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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Eryn says
These are a huge hit with both my dog and cat! And super easy to make too! My dog didn’t leave my side while I was cutting them up because he wanted more and him sitting still is a rare moment being a Border Collie Lab mix. Thanks for the brilliant recipe!
Tracy says
Glad they both enjoyed them, Eryn!!
Tori says
My pup loves these!!!!
Tracy says
Yay!!
Kim says
I just made these- threw the eggshell in for extra calcium, also added a small piece of apple. Gave 1 to my heeler as a trial, she loved them!!
Thanks so much for posting this!
Tracy says
Yay! Glad she loved them!
Ariana says
Do you think I could sub this for canned chicken and add or remove flour as needed? Fish makes my dog’s ears smell weird!
Tracy says
What a strange reaction to fish from your dog! 🙂 I’ve never tried it, so I can’t say 100% for sure, but I bet it would work. If you do try, please let me know how it turns out!
Maty says
Awesome, Thank you!
I made them with gluten free flour. Had to use more flour to make it the right consistency. Then put on aluminum foil,baked them in my toaster oven. They turned out great.
Had to scrape of foil .but I cut them first and let them cool for just a minute.
The dogs love them.
I have a puppy so great training tool
Tracy says
Glad to hear the pups enjoyed them!
Tracy Campola says
Hi Tracy,
I made your treats for my puppy and he’s crazy for them. Have you ever made them with pink salmon? What do you think?
Tracy says
So glad your pup enjoyed them! I think they should work okay with salmon. If the consistency is off before baking, you can always add in a little more flour or water depending on how it looks. If you do try it, please let me know how it works out!
Tina Lopez says
Just made these and added some cheese too! Pups loved them !!! Thanks so much!
Tracy says
Love the idea of adding cheese! Glad your dogs enjoyed them, and thanks for reporting back!!
Frankie says
I’m wondering if you could use other fish? Sardines or salmon? Thanks!
Tracy says
Hi Frankie, I would think salmon should work, but I’m not sure about sardines. The liquid to fish ratio might be off if you use sardines. If you do try it, please let me know how it works out. I’d love to know!
Glenda says
I just made them using sardines packed in water and they came out great and they definitely have my dogs attention!!!
Tracy says
Ooo, glad to know these work with sardines. And so happy your pup is into them!!
Janessa says
Hi, I just made this, somehow it got stuck on the pan so I had to tear it apart. So how do you make it come off easy and perfect cut?
Tracy says
Hi Janessa, I covered my pan in parchment paper, so it just peels right off and then used a long chefs knife to cut it into squares. Just greasing the pan should also work. The parchment paper is in the instructions, but it’s at the beginning. I’ll add another note in there so it’s clearer. Sorry you had some trouble with getting them off the pan! Hope your dog still enjoys them!
LIZ says
Hi there. These sound so yummy. At the risk of being gross, did you find that your dog’s poopies were effected by these?
Tracy says
Hi Liz, thanks! I never see any difference, but Ella doesn’t have a very sensitive stomach and since they are training treats, I don’t feed a ton of them at the same time. Hope that helps!
Brianne says
Is there a way to make these treats grain free?
Tracy says
Hi Brianne, I haven’t worked with grain-free flours, so I couldn’t say for sure, but I imagine it would be possible. I would just stir a little grain-free flour at a time into the egg and tuna mixture until it’s thick enough to spread on your cookie sheet and then bake until set. If you try it, let me know how it works out for you!
Janessa says
You can use coconut flour. Coconut are healthy for dogs too btw.
Tracy says
Thanks for the tip. Coconut flour’s not something I usually work with, so that’s good to know!
Margaret Lucas says
I was thinking oat flour!
Veronica says
Oats are considered a grain.
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
Oh my goodness! Your fur baby is so cute! That was so funny, though…both your cats are jerks :D. I know what you mean about bribing them…my little guy perks right up if he hears the word ‘treat’ or if I even go towards them. I love these and I’m sure my little guy would too. Love the simplicity of the ingredients and knowing exactly what’s in them 🙂
Tracy says
Thanks, Dawn. The cats are *such* jerks! My dog is terrified of them and she is like three times their size. Your guy sounds like a smart cookie. He deserves all the treats! 😉
Tiffany says
These look good, even to me! haha. My dog loves, loves, loves tuna fish so I seriously need to make these. Just found your site and I love it! Especially loved the Nerdy Recipe article, heh 🙂
Tracy says
Ha! Thanks so much, Tiffany!!
Beth @ Binky's Culinary Carnival says
Ella is very cute and lucky to have you for a Mom! These are a great idea!
Tracy says
Thanks, Beth!
Kathi @ Laughing Spatula says
Totally cute idea! I don’t have a dog but my daughter does. A shihzu named Walter. Not kidding…goofy sweet mutt! Will forward this to her!
Tracy says
I love dogs with people names. Walter is such a cute name for a shih tzu! 🙂
Sara @ Life's Little Sweets says
Your dog Ella is so cute and very photogenic! I should really make dog treats for my 2 dogs, thank you for sharing this recipe for dog treats!
Tracy says
Thanks, Sara!
safira says
Wow, what a great treat idea. Great pics too!
Tracy says
Thanks!!
Trish @ Rhubarbarians says
Oh my gosh, SO CUTE! My dog is a total weirdo, and will do just about anything for lettuce. Ha! These sound like treats she would love though!
Tracy says
That’s so funny! My dog begs for lettuce and then I always end up stepping on it in some random part of my house because she carried it away and spit it out. I don’t know why I still give it to her!!