Learn how to make delicious and nutritious tuna cat treats at home! These simple, healthy snacks are packed with flavor that your feline friend will love. Perfect for rewarding your cat with a tasty, homemade treat!
Yields: Approximately 30-40 small treats (depending on size)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna packed in water, drained well
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can also use whole wheat flour or oat flour)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, but adds a little healthy fat)
- 1 egg yolk (optional, helps with binding and adds nutrients)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (small, cat-themed shapes are fun!) or a knife/pizza cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, add the drained tuna. Mash it well with a fork until it’s finely broken down.
- If using, add the egg yolk and olive oil to the mashed tuna. Stir to combine.
- Add the water to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition until a dough starts to form.
Step 4: Form the Dough
- Once most of the flour is incorporated, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently for 1-2 minutes until it comes together into a smooth ball. It might be a little sticky, but avoid adding too much extra flour.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
- Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. The thinner the treats, the crispier they will be.
Step 6: Cut Out Shapes
- Use small cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into small squares or strips.
Step 7: Place on Baking Sheet
- Carefully transfer the cut-out treats to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each treat.
Step 8: Bake the Treats
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the treats are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch. Baking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of your treats.
Step 9: Cool Completely
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the treats cool completely on the sheet. They will crisp up as they cool.
Step 10: Treat Your Furry Friend!
- Once completely cool, store the tuna cat treats in an airtight container.
Storage:
- Store cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks.
- For longer storage (up to 2-3 months), you can freeze the treats. Make sure they are completely cooled before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before giving to your cat.
Important Notes:
- Moderation is key: Treats should only make up a small portion of your cat’s daily diet.
- Observe your cat: Always supervise your cat when introducing new treats to ensure they don’t have any adverse reactions.
- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with other cat-safe ingredients like a pinch of catnip or finely chopped cooked chicken, but adjust the liquid accordingly.
- Consult your vet: If your cat has any specific dietary needs or health concerns, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing homemade treats.
Enjoy making these tasty treats for your beloved feline companion!
