Fish Dog Treats
If your dog loves bold, savory flavors, these sardine dog treats will be their new favorite snack! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients-sardines, peanut butter egg, and oat flour-they’re easy to whip up and full of nutrients your pup will benefit from.
My dogs went crazy for these treats and nearly had a fight over one that dropped! I have to ensure that my pantry is always stocked with sardines to quickly whip up a batch now.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Your furry friend won’t be able to resist these tasty sardine treats! The rich, fishy aroma instantly grabs their attention, while the combination of peanut butter and sardines creates a flavor that’s both savory and satisfying.
Are Sardines Good For Dogs?
Sardines are very good for dogs when fed in moderation. They are an excellent source of omega-3s, which support skin health, a shiny coat, joint function, heart and brain development. Packed with lean, easily digestible protein that helps build and repair muscles while keeping energy levels stable.
Sardines contain vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, selenium, and phosphorus, all essential for strong bones, healthy metabolism, and immune support. They’re packed with lean, easily digestible protein that helps build and repair muscles while keeping energy levels stable.
Unlike larger fish like tuna, sardines are small and lower on the food chain, meaning they accumulate very little mercury, making them one of the safest fish options for dogs.
Ingredients
Just 4 ingredients are all you need for this baked homemade dog treat.
Sardines in water: A powerhouse of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, sardines help support a shiny coat, healthy skin, joint health, and heart function. Using sardines packed in water (not oil or brine) keeps this recipe light and dog-safe.
Egg: Acts as a natural binder that holds the treats together while adding valuable protein, vitamins, and minerals that support muscle and tissue health.
Peanut Butter: Adds irresistible flavor and healthy fats! Use unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter for a safe and nutritious boost that dogs adore.
Oat Flour: A gentle, gluten-free flour that’s rich in fiber and great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It gives the treats a soft yet sturdy texture. You can blend rolled oats into a fine powder if you don’t have oat flour on hand. Other dog friendly flours can be substituted.
How To Make Fish Dog Treats
We blend the sardines, egg and peanut butter in a processor first, then add the mixture to the oat flour in a bowl but you could add all ingredients into the food processor to cut down on the washing up!
Add sardines, egg and peanut butter to a food processor or blender.
Blitz until smooth.
Add the sardine mixture to a bowl and add the oat flour.
Work into a dough.
Roll out and cut out with a bone cookie cutter.
Place shapes on a baking tray and baked until firm.
Watch How To Make It
Recipe Tips & Variations
1. Adjust the texture:
- For crunchier treats, bake them for an extra 5–10 minutes and leave them to cool in the switched-off oven with the door slightly open.
- For softer treats, bake for 18–20 minutes and store in the fridge to maintain freshness. Softer treats are great for puppies or senior dogs.
2. Substitution ideas:
- Oat flour substitute:
- Peanut butter alternatives: Try unsalted almond butter or mashed banana for a nut-free option.
- Egg substitute: If your dog can’t have eggs, replace with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree.
3. Boost the flavor and nutrition:
- Add a spoonful of chopped parsley for fresher breath and added antioxidants.
- Sprinkle in a little ground flaxseed for extra fiber and omega-3s.
- Mix in some grated carrot or sweet potato for natural sweetness and vitamins.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature:
If your home is cool and dry, you can keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, because sardines are moist and perishable, refrigeration is best for freshness.
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days. Make sure the container is well-sealed to keep the fishy aroma contained!
Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze the treats in a zip-lock bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Serving from Frozen:
You can serve the treats straight from the freezer as a cool summer snack, or let them thaw for a few minutes before giving them to your dog.
Label & Date:
Always label your container with the date you made them—homemade treats don’t contain preservatives, so freshness matters.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
If your dog enjoys a treat and you enjoy baking, try these other homemade dog treat recipes:
Fish Dog Treats
Need Metric Measurements?
Use the button options below to toggle between US cups and Metric grams.
Ingredients
- 3.2 oz tinned sardines in water
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter dog friendly
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
Instructions
- Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or silicone liner.
- Place the sardines, egg and peanut butter in a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.
- Pour the mixture in a medium mixing bowl and gradually stir in the oat flour until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more oat flour; if it’s too dry, add a splash of water.
- Either on a floured surface or between two sheet of parchment paper, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. Use a bone shaped cookie cutter or knife to cut out shapes, or simply roll small balls and flatten them slightly with your fingers.
- Place the treats on the prepared tray and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
- Allow the treats to cool fully on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.