 in.), contains a squeaker for extra fun. The soft and cuddly Holiday Stocking and Holiday Mitten are ideal for play or nap time; both are 6 inches in size. The bright-red Holiday Star is a soft, plush squeaker toy, 4 inches in size. In addition to the three new toys, the holiday line for dogs includes reindeer, gingerbread men, candy canes, Christmas trees and merry bones. For cats, West Paw Design offers the new Catnip Star. Hand-filled with USDA-certified organic catnip, your cat will love batting around and snuggling with the soft, Christmas-green toy. If you really want to spoil your cat, consider getting her a Holiday Field Mouse and/or a Holiday Big Sky Mouse as well. 
Zuke’s PureNZ Jerky Dog Treats are handcrafted in small batches from New Zealand sourced ingredients. Every pouch contains 80 to 90 percent real meat protein, such as grass-feed beef, green-lipped mussels, salmon and whitefish, along with high-quality fruits and vegetables. The limited-ingredient dog treats are available in four forms: 4-calorie Bites in Beef with Rabbit, Beef with Lamb and Beef with Venison recipes; soft, Cords in Beef & Turkey, Beef & Chicken and Beef & Duck recipes; thin-sliced Cuts in Beef with Salmon, Beef with Whitefish and Beef with Green Lipped Mussel recipes; and Steaks in Beef with Carrot, Beef with Potato and Beef with Sweet Potato recipes. Each form and recipe comes in 5-oz. resealable bags. 
Pamper your finicky felines this holiday season with Soft ‘n Tasty Baked Bites cat treats from Caru Pet Food. The first ingredient in these small-sized baked bits is USDA-inspected meat—chicken, chicken liver, salmon. Other beneficial ingredients include chickpeas, chicken broth and fish oil. The grain- and soy-free tidbits are formulated without any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Made in the USA by a family-owned company, the treats come in two recipes: Chicken and Salmon. 
Does your dog like to chew on toys? If yes, then KONG Dotz dog toys just might end up on your holiday shopping list. The interactive toys come in three shapes—circle, square and triangle—and feature layered textures (the dots) that will entice and delight the most eager of canine chewers. The toys’ playful, unpredictable bounce keeps dogs guessing as to where they’ll land next, while the nubby dots help keep dogs’ teeth and gums clean and healthy. To see the toys in action, click 
Keep your cats entertained—and away from the holiday decorations—with Coastal Pet Products’ Turbo Random Roller Cat Toy. Measuring 22-in. round, the interactive toy is designed to offer your cat (or cats) hours of mental stimulation and physical fun. The unpredictable movement of the battery-powered ball appeals to cats’ hunting instincts, while the dual-sided cover makes enticing crinkle noises during play—and keeps the ball from rolling away. Battery included. Click 
Petcurean Gather™ Organic pet food for dogs and cats is formulated using sustainably produced, certified organic ingredients that are caringly blended and balanced to provide your dog or cat with natural premium-quality nutrition. With nothing added that’s not needed, the pet foods feature single-source proteins, organic peas, lentils and other essential ingredients, such as omega 3 and 6 oils, to provide healthy, tasty meals for your dog or cat. There is one recipe for cats: Free Acres Organic Free-Run Chicken, which comes in 4- or8-lb bags. And three recipes for dogs, including Wild Ocean Line-Caught Cod and Free Acres Organic Free-Run Chicken, which are available in 6- or 16-lb. bags. 
Your feline companions deserve to look and feel their best while remaining safe indoors and out. Angel Pet Supplies’ Studded Cat Collars not only look great, their elastic breakaway and bell safety features ensure your cats stay safe wherever they are. The genuine leather cat collars are lightweight and comfortable, and come in two sizes—10 in. and 12 in.—and six stylish colors: black, white, pink, red, purple and turquoise blue. They are available from variety of independent pet retailers—brick-and-mortar and online. 
Could your dog do with a little extra protection from the weather this winter? Kruuse’s Buster brand offers a range of stylish jackets and coats for dogs that will help keep your best friend warm and dry in all types of weather. The Outdoor Winter Jacket provides warmth in extreme winter conditions; the Raincoat protects dogs in wet and windy weather; the Active Dog Jacket provides fashionable warmth; and the City Dog Jacket provides functional style on chilly days. All of the jackets and coats are easy to put on and take off; come in a range of colors; and are available in nine sizes, from XXS to XXL, for a comfortable and secure fit. 
