Why make Homemade Treats for Small Pets? Try These Expert-Approved Recipes!

As a loving pet owner, you understand the struggle of finding store-bought treats that are both healthy and enjoyable for your small pets. Many commercial treats are filled with artificial additives and sugars that can negatively impact your pet’s health. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on homemade treat recipes for small pets.

These recipes are designed to provide your furry friends with delicious and nutritious snacks without any harmful ingredients. Our expert knowledge in small pet diets ensures that your pets receive the best care and attention they deserve.

In this blog, you’ll discover a variety of homemade treat recipes, including options for hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, gerbils, and rats so that you can cater to your pet’s specific needs and preferences.

Preparing homemade pet treats is a wonderful way for families to bond with each other and also their pets. It is also a way to save a ton of money throughout the life of your pet. Add up these benefits and it’s a no brainer as to prefer to dive into making these treats!

Get ready to explore the world of homemade treats that will make your little companions happy and healthy!

1.    Homemade Treats for Hamsters

Feeding your hamster a well-balanced diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. While a pellet or seed mix should make up most of their diet, treating them to some healthy human foods is perfectly fine, making up about 10% of their total diet. To help you spoil your furry friend, we’ve put together some fun, easy, and nutritious homemade treat recipes. Just remember, moderation is key!

Hamster Cookies

If you’re feeling like a master chef for your little buddy, whip up these adorable and sweet “cookies” using the following ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered milk
• 1 cup wheat germ
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 egg white
• 100-gram jar of berry baby food

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients, adding water gradually to create a sticky dough.
2. Next, form small, pellet-sized pieces and place them on a lightly greased sheet.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes. Since they’re so tiny, they’ll bake quickly.
4. Now, Store the cookies in an airtight or freezer-safe container.

Feel free to adapt this recipe by using different baby food flavors or replacing the baby food with small fruit and veggie pieces from the safe foods list. Just avoid any baby food containing onion or garlic additives.

Sesame Seed Delights

These bite-sized goodies are not only fun for your hamster to hold but also provide a delicious and healthy snack. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• Sugar-free Cheerios
• Honey
• Oats

Directions:

5. In a bowl, mix sesame seeds and oats.
6. Place Cheerios in a small ziplock bag and crush them into small pieces (not too fine).
7. Add the crushed Cheerios to the seed and oat mixture, and give it a good stir.
8. Drizzle honey over the mixture, making sure everything is well-coated.
9. Use your fingers to mold the mixture into small balls that your hamster can easily hold.
10. Place the balls on a baking tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the treats for 10 minutes.
12. Allow the treats to cool completely before storing them in a cool place. Offer these delightful treats to your hamster occasionally as a tasty reward!

Peanut Butter Crunches

Pamper your hamster with these scrumptious Peanut Butter Crunches, perfect for satisfying their taste buds while providing a healthy treat. Follow the recipe below to create these delightful bites:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp crunchy reduced-fat peanut butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/3 cup water

Directions:

1. Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) for preheating.
2. Apply a non-stick spray or grease a baking sheet. Alternatively, utilize a mini-muffin pan to craft tiny muffins suitable for hamsters!
3. Blend all ingredients in a mixing bowl with a dough cutter.
4. Mold the dough into 1/2-inch spheres and position them on the baking sheet. They won’t expand, so you can place them closely.
5. Bake the treats for at least 45 min, then allow them to cool inside the oven to obtain a crispy texture.

2.  Homemade Treats for Guinea Pigs

When it comes to caring for your guinea pig, it’s essential to remember that while treats can be a fun way to bond with your furry friend and reward their good behavior, their primary diet should consist of unlimited grass hay and nutritionally complete, healthy guinea pig food with stabilized vitamin C. Here are some delicious and easy-to-make homemade treat recipes that your guinea pig will surely enjoy.

Cucumber-Melon Biscuits

Treat your guinea pig to refreshing Cucumber-Melon Biscuits that are both healthy and delicious. This easy recipe is perfect for providing extra nutrition without any fillers or preservatives.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Timothy guinea pig pellets, crushed
• 1 cucumber, blended
• Melon of your choice (watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, etc.), blended

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the ground Timothy pellets, pureed cucumber, and pureed melon.
2. Blend the ingredients thoroughly, incorporating lukewarm water in order to achieve a dough-like texture.
3. Mold the dough into a round, coin-like shape or any other preferred form.
4. Set the oven to 250-300°F (120-150°C) and bake the biscuits for 30-60 minutes, turning them over midway through.
5. Allow the biscuits to cool down for almost 15 min prior to serving. Refrigerate any remaining treats.

Sweet & Sour Oat Balls

Your guinea pig will love these Tangy & Sweet Oat Bites, which blend fruity and savory tastes perfectly.

Ingredients:

• ½ of a green apple shredded
• 2 sizeable shredded carrots
• 1 ½ cups of oat flakes
• ½ cup of crushed guinea pig Timothy feed pellets

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the grated green apple, grated carrots, oat flakes, and ground Timothy pellets.
2. Combine thoroughly, gradually adding warm water as necessary to form a dough-like consistency.
3. Mold the dough into small balls, roughly the size of a grape or your preferred shape.
4. Preheat oven to 250-300°F (120-150°C); bake bites for 30-60 minutes, flipping after approximately 20 minutes.
5. Allow the treats to cool for a minimum of 15 minutes before offering them to your guinea pig. Keep any remaining treats in the refrigerator.

