Homemade Tuna & Catnip Cat Treats Recipe (Easy & Gluten-Free)

Updated at: 15/03/2025

Spoil your feline friend with these delicious and healthy homemade tuna and catnip treats! These easy-to-make snacks are perfect for rewarding good behavior, adding a little excitement to mealtime, or simply showering your cat with love. Packed with protein from tuna and the delightful allure of catnip, these treats are a guaranteed hit with even the pickiest of eaters. Forget expensive store-bought options filled with questionable ingredients; this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, they're completely gluten-free, making them a safe and healthy option for cats with dietary sensitivities.

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal cooking time and effort. Get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats in minutes! Ready to get started? Let's dive into the simple step-by-step process below.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • food processor
  • bowl
  • fork (optional)
  • cookie sheet
  • parchment paper
  • rolling pin
  • heart-shaped cookie cutter
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use human-grade tuna packed in water, never oil. Oil can cause digestive upset in cats.
  • Ensure the catnip you use is organic and pesticide-free. Wash it thoroughly before incorporating it into the treats.
  • Introduce new treats gradually to monitor for any allergic reactions or digestive issues. Start with a small amount and observe your cat for 24 hours.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients

    • one can of tuna in oil (drained), 1 cup of brown rice flour, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of catnip.
    Gather ingredients: one can of tuna in oil (drained), 1 cup of brown rice flour, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of catnip.
    Gather Ingredients

  2. Mix Ingredients

    • Add all ingredients to a food processor and mix until combined. Alternatively, you can mix in a bowl with a fork.
    • If the mixture is too dry, add a little olive oil to help it bind together.
    If the mixture is too dry, add a little olive oil to help it bind together.If the mixture is too dry, add a little olive oil to help it bind together.
    Mix Ingredients

  3. Preheat Oven

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    Preheat Oven

  4. Roll and Cut Dough

    • Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin.
    • Cut out heart shapes (or any desired shape) using a cookie cutter.
    Cut out heart shapes (or any desired shape) using a cookie cutter.Cut out heart shapes (or any desired shape) using a cookie cutter.
    Roll and Cut Dough

  5. Bake Treats

    • Place treats on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes.
    Bake for 10-12 minutes.Bake for 10-12 minutes.
    Bake Treats

  6. Cool and Serve

    • Let treats cool completely before serving.
    Let treats cool completely before serving.
    Cool and Serve

Read more: Homemade Chicken Broth for Healthy Cats: Boost Immunity & Recovery

Tips

  • Use organic, gluten-free brown rice flour.
  • Always check with your vet before feeding your cat new ingredients.
  • Dust the dough with extra rice flour if it's too sticky.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Too Much Catnip

Reason: Excessive catnip can upset your cat's stomach or make them overly hyperactive.
Solution: Start with a small amount of catnip and gradually increase as needed, observing your cat's reaction.

2. Baking the Treats for Too Long

Reason: Overbaked treats will be dry, hard, and unappetizing to your cat.
Solution: Reduce baking time and check for doneness frequently, aiming for a slightly moist texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?
While you can use tuna packed in oil, it's best to drain it thoroughly. Excess oil can make the treats too rich for your cat and may lead to digestive upset. Tuna packed in water is the healthier and recommended option.