Homemade Fish & Oatmeal Energy Treats for Cats

/ Cats, Diet / By
"Overhead view of homemade salmon and oat flour cat treats on a rustic wire rack, with scattered dried catnip leaves, a bowl of pink salmon, and taurine supplement in the background"

Homemade Fish & Oatmeal Energy Treats for Cats

(Vet-Approved, Omega-3 Rich Cat Treats)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6 cat portions (approximately 24 treats)

Calories per treat: 25

Protein: 3g per treat

Difficulty: Easy

Cost: $10-15

Dietary Notes: Fish-based, grain-inclusive

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Alternative tools:

  • Food processor (optional, for smoother consistency)
  • Silicone spatula (or wooden spoon)

Ingredients

  • 1 can (5 oz/142g) pink salmon, drained
  • 1 cup (120g) oat flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • ¼:
    • Canned tuna for salmon
    • Regular flour for oat flour (though oat is preferable)

    Fresh pink salmon being drained in a mixing bowl under natural light in a kitchen with a stainless steel sink

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
    2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper
    3. Drain salmon thoroughly, removing any bones
    4. In your mixing bowl, mash salmon until finely broken down
    5. Add oat flour, beaten egg, olive oil, and catnip
    6. Mix until you have a firm, moldable dough
    7. Form into small balls (about 1-inch diameter)
    8. Place on lined baking sheet, leaving space between each
    9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown
    10. Let cool completely before serving

    Hands mixing salmon, oat flour, and egg on a rustic wooden counter under the warm kitchen lighting

    Crucial Tips

    • Don’t skip the taurine – it’s essential for cat health
    • Treats should be firm but not rock hard
    • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
    • Can be frozen for up to 2 months
    • Serve as treats only, not a meal replacement

    Small uniform balls of marble countertop treat shaped on a parchment lined baking sheet under soft diffused light.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Making treats too large
    • Skipping cooling time
    • Over-baking (should be golden, not brown)
    • Using fish packed in oil or seasoned fish

    Golden treats baking on an oven rack with parchment paper, illuminated by a warm amber glow with steam rising.

    Variations

    • Add 1 tablespoon mashed pumpkin for fiber
    • Use tuna instead of salmon
    • Include a sprinkle of bonito flakes for extra flavor

    Perfectly golden treats cooling on a wire rack in the afternoon sunlight streaming through a window.

    Storage

    • Refrigerate in an airtight container:
      • 5 days in fridge
      • 2 months in freezer
    • Allow to reach room temperature before serving

    Remember: Always introduce new treats gradually and monitor your cat’s reaction. Consult your vet before making significant changes to your cat’s diet.

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