Anchovy Dog Treats

Anchovy Dog Treats are savory homemade goodies packed with the fishy flavor dogs can’t resist. They’re soft and chewy, easy to make, and a fun way to turn a tiny tin of anchovies into something delicious for your pup. Don’t be surprised if your dog starts hanging around the kitchen as soon as you open the tin.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

There’s something fun about baking a treat with an aroma that gets your dog interested before it even comes out of the oven. And there are plenty of reasons this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Easy to Make – The food processor does most of the work, and silicone molds make shaping the treats simple. There’s no rolling dough or cutting out individual biscuits.

Wholesome Ingredients – These treats are made with just four simple ingredients with no unnecessary extras.

Customizable – You can easily change the fish, swap the pumpkin for another dog-friendly vegetable, or use a different flour to work with ingredients you have on hand.

High Value – The strong scent and savory flavor make these treats a great high-reward option for training or anytime you want to get your dog’s attention.

Economical – Making your own treats can be more budget-friendly than buying specialty fish dog treats, and you get to control exactly what goes into them.

Ingredients and What They Bring to the Treats

Just four simple ingredients are all you need to make these savory treats. Here’s what you’ll need and what each one contributes:

• Anchovies in Olive Oil – Give the treats their rich, savory fish flavor and provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and helps give the treats their soft texture.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together and gives the treats structure.
• Oat Flour – Forms the base of the dough and absorbs moisture so it’s easy to press into molds.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

There are a few important things to know about the ingredients, plus several easy substitutions you can make:

• Anchovies – You can substitute the anchovies with oil-packed tuna, salmon, mackerel, or sardines. Choose plain fish without added seasonings. Because canned fish can vary considerably in sodium, check the label and choose a lower-sodium option when possible.
• Pumpkin Puree – Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix or filling. Pumpkin pie products can contain added sugar and spices such as nutmeg that aren’t appropriate for dogs.
• Pumpkin Substitutes – Substitute the pumpkin puree with plain cooked and mashed sweet potato or butternut squash.
• Homemade Oat Flour – Make oat flour by blending old-fashioned rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they have a flour-like consistency. One cup of oats makes approximately ¾ cup of oat flour.
• Flour Substitutes – You can substitute oat flour with brown rice flour, all-purpose flour, or a 50-50 combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Because whole wheat flour is denser, it’s not a good substitute to use by itself. Different flours absorb moisture differently, so start with less and add more as needed.

Equipment Needed

You likely have the kitchen items you need for making the treats. But two items are necessary to make them. A food processor for mixing the dough and bone-shaped silicone molds for baking them.

How to Make Anchovy Dog Treats

Making these treats is a simple process, with the food processor doing most of the mixing. Here’s what to do:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Place silicone dog treat molds on a baking sheet to keep them stable and make them easier to move.
3. Place the anchovies, pumpkin puree, and egg in a food processor.
4. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add the oat flour and process until a soft dough forms.
6. Spoon the dough into the silicone molds and press it down to completely fill each cavity.
7. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the treats are set.
8. Remove the treats from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the molds.
9. Once cooled, gently pop the treats out of the molds.

And don’t be surprised if your dog supervises the entire process. The anchovies have a strong fishy aroma, and baking doesn’t exactly make it disappear!

How to Store the Treats and How Long They Last

Once the treats have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, freeze the treats in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw the amount you need in the refrigerator before serving.

Can people eat these treats?

Yes, they sure can! All of the ingredients are suitable for people. They don’t contain the salt and seasonings you’d typically expect from a human snack, but if you’re a fan of fishy flavors, give one a try and see if you like it.

More Dog Treat Recipes with Fish

• Mackerel Dog Treats
• Salmon Dog Treats
• Sardine Dog Treats
• Sushi for Dogs
• Tuna Fudge

Find lots of meaty dog treat recipes right here on Spoiled Hounds!

Serving Amount

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The appropriate serving amount depends on your dog’s size, regular diet, activity level, and the size of the treats. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure of an appropriate portion for your dog.

If your dog hasn’t had any of these ingredients before, start with a small piece to make sure they don’t have any allergies, sensitivities, digestive upset, or other adverse reactions.