Cod and Carrot Dog Treats
If your dog loves fish, they will wag their tails at these cod and carrot dog treats. Lean cod, naturally sweet carrots, and wholesome oats make tasty bite-sized snacks that are easy to make and packed with goodness.
Whether you’re looking for a high-protein training treat or a healthy alternative to store-bought biscuits, these homemade dog treats are a great choice. They’re made with just a handful of ingredients, baked until lightly golden, and are perfect for dogs of all ages.
Our dogs gave these a big paws up of approval. They were hanging around the kitchen as these treats baked which I notice they do with fish or liver treats. The baking smell is not too strong, unlike the dehydrated whitebait that we recently made.
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Is Cod Good For Dogs?
Yes! Cod is a lean white fish that is rich in protein and lower in fat than many other fish options. It also contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that can support skin, coat, and joint health. Cod is often a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities.
Always use plain cooked cod with no seasoning, onions, garlic, or added salt.
Why Dogs Will Love These Treats
All four of our dogs loved these homemade cod treats. Hopefully your dog will too!
- Soft and chewy texture
- Naturally tasty from the cod and carrot
- Great for training or smaller rewards
- Easy to digest
Ingredients You Will Need
Just a few simple ingredients make these homemade fish dog treats.
Cod – Cod is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that makes an excellent ingredient for homemade dog treats. It contains essential amino acids that help support muscle maintenance and overall health, while naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to healthy skin and a shiny coat. Be sure to use plain cooked cod with all bones removed.
Carrot – Carrots add natural sweetness, color, and nutrition to these treats. They are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, supporting eye health and immune function. Finely grated carrots also help keep the treats moist and provide a pleasant texture.
Oat Flour – Oat flour helps bind the treats together while adding fiber and nutrients. They are often well tolerated by dogs and can be a good alternative to wheat-based ingredients. Make your own oat flour by grinding rolled oats in a food processor.
Egg – The egg acts as a natural binder, helping hold the ingredients together during baking. It also adds high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit your dog’s overall diet.
Parsley – Fresh curly parsley adds a burst of flavor and a nutritional boost to these treats. It contains antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K.
How to Make Cod Carrot Dog Treats
The cod is cooked first before using it in this recipe. It can be poached, grilled or baked.
In a bowl, add cooked flake cod, egg and grated carrot. Mix.
Mix with oat flour and parsley into a dough.
Form into balls, place on a baking tray and flatten.
Bake until firm and golden.
Recipe Tips
- Check carefully for bones. Even boneless cod fillets can occasionally contain small pin bones, so take a moment to inspect the fish before mixing it into the dough.
- Adjust the texture as needed. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little extra oat flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water or low-sodium bone broth.
- Make training-sized treats. Smaller treats bake more evenly and are perfect for training sessions without adding too many extra calories.
- For crunchier treats, bake longer. Leave the treats in the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes at a lower temperature (around 150°C/300°F) after the initial baking time.
Storage Instructions
Because these homemade dog treats contain fresh fish and egg, they should be stored properly to maintain freshness and safety.
Refrigerator
Allow the treats to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezer
For longer storage, place the cooled treats in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Serve After Freezing
Remove the desired number of treats from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or leave them at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Shape the treats, freeze them on a baking tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Note: If the treats develop an unusual odor, discoloration, or signs of mold, discard them immediately. Fish-based treats tend to spoil faster than dry commercial treats, so keeping them chilled is important.
How Many Treats Does This Make?
This recipe makes approximately 20–24 small dog treats, depending on how large you shape them.
- Training-size bites (1-inch/2.5cm): 24–30 treats
- Medium treats (1½-inch/4cm): 20–24 treats
- Large treats (2-inch/5cm): 12–16 treats
The total batch yields about 350–400g of finished treats.
Feeding Suggestions
These cod, carrot, and oat bites are intended as an occasional treat or training reward and should not replace a complete and balanced diet.
| Dog Size | Weight | Suggested Daily Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | Under 5kg (11 lbs) | 1–2 treats |
| Small | 5–10kg (11–22 lbs) | 2–3 treats |
| Medium | 10–25kg (22–55 lbs) | 3–5 treats |
| Large | 25–40kg (55–88 lbs) | 5–7 treats |
| Giant | Over 40kg (88+ lbs) | 7–10 treats |
Treat Feeding Rule
As a general guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, with the remaining 90% coming from a complete and balanced dog food.
Great Ways to Serve
- As a high-value training reward
- Crumbled over meals as a tasty topper
- Stuffed into enrichment toys
- As an afternoon snack between meals
- Broken into smaller pieces for puppies and senior dogs
If introducing fish treats for the first time, start with a small amount and monitor your dog for any digestive upset or food sensitivities.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
For more fishy baked dog treats, try these other recipes:
Cod Carrot Dog Treats
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Add the cooked cod, grated carrot and egg to a medium mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Add the chopped parsley and oat flour. Mix until combined into a soft dough-like mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, stir in more oat flour.
- Roll into small bite-sized balls, plate on the baking tray and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until firm and lightly golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.