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Superfood Pet Treats You Can Make at Home
Analysis by Dr. Karen Shaw BeckerJuly 03, 2022
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Chia chunks superfood pet treats are made from a two-ingredient recipe that includes chia seeds and pastured chicken or bison (or another animal protein of your choice)
- Chia seeds are a nutrient powerhouse, high in protein, plant-based omega-3 fats (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA); they’re also rich in amino acids, antioxidants, fiber, and flavonoids, along with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and niacin
When the seeds first began to be grown as a functional food in the U.S. (which occurred in 2014; most other chia seeds are grown in Mexico and Bolivia), they were promoted as equine food. However, these tiny seeds make excellent treats for dogs and cats, too, which is why I created the following recipe.
Chia Chunks Pet Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- Chia seeds
- Fresh, free-range animal protein such as chicken or bison
- Cut meat into bite-sized pieces
- Roll in chia seeds
- Place on ungreased baking sheet
- Bake at 350oF for 10 minutes
- Let cool and store in your refrigerator for up to a week or in your freezer for a month
Chia Seeds Are a Nutritional Powerhouse
Chia seeds have a nutritional profile that’s similar to flaxseeds but with one significant improvement. Because they contain such high levels of antioxidants, chia seeds are less prone to oxidation and rancidity and, may last up to two years with no refrigeration.2They are high in protein and contain an impressive amount of plant-based omega-3 fats, or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (chia seeds are comprised of up to 40% oil, 60% of which are omega-3s).3 In humans, the ALA omega-3s in chia seeds have been linked to several health benefits, many of which may also apply to animals, including:4
| Lowering triglycerides and supporting healthy cholesterol levels | Lowering blood pressure and heart disease risk |
| Anti-inflammatory activity | Liver-protective properties |
| Antidiabetic action | Protection against arthritis, autoimmune disease, and cancer |
Chia seeds are also rich in valuable amino acids, antioxidants, fiber, and flavonoids, along with nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and niacin. Further, they’re a rich source of the phytochemicals myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol, which are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.5
A handful of chia seeds goes a long way, with about 10 grams of fiber in just two tablespoons. That means even the sprinkling of seeds found in these Chia Chunks treats will add meaningful nutrition to your pet’s diet and can benefit pets suffering from bowel irregularity.
One thing to be aware of is that chia seeds take on a gelatinous texture when they’re mixed with water. This isn’t an issue for the above recipe since the seeds are kept dry and baked. However, if you mix chia seeds with water or a wet pet food, be mindful when feeding it to your pet, since an overabundance of the seeds (like a bowl full) could potentially lead to choking.
Pastured Chicken and Bison
For this easy-to-prepare recipe, the only other ingredient is high-quality grass-fed meat or poultry of your choice. Poultry, such as turkey or chicken is an excellent source of protein and contains all the B vitamins along with minerals like selenium.Other nutrients in poultry include zinc, copper, phosphorous, magnesium, and iron, along with sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine, which help thin mucus in the lungs so it’s easier to discharge.
Other amino acids in poultry, notably leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are important for cardiac and skeletal muscle health. Ideally, choose free-range, organic chicken (or turkey).
If you prefer, you can also make the treats with bison. Bison has a similar nutrient profile to beef, although it’s leaner and can be used as a novel protein for pets with food allergies or intolerances.
Food sensitivities are quite common these days and can pose a challenge when looking for foods to feed your dog or cat.
Pets with food intolerances should be placed on novel protein diets, also called elimination diets, to hopefully encourage their immune systems to stop overreacting and give their gastrointestinal (GI) tracts time to detoxify, heal, and function normally again. Examples of other novel proteins you might include in this recipe are ostrich, quail, rabbit, and duck.
If you’re looking for more homemade pet treat recipes, check out my free e-cookbook, Homemade Treats for Healthy Pets: Nutritious Recipes for Your Cats and Dogs. This e-book is filled with homemade dog and cat food ideas, which are personally formulated by my mom and me, and that I'm sure your pets will love. Over 20 species-appropriate recipes – crunchy morsels, savory treats, and even pet-friendly desserts – are included for your cats and dogs.
Sources and References
