Dehydrated Whitebait Dog Treats
These dehydrated whitebait dog treats are crunchy, protein-packed, and incredibly simple to make. Whitebait are small fish that are naturally rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious homemade treat for dogs. They’re perfect as high-value training treats or a crispy snack for fish-loving pups.
Although our dogs loved these, the whitebait has a strong aroma when cooking. Which caused expectations in the kitchen from the dogs and cats. Windows and doors had to be open, so this is not to be made on a cold day in a sealed house!
What Are Whitebait?
Whitebait are tiny, immature fish that are eaten whole. The term “whitebait” doesn’t refer to one single species — it’s a name used for very small juvenile fish, often including sprats, herring, or sardines depending on the region.
Because they are so small and delicate, whitebait are usually cooked and eaten whole, including the bones, skin, and head. The bones are soft and edible, which means they are naturally rich in calcium and other nutrients.
Where Can You Buy Whitebait?
Whitebait are commonly found:
- In fish markets
- Frozen in supermarkets
- At seafood counters
- In Asian or Mediterranean grocery stores
In the UK, frozen whitebait is often easier to find year-round than fresh.
Why Your Dog Will Love These Treats
Our dogs and even our cats went crazy for these treats. They do have a very fishy smell which may be part of the allure!
- Crunchy texture dogs adore
- Naturally high in protein
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Single-ingredient and easy to digest
- Great for training or rewarding good behavior
Ingredients
All you need to make this treat is just whitebait. Simple and easy!
How To Make Dehydrated Whitebait Dog Treats
We made these in a dehydrator but you can make them in the oven. We have given oven instructions in the recipe card below. Due to the strong smell when cooking, we would advise not to make these overnight but during the day when you can have the windows open!
Place a single layer of whitebait on a dehydrator tray.
Dehydrate until crispy. Cool, then serve as a treat.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the whitebait dry before dehydrating to help them crisp up faster.
- Arrange the fish in a single layer so the air can circulate evenly.
- Smaller fish will dry more quickly than larger ones, so start checking early.
- Properly dehydrated whitebait should feel dry and crispy, not soft or chewy.
- If using the oven method, leave the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
- Let the treats cool completely before storing to avoid condensation in the container.
- These treats can also be crushed and sprinkled over your dog’s food as a tasty topper.
- Always introduce fish treats gradually if your dog has not eaten whitebait before.
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Ensure the treats are completely dry before storing to prevent spoilage.
Serving Suggestions
Because these are rich fish treats, serve them as an occasional snack rather than a full meal. Smaller dogs may only need 1–2 fish at a time, while larger dogs can enjoy a few more.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
If your dog loves fish-based snacks, try our other fish based dog treats too:
FAQs
Yes, in small amounts and if fully dried. Always supervise puppies with crunchy treats.
Absolutely. Thaw fully and pat dry before dehydrating.
Yes — fish treats do have a noticeable smell, but dogs usually love them for that reason.
Yes, these single-ingredient fish treats are often enjoyed by cats as well.
Dehydrated Whitebait Dog Treats
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Ingredients
- 28 oz whitebait
Instructions
Dehydrator Version
- Pat the whitebait dry with kitchen paper. Removing excess moisture helps them dry evenly.
- Arrange the fish in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Avoid overlapping.
- Set the dehydrator to 70°C (160°F).
- Dehydrate for 4–7 hours, depending on the size of the fish and your dehydrator model.
- The whitebait are ready when they are fully dry and crispy with no soft spots remaining.
- Allow to cool completely before storing.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to its lowest setting, ideally around 80–90°C (175–195°F).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Arrange the whitebait in a single layer.
- Bake for 2–4 hours, turning halfway through if needed.
- To allow moisture to escape, keep the oven door slightly ajar by placing a wooden spoon in the door.
- Once fully dried and crisp, remove and cool completely.
Video
Notes
- Small dogs: 1–3 whitebait per treat session
- Medium dogs: 3–6 whitebait
- Large dogs: 6–10 whitebait
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.