OurPets® Pounce House™ is designed to stimulate cats’ hunter instinct and engage them in fun and healthful play. A motorized (and quiet) feather wand spins randomly to entice cats inside, while the large multiple openings provide them with easy access to bat at and pounce on their prey. After an exhausting workout, the ample-sized house (18x18x15 inches) is a great place for a catnap until it is time to spring back into action. The house is easy to set up and fold for storage; the wand’s motor is removable and powered by two AAA batteries (not included). 
Rosie’s™ Soft Dog Treats are made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, including 100 percent vegetarian-fed chicken, sustainably sourced salmon, chia and flax seeds. The grain- and soy-free treats come in four dog-palate-tempting flavors in 6-oz. resealable bags: Peanut Butter with Banana, Salmon and Ginger, Pumpkin with Cinnamon, and Chicken and Rosemary. As an added bonus, when you buy a bag of Rosie’s treats, you will also be helping homeless dogs find their forever homes. Through its Rescue Ally Project, Rosie’s will donate 10 percent of its proceeds to four rescues twice a year and place their images and stories on the treats’ packaging. 
“The Dog Tales Collection” by Patricia A. Brill, PhD, is an award-winning set of illustrated books that help parents start a conversation with their children about caring for pets. Three of the books—“Do Bad Dogs Get Cancer?” “The Road to Recovery is Paved with Dog Treats!” and “Don’t Say Good Bye Just Say See You!”—help children understand what occurs when a pet or loved one has cancer, under goes surgery and/or stays overnight at a hospital or dies. The fourth book, “Porsche Bella’s Forever Home” shows children the benefits of rescuing, fostering and/or adopting animals. 
The next time you have a movie night at home, don’t forget to include popcorn for your pup. Doggiee Snack Bar Organic Doggiee Pupcorn dog treats combine the fun of popcorn with the goodness of tasty meat and the benefits of a low-calorie treat. Available in two flavors—Organic Beefy Pupcorn and Organic Chicken Pupcorn—the treats are made with just two ingredients: all-natural popcorn and organic beef or chicken flavoring. The popcorn comes in 19.5 oz. eco-friendly burlap bags. 
Squeak is the newest member of the Orbee-Tuff® family of dog toys from Planet Dog. Just as durable as the original but now with a fun sound your dog is sure to love, the bouncy, buoyant, minty and chewy ball features a unique, patent-pending squeaker that contains no adhesives or glues, making it 100-percent nontoxic. Three-inches round, the Squeak is available in two fun colors—bright orange and clear-sky blue—and has a 5/5 durability rating for the most aggressive chewers. Like all Orbee-Tuff toys, it is made in the USA and 100 percent guaranteed. 
PureBites® Mixers for cats are made with 100 percent pure meat. Formulated for use as a topper, mixer, appetizer or treat, their aroma, texture and freshness will help satisfy your cat’s carnivorous cravings. Naturally high in protein with only 30 calories per 1.76-oz. tray, PureBites Mixers come in five recipes, which contain only chicken and/or fish and water: chicken breast, wild skipjack tuna, chicken breast & wild ocean shrimp, wild skipjack tuna & Alaskan salmon, wild skipjack tuna & chicken breast. 
PawFlex Wickedly Potent! dog shampoos are formulated with pure essential oils, botanical butters and healthy plant oils, such as olive and coconut to help nourish and care for your dog’s skin and coat—and be kind to our planet at the same time. The shampoos are produced in small batches to ensure freshness, consistency and perfection. They come in clear 8.5-oz. bottles so you can see the ingredients’ natural colors—no dyes or coloring ingredients are use. The shampoos are available in eight formulas for a variety of benefits: Calming, Itchy Mutt, Puppy Love, Healing Skin, Achy Joints, Flea & Ticks, Smelly Dog and The Everything Shampoo! 
