Homemade Salmon Dog Treats with Quinoa
Baked salmon dog treats with fresh salmon, quinoa and oat flour. Rich in omega-3, easy to break up and freezer-friendly. Recipe with grams and times.
- Time
- 55 min + 10 min resting
- Makes
- 60 pieces
- Type
- Treat
- Difficulty
- Easy
- 47 % fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
- 32 % quinoa
- 13 % egg
- 8 % oat flour
Follows THE RULE. All 4 ingredients are on our safe list: nothing that could harm your dog.
These salmon dog treats are little flattened balls of fresh salmon, quinoa and a bit of oat flour that bake in 20 minutes. They are for dogs that go crazy for fish and for anyone looking for a treat that isn't the usual meat.
The salmon is blended raw with the egg and mixed with cooked quinoa: once baked you get a tender bite that smells of fish without being too strong for your kitchen. It is a good use for a salmon fillet left over from the week's shopping.
Why it works
Salmon provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fats, which are what make it so appealing. Quinoa adds texture and some plant protein, and the oat flour and egg bind the mix so it holds together in the oven. With nothing else added, the fish flavor takes the lead.
Step by step
Cook the quinoa
Rinse the quinoa under the tap in a fine strainer until the water runs clear. Cook it in twice its volume of water for 15 minutes, drain it and spread it on a plate to cool.
Preheat the oven
Heat the oven to 180 °C / 350 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blend the salmon
Cut the salmon into chunks and blend it with the egg in a food processor until you have a smooth paste, about 30 seconds.
Mix the dough
Add the cooled quinoa and the oat flour and stir with a spoon. You want a moist mix that you can scoop with a teaspoon without it running.
Shape the bites
Using two teaspoons or wet hands, form balls the size of a large chickpea, place them on the baking sheet and flatten them slightly with a finger.
Bake
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until firm and golden underneath. Let them cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before moving them.
How many a day?
As a treat, keeping under 10% of what they eat each day.
— pieces a day at most
| Weight | 3 kg | 5 kg | 10 kg | 15 kg | 20 kg | 30 kg | 40 kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pieces/day | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 |
Puppy, senior, very active or on a diet? Calculate the exact portion.
- Energy
- 13.8 kcal/piece
- Protein
- 40 % dry matter
- Fat
- 26 % dry matter
Values estimated from the ingredients (BEDCA/USDA data). A treat: keep treats under 10% of what they eat each day.
Storage
Fridge: 3 days in an airtight container (fish keeps for less time than meat). Freezer: 2 months, in freezer bags holding a few days' worth each. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
If you don't have…
- You don't have salmon or want something cheaper
- Fresh sardines, cleaned and boned, or fresh mackerel, in the same amount
- Your dog needs a low-fat treat
- Boneless hake in the same amount: milder and much lower in fat
- You don't have quinoa
- 50 g (1/4 cup) uncooked brown rice, cooked and cooled
Cooking tips
- The 10% rule: all treats combined shouldn't exceed 10% of your dog's daily calories. The table in the recipe works out how many bites suit their weight.
- Rinse the quinoa well: its outer coating contains saponins, which taste bitter and can upset the stomach.
- For training treats, roll smaller balls, about the size of a regular chickpea, and cut the baking time to 15 minutes.
Safety
- Check the salmon thoroughly: a stray bone can get stuck in the mouth or throat.
- The salmon must be fully cooked inside. Raw fish can carry parasites.
- This is a fatty treat: if your dog has had pancreatitis or is on a diet, use the hake version.
- For big dogs that swallow without chewing, make the bites larger or hand them over broken up from your palm, not tossed in the air.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat salmon?
Yes, cooked, boneless salmon is a good food for dogs: it provides protein and omega-3s. Never give it raw or smoked: raw salmon can carry parasites and smoked salmon is very salty. Because it is fatty, keep it moderate if your dog is overweight or has a sensitive pancreas, and never give fried or seasoned skin.
Can dogs eat quinoa?
Yes, cooked quinoa is safe for dogs and provides plant protein, fiber and minerals. Rinse it well before cooking to remove the saponins in its outer coating, which taste bitter and can irritate the stomach. Introduce it in small amounts the first time and always serve it cooked, never raw.
What treats are good for dogs with allergies?
Single-protein, limited-ingredient treats, so you can control exactly what your dog eats. These bites contain only salmon, egg, quinoa and oats; if your dog is on an elimination diet, the treat must use the same protein as their food. With a diagnosed allergy, your vet will tell you which ingredients are allowed.
What's in it, in detail
If they liked it, try
The fridge list
The foods your dog can eat, can have in moderation and must never eat, on a single printable page.