Carrot and Hay Bites

Here is a quick homemade treat for guinea pigs:

1. 2 large carrots, grated
2. 1 cup hay, chopped
3. 1/4 cup water

In a bowl, mix the grated carrots and chopped hay. Add water gradually until you have a sticky mixture. Form small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until firm. Allow them to cool before giving them to your guinea pig.

3.  Homemade Treats for Rabbits

As rabbit owners, you want the best for your furry friends, and that includes providing them with delicious and healthy treats. Store-bought rabbit treats can sometimes contain added sugars or unhealthy ingredients, which is why making homemade treats for your rabbit can be a fantastic alternative.

Here are a few homemade rabbit treat recipes to get you started:

Bunny Bites:

Treat your furry friend to these delightful Bunny Bites, which combine the healthy ingredients of rabbit pellets and fresh vegetables, making them perfect for rewarding your rabbit.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground rabbit pellets
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 mashed ripe banana
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp water (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line the baking sheet.
2. Mix ground pellets and oat flour in a bowl.
3. Combine mashed banana, carrot, parsley, and cilantro in another bowl.
4. Add banana mixture to dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until firm and slightly golden.
7. Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Rabbit Veggie Treats:

Packed with nutritious leafy greens, carrots, and apples, these Rabbit Veggie Treats will make a tasty and wholesome addition to your bunny’s treat collection.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped leafy greens (kale, spinach, or bok choy)
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup grated apple (remove seeds and skin)
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. Mix chopped greens, grated carrot, and grated apple in a bowl.
3. Add oat flour to the vegetable mixture and mix well.
4. Add water to form a dough.
5. Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and slightly golden.
7. Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Note: Always introduce new treats gradually and feed them in moderation. Treats should be a supplement to your rabbit’s regular diet of hay, fresh vegetables, and a small number of pellets.

4.  Homemade Treats for Gerbils

Gerbils are naturally inclined towards dry or crunchy foods, enjoying seeds such as sunflower, linseed, and millet. However, these should be given in moderation due to their higher fat content compared to a gerbil’s dietary needs. Preparing homemade treats for your gerbil allows you to control the ingredients and provide a nutritious and enjoyable snack.

Here are two delightful and wholesome homemade treat recipes your gerbils will adore:

Gerbil Fruit and Pellet Treats

A tasty combination of fruits and pellets for a delightful snack:

Ingredients:

• 1 carrot, peeled and pureed
• 1/2 mashed banana
• 1/2 cup ground Cheerios or oats
• 1/2 cup ground gerbil or hamster pellets (e.g., Oxbow)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with tin foil.
2. In a large bowl, mix pureed carrot and mashed banana.
3. Add ground Cheerios or oats and ground pellets to the mixture, combining well. If the mixture is too dry, add a little water.
4. Roll the dough into small balls or use a cookie cutter to create shapes, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the treats cool completely before serving.

Millet and Sunflower Seed Treats

A crunchy and nutritious treat featuring seeds and a touch of honey:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup millet

1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds

1 tablespoon honey

Directions:

6. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. In a bowl, combine millet and sunflower seeds.
8. Drizzle honey over the seed mixture and stir until well-coated.
9. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Allow the treats to cool, then break them into small pieces before serving to your gerbil.

5.  Treats for Rats

Rats are intelligent and curious creatures who love exploring and trying new foods. They have versatile taste buds and can enjoy a variety of flavors and textures in their diet. Here are two delicious and nutritious homemade treat recipes for your rat that incorporate both protein and fresh vegetables:

Rat-Friendly Omelette

A protein-rich meal that combines the goodness of eggs and fresh vegetables for your rat’s delight:

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk the egg and mix in the chopped vegetables.
2. Heat the olive oil in a small non-stick pan over low heat.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and cook until the omelet is firm.
4. Allow the omelet to cool before cutting it into small pieces and serving it to your rat.

Protein-Packed Yoghurt Drops

These frozen treats combine the creaminess of Greek yogurt with the flavors of peanut butter and honey for a scrumptious snack your rat will love:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon peanut butter (without xylitol)

1 tablespoon honey

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and honey.
2. Drop small spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Freeze the yogurt drops until solid.
4. Give one yogurt drop to your rat as a treat.

Conclusion:

Homemade treats can be a great way to show your small pets some love and improve their quality of life. By following these simple and delicious recipes, you’ll be able to create fun, nutritious treats for your furry friends in no time. Just remember to always keep their dietary needs in mind and give treats in moderation.

FAQs

1.  Can I use regular peanut butter in these recipes?

It’s crucial to use peanut butter without xylitol, as xylitol is toxic to small pets. Look for natural peanut butter without any added sugar, salt, or preservatives.

2.  Can I freeze homemade treats for later use?

Yes, you can freeze most of the homemade treats in this article. It’s a great way to store them for longer periods and keep them fresh.

3.  Are there any ingredients I should avoid when making homemade treats for my small pets?

Avoid using ingredients that are toxic to your specific pet, such as chocolate, avocado, or anything containing xylitol. Make sure to research any ingredient you’re unsure about before using it in a treat recipe.

4.  How do I know if my pet is allergic to an ingredient in a homemade treat?

If you notice your pet having an adverse reaction after eating a homemade treat, such as itching, swelling, or digestive issues, stop giving the treat immediately and consult your veterinarian.