These baked treats combine canned salmon — one of the most bioavailable sources of EPA and DHA for dogs — with sweet potato for fibre and beta-carotene. They're straightforward to make, freeze well, and most dogs eat them with the enthusiasm of a Labrador who's spotted a tennis ball.
⚠️ Important before you start: These treats are a supplement to your dog's regular diet, not a meal replacement. They are appropriate as occasional treats (follow the 10% treat rule — treats should not exceed 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake). Always introduce new foods gradually and watch for any digestive reaction. If your dog has a fish allergy, kidney disease, or is on medication, check with your vet first. Never feed raw salmon to dogs — it can carry a parasite (Neorickettsia helminthoeca) that causes salmon poisoning disease, which can be fatal. Always cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C.
Ingredients
- 1 can (120–180g) salmon in water — drained, bones removed or mashed (small soft bones are safe and provide calcium)
- 1 medium sweet potato (approx. 200g) — baked or boiled until soft, mashed
- 1 large egg — beaten
- 1 cup (approx. 100g) oat flour — or blended rolled oats
- 1 tsp salmon oil — optional, adds extra EPA/DHA
- ½ crushed joint tablet — optional, stir into the mix before baking
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
While the oven heats, prepare your sweet potato if you haven't already. Baking it whole at 200°C for 45 minutes gives the best flavour, but boiling and draining works fine too. Let it cool before mashing.
2
Mix the wet ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, drained salmon, beaten egg, and fish oil if using. Mix well until combined. The salmon's natural moisture should help bring it together.
3
Add the oat flour.
Add the oat flour gradually, stirring until a dough forms. It should be firm enough to roll or drop by spoonfuls without spreading too much. If it feels very wet, add a little more oat flour.
4
Shape and bake.
Drop rounded teaspoon-sized portions onto the lined tray, spacing them 2cm apart. Flatten gently with the back of a spoon. Alternatively, roll to ½cm thickness and cut into shapes. Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm and lightly golden at the edges.
5
Cool completely before serving.
Important — don't rush this. Treats should be cool all the way through before giving to your dog. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
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Why these ingredients work
Canned salmon is one of the most convenient sources of EPA and DHA for dogs. Unlike fresh Pacific salmon (which can carry a dangerous parasite when raw), commercially canned salmon is heat-processed during canning, making it safe without further cooking. The small edible bones in canned salmon also provide natural calcium. Sweet potato adds soluble fibre, vitamin A (as beta-carotene), and potassium. Eggs provide high-biological-value protein — ranked by veterinary nutritionists as one of the best protein sources available for dogs.
🐟EPA & DHAomega-3 fatty acids in salmon directly reduce joint and skin inflammation
🍠Beta-carotenefrom sweet potato — converted to vitamin A, supporting immune function and vision
🥚Highest BVeggs are ranked by veterinary nutritionists as one of the highest biological value proteins for dogs
Want to add daily fish oil?
Veddelholzer Salmon Oil — €18
Norwegian salmon oil for daily omega-3 supplementation. Add a teaspoon to your dog's food or use in this recipe. 4.7 stars, recyclable tin.