If you love spoiling your cat with something special, these homemade Shrimp and Parmesan Cat Crackers are a fantastic treat.
They are easy to make and use simple, cat-safe ingredients. Unlike store-bought snacks, you know exactly what is in each crunchy bite.
Your cat will go crazy for the savory shrimp and cheesy flavor. This recipe is designed for cats, not people, so it has no extra salt or unsafe seasonings.
What You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients and tools you need to make these cat crackers. Use exact measurements for the best texture.
- 1/2 cup cooked, peeled shrimp (no shells, no tails, no seasoning)
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (real Parmesan, not the shaker kind)
- 1/4 cup oat flour (or grind rolled oats into a powder)
- 1 tablespoon plain, unsweetened yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)
- 1 tablespoon water (add more if dough is too dry)
You will also need a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and parchment paper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully for the best results. Keep your cat out of the kitchen while you handle raw dough.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the cooked shrimp in a bowl until it is a chunky paste. A fork works great for this.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, oat flour, yogurt, and water. Mix everything together until a stiff dough forms. If it is too sticky, add a tiny bit more oat flour.
- Sprinkle a little oat flour on your work surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a rolling pin for even thickness.
- Cut the dough into small, cat-friendly shapes. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to make tiny squares or triangles. Keep them bite-sized.
- Place the crackers on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one so they bake evenly.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the crackers are firm.
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will get crunchier as they cool.
Keeping It Fresh
Store these crackers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
For longer storage, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the cooled crackers in a single layer inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to three months.
When you want to serve one, just take it out and let it thaw for a few minutes. Always serve these as a treat, not a full meal.
A good rule is to give your cat no more than two or three small crackers per day, depending on their size and activity level.
Adjust portions as needed for your cat’s diet.
Why This is Good for Your Cat
Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps support strong muscles and a healthy coat.
It is also low in fat and easy for most cats to digest. Parmesan cheese adds a tiny bit of calcium and flavor, but it is used in small amounts to keep the treat balanced.
Oat flour is a gentle, gluten-free grain that provides fiber for healthy digestion. Yogurt adds probiotics, which can support gut health.
Remember, treats should make up no more than ten percent of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Always provide fresh water and a high-quality complete cat food as the main part of their diet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not add any salt, onion powder, garlic powder, or other seasonings. These are toxic to cats.
Even a small amount of garlic or onion can cause serious health problems. Avoid using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese from a can. It often contains preservatives and anti-caking agents.
Always grate your own Parmesan from a block. Do not overcook the crackers. If they burn, the texture becomes hard and the shrimp flavor turns bitter.
Burnt crackers can also upset your cat’s stomach. Do not make the crackers too large. Cats have small mouths and may choke on big pieces.
Always cut them into tiny, manageable bites. Finally, do not feed these crackers to kittens under six months old. Their digestive systems are still developing, and solid treats can be hard for them to handle.
Alternatives
If your cat does not like shrimp, you can swap it with cooked, unseasoned chicken breast, turkey, or salmon.
Just make sure all bones and skin are removed. For a dairy free version, replace the Parmesan cheese with a small amount of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use water instead of yogurt.
If your cat has a grain sensitivity, use chickpea flour or almond flour instead of oat flour. Keep the portions small because nut flours are higher in fat.
You can also add a pinch of dried catnip or a tiny amount of pure pumpkin puree for extra variety. Pumpkin is great for digestion.
FAQs
How many crackers can I give my cat per day?
Start with one or two small crackers per day. Adjust based on your cat’s size and overall diet. These are treats, not a meal replacement.
Can I use canned shrimp?
Yes, but choose canned shrimp packed in water with no added salt or preservatives. Rinse them well before mashing.
Do I have to use oat flour?
No, you can use any cat safe flour like whole wheat flour, rice flour, or coconut flour. Coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so add water slowly.
Can I skip the yogurt?
Yes, simply replace the yogurt with an equal amount of water or unsalted chicken broth. Make sure the broth has no onion or garlic.
How long do these crackers last at room temperature?
It is best to store them in the fridge. They can sit out for a few hours during a training session, but refrigerate any leftovers.
Are these crackers safe for dogs too?
These are made for cats, but dogs can eat them in small amounts. Just check with your vet first, especially if your dog has dietary restrictions.
