Tuna Dog Treats

Bake up some crunchy high-protein tuna dog treats for your furry friend. They’re nutritious and your pup will gobble them up, begging for more!

Does your fur baby love seafood? If they love fish, then these fishy treats are perfect for them! Scroll down to the recipe or read through my tips. I’ll share all about the health benefits, cooking tips, and a few warnings about canned tuna and dogs.

FYI – This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is one of the easiest dog treat recipes you’ll ever make. There are just three simple ingredients. And you just have to mix them up, place them in the molds, and bake them! No rolling, no cookie cutters. It’s so easy.

You’ll also enjoy how healthy they are for your pet. A dog’s diet should consist of mostly animal protein, and tuna (the right kind of tuna) is a perfect part of that.

Benefits of Tuna for Dogs

Before I share the nutritional benefits of tuna, I need to remind you to be careful. According to PetMD, tuna contains high levels of mercury that could cause poisoning in dogs. For this reason, you should never give tuna to puppies.

Even though tuna contains nutrients and minerals, it’s best to only give your dog one or two of these treats a day. This will limit their risk of mercury poisoning.

Otherwise, tuna is a very nutritious fish. It’s full of omega-3 fatty acids and a lot of vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of vitamins B12, selenium, and niacin.

Read more about fish dogs can eat.

Ingredients

The full recipe with exact ingredient amounts is in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. First, I want to share some information about them.

• Canned Tuna – The star of the treats! It is best to use tuna without added salt.
• Rice Flour – An easily digestible flour for dogs.
• Egg – Binds the dough and gives them a slightly airy texture.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

You can use tuna in water or oil. Note that using tuna in oil will make the treats higher in fat and calories. The nutrition information in the recipe card below is based on using tuna in water.

You can substitute canned tuna with canned salmon.

You can make rice flour by placing uncooked rice in a blender or food processor and blending until it reaches the consistency of flour.

You can substitute rice flour with oat 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. Do not use coconut flour because it absorbs too much moisture.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need a food processor or high-powered blender to make these treats. You’ll also need a silicone mold, one that makes small treats. I used a 16-cavity paw-shaped mold.

How to Make Tuna Dog Treats

Here are the steps and some photos for making the treats. I hope they help you make them for your dog.

1. Put the tuna with the liquid (water or oil) in a food processor. Add the egg.
2. Process until blended.
3. Add the rice flour and process until blended.
4. Spoon the mixture into the silicone mold.
5. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
6. Let the treats cool completely before removing them from the molds.

Recipe Tips

Place the silicone mold on a baking sheet for easy transfer to and from the oven.

For crunchier treats: After you remove them from the molds, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake them at 250°F until they reach the desired crunchiness.

How to Store the Treats and How Long They Last

Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 1 week.

For longer storage, you can freeze the treats in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Serving Size and Amount

How many tuna treats should you give your canine companion? That depends on the amount of food you gave your pet to eat that day and the size of your dog. Large dogs can consume more than smaller dogs.

Treats should be included in your dog’s total daily caloric intake. Make sure you don’t exceed the recommended amount for your dog. That amount changes for each dog breed, size, and activity level.

Remember, since tuna is higher in mercury, control how many tuna treats your dog eats each day. And never give the treats to puppies.

For these reasons, I suggest only giving your spoiled hound one treat per day. However, you can use your judgment or consult with your veterinarian regarding how many treats are right for your dog.

Also, is a good idea to start with small amounts when adding new foods to your dog’s diet to ensure your dog has no allergic or adverse reactions.

Can people eat these tuna treats?

Yes, they sure can. All of the ingredients are safe for human consumption. Tuna lovers may enjoy them as a savory snack. Give one a try if you’re curious.

More Meaty Dog Treat Recipes

• Chicken Dog Treats
• Duck Dog Treats
• Liver Cake for Dogs
• Liver Dog Treats
• Salmon Dog Treats
• Turkey Dog Treats

Find lots of easy recipes for dog treats with meat and seafood right here on Spoiled Hounds!