If you participate in agility or other dog sports, you’ve probably heard of “tuna fudge.” It’s a high-value homemade training treat for dogs that’s quick and easy to make. Its powerful scent is a strong motivator, which is one reason tuna fudge for dogs is favored by many trainers!
It has a fudge-like weight and consistency but, don’t worry–there is NO chocolate involved, just tuna, flour and egg!
Can Dogs Eat Tuna?
Well, the answer is yes and no!
Yes, dogs can eat tuna in moderation. Tuna is packed with protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
However, we all know that there’s a risk of mercury poisoning if we eat too much tuna–and the same holds true for dogs. Tuna isn’t something you want to serve as a meal, just an occasional treat–like tuna fudge!
Remember: dog treats should never comprise more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
Can I Substitute Another Fish?
You bet, you can substitute other canned meats as long as they are boneless. Canned salmon (remember: boneless!), sardines, mackerel and even chicken make good substitutes.
Making Tuna Fudge for Dogs
The recipe list is so simple! You’ll need a 6-ounce can of tuna (packed in spring water) along with your favorite flour:
Don’t drain the water from the tuna; just dump it all in a mixing bowl with the flour. I used unbleached all-purpose flour but you can substitute your favorite flour.
Add an egg…
…and you’re ready to start mixing!
If you want to go wild with this, you can put all the ingredients a blender to create a batter with a smoother consistency–but your dog doesn’t care! (And I didn’t want the extra dishes!)
You’ll notice that I said “batter” and not “dough”…this is a somewhat like a thick cake batter.
You can use a greased cookie sheet–but I poured mine on a sheet of parchment paper resting on a cookie sheet and spread the batter to about 1/4-1/2 inch thick:
Pop it in the oven (printable recipe below) for about 10-12 minutes then take it out and flip the loaf of tuna fudge.
Return it to the oven for about 10 more minutes then remove it from the oven to cool.
I cooled the loaf on a raised tray:
When the tuna fudge is completely cooled, place it on a cutting board and score with a pizza cutter or knife:
Want to make tuna fudge in the microwave?
You can definitely make tuna fudge in the microwave. I made two batches at the same time using the exact same ingredients–and saw practically no difference in the outcome.
This is a somewhat rubbery treat anyway so microwaving it does not change the consistency like you might see with the fluffier dog treat.
I cooked mine in the a glass Pyrex cake pan lined with parchment paper. After cooking on high for two minutes, I flipped over the loaf…
I then microwaved it another two minutes–but you may need to adjust your cooking time depending on the power of your microwave.
From that point on, it’s just like cooking in the oven: cool the loaf completely then slice into cubes.
You’ll want to store the fudge in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze.
I gave Tiki and Barli samples of both the oven-baked and microwaved tuna fudge and they gave both a big paws up!
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Printable Recipe
Tuna Fudge for Dogs
This popular dog treat is inexpensive and fast to make--and serves as a powerful high-value training treat!
Ingredients
- 1 (6 ounce) can tuna in spring water
- 3/4 cup unbleached flour
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour tuna and flour into mixing bowl; do not drain tuna.
- Add egg.
- Mix completely.
- Pour batter onto parchment paper; spread out to about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.
- Place in oven. After 10 minutes, turn over loaf and return to oven.
- Bake for 10 additional minutes for total of 20 minutes cooking time.
- Remove from oven and cool on raised wire rack.
- When cool, score with pizza cutter.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze.
Nutrition Information
Yield 50 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 10Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 5mgSodium 2mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 1g
These values are estimates. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian before adding new foods to your dog's diet including dog treats.
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