Homemade Dry Dog Food Recipe using Sardine & Cornmeal Crackers

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.

Is the dog of yours tired of the same dry food? Maybe you are concerned about the ingredients that are not listed and artificial fillers in the food that is bought from the store.

The fact is: a lot of commercial dog food doesn’t contain the fresh and healthy nutrition that dogs need.

However, there is a straightforward, and money saving way to make your dog happy with a tasty and healthy homemade dry dog food meal.

Recipe Overview

• Purpose: A healthy, crunchy snack or meal topper, rich in Omega-3s and complex carbs.
• Benefits: Supports healthy skin, coat, joints, and provides sustained energy.
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30-40 minutes
• Serving size: Approximately 40-50 crackers

Ingredients List

• 1 (3.75 oz) can boneless, skinless sardines in water, drained (about $2.50)
• 1 cup fine cornmeal (about $0.75)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (about $0.20)
• 1 large egg (about $0.30)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (about $0.15)
• 1/4 cup water (free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (about $0.10)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (about $0.05)

Total estimated cost: $4.05

Substitutions:

• Sardines: Canned salmon or tuna (in water, no salt added) can work.
• Whole wheat flour: Oat flour or rice flour for gluten-sensitive dogs.
• Applesauce: Mashed banana or pumpkin puree (not pie filling).

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, mash the drained sardines with a fork until they are mostly smooth.
• Add the cornmeal, whole wheat flour, egg, applesauce, water, olive oil, and parsley flakes to the bowl.
• Stir everything together until a thick, uniform dough forms. It should be firm enough to roll.
• Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
• Remove the top sheet of parchment. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into small, cracker-sized squares or rectangles. You can use cookie cutters for fun shapes too.
• Carefully transfer the cut crackers to the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each cracker.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and firm. They should sound hollow when tapped.
• Turn off the oven and leave the crackers inside for another 15-20 minutes with the door slightly ajar. This helps them crisp up even more.
• Let the crackers cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 2-3 crackers per day as a treat or meal topper.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 4-6 crackers per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 7-10 crackers per day.

For active dogs, you can give a few more. Older or less active dogs might need a little less.

Puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs have higher energy needs, but check with your vet before changing their diet significantly.

These crackers are a supplement, not a complete meal. Always make sure your dog gets a balanced diet.

Talk to your veterinarian for advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs and health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Sardines: These are tiny powerhouses of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). They help with brain development, reduce inflammation, support joint health, and make coats shiny. They also provide protein, Vitamin D, and calcium.
• Cornmeal: A good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. It also offers fiber for digestion and some B vitamins.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Adds more complex carbs and dietary fiber, promoting gut health.
• Egg: A complete protein source, full of essential amino acids, and vitamins like A, D, E, K, and B vitamins.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and antioxidants, good for skin and coat health.
• Applesauce: A natural source of fiber and vitamins A and C. Make sure it’s unsweetened.
• Parsley: More than just a garnish, it can help with fresh breath and has some vitamins and antioxidants.

This recipe is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who need a boost in Omega-3s.

While this recipe is wholesome, it isn’t nutritionally complete on its own for every meal.

Consider adding a veterinary-approved canine supplement if these crackers become a significant part of your dog’s diet.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store these crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
• For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen crackers at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve them as a crunchy treat, a reward during training, or crumble them over your dog’s regular kibble to add extra flavor and nutrition.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the whole wheat flour for oat flour or rice flour. Make sure the cornmeal you use is pure cornmeal and not mixed with wheat.

Are these suitable for puppies?

Puppies can enjoy these in moderation as a treat once they are fully weaned and on solid food. Always consult your vet about appropriate treats for your puppy’s age and breed.

My dog won’t eat them. What can I do?

Some dogs are picky. Try breaking them into smaller pieces or crumbling them over their regular food to introduce the new taste gradually. You can also try different flavors like adding a tiny bit of peanut butter (xylitol-free) to the dough next time.

How can I make them extra crispy?

The key to crispiness is baking them long enough and then letting them cool slowly in the turned-off oven. If they soften, you can re-bake them at a low temperature (around 200°F) for 10-15 minutes until crisp again.

Wrapping Up

Giving your dog these homemade sardine and cornmeal crackers is a simple, loving way to boost their health and happiness.

They’re packed with good stuff, easy to make, and your pup will absolutely love them.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!