New Age Pet’s Habitat ‘n Home Jumbo Litter Loo for cats is designed to accommodate the largest sized litter boxes as well as smaller ones. Featuring a larger overall size to accommodate larger pans and self-cleaning litter boxes, the Loo’s pull down front panel makes installation and removal of the litter box a snap and the shelf provides storage space for litter box accessories and tools. Made of ecoFLEX™, a non-toxic composite material comprised of recyclable polymers and reclaimed poplar, the Jumbo Litter Loo is available three colors: Espresso, Russet and Antique White. 
Even though stores have been displaying Halloween-themed items since August, we’ve finally reached the holiday’s home month, which is why I’m giving you a look at some of the fun new costumes that are available for all kinds of pets.
The Tarantula made video news last year when a man dressed his small dog up as a giant spider and terrorized those out for their evening walk (don’t do that; it’s a good way to get your dog seriously injured). Instead, try out a startling lifelike fuzzy tarantula from Zack & Zoey. If also offers other creepy costumes, such as a scorpion, as well as a plethora of adorable ones (mermaid, dragon, owl, giraffe and more). You can find Zack & Zoey costumes at Amazon.com, BaxterBoo.com and other online retailers as well as several independent pet stores.
Your dog might also make a great dinosaur and if that’s the case, check out the range of costumes by Animal Planet. You can dress up your dog as a stegosaurus, raptor or triceratops. And if dinosaurs aren’t your thing, you could select from a wide variety of critters by Animal Planet, including bats, butterflies, whales, sharks, tortoises, zebras, etc. The costumes are available from Amazon.com and other online retailers.
New this year for dogs is the Troll costume, which will also be the star attraction in theatres this fall. The Troll is part of the new AKC Pet Costume line by BH Pet Gear, which features a variety of fun, adorable, comfortable and safe dress-up options, including an elephant, shark, monkey, pumpkin, wonder dog and devil. All the AKC-brand costumes are available online and in independent pet stores.
If you’re not sure your dog would enjoy wearing a costume (and many dogs are not interested in doing so), then don’t force them. There are many other options, such as specially designed paint for pets from 
Cats rarely submit to wearing a costume, but there are some who willingly (or grudgingly) accept playing dress up. There are a few costume options for those of you with obliging cats. 
If you cannot get your cat into a costume without risking bodily harm, consider dressing yourself up with your cat as a prop. You could have your cat on hand for picture or two and then replace her with a stuffed animal while you’re at parties or out roaming the neighborhood. One of my favorites is Alice in Wonderland the Cheshire Cat. You could even pick up a 
If your cat loves fish, consider adding Cat Sushi cat treats from SF Pet Foods to your shopping list. Made from just one ingredient—100 percent skipjack tuna—the all-natural, flaked treats are high in protein and low in fat, making them deliciously healthful for discerning felines everywhere. Using an ancient process that slowly dries the fish and then slices it into extremely thin pieces, Cat Sushi features only the largest flakes. It is great as an appetizer or a standalone treat and can be mixed in with dry or wet food. 
Ever wondered what your dog does at home while you’re away? The Petzi Treat Cam™ lets you check in on your pets and share treats with them from anywhere at any time. The app-controlled, Wi-Fi-connected remote pet treat dispenser makes it easy to check-in and interact with your pet from any smartphone or tablet. The cam features a wide-angle camera with night vision, high-quality audio and a universal treat launcher that works with any dry, crunchy treat smaller than 1 inch. It comes with multiple mounting options so that you can place the treat cam wherever it best suits your needs. A dedicated iOS or Android app controls the device and makes it easy to share captured images. 
Nekochan’s handcrafted and extremely realistic Neko Flies cat toys are designed to provide hours of exercise and fun for your cat—and you. Made with only cat-safe materials, the dangling toys come in eight critter shapes that are sure to captivate your cat: a creepy, crawly spider with dangly legs; an iridescent-winged dragonfly; a furry and a fluffy long-tailed mouse; a dangly legged centipede; a long-tailed cicada; an iridescent winged butterfly; and a BirBug (part-bird, part-bug). The toys attach to either a basic, 22-in. clear acrylic rod or an adjustable (18, 25 and 32 in.), telescoping rod made of graphite material. 
