Salmon Pumpkin Dog Cookies
If you’re looking for a wholesome homemade treat that your dog will be excited about, these Salmon Pumpkin Dog Cookies are a fantastic choice. Made with just four simple ingredients, they’re packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a nutritious snack for dogs of all ages.
Our dogs are huge fans of salmon so I like to make different treats with salmon for them. They probably don’t care and it’s more for me cooking different treats for variety! The rich flavor of salmon combined with naturally sweet pumpkin creates a cookie that dogs will love.
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Is Salmon Safe For Dogs?
Yes, salmon is safe for dogs when it is fully cooked and served without bones, excessive seasoning, or added oils. It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious ingredient for homemade dog food and treats.
Why Your Dogs Will Love These Cookies
Dogs naturally love the rich, meaty flavor of salmon, and pumpkin adds a mild sweetness that complements it perfectly. These cookies have a firm, crunchy texture after baking, making them satisfying to chew while still being easy enough for many adult and senior dogs to enjoy.
Ingredients
Just 4 ingredients make these tasty dog cookies.
Cooked Salmon – Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein that helps support healthy muscles. It is also naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help support healthy skin, a shiny coat, brain function, and joint health. Ensure that any bones are removed before use.
Pumpkin Puree – Plain pumpkin purée adds moisture while providing dietary fiber that can help support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E along with potassium.
Egg – Eggs help bind the dough together while adding additional protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Oat Flour – Oat flour creates a soft, easy-to-work dough and is naturally gluten-free (if certified gluten-free oats are used). It also provides fiber and slow-release carbohydrates. You can make your own oat flour by blending rolled oats in a food processor until finely ground.
How To Make Salmon Pumpkin Dog Cookies
Mix all ingredients into a dough.
Scoop into balls and form a cookie shape.
Place on a baking sheet and flatten with a fork.
Bake until golden and firm.
Recipe Tips
- Carefully remove every bone from the cooked salmon before mixing the dough.
- Freshly cooked, baked, or steamed salmon all work well.
- If using canned pumpkin, make sure it’s plain pumpkin purée with no added sugar or spices.
- The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. Add a little extra oat flour if needed.
- For crunchier cookies, turn off the oven after baking and leave them inside with the door slightly open for another 20 to 30 minutes.
- Smaller cookies bake more quickly than larger ones, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Storage Instructions
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This is the best option if you’ll be using them throughout the week.
For longer storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the amount you need overnight in the refrigerator or let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and mold.
- Keep the container tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
- If the cookies develop an unusual smell, become slimy, or show signs of mold, discard them immediately.
- For convenience, freeze the cookies in small portions so you only thaw what your dog will eat within a few days.
Feeding Guidelines
These cookies are intended as an occasional treat and should not replace a complete and balanced diet. As a general guide, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Always introduce new treats gradually and provide fresh drinking water.
Serving guide:
| Dog Size | Recommended Serving |
|---|---|
| Extra small (under 10 lbs / 4.5 kg) | ½ to 1 cookie per day |
| Small (10 to 20 lbs / 4.5 to 9 kg) | 1 cookie per day |
| Medium (20 to 50 lbs / 9 to 23 kg) | 1 to 2 cookies per day |
| Large (50 to 90 lbs / 23 to 41 kg) | 2 to 3 cookies per day |
| Giant (over 90 lbs / 41 kg) | Up to 4 cookies per day |
If using smaller cookie cutters to make training treats, you can offer several small pieces throughout the day while staying within your dog’s daily treat allowance.
More Fish Based Dog Treat Recipes
If your dog loves the taste of fish (and you don’t mind the smell of it too much in your kitchen!), try these other fishy homemade dog treats:
FAQs
Yes. Canned salmon works well in this recipe. Choose salmon packed in water with no added salt if possible, and drain it well before using. Be sure to remove any large bones if desired, although the soft edible bones found in canned salmon are generally safe and are a good source of calcium.
Absolutely! Leftover baked, steamed, or poached salmon is perfect for these cookies, as long as it hasn’t been seasoned with ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as garlic, onion, or excessive salt.
Yes. If your dog tolerates other flours, you can substitute whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or chickpea flour. You may need to adjust the amount slightly to achieve a soft, workable dough.
Yes, these cookies can be given to puppies that are already eating solid foods. Break them into smaller pieces for young puppies and introduce any new treats gradually.
Salmon Pumpkin Dog Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked salmon remove any bones
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree plain, no spices
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked flaked salmon and pumpkin purée.
- Beat in the egg until well incorporated.
- Add the oat flour and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, add a little extra oat flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of the dough and work into a cookie shape.
- Place the cookies onto the baking sheet and press down with a fork, slightly flattening them as well as making a cross shape.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow to cool completely before serving to your dog.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.