Are fish shaped dog treats good for dogs?
Short answer: yes. Fish shaped dog treats are a healthy, protein-rich reward as long as they're made with real, dog-safe fish and given in moderation. The fish shape is just for fun—what matters is what's inside. Fish delivers lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support a shiny coat, healthy skin, and joint and brain health, according to the American Kennel Club. Below is a simple homemade recipe, plus what to look for if you'd rather buy them.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We built our business on the idea that dog treats should be simple and honest, so I'll keep this the same way.
Why fish is a good treat ingredient
Fish is a lean protein and one of the best natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Those omegas support heart health, a silky coat, and less itchy, flaky skin, and DHA aids brain and eye development in puppies and cognitive function in senior dogs. The AKC notes fish oil is one of the best supplements you can add to a dog's diet.
A couple of safety notes worth knowing before you cook. Stick to shorter-lived fish like salmon, whitefish, or herring when you can. Longer-lived fish like tuna and swordfish can carry more mercury, so if you use canned tuna, use it sparingly and choose tuna packed in water with no added salt. Always remove bones, and skip anything fried, breaded, or seasoned.
Homemade fish shaped dog treat recipe
This is an easy, oven-baked recipe you can cut with a fish-shaped cookie cutter. Makes a batch you can store in the fridge for about a week or freeze for longer.
Ingredients
- 1 can of tuna in water, drained (or 1 cup cooked, boneless salmon)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a wheat-free option)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (a natural breath freshener)
- 1/4 cup water, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the fish, grated carrots, and parsley.
- Add the flour and egg and mix until combined. If the dough is dry, add water a little at a time until workable.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thick on a floured surface.
- Cut out treats with a fish-shaped cookie cutter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until golden and firm.
- Cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge up to a week, or freeze.
As with any new food, introduce a small amount first and watch for any stomach upset. Treats should stay under about 10% of your dog's daily calories.
What to look for in store-bought fish treats
If baking isn't your thing, plenty of good fish treats exist—but read the label. The best options are simple: a named fish as the first (ideally only) ingredient, with no fillers, artificial preservatives, or added sugar. That's the same standard we hold ourselves to at Bully Sticks Central, where our chews are 100% natural, single-ingredient, made from 100% real meat, fully digestible, and no rawhide. If you want to understand why simpler is better, our guide to single-ingredient dog chews breaks it down.
Love making your own? You might also enjoy our homemade peanut butter dog treats. And if you're after a natural, longer-lasting chew instead of a soft treat, our guide to beef trachea chews covers a safe, digestible option dogs love.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat fish treats every day?
In moderation, yes. Keep treats to roughly 10% of daily calories and rotate proteins so no single ingredient dominates the diet.
Is tuna safe for dogs?
Small amounts of plain, water-packed tuna are fine, but because tuna can contain mercury it's best used sparingly. Salmon and whitefish are lower-mercury alternatives.
Are fish treats good for a dog's coat?
Yes. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish support skin and coat health and can help reduce itching and flaking.
Bottom line: fish shaped dog treats are a great, healthy reward when they're made with real fish and served in moderation. Bake a batch or buy a clean-label option—either way, your dog gets the coat-and-brain benefits of real fish.
This post was last updated at July 15, 2026 20:02
