21 Delicious Tuna Cat Treat Recipes

If you have a cat, you probably know that the smell of tuna is a sure way to get their attention. Most cats love tuna because it’s packed with protein and has a strong, delicious flavor.

With this in mind, why buy tuna cat treats from the store when you can make your own at home that are both tasty and healthy?

Making your cat treats means you know exactly what your cat is eating, making it a healthier and personal choice.

In this DIY guide, we’ve compiled 21 delicious tuna recipes that are easy to make, use healthy ingredients, and make your cat happy.

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20 Delicious Tuna Cat Treat Recipes

1. Fluffy Tuna Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 1 tin tuna in spring water (approx. 120g / 4oz), drained
• 1 egg

Procedure

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 330°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Crack the egg and separate the yolk from the white. Whisk the egg white thoroughly until stiff peaks form and it holds its shape.
3. Combine the drained tuna and two tablespoons of egg white in a blender. Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth and lump-free paste.
4. Fold the blended tuna paste into the remaining whisked egg white using a spatula. Be careful to mix without knocking too much air out of the fluffy egg white.
5. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag with a small star nozzle and pipe small swirls onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure each swirl is bite-sized for your cat’s ease of eating.
6. Bake the treats for 20 – 25 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and can be easily removed from the parchment. 
7. Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.

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2. Tuna and Egg Cat Bites

Ingredients

• 10 oz tuna in water (do not drain)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center for even baking. Prepare a baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Add the tuna with its water to a food processor and blend until the texture is smooth and finely ground.
3. Combine all the ingredients in a stand mixer and mix them until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a small amount of water, or if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in additional flour.
4. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness, keeping the layer thin to account for slight puffing during baking.
5. Use a small cookie cutter to create bite-sized shapes. If you don’t have a cutter, a butter knife can be used to cut the dough into small triangles.
6. Arrange the shapes on the prepared baking pan and bake for about 20 minutes, turning the pan halfway through to ensure even baking. Look for a light golden-brown color to know the treats are ready.
7. Once baked, let the treats cool completely before serving or storing them in an airtight container.

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3. Cornmeal Tuna Cat Treats Homemade

Ingredients

• 6 ounces tuna (undrained)
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons water

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly until soft dough forms.
3. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, which will make it easier to roll.
4. Sprinkle cornmeal on a clean surface, then roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
5. Use a small cookie cutter or knife to cut the dough into bite-sized shapes suitable for your feline friend.
6. Arrange the shapes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 – 20 minutes until they are lightly golden.
7. Let the treats cool completely before serving to your feline friend.

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4. Tuna and Egg Bite-Sized Treats

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons scrambled egg whites
• 6 ounces tuna in water (undrained)
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a cookie sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Chop the scrambled egg whites into small pieces, then combine them with the tuna (including the water), cornmeal, and flour in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until the dough forms a ball.
3. Flatten the dough directly onto the greased cookie sheet, spreading it evenly.
4. Using a knife or spatula, cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for your cat.
5. Bake the treats for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let them cool slightly before serving, as cats may enjoy these best when warm.

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5. Tuna and Catnip Cookie Bites

Ingredients

• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna, packed in water and well-drained
• 1 whole egg
• 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon catnip

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a cookie sheet for baking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna, egg, flour, and catnip. Mix thoroughly until dough reaches cookie dough-like consistency.
3. Pinch off small amounts of dough (about 1/4 teaspoon each) and roll them into bite-sized balls.
4. Arrange the balls on the cookie sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 20 minutes until firm.
5. Let the treats cool completely before serving. Feed your cat 3–5 treats per day. Store the remaining treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10–14 days.

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6. Crunchy Tuna Cat Biscuits

Ingredients

• 210 g tuna
• 3/4 cup rye flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Water (as needed)

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking tray.
2. In a bowl, mix the tuna, rye flour, and parsley. Break up the tuna until the mixture is soft and uniform.
3. Gradually add water, a little at a time, until the mixture forms a firm, moldable dough.
4. Roll teaspoon-sized portions of the dough into balls, then flatten them into disc shapes. Arrange the discs on the prepared tray.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown. Turn off the oven but leave the tray inside to allow the treats to dry as the oven cools.
6. Once the biscuits have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container. Serve occasionally or as a supplement to your cat’s dry food.

