I’m so happy to share this gentle baked treat because it turns simple chicken and carrot into small, soft nibbles many cats enjoy. These Chicken & Carrot Cat Nibbles are made with plain, unseasoned chicken, a little soft carrot, oat flour, and egg, all used in a careful and cat safe way. I like that they are homemade, so there is no salt, onion, garlic, or strange additives. They are easy to shape, quick to bake, and meant to be offered as an occasional treat, not a meal.
I made these nibbles when I wanted a soft baked treat that was easy for my cat to chew. The chicken smell caught her attention right away, and the small size made it simple to offer just a little at a time. Watching her enjoy them made the effort feel worth it.
What makes this recipe special is the soft texture. The carrot is cooked until tender and finely grated, so it blends smoothly into the dough. The finished nibbles are firm but not hard, which works well for many cats.
Here are a few things I like about this recipe:
- Uses basic, easy to find ingredients
- No added salt, sugar, or seasonings
- Soft baked texture for gentle chewing
- Easy to portion into small treats
- Made fresh at home with care
Carrots are safe for cats in small amounts, but they are not a main food for them. Please talk to your vet about what is safe and appropriate for your cat, especially before adding new treats.
How to Make Chicken & Carrot Cat Nibbles
- Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet.
- Prepare the cooked chicken and soft carrot.
- Mix the chicken, carrot, and egg together.
- Add the oat flour to form a soft dough.
- Shape into small balls and flatten slightly.
- Bake until firm and lightly browned.
- Cool fully before serving.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (unseasoned, shredded or finely minced, no salt, onion, or garlic)
- 1/4 cup carrot (finely grated, steamed or boiled until soft)
- 1/2 cup oat flour (made by blending regular oats)
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked, plain, and finely shredded or minced. Ensure the carrot is soft and finely grated.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, carrot, and beaten egg. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Slowly add the oat flour, stirring or gently kneading until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the mixture feels dry, add a small splash of water. If it feels too sticky, add a little more oat flour.
- Roll the dough into small balls about 1/2 inch wide. Flatten them slightly with your fingers.
- Place the shaped nibbles onto the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one.
- Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the nibbles are firm to the touch and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let the treats cool completely before serving to keep your cat safe.
Process Details
- The dough should feel soft and easy to shape, not crumbly or wet.
- Smaller nibbles bake evenly and are safer for cats to eat.
- Flattening the bites slightly helps them bake through without drying out.
- Parchment paper makes cleanup simple and prevents sticking.
- The nibbles are done when they feel firm but not hard.
Tips for Success
- Always keep ingredients plain with no seasoning, salt, onion, or garlic.
- Oat flour should be simple oats with nothing added.
- These are treats only and should not replace regular meals.
- If your cat likes softer treats, bake closer to the shorter time.
- For a slightly firmer nibble, bake a bit longer while watching closely.
- Talk to your vet before offering new treats, especially if your cat has health concerns.
Serving Ideas
- Offer one nibble as a small reward.
- Break a nibble into tiny pieces for training moments.
- Use as an occasional treat after playtime.
- Serve on special days like birthdays or adoption anniversaries.
- Adjust how many you give based on your cat’s size and daily food intake.
Storage & Freezing
- Store cooled nibbles in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Keep refrigerated for up to one week.
- Freeze extra treats in a freezer safe container for longer storage.
- Thaw frozen nibbles in the fridge before serving.
- Throw away any treats that smell off, look moldy, or feel slimy.
These Chicken & Carrot Cat Nibbles are a simple way to make a soft, baked treat at home using ingredients you can trust. I enjoy making them and sharing a small moment of joy with my cat.
You can:
- Make the nibbles a little smaller for kittens or senior cats.
- Adjust baking time slightly for softer or firmer treats.
- Share with other cats only if their vets say it is okay.
Making homemade treats like this is a sweet way to care for your cat and strengthen the bond you share every day.