P.L.A.Y.’s Pet Teepee provides a fun and safe snuggle space for your pet, and adds an architectural design element to your home. Constructed of 100 percent, cotton canvas and pinewood poles, the cozy hideout features a circular front opening and removable interior cushion, making it great spot for your dog or cat to play or nap. Designed for easy set-up and care (the canvas is machine washable and dryer friendly), the durable Pet Teepee comes in four styles—Moroccan pattern in navy blue or marsala, denim and classic—measuring 24.8 x 24.8 x 29.1 inches in size. 
Get your dog packed up and ready to go on a long or short hike with Kurgo’s lightweight, tough, adjustable-fit Baxter Pack dog backpack. Designed to withstand rugged outdoor conditions, it has eight different adjustment points to get the proper fit for any dog. The backpack includes a rear-mounted leash hook that works like a harness and the ergonomic padded spine support contours to a dog’s back for a comfortable fit and provides weight distribution for the two saddlebags. The pack has space to store all of your canine’s travel essentials (food, treats, toys, first-aid supplies and travel bowls) and includes a large handle to help dogs over rock scrambles or extract them from water. Available in two sizes, the pack comes in Barn Red, Coastal Blue, Sea Glass, Purple & Gray, Black & Orange and Ink Blue & Electric Green. 
Handcrafted from real wood and designed to complement any room, the Curio® reimagines the cat litter box as a piece of fine furniture. Inspired by classic mid-20th century design, it is made in the USA of furniture-quality, pre-finished europlywood. Inside is a custom-fitted Curio Litter Liner litter pan, which is constructed from durable, waterproof polymer and features 10-in. high walls for litter retention and side handles for easy lift out. (The Curio also accommodates many standard size litter pans.) It is available in three styles: maple, walnut and patterned walnut and comes with a 30-day money-back return policy and is covered by a limited one-year warranty. 
AnimaTwists are a new kind of dog toy that lets you mix and match components to make ideal playthings—kibble ball, chew-filled toy, rope/treat toy or rope/treat/chew-filled toy—for your canine companion. The Classic Set includes a Chew Decker, a Rope Kibbler (which includes a bottom cap to create a kibble ball) and one AnimaChew. All of the components are also sold separately. The toys are made of nontoxic nylon and polyester-cotton dental rope. AnimaChews are made in the USA and contain just three ingredients: cow’s milk, salt and limejuice. 
Pet Botanics’ Simply Salmon Strips and Simply Salmon Cutlets dog treats are made from 99 percent fresh Atlantic salmon that is flash frozen and shipped to Florida, where it is smoked to retain taste, color and nutritional value (the remaining 1 percent is sea salt used in the smoking process). The treats have a tantalizing aroma and delectable taste that will entice even the finickiest canine. Naturally loaded with omega fatty acids, the treats are also free of antibiotics, hormones and artificial flavors and colors. 
The Hydro Pet is an automatic outdoor watering system designed to provide fresh water for your pets while recycling the old water to nearby plants, shrubs or trees in your yard. The system’s BPA-free, 1.05-gallon bowl incorporates three micro-jets that agitate the water to help expel light debris and insect larvae. Easy to install to existing outdoor faucets and drip or sprinkler systems, each kit contains everything you need for setup and includes three stakes to anchor the bowl in place. The Hydro Pet is ideal for any small to large pets—dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, pigs, etc.—that spend time outdoors. 
Isle of Dogs’ new functional dog treats, Daily Essentials, are formulated to provide a daily dose of whole-food goodness with a delicious crunch. Made and sourced in the USA, the all-natural, pumpkin-based treats’ simple recipe includes only grains, fruits, vegetables and herbs. Dairy-, gluten- and soy-free, the dog treats come in 14.-oz. boxes and four delectable varieties: Healthy Skin & Shiny Coat with carrots, cranberry and rosemary; Puppy Growth & Brain Development with banana, peanut butter and broccoli; Cleans Teeth & Freshens Breath with apples, parsley and peppermint; and Hip, Joint & Bone Health with blackberries, raspberries and ginger. 