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7. Oat and Tuna Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 heaping tablespoon dried catnip

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Position the oven rack in the upper third for even baking.
2. In a food processor, combine the drained tuna, oat flour, egg, olive oil, and catnip. Blend the mixture until smooth and pliable. The dough will be thick but easy to handle.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, about ½ teaspoon each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use a skewer or similar tool to press an X-shape into each ball.
4. Bake the treats for 10 – 12 minutes, or until the tops are dried and lightly browned. Let them cool completely before serving.
5. Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

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8. Olive Oil and Tuna Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 5 ounces canned tuna (undrained)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Use a small food processor to finely chop the canned tuna, including its liquid.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tuna, flour, and egg. Stir well until evenly mixed, then add the olive oil and continue mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough, roll them into 1-inch balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Press each ball gently with a fork to flatten slightly.
5. Bake the treats for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

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9. Tuna and Veggies Cat Cookies

Ingredients

• 7 ounces cooked fresh tuna
• 1 egg
• 1.5 tablespoons spinach
• 1.5 tablespoons broccoli
• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup oat flour

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
2. Roast the fresh tuna and cool slightly. Mix tuna with spinach and broccoli until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then mix in the tuna blend, olive oil, and oat flour. Stir until a dough forms and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters or by hand.
5. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking tray and bake for 10–15 minutes until firm. Let them cool completely to room temperature before serving.
6. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

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10. Crispy Tuna and Egg White Treats

Ingredients

• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna, packed in water and drained
• 1 egg white

Procedure

1. Drain the tuna thoroughly and place it in a blender or food processor. Set it aside for now.
2. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the egg white until stiff peaks form.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of the whipped egg white to the blender with the tuna, blending until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
4. Gently fold the tuna paste into the remaining whipped egg white, being careful to keep the mixture light and airy.
5. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a small star nozzle.
6. Line food dehydrator trays with parchment paper and pipe small, bite-sized rounds onto the trays.
7. Set the dehydrator to 145°F and let the treats dry for 4 hours until crispy and crunchy.
8. Let the treats cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for freshness.

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11. Tuna and Catnip Coated Treats

Ingredients

• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup nonfat dry milk powder
• ½ can tuna in oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or cod liver oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup finely crushed dry catnip (for coating)

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a cookie sheet or spray it with cooking spray.
2. Mash the tuna in a large bowl until no large lumps remain. Mix the flour and milk powder until evenly combined.
3. Add the water, oil, and beaten egg to the mixture, stirring thoroughly to form a sticky dough.
4. Shape the dough into small marble-sized balls and roll each ball in finely crushed catnip for coating.
5. Arrange balls on a prepared cookie sheet and gently flatten them.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the tray and let the treats rest for 5 minutes. Flip the treats and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let the treats cool completely before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place.

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12. Easy Tuna Puff DIY Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 4-ounce can of tuna in water (low salt)
• 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of the water from the tuna can
• 1–2 tablespoons additional flour for dusting

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, blend the tuna, tuna water, and egg until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a pie crust thickness.
5. Use a mini cookie cutter or knife to cut the dough into small shapes or pieces.
6. Arrange the pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
7. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, or until the treats are firm and lightly golden. Let them cool completely before serving.

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13. Tasty Tuna Cat Treats Homemade

Ingredients

• 5-ounce can of tuna
• ½ cup white cornmeal
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup water

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna, cornmeal, flour, and water. Mix thoroughly until the mixture forms a dough ball.
3. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place balls on a prepared baking sheet.
4. Flatten each ball gently with your finger, creating a thumbprint-like shape.
5. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip the treats and bake for another 5 minutes.
6. Allow the treats to cool completely before serving them to your cats.

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14. Tuna and Parsley Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 1 can tuna in oil, drained
• 1 egg
• 1 ¼ cups flour
• ½ cup water
• Dash of parsley

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a nonstick cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tuna, egg, flour, water, and parsley. Mix until a cohesive dough forms, adjusting with more water or flour if desired.
3. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
4. Use a small cookie cutter, bottle cap, or knife to cut the dough into bite-sized shapes. Arrange pieces on a prepared cookie sheet.
5. Bake the treats for 20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned.
6. Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

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15. Tuna and Cheddar Catnip Treats

Ingredients

• 1 (5-ounce) can tuna in water, drained
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or finely grated carrot for a non-dairy option)
• 1 egg
• 1 1/3 cups oat flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip (optional)
• ¼ – ½ cup cold water

Procedure

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a food processor, beat tuna and cheese until finely textured. Add egg, oatmeal, and catnip, pulsing to combine. Slowly drizzle in cold water while blending until the dough forms a ball. Use only as much water as needed.
3. Divide the dough into four smaller portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a long “snake.” Cut into small pieces and roll them into chickpea-sized balls, then gently flatten each with a fork.
5. Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, depending on whether you prefer a softer or harder texture.
6. Let the treats cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

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16. Quick Tuna and Egg Cat Treats

Ingredients

• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ can tuna, drained (in oil or water)
• 1 egg
• Water (if needed, to adjust consistency)

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the tuna and flour thoroughly.
3. Add the egg and milk, stirring until the mixture is well combined. Add a little water if needed to achieve a workable dough.
4. Roll the mixture into small balls using about ½ teaspoon per ball.
5. Place the balls on the prepared baking tray and bake for 10 – 15 minutes or until firm and golden.
6. Let the treats cool completely before serving.

