Easy baked salmon catnip cookies that cats notice. Practical steps for a simple homemade cat treat using basic ingredients.
Safety note
Introduce new foods gradually and speak with your veterinarian before making major changes to your pet's diet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked and flaked salmon, skin and bones removed
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon dried catnip
- 1 tablespoon water if needed for binding
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Instructions
Flake the salmon: Place the cooked salmon in the mixing bowl and mash it with a fork until it breaks into small flakes with no large chunks left.
Add the egg and flour: Crack the egg into the bowl with the salmon, then sprinkle in the oat flour. Stir everything together until a soft dough starts to form.
Incorporate the catnip: Measure the dried catnip and fold it gently into the dough so it distributes evenly without crushing the leaves too much.
Adjust the dough: Check the texture. If the dough feels too dry to hold together, add the tablespoon of water a little at a time and mix until it just comes together.
Shape the cookies: Scoop small portions of dough and roll them between your palms into balls about the size of a marble, then flatten each one slightly on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the treats: Place the baking sheet in a preheated 325 degree oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges look dry and lightly golden.
Cool completely: Remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies sit on the pan for five minutes before moving them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Practical benefits
- Gives cats a break from the same daily food with a different texture and scent.
- Uses a single protein source so it fits easily into simple rotation feeding.
Serving guidance
Start with one or two cookies per serving a few times a week. Major diet changes should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Storage
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Freeze extras in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months.
Substitutions
Swap oat flour for rice flour if that is already in the pantry. Use canned salmon in water instead of fresh cooked salmon when time is short.
Foods to avoid
Skip any salmon that still has skin or bones attached.
Recipe answers
Cats recipe FAQ
Can this treat replace my cat's regular diet?
No. Pawdishy recipes are general recipe inspiration and should not replace a complete regular diet unless your veterinarian gives that guidance.
How should I introduce this recipe?
Start with a small amount beside regular food, introduce one new recipe at a time, and watch for appetite, stool, skin, or behavior changes.
What should I check before serving?
Check the ingredient list, serving guidance, storage instructions, substitutions, and foods-to-avoid warning before preparing the recipe.
Sources
Reference notes
Can this replace a regular diet?
No. Pawdishy recipes are general recipe inspiration and should not replace a complete regular diet unless your veterinarian gives that guidance.