Sunday morning rush

As usual today I’d got out of bed just after 6 and taken the dogs for their first quick ‘business’ walk. I was meeting a friend for gundog training at 8.30, which meant leaving at 8 a.m. for a 30-minute drive.

The previous evening, I’d made a split decision to make some new treats before going. So determined was I, that I’d taken a pre-blitzed fish mix out of the freezer in readiness. At around 7, after feeding the dogs, the pressure was on. After considering the wisdom of last evening’s brainwave, and (very briefly) the idea of chickening out, I got going. Having the salmon and white fish pre-blitzed and pre-portioned was such a welcome time-saver.

The treats were cooking in their moulds in the oven before coffee was made. This definitely counts as a Doggy Delly hack.

Now to the serious stuff.

Not only are they quick and easy to make, but these fish-based training treats are still a functional food for active dogs, offering flavour and nutritional density without empty calories. The firm texture makes them easy to slice and ideal for quick rewards that hold together during fieldwork. A balanced fibre profile from flax meal and chia mucilage supports digestive stability and sustained energy without the rapid energy spikes that come from high-sugar or simple-starch ingredients.

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 flavour.
• Peanut butter enhances palatability and contributes to overall acceptance.
• The texture is firm but moist enough to be palatable without added fats or flavourings.

Energy for active dogs

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. Flax meal contributes fibre and natural fats that further moderate digestion. Chia mucilage increases viscosity in the digestive tract and slows glucose absorption. Eggs support the overall protein structure and contribute to metabolic steadiness, and a small amount of hemp protein rounds out the amino acid profile. Peanut butter adds functional fat that slows digestion and supports sustained energy release during training.

The combined effect is a stable release of energy, supporting consistent focus and stamina.

Ingredients:

110 g flax meal
110 g sorghum flour
110 g buckwheat flour
580 g fish mix, blitzed 
70 g Chia seed mucilage
three small eggs, out of shell weight 161 g
85 g peanut butter 100%
20 g hemp protein powder

 

Combine dry ingredients. Add blitzed fish, add to dry ingredients with eggs, peanut butter 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. I was only able to leave these in the oven for an extra ten minutes and they were still hot as we drove off in the car. Even so, they held together well.

Functional Ingredients

Fish mix (salmon and white fish):
Provides a blend of fatty and lean protein, supporting muscle maintenance and sustained energy. Natural fish oils integrate with eggs and chia mucilage to improve cohesion and palatability.
Eggs:
Strengthen the amino acid profile and support protein utilisation. The natural fats in the yolk aid absorption of fat-soluble nutrients and assist binding.
Sorghum flour:
Provides complex carbohydrates and phenolic compounds that help slow digestion and support metabolic steadiness.
Buckwheat flour:
Adds minerals and flavonoids, particularly rutin, contributing antioxidant support while forming a stable carbohydrate base.
Flax meal:
Adds fibre and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), complementing marine omega-3s while supporting stool quality and digestive stability.
Chia mucilage:
Works synergistically with eggs and fish oils to bind the mixture. Slows digestive transit and moderates glucose absorption.
Hemp protein:
Enhances the amino-acid contribution of fish and eggs, helping maintain balanced protein structure without increasing moisture load.
Peanut butter (100%):
Adds palatability and fat to support cohesion. Contributes small amounts of protein and magnesium. Should remain moderate due to energy density.

Baking Qualities

These treats should be firm and slice cleanly into uniform training pieces. The sorghum–buckwheat base produces a close crumb. Flax meal and chia mucilage increase structural integrity without drying. Eggs and fish oils – and peanut butter – maintain moisture while preventing crumbling.

There are no antagonisms. Fibre and protein sources are balanced, and mineral interactions are complementary rather than competitive.

Ingredients at a Glance

Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, and reduce inflammation. The flesh of wild salmon contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that gives it its pink-orange colour and helps protect against oxidative damage. Salmon also provides essential nutrients like potassium and phosphorus for muscle and bone health, selenium to support immune function and cellular health, B vitamins to support energy metabolism, nerve function and the production of red blood cells, and vitamin D which is essential for calcium absorption, promoting bone health.

Sorghum flour
Sorghum flour is a gluten-free grain, rich in fibre, vitamins, protein, essential minerals such as iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Nutritional and health benefits include muscle maintenance and repair, digestive health support, blood sugar management and heart health. Sorghum flour is also rich in antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and support immune function.

Chia seeds
Chia seeds are tiny but mighty, offering complete plant-based protein to support muscle maintenance and repair. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, reduce inflammation, and support heart and brain health. Chia seeds also provide antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and support cellular health, as well as dietary fibre for digestion and gut health. Packed with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, they contribute to strong bones and overall wellness.

Eggs
Eggs are a highly nutritious ingredient. Containing all essential amino acids, they are a complete protein for dogs. They provide vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function and skin health; a host of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12), which aid in energy metabolism, brain function and red blood cell production; vitamin D, for calcium absorption and bone strength; and vitamin E, which supports immune function and protects against oxidative damage. Eggs are also a rich source of choline, which supports cognitive function and liver health. Important minerals also found in eggs, including selenium, iron and phosphorus, contribute to immune support, oxygen transport and bone health. The yolk contains healthy fats and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health. And don’t throw away those shells: they’re around 95% calcium!

Buckwheat flour
Buckwheat is a gluten-free pseudocereal that provides complex carbohydrates and dietary fibre to support healthy digestion and gut function. It is a good source of plant-based protein and contains B vitamins that contribute to energy metabolism and cognitive health. Buckwheat also offers essential minerals such as magnesium, iron and potassium, which support muscle function, oxygen transport and overall cellular health. Rich in antioxidant compounds and flavonoids and considered one of the best natural sources of rutin, buckwheat helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

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!