West Paw Design’s charismatic Caterpillar cat toy is designed to keep felines entertained for hours on end and afterwards snuggle up with it for a restful nap. Filled with premium, USDA certified organically grown catnip and a sewn-inside tinkling bell, your cat won’t be able to leave this floppy, wiggly toy alone. Handcrafted in Montana and made from soft sheepskin, it is available in two colors: Robin Blue or Wine Red. 
Your pets can now celebrate Oktoberfest with you anytime thanks to Fromm Family Foods latest entrée: Hasen Duckenpfeffer, a grain-free dry food for dogs and cats. Specially prepared in small batches, the recipes for Hasen Duckenpfeffer for Dogs and Hasen Duckenpfeffer for Cats were inspired by traditional German rabbit stew. They feature rabbit and duck together with potatoes, carrots and celery. The dog food is available in 4-, 12- and 26-lb. bags; the cat food comes in 2-, 5- and 15-lb. bags.
It’s important for dogs to have access to a well-stocked toy box filled with interesting items that will keep them mentally and physically engaged.
Petmate WWE Sports Superstars 
Fuzzy Flyers 
goDog™ Sonic Stick 
Kurgo’s new outdoor toys are based on classic yard games. The Wapple Ball was inspired by the classic 1953 game of Whiffle Ball. Use a bat, tennis racquet or a lacrosse stick to get the game going. The Tossing Disc is the rough and tough version of the traditional Frisbee and glides through the air with ease. The Target Jack is designed to land with its point up no matter how hard or how far you throw it, making it easy for your dog to spot, even in the water. This versatile toy pairs well with the Tossing Ring. The Doggie Darts are durable, chew-safe, and non- toxic darts ideal for a game of fetch at the park. Huck-It Horseshoe is a dog-friendly version of the traditional game. Put a few stakes in the ground to get some accuracy practice while your dog gets his exercise. Lastly, the Backyard Birdie replicates the Badminton birdie. If you can’t remember how to play these games, the company has produced a booklet available in stores and also on line to remind you of the rules. 
Petlogix a new dog toy brand from Hyper Pet. Unlike other dog toy launchers on the market, the Zinger offers a variety of interchangeable throw accessories making playtime more fun and exciting for dogs and their owners alike. There are two versions, one for medium and large dogs and the Zinger Junior for small dogs and puppies.
The Buster ActivityMat 
Squeakimals™ dog toys from Outward Hound feature cute characters packed with noisemakers to keep dogs engaged and entertained. Filled with squeakers, peepers, honkers and grunters, along with engaging crinkle material, the stuffing-free soft toys help make playtime much more fun and exciting. As an added bonus for tough chewers, the squeakers will still squeak when punctured. Available in two sizes, 9 in. and 21 in., the toys come in four cute designs: Moose, Monkey, 3-Eyed Monster and Lip Monster. 
Petstages’ lnvironment Scratch N Roll cat scratcher and lounge combines scratch, roll and rest activities with the look and feel of nature to keep cats engaged. It features rugged sisal and durable carpet sides for vigorous claw sharpening, a sloped grassy area for rolling and resting (and scratching, too) and durable construction for long-lasting enjoyment. The scratcher/lounger is 16x7x11 inches in size, making it large enough for most cats yet small enough to fit anywhere. 
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their nutritional needs can only be met through the consumption of animal-based diets. TikiPets’ Tiki Cat Born Carnivore dry cat food is made with more than 30 percent fresh chicken and/or fish (herring and salmon), along with chicken and fish meals, whole peas and chickpeas, pumpkin and salmon oil. The high-protein, low-carbohydrate kibble is baked to preserve key nutrients. It comes in three formulas—Fish Luau, Chicken Luau and Chicken & Fish Luau in 3-, 6- or 12-lb. bags. 
The new and improved Pill-Masker from Tomlyn is formulated to make giving your pet pills much easier. The moist, shapeable, highly palatable bacon-flavored paste fits all pill sizes, doesn’t dry out, won’t stick to floors or furniture and can even be used as a treat and/or for training purposes. Available in two formulas, Paste for Cats and Paste for Dogs & Cats, Pill-Masker comes in 4-oz. jar that holds approximately 56 servings. 