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17. Cheesy Tuna Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 1 (5-ounce) can tuna in water, drained (reserve 1 tablespoon of the water)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon reserved tuna water or coconut oil

Procedure

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Combine the tuna, egg, flour, cheese, and tuna water (or coconut oil) in a food processor and blend until smooth.
• Remove the dough from the food processor and knead it until smooth. Roll it into a rectangle on a floured surface.
• Place a candy mold over the dough, flip it, and press the dough into the shapes using a rolling pin. Trim excess dough and carefully remove the mold.
• Bake on a prepared tray for 30 minutes or until firm. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

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18. DIY Tuna and Catnip Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 150 g canned tuna in oil
• 1 cup rice or oat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip
• Extra olive oil (if needed)

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna, rice or oatmeal, egg, and catnip. Mix thoroughly until the dough holds together but isn’t overly sticky. Add some olive oil if the mixture feels too dry.
3. Roll the dough into 1/2-teaspoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared tray. Flatten each ball gently with the back of a spoon.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the treats are dry and lightly golden on top.
5. Allow the treats to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 7–10 days.

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19. Oat and Tuna Catnip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1 (5-ounce) can tuna packed in water, drained
• ½ teaspoon dried organic catnip

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, oats, tuna, and catnip. Stir until a thick, wet dough forms.
3. Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of the mixture and press them into small cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 12 – 14 minutes, turning the treats 2 – 3 times during baking, until the outsides are crisp and lightly browned.
5. Let the treats cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.

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20. Tuna and Shrimp Mini Muffin Treats

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 (6-ounce) can tuna, drained
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 egg white
• 1/8 teaspoon shredded mild Cheddar cheese
• 4 peeled, cooked shrimp (for garnish)

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat two muffin tin cups with cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna, flour, egg white, and shredded cheese until well blended.
3. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared muffin cups, pressing it down gently.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Garnish each muffin with a piece of cooked shrimp before serving.

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21. Tuna Puff Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 3 ounces drained tuna (no salt added)
• 1 tablespoon tuna water (no salt added)

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, blend the tuna, tuna water, and egg until smooth. Add flour and stir until dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Use a knife, cookie cutter, or similar tool to cut the dough into small shapes or pieces. Arrange the pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for them to puff during baking.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the treats are puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 10–14 days.

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The Benefits & Considerations of Feeding Tuna to Cats

Tuna can be a fantastic treat for your cat when given in small amounts. It’s loaded with protein and low in carbohydrates, which means helps your feline build strong muscles and keep their energy up.

Tuna fish also has Omega-3 fatty acids, which can make the cat’s coat shiny, keep their skin healthy, reduce inflammation, improve cardiac health, and help joint health.

Tuna can be a yummy and healthy snack for your feline friend, but it’s important to know about some potential downsides.

Tuna, especially albacore, contains high levels of mercury, which can accumulate in a cat’s system and potentially lead to mercury toxicity if consumed in large quantities.

Acute mercury poisoning can cause problems with the cat’s brain, nervous system, and kidneys.

Also, feeding your cat an imbalanced diet high in tuna can cause them to miss out on other important nutrients.

Cats who overfeed on human-grade tuna might not get enough vitamin E, which can lead to Steatitis, where their body’s fatty tissues get inflamed.

Another thing to watch out for is that cats can become so fond of tuna that they start turning their noses up at other, more balanced foods, and this can lead to long-term health problems.

To keep your cat safe and healthy, the key is to give tuna only in moderation. It should only be a treat, not a full meal replacement.

Tuna products formulated specifically for cats are enriched with the necessary nutrients, making them a safer option when given as directed.

Veterinarians recommend that treats should only make up about 10% of your cat’s daily food intake. The other 90% should come from a complete and balanced cat food.

For most average-sized cats, a few bites of homemade tuna treat a few times a week should not cause an issue.

But it’s always best to check with your vet to figure out the right amount for your specific cat, based on their breed, size, age, and overall health.

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Conclusion

Making your tuna cat treats for your feline friend is an easy way to spoil them, and the best part is that you can be sure they’re eating natural ingredients.

As you work on these homemade cat treat recipes, it’s important to ONLY use tuna that has no salt. Too much sodium isn’t good for our furry friend.

Another great tip is to choose tuna packed in water and don’t throw away that flavorful water. You can use it in the recipes to make them tastier and add extra moisture.

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