The treats, a blend of creamy richness and deep hues, are shaped like cute, little fish - an amusing nod to our furry companions' favorite natural prey. With toasted sesame seeds for eyes, they are plated on a bed of fresh mint, dappled under warm autumnal light.

Pumpkin-Catnip Cat Day Fish Bites

Name: Pumpkin-Catnip Cat Day Fish Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: dried catnip, 2 tablespoons; unsweetened pumpkin puree, 1 cup; brown rice flour, 2 cups; water, 1/2 cup; toasted sesame seeds, 32 used for decoration; fresh mint leaves, used for plating

Category Pet Food

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 20 minutes

Style American

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Vegan

Daily Recipe: October 29, 2023

For National Cat Day, let's swap the cliched tuna treat and create a visually stunning spectacle that screams 'I love my cat!' With this luxurious but safe-for-feline treat, we'll take catnip, a wild favorite for cats, combine it with pureed pumpkin, irresistible to furry friends, and tie it all up in a playful fish-shaped mold.

Ingredients (for 16)

Dried catnip - 2 tablespoons
Unsweetened pumpkin puree - 1 cup
Brown rice flour - 2 cups
Water - 1/2 cup
Toasted sesame seeds - 32 - used for decoration
Fresh mint leaves - - used for plating

Preparation

Step 1 - 👆🌡️🔥

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2 - 🥣🌿🎃

Combine dried catnip, pumpkin puree, and brown rice flour in a bowl.
Step 3 - 💧🥣🌀

Gradually add water, stirring until a dough forms.
Step 4 - 🍪🐟✂️

Roll out the dough and cut into fish-shapes using a cookie cutter.
Step 5 - 👀🐟🌰

Press two toasted sesame seeds into each cut-out to create eyes for the fish.
Step 6 - 🍪🔥⏲️

Bake the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, until they are firm and slightly golden.
Step 7 - 🍪❄️😌

Allow the treats to cool completely before serving.
Step 8 - 🍽️🌿😋

Plate the treats on fresh mint leaves for a stunning presentation.

Additional

Remember, these treats are not a substitute for your cat's regular meals. Cats can't live on love alone; they need the right nutrition from their food. Reserve these treats for special occasions and always under supervision. Also, kids will love helping with cutting out the fish shapes – a fun way to involve them in pet care.