Mackerel Sweet Potato Cat Treats
These Mackerel Sweet Potato Cat Treats are made with simple, cat-safe ingredients. They combine the natural sweetness of sweet potato with the bold flavor of mackerel — a pairing that will have your cat purring for more.
These bite-sized treats are baked until just firm, making them soft enough for older cats yet satisfying for crunch-loving kitties. Plus, you can feel good knowing you’re offering a treat that’s free from fillers, artificial ingredients, and mystery meat.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.
Why Your Cat Will Love This Recipe
- 🐟 Mackerel is a high-protein, omega-3-rich fish that supports a healthy coat and joints.
- 🍠 Sweet potato adds natural fiber and gentle carbs for digestion.
- 🌿 Optional catnip gives an extra kick of excitement and aroma.
Ingredients
Just 5 ingredients make these tasty homemade cat treats.
- Sweet Potato Puree – Rich in fiber, vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, and potassium. Always use cooked, plain sweet potato—never raw or seasoned.
- Canned Mackerel in Water – High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA), vitamin D, and B12. Use plain mackerel in water, with no added salt or seasoning.
- Egg – for binding. High-quality protein, biotin, selenium, and vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex.
- Rice Flour – Use in small quantities, especially if your cat is on a grain-sensitive diet.
- Dried Catnip (Optional) – Contains compounds like nepetalactone that stimulate cats’ sensory receptors. Not all cats respond to catnip, but it’s safe in small amounts even if they don’t.
How To Make Mackerel Sweet Potato Cat Treats
We use a silicone mold to make these treats but you could roll the mixture into small bite sized balls before baking instead.
Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
Spread over a silicone mat or roll into small balls.
Bake until firm and golden.
Give as a tasty treat.
Recipe Tips
- Steam, bake, or boil the sweet potato without any added salt, spices, or oil. Mash well to ensure a smooth texture that blends easily with the mackerel.
- Remove excess water from the canned mackerel before mashing to prevent the dough from becoming too wet or mushy.
- If the mixture feels too sticky, gradually add more flour, a little at a time, until it’s easy to handle. The dough should hold its shape without being too dry.
- Use a ¼ teaspoon or a mini cookie scoop to portion out evenly sized treats. Small sizes bake more evenly and are safer for cats to chew.
- Treats should be lightly golden but not hard or overbaked. Check at the 12-minute mark to avoid burning.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator Storage (Short-Term)
🕒 Shelf Life: 4–5 days
🥄 How to Store:
- Place completely cooled treats in an airtight container or glass jar.
- Use wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Store in the fridge and remove only the amount needed for daily treats.
Freezer Storage (Long-Term)
❄️ Shelf Life: Up to 1 month
🥶 How to Store:
- Lay cooled treats on a baking tray and freeze until solid (about 1 hour).
- Transfer frozen treats into a labeled freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Write the recipe name and date on the bag or container.
Thawing Instructions
- Thaw only what you need by leaving treats at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
- Do not refreeze once thawed.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture and make treats too hot.
🐾 Bonus Tips
- Use small containers or portioned bags to grab daily servings without thawing everything.
- If you’re testing new recipes, store smaller batches to see what your cat likes first.
- Always do a sniff test—discard treats that smell “off” or show signs of mold.
Watch Us Make These Treats
More Cat Treat Recipes
Mackerel Sweet Potato Cat Treats
Need Metric Measurements?
Use the button options below to toggle between US cups and Metric grams.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sweet potato puree
- 4 oz mackerel in water
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons rice flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried catnip
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Mash the mackerel thoroughly in a mixing bowl, removing any bones if present.
- Add mashed sweet potato, egg and catnip to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in the flour a spoonful at a time until a dough forms that's easy to handle—not too wet or sticky.
- Spread the mixture out into a silicone mold tray or scoop small portions (about ¼ teaspoon size) and roll into tiny balls or press flat with your fingers.
- Place the silicone mold on a baking tray or small balls on a parchment line baking tray with space between each morsel.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
- Cool completely before serving to your cat.
Video
Notes
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.