Homemade Cat Treats Tuna：Mini Recipe

I’m thrilled to introduce my homemade cat treats tuna, a simple and delicious recipe perfect for your feline friends! These two ingredient delights are a breeze to whip up and are free from grains, gluten, and dairy.

The inspiration for these homemade cat treats struck while I was training Lily and Lina with a harness and needed a tantalizing reward. While they enjoyed commercial cat snacks, I was concerned about the unknown ingredients and high carbohydrate content.

Then, I experimented with canned tuna, which they absolutely loved, but it led to a chaotic mess – tuna flakes scattered throughout my home! (There’s a piano key that’s still stuck due to dried tuna wedged in it!).

Eventually, I embarked on an online quest to find homemade cat treat recipes. However, most of them relied heavily on grains and cereals, which I wanted to avoid, just like in commercial treats. This led me to create my own unique recipe, and it’s been a huge hit!

Preparing these treats turned into an enjoyable activity, especially with LiLy and Lina ‘assisting’ in the kitchen (which meant attempting to lick everything in sight at every chance!). Even Lyra, who is usually picky, absolutely adores these treats.

For the culinary experts among you, the method might seem familiar… it’s basically a tuna meringue, minus the sugar.

Ponder over that, or better yet, let’s dive right into the recipe!

Homemade tuna delights for cats

Create these delightful tuna treats at home that your cat will adore. Free from grains, gluten, and dairy!

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Baking time: 25 minutes

Total duration: 35 minutes

Makes about: 50 cat treats

Ingredients

1 egg

1 can of tuna in spring water (avoid brine), fully drained (around 120g / 4oz)

Recipe instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 170C / 330F. Prepare a baking tray with a lining of greaseproof paper or baking parchment.
2. Open the egg, separate the egg white from the yolk, discarding the yolk. Put the egg white into a large mixing bowl.
3. Whip the egg white with a hand mixer or an electric whisk until it forms stiff peaks once the whisk is lifted. Keep this aside.
4. Pour the drained tuna into a blender (a small one is ideal). Add two tablespoons of the beaten egg white to the tuna, then blend until you achieve a smooth, lump-free paste.
5. Carefully transfer the tuna paste from the blender using a spatula. Gently fold it into the remaining beaten egg white, being careful to retain as much air as possible in the mixture.
6. Put the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a small star nozzle. Pipe small, round swirls onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping the size suitable for your cat to easily eat.
7. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the treats are dry to the touch and can be easily removed from the parchment. Let them cool on a wire rack, then store them in airtight containers. They will keep well for up to two weeks if stored in a cool, dry place.

The finished tuna treats surprisingly become crunchier once they’ve cooled down completely after baking. The end product is a delightfully crisp, tuna-flavored snack that is so tempting – and here’s a little secret – even we at Supakit HQ sneak a nibble occasionally!

They might be a bit too dry for human palates, but I can’t help thinking they’d make an ideal savory snack to pair with a dry martini. But let’s keep that between us…

Remember, these are treats and shouldn’t substitute for your cat’s usual meals. Use them sparingly, and your cat will quickly learn that receiving one means they’ve been exceptionally well-behaved.

Summing up

Homemade cat treats tuna recipe offers a delightful and simple way to treat your feline friends, particularly useful when you’re harness training them. These treats, free from grains, gluten, and dairy, are perfect for rewarding good behavior, especially during training sessions with a harness.

Inspired by the need for healthier, ingredient-transparent snacks, these tuna treats are a hit with cats, including finicky eaters. The process of making these treats is enjoyable and can even be a fun kitchen activity, providing an ideal opportunity to bond with your cat, especially during breaks in harness training.

The unique recipe, akin to a sugar-free tuna meringue, results in crunchy, delicious snacks that cats love.

Although initially a bit messy, the recipe has been perfected to provide a tasty and crunchy treat that can be a great incentive for cats getting used to a harness.

Remember to use these treats sparingly, as they are meant to complement, not replace, your cat’s regular diet, and to reinforce positive behavior during harness training sessions.

FAQs

Can I freeze these homemade tuna treats for longer storage?
Yes, you can freeze these treats. Just ensure they’re well-sealed in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before offering them to your cat.

How can I ensure my cat doesn’t overeat these treats during training sessions?
To prevent overfeeding, adjust your cat’s meal portions on days you use more treats, or use the treats as part of their meal. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet.

Are these treats suitable for cats with specific dietary needs?
While these treats are grain, gluten, and dairy-free, it’s always best to consult your vet before introducing any new food, especially if your cat has special dietary requirements or health concerns.

What’s the best way to use these treats for harness training?
Use these treats as positive reinforcement. Offer a treat when your cat shows desirable behavior with the harness, such as calmly wearing it or walking with it. This helps create a positive association with the harness.

Is it okay to add catnip or other flavor enhancers to this recipe?
You can add cat-safe ingredients like catnip in small amounts. However, it’s essential to ensure any additions are safe for cats and don’t detract from the healthiness of the treats.