Irresistible fish-flavored treats that will have your cat purring with delight
Note: Use water-packed tuna, not oil-packed. Ensure tuna is fully drained to prevent soggy treats. For more cat-friendly recipes, see our Salmon Cat Cookies.
Drain the tuna thoroughly, pressing out excess water with a paper towel. Flake the tuna into small pieces. The drier the tuna, the better the texture of your treats will be.
If using fresh tuna, ensure it's fully cooked and cooled before using. Never use raw fish in cat treats, as it can contain parasites harmful to cats.
In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, egg, and water. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be slightly wet but not runny.
Add the catnip and mix thoroughly. Catnip adds an irresistible aroma that most cats find appealing. If your cat doesn't respond to catnip, you can omit it, but the treats will still be delicious.
Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be firm enough to roll but still slightly sticky.
If the dough is too wet, add a bit more flour. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. The consistency should allow you to shape the treats easily.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls (about 1/2 inch) or use a small cookie cutter to create fun shapes. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
For training treats, make them smaller (1/4 inch). For regular treats, 1/2 inch is perfect. You can also flatten them slightly with a fork for a more traditional cookie shape.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until treats are firm and slightly golden. The treats should be dry to the touch but not hard.
Since cats prefer softer textures than dogs, these treats should be slightly softer than dog biscuits. They should break easily but not crumble. For more baking tips, see our Baking Techniques guide.
Allow treats to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Due to the fish content, these treats should be refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Learn more about proper storage methods.
Remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calories. For a 10-pound cat, this means approximately 20-30 calories from treats per day. Learn more about portion control for cats.
For softer treats, reduce baking time by 3-5 minutes. For crunchier treats, bake 5 minutes longer. Most cats prefer softer textures, so err on the side of under-baking rather than over-baking.
Try adding a small amount of pureed chicken or salmon for variety. You can also experiment with different types of fish, but always ensure they're fully cooked. Some cats enjoy a hint of dried parsley for added flavor.
Make treats small enough for your cat to eat in one or two bites. Large treats can be broken into smaller pieces. For kittens, make treats even smaller to prevent choking.
While cats love these treats, limit them to 2-3 treats per day for an average-sized cat. Too many fish-based treats can lead to nutritional imbalances. Rotate with other treat types for variety.