🎉 Introduction
Crunchy, protein-rich Tuna & Sweet Pea Dog Treat Squares are a simple homemade snack dogs can enjoy occasionally. Made with tuna in water, mashed sweet peas and oat flour, these squares bake to a firm, handheld texture perfect for training or as a small reward.
This recipe uses only dog-safe, everyday pantry ingredients and is straightforward enough for a home cook. It yields about a dozen small squares and stores well for short-term use.
Ideal for pet owners looking for low-salt, homemade treats without artificial additives. Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor your dog after the first feeding.
Prep and bake in under 40 minutes; great for making a fresh batch on the weekend and portioning for quick snacks during the week.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- mixing bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
- food processor or blender (for oat flour)
- fork or whisk
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- spatula
- knife or cookie cutter
- wire cooling rack
- oven
🛒 Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 can (5 oz / 140 g) Canned tuna in water, drained
- 1/2 cup Cooked sweet peas, mashed (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons Plain canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
Binders & flours
- 1 cup Oat flour (or make by blending rolled oats)
- 1/4 cup Whole wheat flour
- 1 large Large egg
Flavor & extras
- 1 tablespoon Ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Extra-virgin olive oil
👩🍳 Directions
Prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- If you don’t have oat flour, make it by pulsing 1 cup rolled oats in a food processor or blender until fine; measure 1 cup.
Mix wet ingredients
- Drain the canned tuna well and place in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to flake the tuna into small pieces.
- Add the mashed sweet peas, canned pumpkin, egg and olive oil to the tuna. Stir until evenly combined.
- Fold in the chopped parsley and ground flaxseed so they are distributed through the wet mixture.
Combine with dry ingredients
- Add the oat flour and whole wheat flour to the wet mixture in two additions, stirring after each addition until a firm dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky; add a teaspoon of oat flour if too wet.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface (use a little oat flour). Press or roll the dough to about 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness.
Shape, bake and cool
- Cut the dough into 12 even squares using a knife or small cookie cutter. Transfer the squares to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the tops are set. Baking time will vary slightly with oven and thickness.
- Remove from the oven and let the squares cool completely on a wire rack before offering them to your dog. Store cooled squares as directed below.
Notes
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled Tuna & Sweet Pea Dog Treat Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Do not microwave for extended periods; if you warm a frozen square briefly, let it cool to room temperature before giving it to your dog.
Variations
Swap oat flour for brown rice flour for a gluten-free option (use same quantity). If your dog tolerates dairy, a tablespoon of plain unsweetened yogurt can replace the pumpkin for minor moisture adjustment. Omit parsley if your dog dislikes herbs; you can add a small handful of finely chopped steamed carrots instead. Always avoid adding salt, garlic, onions or artificial sweeteners.
FAQs
Is this recipe suitable for small, medium and large dogs?
Yes. The squares are sized for small, training-sized treats; adjust portion size to your dog’s weight—smaller dogs get a quarter square while larger dogs can have a half or whole square occasionally.
Can puppies eat these Tuna & Sweet Pea Squares?
Puppies can have these in small amounts after they are weaned, but feed smaller portions and consult your veterinarian for age-appropriate serving sizes and any breed-specific guidance.
What if my dog has a fish or grain allergy?
If your dog is allergic to fish, do not use this recipe. For grain sensitivities, replace oat and whole wheat flours with an appropriate single-ingredient substitute such as brown rice flour; consult your vet for safe substitutions.
How often can I feed these to my dog?
These are an occasional treat. Offer them sparingly—no more than a few times per week depending on your dog’s size, calorie needs and overall diet. Keep treats to a small percentage of daily calories.
How should I store leftovers and are they safe to keep in the refrigerator?
Yes—store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer keeping, freeze and thaw as needed. Discard if you notice off smells, mold or an odd texture.
How many squares is a recommended portion for a medium dog?
A medium dog can typically have one half to one whole square as a treat. Adjust based on the dog’s daily calorie intake and activity level; reduce meal portions if adding multiple treats.
Any tips for preparation to get a firm, crunchy texture?
Roll the dough evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness and bake until fully set at the edges. Let treats cool completely on a rack—this helps them firm up and develop the desired texture.
When should I NOT feed these to my dog?
Do not feed if your dog is allergic to fish, flaxseed, or any listed ingredient, or if your dog is on a veterinarian-prescribed sodium-restricted or therapeutic diet that forbids added ingredients. Avoid feeding to dogs with a history of pancreatitis without vet approval.
Should I consult my veterinarian before feeding these if my dog has health issues?
Yes. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new treats if your dog has chronic health conditions, food sensitivities, or is on medication.
Can I substitute fresh tuna for canned tuna?
You can use cooked, deboned fresh tuna in place of canned tuna—ensure it’s fully cooked, cooled, and flaked with no added oil, salt, or seasonings before using.
Conclusion
Tuna & Sweet Pea Dog Treat Squares are intended as an occasional treat or snack, not a complete diet. Introduce new foods gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions. If your dog has health concerns or food sensitivities, consult a veterinarian before feeding. Keep treats in moderation as part of a balanced feeding plan.
Tuna & Sweet Pea Dog Treat Squares
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- If you don’t have oat flour, make it by pulsing 1 cup rolled oats in a food processor or blender until fine; measure 1 cup.
- Drain the canned tuna well and place in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to flake the tuna into small pieces.
- Add the mashed sweet peas, canned pumpkin, egg and olive oil to the tuna. Stir until evenly combined.
- Fold in the chopped parsley and ground flaxseed so they are distributed through the wet mixture.
- Add the oat flour and whole wheat flour to the wet mixture in two additions, stirring after each addition until a firm dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky; add a teaspoon of oat flour if too wet.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface (use a little oat flour). Press or roll the dough to about 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness.
- Cut the dough into 12 even squares using a knife or small cookie cutter. Transfer the squares to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the tops are set. Baking time will vary slightly with oven and thickness.
- Remove from the oven and let the squares cool completely on a wire rack before offering them to your dog. Store cooled squares as directed below.
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