The perfect homemade high-value dog treats for training. Easy, inexpensive, and irresistible to dogs. Your pup will do anything for these things. Also cat friendly–your cat would probably be willing to trip you for one.
It’s really important to me that my pets be good citizens. Okay, my cats are both jerks, but my horse and my dog have great manners.
One of the ways I manage this is that I’m definitely the strict, uncool pet parent, but the other way is through sheer bribery. All of my pets know that if you do something good, you’re going to get a treat.
This is great for them but expensive for me because with the concerns about toxic treats coming from overseas, it’s increasingly important to purchase high-quality treats from companies you trust.
So, tired of spending $$$$ on treats I go through like water, I’ve started supplementing the store-bought treats with some of my own like my Carrot Oat Applesauce Treats for Dogs and Horses, Horse and Dog Gingerbread Treats, and now these High-value Dog Treats.
What does “high-value” dog treats mean? It means they are extra appetizing so dogs will do anything for them. They are meaty, fishy, chewy, and a little smelly which makes them absolutely irresistible to dogs and the perfect homemade dog training treats.
I taught Ella to “sit pretty” using these over the last couple of weeks. She’s not a particularly athletic dog, so this was a tough one for her, but look how good she’s getting at it!
Ella LOVES these treats and I love them too because they are so easy to make (did you watch the video above?). You just puree a can of tuna in your food processor, add an egg, a little flour, bake and cut. For training, you can cut them small so they are eaten in a second, and they don’t crumble in training pouches* or bags in your pocket.
The best part is that they are just smelly enough to be suuuuuuper appetizing to dogs but not so much that it’s going to gross you out touching them–maybe it’s just me, but some commercial treats are so greasy and smelly that I hate sticking my hand into the bag.
They’ll keep in the fridge for about a week (I store mine in a mason jar with one of these storage caps* so they’re easy to get in and out of), or you can keep batches in the freezer for months. And they cost about $2 a batch (even less if you buy your tuna in bulk).
They are also cat-friendly. I’ve had to start leaving the lid on the treats when I have them out because the cats hear the jar open and will come and try to dump it over to eat them all (like I said, jerks)!
I’m always really cautious introducing new things to my cats’ diets because I find them to be way more sensitive to new foods than dogs. My cat who will throw up at just about anything new ate these with no problem, but take care with your own pets and always talk to your vet if you have any concerns!
High-value Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 3.5 oz can tuna fish (oil or water is fine, do not drain)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- In a food processor or blender, combine tuna, egg, and flour and process until until a thick paste forms.
- Spread paste evenly over about an 8x8 square on your prepared baking sheet (it doesn't need to be exact or pretty). Bake for 15 minutes, until mixture is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing into 1/2-inch squares (1/4-inch for cats).
- Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Recipe Adapted From Instructables
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Donna says
Thanks for the recipe. I made them today and my fussy eater did eat them. I didn’t use flour but put regular oats in my food processor and pulsed them until they were a flour consistency. It worked perfectly!
Elle says
I always enjoy your recipes. I bake them for unhoused people who have pets and they are always a hit! I was told yesterday that most food pantries (where I volunteer) don’t have anything for the pets and I am confident I’ve found my niche. Thanks to you, they have healthy options and a little bit of happiness via your recipes. I appreciate you Tracy, very much Be well my dear.
Lucy Porter says
Made these as a high value treat for my pup for training. No other treats keep her attention on walks but these did!!! She behaved so well on the leash and she learnt “heal” so quickly because of these. She loves them!! I cut them really tiny so she can have lots.