Fish mix treats

These fish-based training treats were created as functional food for active dogs, offering flavour and nutritional density without empty calories. They combine palatability with a firm texture, making them easy to slice and ideal for quick rewards that hold together during fieldwork. A balanced fibre profile supports digestive stability and sustained energy, without the high-sugar or simple-starch ingredients that cause rapid energy spikes.

While not a “complete” food, these treats are nutrient-dense and functional, not an empty complementary food. In addition to flavour, variety and functional support, they also contain calories, and should therefore be counted as a component of a rotation diet.

Palatability is key; treats can be as healthy as you like, but first and foremost they must be acceptable:

  • The salmon–white fish mix provides strong natural aroma and flavour.
  • Nutritional yeast enhances palatability while offering additional nutrients.
  • Salmon oil contributes aroma and improves overall acceptance.
  • The texture is firm but moist enough to be palatable without added fats or flavourings.

Energy

These treats support slow, sustained energy release, which is important during prolonged training or work activity.

Fish provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which require significant time and energy to metabolise, slowing the overall rate of digestion and supporting a steadier release of energy. Sorghum and buckwheat flours are complex carbohydrates with a lower glycaemic impact than refined starches, helping maintain stable energy levels. Chia mucilage increases viscosity in the digestive tract and slows glucose absorption.

The combined effect is a stable release of energy rather than a rapid rise and fall, supporting consistent focus and stamina.

Ingredients

215 g sorghum flour
100 g buckwheat flour
15 g nutritional yeast
15 g hemp protein powder
15 g beetroot powder
600 g fish mix (typically salmon and white fish)
2 eggs, out of shell weight 117g
55 g chia seed mucilage
100 ml pure apple purée
1 tbsp salmon oil

  15 g hemp protein powder, 15 g beetroot powder (optional)

 

Combine dry ingredients. Blitz fish, add to dry ingredients with eggs, apple puree and mucilage and mix thoroughly. Place mixture in silicone sausage moulds, cover with lids.
Place in the oven (middle shelf) and cook at 175°C for 35 minutes.

If possible, leave in the oven, with lids on, as the oven cools. This allows residual heat and steam to finish setting the texture, reducing surface cracking and helping the treats firm up evenly. If you can’t do that, cook for a little longer.

Functional ingredients

  • Fish mix (salmon and white fish): The blend of fatty and lean fish works with the sorghum–buckwheat base to provide steady, slow-release energy suited to fieldwork. The natural oils help bind the mixture with the eggs and chia mucilage, improving palatability and contributing to the dense, cohesive texture needed for sliceable training pieces.
  • Eggs: Work synergistically with the fish mix by strengthening the amino-acid profile and improving overall protein utilisation. The natural fats in the yolk support absorption of fat-soluble nutrients from the fish and salmon oil, and the eggs bind the mixture with the chia mucilage to create the firm, sliceable texture needed for fieldwork.
  • Sorghum and buckwheat flours: Both provide complex carbohydrates with a low glycaemic impact, but they contribute differently: sorghum brings higher fibre and phenolic compounds that help slow digestion and support steady energy release, while buckwheat contributes minerals and flavonoids that support metabolic steadiness. Together they create a stable, slow-release carbohydrate base.
  • Chia mucilage: Chia mucilage works with the eggs and fish oils to bind the mixture and create a stable, sliceable texture. It slows the passage of food through the digestive tract, complementing the slow-release carbohydrates from sorghum and buckwheat.
  • Hemp protein: Supports the amino-acid contribution of the fish mix and eggs, helping maintain a balanced protein structure in the final bake. It integrates well with chia mucilage, improving consistency without adding moisture.
  • Nutritional yeast: Enhances aroma and flavour in combination with the fish mix, ensuring the treats retain reward value. It also works with the flours to create a more unified, slightly elastic crumb.
  • Apple purée: Adds moisture that helps the chia and flours hydrate evenly and contributes to the smooth, dense texture without increasing the sugar load, supporting the overall slow-release energy profile.
  • Beetroot powder: Beetroot powder integrates easily with the dry ingredients and enhances palatability and colour without altering moisture levels or texture. Treats containing beetroot are always well received.
  • Salmon oil: Combines with natural fish oils and egg yolk to improve cohesion, creating a moist but firm treat that slices cleanly. The added fat also helps moderate digestion and supports the prolonged energy curve required for working sessions.

Baking qualities

These treats should be firm and hold their shape well, ideal for slicing into small, uniform training pieces. The combination of sorghum and buckwheat produces a close crumb that resists drying and crumbling. Chia mucilage and eggs act as natural binders, while the fish oils and salmon oil provide moisture without making the treats greasy. Perfect for carrying in pockets or treat bags during fieldwork.

There are no antagonistic pairings. All mineral absorption is supported, and ingredient interactions are complementary. Fibre and protein sources are balanced to maintain digestibility and energy stability.

Happy tasting!

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
  • The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!