Air Fryer Cod Bites For Dogs
If your dog goes wild for anything fishy, these air fried cod treats are about to become a staple in your treat jar. All you need is two cod fillets and about 15 minutes, and you’ll have a batch of crispy, protein-packed snacks that most dogs can’t resist.
No flour, no fillers, no mystery ingredients. Just fish.
This cod treat dog recipe was a huge hit with our dogs and the cats enjoyed them too. You could snack on them too. So it’s a recipe for all the animal loving family!
Why Cod Is Great for Dogs
Cod is one of the leaner white fish options out there, which makes it a smart pick if your dog needs to watch their weight or has a sensitive stomach. Here’s what it brings to the bowl:
- Lean protein. Cod supports muscle maintenance without loading your dog up on extra fat.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. These help keep your dog’s coat shiny and can ease joint stiffness, especially useful for older dogs or active breeds.
- Vitamin B12. Supports nerve function and helps your dog’s body convert food into usable energy.
- Low allergen risk. Cod isn’t a common trigger for dogs with beef or chicken sensitivities, so it’s often a good option to rotate in.
- Iodine and selenium. Both play a role in thyroid health, which affects everything from metabolism to coat quality.
Why Your Dog Will Love These
Cod has a mild, slightly briny smell that most dogs find genuinely exciting, without being the kind of overpowering fish smell that clears out your kitchen. Air frying gives the outside a light crisp while keeping the inside tender, so you get a texture dogs tend to love: a little crunch up front, then something soft to chew. And because there’s nothing else in the recipe, dogs with food sensitivities can usually handle these just fine.
Ingredients
All you need is two cod fillets. We kept the skin on but it is better if you remove it for a less tough treat. Plus I don’t really like handling fish and removing the skin!
How To Make Air Fryer Cod Bites For Dogs
This is a quick and easy recipe. Great for when you are in need of a training treat or snack for your dog. If you don’t have an air fryer, we have included baking and dehydrator instructions in the recipe card below.
Chop cod fillets into cubes
Place a single layer in an air fryer basket.
Cook for 10 minutes until crispy.
Cool and ready to serve.
Recipe Tips
- Buy fresh or fully thawed cod. If using frozen fillets, thaw them completely and pat dry before cutting. Extra moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Cut pieces to match your dog’s size. Small strips work well for training treats; larger chunks are better as a slower snack for bigger dogs.
- Watch for bones. Run your fingers along the fillet before cooking and remove any small bones you find.
- Don’t season it. No salt, garlic, or oil. Dogs don’t need it, and some seasonings (garlic and onion especially) are toxic to them.
- Check doneness by texture, not just color. Cod cooks fast. If it flakes easily with a fork, it’s done.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooled treats in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. This keeps them from clumping together. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Dehydrated treats: Because most of the moisture is removed, these last the longest, up to 2-3 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, or several months in the freezer.
Always let treats cool completely before storing, and check dehydrated batches periodically for any lingering moisture, which can lead to spoilage.
Serving Size
Cod treats are a great occasional snack, but they shouldn’t replace a balanced diet. As a general guide, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For a small dog, that might mean just one or two small pieces a day; larger dogs can handle a few more.
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 2-4 small treats daily
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 4-8 treats daily
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 8-12 treats daily
If your dog has kidney issues, thyroid problems, or a fish allergy, check with your vet before adding cod to their routine.
More Fish Dog Treat Recipes
If your dog loves fish, try these other homemade fish dog treat recipes:
Crispy Sardine Treats For Dogs
FAQs
Absolutely. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Yes. While cod skin isn’t toxic, removing it creates a more consistent treat and avoids any tougher pieces.
Yes, once puppies are eating solid foods. Serve small pieces appropriate for their size and introduce gradually.
Yes. Always check carefully and remove every bone before preparing the treats.
Air Fryer Cod Bites For Dogs
Need Metric Measurements?
Use the button options below to toggle between US cups and Metric grams.
Ingredients
- 2 medium cod fillets skin removed
Instructions
Air Fryer
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps them crisp up instead of steaming.
- Slice the fillets into strips or small bite-sized pieces, depending on your dog's size. Thinner strips (about ¼ inch) will get crispier; thicker chunks stay chewier.
- Preheat your air fryer to 175C/375°F for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange the cod pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd them, or they'll steam instead of crisp.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Let cool completely before serving. Fish holds heat, so give it a few extra minutes.
Oven Baked Option
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the cod as described above and arrange in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping once, until firm and lightly golden.
- Cool fully before serving.
Dehydrator Option (For Longer-Lasting Treats)
- Slice the cod into thin, even strips, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.
- Arrange the strips on dehydrator trays without overlapping.
- Dehydrate at 145°F (63°C) for 6-8 hours, checking at the 6-hour mark. The treats are done when they're firm and dry all the way through, with no soft or moist spots.
- Let cool completely before storing.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.