Table of Contents
1. Recipe Overview
2. Nutritional Benefits
3. Ingredients
4. Equipment Needed
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
6. Storage & Shelf Life
7. Customization Options
8. Safety & Feeding Guidelines
9. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~20 minutes
- Yield: 25–35 small treats
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Diet: Grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free
- Suitable for: Cats and dogs (puppies & kittens included)
This simple 3-ingredient recipe, originally shared by Instagram creator @catmurgel, has gained massive popularity for its simplicity and pet-approved taste. Using only chicken, egg, and optional pet-safe herbs, these baked drops deliver high-quality protein without fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors.
2. Nutritional Benefits
- High biological value protein from chicken
- Biotin & healthy fats from egg yolk (supports skin & coat)
- Low carbohydrate (ideal for weight management)
- Approximately 6–9 kcal per treat (easy portion control)
- Naturally grain-free and gluten-free
3. Ingredients (for ~30 small treats)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken | 140 g (5 oz) | Breast or thigh; raw or lightly cooked |
| Large egg | 1 whole | Provides binding and extra nutrients |
| Dried catnip or parsley | ½ tsp (optional) | Catnip for cats; parsley for dogs (freshens breath) |
4. Equipment Needed
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Baking sheet + parchment paper or silicone mat
- Teaspoon or small cookie scoop
- Oven
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place 140 g chicken and 1 whole egg in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth (30–45 seconds).
- Optional: Add ½ tsp dried catnip (for cats) or parsley (for dogs) and pulse once more.
- Using a teaspoon, drop small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten with the back of the spoon if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and firm. For extra crunch, flip halfway.
- Cool completely on a wire rack (treats will harden as they cool).
- Offer 1–3 treats depending on your pet’s size.
6. Storage & Shelf Life
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags
- Always bring frozen treats to room temperature before serving
7. Customization Options
| Pet | Add-in (1–2 tsp) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Dried catnip or tuna juice | Increases excitement |
| Dogs | Grated carrot or pumpkin | Fiber & beta-carotene |
| Both | Boneless salmon or turkey | Flavor variety |
Avoid: onion, garlic, salt, xylitol, chocolate, grapes, or raisins.
8. Safety & Feeding Guidelines
- Treats should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake.
- Introduce gradually and monitor for any digestive upset.
- Safe for puppies and kittens over 8 weeks.
- Raw chicken is safe when fully baked at 180°C, but pre-cooked chicken may be used if preferred.
- Consult your veterinarian before adding new foods, especially for pets with allergies or medical conditions.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use only egg whites?
A: Yes, but the yolk provides valuable nutrients and helps with binding.
Q: My mixture is too runny. What should I do?
A: Add 5–10 g more chicken and blend again.
Q: Are these crunchy or soft?
A: They become semi-crunchy once fully cooled. Bake 2–3 minutes longer for extra crispiness.
Q: Can I make them larger for big dogs?
A: Absolutely—increase drop size and extend baking time by 3–5 minutes.
This quick, vet-friendly recipe proves that healthy homemade treats don’t require complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Your cat or dog will love the taste, and you’ll love knowing exactly what’s in every bite.
Recipe inspired by Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKPOk-NIlPm/ (@catmurgel)