Does your cat go crazy for fishy smells? You are not alone. Many cats love the taste of sardines.
This simple homemade recipe combines sardines and egg for a high protein snack. Your feline friend will get a tasty treat made from real food. Best of all, you control what goes into it.
Let’s make cat treats that are simple and safe.
What You’ll Need
Here is exactly what you need to make these cat treats. Always check labels for safety.
- 1 can of sardines packed in water (no salt added, no oil)
- 1 large egg (chicken egg is fine)
- 1 tablespoon oat flour or plain cooked oat flakes (optional, for texture)
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- A fork or small food processor for mixing
Make sure the sardines are boneless or carefully remove any large bones.
Only use sardines in water, never in oil or brine. Too much salt is bad for cats.
Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect cat treats every time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the can of sardines and drain all the water. Rinse the sardines briefly with fresh water to remove extra salt.
- Place the sardines in a bowl. Mash them thoroughly with a fork. You want a smooth paste with no large chunks.
- Crack the egg into the bowl with the sardines. Mix well until the egg is fully combined.
- If you want thicker treats, stir in 1 tablespoon of oat flour. This helps the mixture hold together.
- Scoop small spoonfuls of the mix onto the baking sheet. Each treat should be about the size of a dime or small pea.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The treats should be firm but not hard.
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will firm up more as they cool.
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge.
Keeping It Fresh
These treats have no preservatives, so proper storage matters. Keep them in a sealed glass or plastic container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to five days.
For longer storage, freeze the treats. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour. Then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Frozen treats last up to three months. Thaw a few treats in the fridge before serving. Only give your cat one or two small treats per day.
They are meant as a supplement, not a full meal.
Health Benefits
Sardines are packed with omega 3 fatty acids. These help support a healthy coat and skin. Eggs provide high quality protein that is easy for cats to digest.
Together, these ingredients give your cat a boost of energy and nutrition. This recipe is also low in carbohydrates, which matches a cat’s natural diet as an obligate carnivore.
The simple ingredients mean less risk of upset stomachs for sensitive cats. Always introduce new treats slowly and watch for any reactions.
What Not to Do
Avoid these common mistakes when making cat treats.
- Do not use sardines packed in oil, salt, or any sauce. Only water packed plain sardines are safe.
- Never add salt, pepper, garlic, onion, or any spices. These can be toxic to cats.
- Do not make the treats too large. Cats have small mouths, so keep them tiny.
- Do not skip rinsing the sardines. Even water packed brands can have extra sodium.
- Do not leave treats out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly.
- Do not feed these treats to kittens under six months old without asking your vet.
Their digestion is still developing.
Recipe Variations
You can change up this recipe to keep it interesting for your cat. Try these safe swaps.
- Swap sardines for canned mackerel or canned salmon (both in water, no salt).
- Use a quail egg instead of a chicken egg for a smaller batch.
- Replace oat flour with a teaspoon of plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling) for extra fiber.
- Add a pinch of catnip for a fun twist.
- Make them softer by baking for only 8 minutes. They will be more like a paste.
- For crunchier treats, bake for 14 to 15 minutes.
Watch closely so they do not burn.
FAQs
How many treats can I give my cat per day?
Start with one small treat per day. If your cat tolerates it well, you can offer up to two treats daily. Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily calories.
Adjust the main meals accordingly.
Do I have to remove the bones from sardines?
Canned sardine bones are very small and soft. They are safe for most adult cats. But if you are worried, you can mash them extra well or buy boneless sardines.
For kittens or cats with dental issues, remove the bones to be safe.
Can I use canned tuna instead of sardines?
Yes, but be careful. Tuna has higher mercury levels than sardines. Use it only as an occasional swap, not a regular ingredient. Always choose tuna packed in water with no salt.
How long do these treats last in the fridge?
They stay fresh for up to five days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Discard any treats that smell off or show mold.
Can I skip the egg?
The egg helps bind the treat together. Without it, the sardines will just crumble. You can try using a small amount of plain yogurt or cottage cheese, but many cats are lactose intolerant. Stick with the egg for best results.
Are these treats safe for dogs too?
Yes, these treats are also safe for dogs. Dogs can eat sardines and eggs as well.
Just keep the portions small and adjust for your dog’s size. A large dog might get two or three treats, while a small dog gets one.
