I’m so happy to share this immune-support cat treat recipe because it uses simple, whole ingredients you can recognize and trust. These baked treats combine salmon and pumpkin, which many cats enjoy for their smell and taste. I like that this recipe is homemade and avoids added salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients. The treats are firm, easy to portion, and simple to prepare at home. They are meant as an occasional snack, not a replacement for complete cat food.
I started making these treats when I wanted a small homemade option that felt gentle and thoughtful for my cat. The salmon smell alone usually brings curious paws into the kitchen. Once baked, the treats come out firm and easy to handle, which makes portioning simple.
What makes this recipe special is the mix of salmon and pumpkin. Salmon adds flavor and healthy fats, while pumpkin helps bind the dough and adds fiber. The texture works well for small bites that cats can manage easily.
Here are a few reasons this recipe works well:
- Uses simple, unseasoned ingredients
- No added sugar, salt, onion, or garlic
- Baked until firm and easy to portion
- Can be stored in the fridge or freezer
Homemade treats should always be given in moderation. Please talk to your vet about what is safe and appropriate for your cat, especially if your cat has health concerns.
How to Make Immune-Support Cat Treats
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet
- Mash the salmon until smooth
- Mix in pumpkin, egg, and flour
- Form a soft dough
- Shape into small balls and flatten slightly
- Bake until firm
- Cool completely before serving
Ingredients
- Canned salmon (drained and deboned, plain, no added salt)
- Pure pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 egg
- Rice flour
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the treats from sticking.
- Place the drained salmon in a bowl and mash it well with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Add the pumpkin puree and egg, then mix until everything is well combined.
- Stir in the rice flour a little at a time until a soft dough forms. The dough should hold together without being sticky.
- If the dough feels too wet, add a small amount of flour. If it feels too dry, mix a bit longer to help it come together.
- Roll the dough into small balls, place them on the baking sheet, and gently flatten them.
- Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, until the treats feel firm to the touch.
- Let the treats cool completely before giving any to your cat to avoid mouth burns.
Process Details
- The dough should feel soft and easy to shape, not crumbly or runny.
- Smaller treats bake more evenly and are safer for cats to eat.
- Flattening the balls slightly helps them cook through.
- A fork and mixing bowl are enough for this recipe.
- Treats are done when they are firm and no longer soft in the center.
Tips for Success
- Always use plain, unseasoned salmon and pumpkin.
- Check labels carefully to avoid onion, garlic, or sweeteners.
- Keep treat sizes very small for cat safety.
- These treats are extras, not meals, so offer only a few at a time.
- Bake a little longer if you want a firmer texture.
- Talk to your vet before adding new foods to your cat’s routine.
Serving Ideas
- Offer one small treat as a reward
- Break into tiny pieces for gentle training moments
- Serve after grooming or nail trimming
- Use for special occasions like birthdays
- Adjust portions based on your cat’s size and daily diet
Storage & Freezing
- Store treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Keep them dry to maintain their texture.
- Freeze extra treats for longer storage if needed.
- Thaw frozen treats in the fridge before serving.
- Discard any treats that smell off, look moldy, or feel sticky.
These immune-support cat treats are a simple way to make something homemade using ingredients many cats already enjoy. I love the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what goes into each bite.
- Shape treats smaller or flatter if needed
- Adjust baking time slightly for a firmer bite
- Watch your cat closely the first time they try them
Making treats at home can be a quiet, caring moment that strengthens the bond you share with your cat.
