Easy Sardine Cat Treats
Looking for a quick, wholesome treat your cat will truly enjoy? This 2-ingredient sardine cat treat recipe keeps things beautifully simple, using just sardines in water and a fresh egg to create a protein-packed, flavorful snack. It’s an easy, fuss-free way to treat your cat to something homemade, without any unnecessary additives.
Although my cats sniffed the treats and nibbled them, my dogs went crazy for them. There was whining as they baked in the oven, and a demanding bark when the cats were given the treats. So I added a few of these sardine cat treats to the dog’s snuffle mats for a few moments peace.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.
Are Sardines Good For Cats?
Sardines can be a healthy and highly appealing treat for cats when fed in moderation. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support a shiny coat, healthy skin, and joint health, and they provide high-quality protein that helps maintain strong muscles and energy levels. Sardines also contain essential nutrients like vitamin D, B vitamins, and calcium (especially when the soft bones are included).
Most cats love their strong aroma and soft texture, making them ideal even for picky eaters. For safety, always choose sardines in water with no added salt or seasoning, and offer them occasionally rather than as a daily food to avoid excess fat or imbalance in the diet.
Ingredients
This simple recipe uses just two wholesome ingredients.
Sardines in water provide a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, along with essential vitamins and minerals that support your cat’s overall health.
Egg acts as a natural binder while adding extra protein and nutrients, helping to create a soft, nutritious treat that holds together well and is easy for your cat to enjoy.
How To Make Sardine Cat Treats
We used a fish shaped silicone mat for the fun shapes, but it is just as easy to pipe or drop small bite sized amounts of the mixture onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Mash sardines and egg in a bowl.
Spread over silicone treat mat.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.
Cool and give as a treat.
Recipe Tips
Here are some helpful tips to get the best results from your sardine cat treats:
- Use sardines in water only – Avoid oil or brine, as these can be too rich or high in salt for cats.
- Mash thoroughly – Break the sardines down well (including the soft bones) so the mixture is smooth and easy to combine with the egg.
- Adjust texture if needed – If the mixture feels too wet, you can bake it a little longer; if too dry, add a tiny splash of water.
- Keep portions small – Cut or shape into bite-sized pieces suitable for your cat.
- Watch the baking time – Bake until just set for softer treats, or a little longer if you want a firmer, more biscuit-like texture.
- Cool completely before serving – This helps the treats firm up and keeps your cat safe.
Storage Instructions
Store your sardine cat treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days to keep them fresh and safe. Because they contain fish and egg, they should not be left at room temperature for long periods.
For longer storage, you can freeze the treats in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. Simply thaw a few treats in the fridge before serving. Always check for any signs of spoilage (off smell or texture) before giving them to your cat.
Serving Size
Because these treats are rich in fish and protein, they should be fed in moderation as an occasional reward rather than a daily staple. For most cats, 1–2 small bite-sized treats per day is plenty.
Using a small fish-shaped silicone mold tray, this recipe will typically make around 20–30 small treats, depending on the exact size of your mold cavities and how full you fill them.
If your treats are larger, simply break them into smaller pieces. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories, with the rest coming from a balanced main diet. For smaller or less active cats, stick to 1 treat, while larger or more active cats can enjoy 2 small treats.
As always, introduce new treats gradually and watch for any digestive upset, especially if your cat isn’t used to fish.
More Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
These might not be as alluring as Dreamies (my cats have an addition to them) but all natural homemade treats. Plus they are fun to make!
Easy Sardine Cat Treats
Equipment
Need Metric Measurements?
Use the button options below to toggle between US cups and Metric grams.
Ingredients
- 4.23 oz sardines in water
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Prepare the sardines by draining them well, then mash thoroughly in a bowl (include the soft bones for added calcium).
- Add the egg and mix until fully combined into a smooth, thick mixture.
- Spread the mixture into a silicone treat mold or shape the treats by spooning small amounts onto a parchment paper lined baking tray.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the treats are set and lightly firm to the touch. For crispier treats, bake a few minutes longer.
- Cool completely on the tray before removing and serving—this helps them firm up and makes them safe for your cat to eat.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.