13 White Fish Hake Dog Food Recipes for Easy Digestion

This is the classic ‘bland diet’ recipe, perfect for when your dog’s digestive system needs a reset. It’s incredibly simple and gentle on the stomach.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless hake fillet (about 1/2 lb)
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
2. While the rice is cooking, poach or steam the hake fillet until it’s cooked through and flakes easily. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Avoid using any oils or seasonings.
3. Let both the rice and fish cool down completely.
4. Flake the cooked hake with a fork and mix it thoroughly with the cooked rice.
5. Serve in small portions.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is your go-to emergency meal. It’s not meant for everyday feeding but is perfect for a day or two to help your dog’s stomach settle down after a bout of illness.

A grain-free option that’s just as gentle but offers more nutrients than plain rice. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of fiber and vitamins for dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley (optional, for fresh breath)
• Water for boiling

Instructions:

1. Place the cubed sweet potato in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until very tender.
2. In a separate pan, steam or poach the hake fillet until cooked through.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them with a fork.
4. Flake the cooked hake and mix it into the sweet potato mash.
5. Stir in the optional parsley and let it cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for dogs with grain sensitivities or for owners who want to provide a more nutrient-dense recovery meal. It’s also great for adding a bit of healthy fiber to their diet.

Quinoa is a complete protein, making this recipe a powerhouse of nutrition. Combined with the fiber from green beans, it’s a wonderfully balanced and digestible meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet
• 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped green beans (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, bring the water or broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
2. During the last 5 minutes of the quinoa cooking, stir in the chopped green beans.
3. Steam the hake fillet until cooked.
4. Once everything is cooked, flake the hake and mix it all together.
5. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is great for active dogs or as a step-up from a basic bland diet. It provides sustained energy and is packed with nutrients, making it a solid choice for a regular meal topper or occasional full meal.

Perfect for senior dogs or pups with very sensitive systems, this oatmeal-based porridge is warm, soothing, and incredibly easy to eat and digest.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet
• 1/4 cup rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 cup water
• 1 small carrot, finely grated

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a gentle simmer.
2. Add the rolled oats and grated carrot, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until the oats are soft.
3. While the oatmeal cooks, poach the hake fillet in a separate pan of water until cooked.
4. Flake the cooked fish and stir it into the oatmeal porridge.
5. Let it cool to a safe, lukewarm temperature before serving. It should have a thick, porridge-like consistency.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate comfort food for dogs. It’s especially beneficial for older dogs, dogs recovering from surgery, or on a cold day when they need something warm and gentle in their belly.

Pumpkin is a superstar ingredient for canine digestion, known for helping with both constipation and diarrhea. Pairing it with hake creates a gentle, gut-soothing meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet
• 1/4 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/4 cup cooked brown rice

Instructions:

1. Cook the hake by baking or steaming it without any seasoning.
2. Prepare the brown rice according to package directions.
3. Once the hake and rice have cooled, flake the fish.
4. In a bowl, mix the flaked hake, cooked brown rice, and pumpkin puree together until well combined.
5. Serve immediately.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A must-try recipe for any dog prone to digestive upset. It’s a fantastic meal to help keep things regular and is often a hit with dogs due to the slightly sweet taste of pumpkin.

This recipe is a classic for a reason. It mimics the ‘meat and two veg’ we enjoy, but in a perfectly dog-friendly, digestible format. Carrots and peas add vitamins and a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet
• 1/4 cup diced carrots
• 1/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil (optional, for healthy fats)

Instructions:

1. Steam or boil the diced carrots until they are tender. Add the peas for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
2. While the vegetables cook, bake the hake fillet at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until opaque and flaky.
3. Let all components cool down.
4. Flake the fish and gently mix it with the carrots and peas.
5. Drizzle with a little olive oil before serving, if desired.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A great, low-calorie meal topper or a light meal for dogs on a weight management plan. The simple, whole-food ingredients are easy on the gut and provide a nice nutritional boost.

Looking for a low-fat, low-carb option? This recipe is light, easy to make, and perfect for dogs who need to watch their waistline. The zucchini provides hydration and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet, cut into strips
• 1/2 medium zucchini, cut into sticks
• A tiny drizzle of coconut or olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the hake strips and zucchini sticks in a very small amount of oil, just enough to lightly coat them.
3. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the hake is cooked and the zucchini is tender.
5. Let cool completely. The zucchini will be soft and easy for your dog to eat.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is less of a full meal and more of a healthy, special treat or a light addition to your dog’s regular food. It’s fantastic for dogs on a diet who still deserve something tasty.

