Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
All dog owners want their dogs to be healthy and happy. However, treats bought from the store? They are usually loaded with incomprehensible components, and sometimes they may cause the discomfort of the digestive tracts.
Then you are left wondering why your dog is not behaving normally or is scratching more than usual.
Fortunately, you don’t have to have a kitchen full of expensive ingredients to make your dog a tasty and healthy treat. This recipe is straightforward and it works.
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Recipe Overview
- Purpose: A simple, nutritious, and highly palatable treat for dogs, especially those with food sensitivities.
- Benefits: Rich in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins; excellent for skin, coat, and overall vitality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Serving Size: Approximately 30-40 small treats
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Ingredients List
- Canned Tuna in Water (drained): 1 (5 oz) can. Estimated Cost: $1.50 – $2.50. Suitable substitution: Canned salmon or sardines (in water, drained) for similar Omega-3 benefits.
- Sweet Potato: 1 large (about 1.5 cups cooked and mashed). Estimated Cost: $1.00 – $2.00. Suitable substitution: Pumpkin puree (not pie filling) or cooked, mashed carrots for different vitamin profiles.
- Optional: A sprinkle of dried parsley for fresh breath. (No additional cost if you have it)
Total Estimated Cost: $2.50 – $4.50
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This stops them from sticking.
- Next, prepare the sweet potato. You can boil, steam, or microwave it until it’s very soft. Peel it after cooking.
- Mash the cooked sweet potato thoroughly in a medium bowl. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Drain the canned tuna very well. You want to get rid of as much water as possible.
- Add the drained tuna to the mashed sweet potato.
- Mix the tuna and sweet potato together until they are well combined. You’re looking for a consistent texture here.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Aim for about ½ to ¾ inch in diameter, depending on your dog’s size.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly golden brown. They should be cooked through.
- Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog.
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Feeding Guidelines
- Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 2-3 treats per day as a supplement.
- Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 4-6 treats per day.
- Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): 6-8 treats per day.
- For puppies or very active adult dogs, a slightly higher amount might be okay. But here’s the thing, treats should only be about 10% of their daily caloric intake.
- If your dog has specific health conditions or is pregnant/nursing, it’s always best to talk to your vet first. They can give you personalized advice.
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Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
- Tuna: This is packed with high-quality protein, which helps with muscle maintenance and repair. It’s also a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA and DHA. These are good for a healthy coat, skin, and even brain function. It also has B vitamins for energy metabolism and selenium.
- Sweet Potato: These are complex carbohydrates that give sustained energy. They’re full of dietary fiber, which helps with good digestion and keeps things moving smoothly. Sweet potatoes also provide important vitamins like Vitamin A (beta-carotene) for vision and immune health, and Vitamin C for immune support. They have potassium too, which is important for nerve and muscle function.
- Together, these ingredients offer a balanced treat. It supports overall well-being without any questionable additives.
Storage and Serving Tips
- These treats will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to put them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When you want to serve frozen treats, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Or you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
- You can give them warm or at room temperature. They’re also great crumbled over kibble to make mealtime more exciting.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can. Just make sure it’s plain, cooked tuna without any seasonings or oils. And here’s the thing, always ensure there are no bones.
My dog has allergies. Is this recipe safe?
This recipe is often good for dogs with common chicken or grain allergies. But if your dog has specific fish or sweet potato allergies, then no. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure.
Why are my treats crumbly?
This often happens if the sweet potato wasn’t mashed well enough or if the tuna wasn’t drained completely. Make sure both ingredients are very well combined to help them bind.
Can I add other ingredients?
Keep it simple for this recipe. But you can add a tiny bit of dried parsley for fresh breath if you want. It’s important to keep the ingredient list short for sensitive dogs.
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Need more ideas on what to cook for your dog? Then you must check out my library of homemade dog food recipes today!
Wrapping Up
Making your own dog treats is a simple way to show your love and keep your dog healthy. This 2-Ingredient Tuna & Sweet Potato Balls recipe is easy, nutritious, and a real crowd-pleaser for your pup.
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