Salmon Cat Treats (Soft-Baked)

Soft treats suit older cats and cats with dental trouble. These salmon bites are baked just until set, so they stay tender.

The catnip is optional, but it makes them irresistible for most cats.

Why your cat will love this

• Soft for senior cats
• Omega-3 rich salmon
• Catnip for extra appeal

Ingredient notes

• Salmon in water, no salt (6 oz) Safe

  Canned in water, no salt added.

• Egg Safe

  Fully cooked only.

• Oat flour Caution

  Fine as a binder in treats. Cats need very little carbohydrate.

• Dried catnip, optional Safe

  Dried catnip is safe. Some cats get very excited, others ignore it.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Salmon Cat Treats

Salmon Cat Treats takes about 22 minutes from start to finish and makes 60 treats. It is an easy recipe. You will need a mixing bowl. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.

Ingredients and why they are here

You need 4 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for cats.

• 1 can salmon in water, no salt (6 oz): Canned in water, no salt added.
• 1 large egg: Fully cooked only.
• 1/2 cup oat flour: Fine as a binder in treats. Cats need very little carbohydrate.
• 1 tsp dried catnip, optional: Dried catnip is safe. Some cats get very excited, others ignore it.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the salmon and egg until smooth, then stir in the flour and catnip.
3. Roll into pea-size balls and press each lightly with a fork.
4. Bake until just set but still soft. Allow about 12 minutes.
5. Cool and refrigerate.

Tips for success

• Underbake slightly; the treats firm up as they cool.
• Freeze half the batch since soft treats keep only 5 days in the fridge.
• Use a 1/4-teaspoon measure to portion evenly.

How to store it

Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.

How much to serve

Up to 6 treats a day for an average cat. Each treat has about 4 calories. Treats and toppers should stay under 10 percent of your cat’s daily calories, so cut back their regular food a little on days you serve extra.

Swaps and variations

No salmon in water? Use sardines. Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.

Why cats love it

Soft for senior cats. Omega-3 rich salmon. Catnip for extra appeal.

Feeding tips for cats

Cats can be cautious with new foods. Offer a tiny amount next to something familiar, and be patient if your cat sniffs and walks away the first time. Warm refrigerated food to room temperature, since cats prefer food near body temperature. Cats with kidney, thyroid or urinary conditions may need a special diet, so ask your vet before adding new foods.

Make it ahead

To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.

What to watch for

Watch your cat’s litter box for a few days after any change. Call your vet if your cat vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea, or stops eating for more than a day, since cats that skip meals can develop liver problems quickly. If you think your cat ate something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

Safety notes

Oat Flour: Fine as a binder in treats. Cats need very little carbohydrate. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your cat. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Are soft treats better for older cats?

They are easier to chew for cats with dental problems.

Is catnip safe?

Yes. Dried catnip is safe for cats.

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