Barley is a wonderfully chewy and nutritious grain that’s packed with fiber. This stew is a hearty, filling meal that’s still gentle enough for most dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet, cubed
• 1/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped celery and carrots

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine the broth, rinsed barley, and chopped vegetables. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
3. Add the cubed hake to the pot for the last 10 minutes of cooking, stirring gently until the fish is cooked through.
4. Remove from heat and let the stew cool down significantly before serving. It will thicken as it cools.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fantastic choice for a winter meal or for active dogs who need a substantial, energy-providing dinner. It’s a comforting, hearty stew that’s full of goodness.

Eggs are a digestible protein source that most dogs love. This simple scramble is a protein-packed breakfast or a light dinner that’s easy on the tummy.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 hake fillet, pre-cooked and flaked
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of water or milk (optional)
• A tiny bit of coconut oil for the pan

Instructions:

1. Lightly grease a non-stick skillet with coconut oil and heat over medium-low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the optional water or milk.
3. Pour the egg into the skillet and cook, stirring gently, to scramble it.
4. When the egg is almost fully cooked, stir in the pre-cooked, flaked hake.
5. Cook for another 30 seconds to warm the fish through.
6. Slide onto a plate and let it cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A perfect high-protein treat or meal topper. It’s especially good for picky eaters, as the smell of egg and fish is often irresistible to dogs.

This dog-friendly ‘risotto’ uses arborio or brown rice for a creamy texture without any dairy. Spinach adds a dose of iron and vitamins for a well-rounded, tasty meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet
• 1/4 cup arborio or brown rice
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• A handful of fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat the olive oil and toast the rice for a minute. Add the broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes (or according to rice package).
2. While the rice cooks, steam the hake fillet until done.
3. In the last 2-3 minutes of the rice cooking, stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts.
4. Flake the cooked hake and mix it into the creamy rice and spinach mixture.
5. Let it cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the dog with a refined palate! This is a flavorful and nutritious meal that feels a bit special. It’s a great way to incorporate leafy greens into their diet in a digestible way.

Who doesn’t love a fish cake? These are baked, not fried, making them a healthy, easy-to-handle meal or treat. They’re great for making in a batch and storing.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet, cooked and flaked
• 1/4 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats or breadcrumbs (optional, as a binder)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the flaked hake, mashed sweet potato, and beaten egg. If the mixture is too wet, add the oats or breadcrumbs.
3. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until firm and lightly golden.
5. Cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for pet parents who like to prep meals in advance. These fish cakes are a convenient, mess-free way to serve a healthy homemade meal, and they’re great for training, too!

Coconut oil is praised for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can support skin, coat, and cognitive health. This simple mixer is an easy way to add hake and healthy fats to your dog’s current food.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet, steamed and flaked
• 1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil (solid or melted)

Instructions:

1. Cook the hake fillet via steaming to keep it as plain as possible.
2. Let it cool and then flake it with a fork.
3. Mix the teaspoon of coconut oil directly into the flaked fish.
4. Serve as a meal topper on your dog’s regular kibble or wet food.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This isn’t a standalone meal but rather a powerful, simple supplement. It’s ideal for adding a boost of omega fatty acids and flavor to a regular diet, especially for dogs with dry skin or dull coats.

This unique combination is designed to be extra soothing. A tiny amount of ginger can help with nausea, while apple provides gentle fiber and sweetness. A great choice for a dog feeling a bit under the weather.

Ingredients:

• 1 hake fillet
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (a very small amount)

Instructions:

1. Poach or steam the hake fillet until it’s fully cooked. Let it cool.
2. Flake the fish into a bowl.
3. Stir in the applesauce and the tiny pinch of grated ginger until everything is well combined.
4. Serve in a small portion to a dog feeling nauseous or recovering from an upset stomach.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Think of this as the doggy equivalent of ginger ale and crackers. It’s a therapeutic, soothing meal designed specifically to help calm a queasy stomach. Always consult your vet before using ingredients like ginger.

Switching to homemade meals can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to do it right. Here are a few key things to keep in mind before you start your culinary adventures for your canine companion.

Talk to Your Vet

This is the most important step. Before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. They can help ensure the recipes are appropriate for your dog’s specific age, breed, weight, and health conditions. They can also advise on portion sizes and necessary supplements.

Nutritional Balance is Key

While these recipes are fantastic for occasional meals or for dogs with temporary digestive issues, most are not ‘complete and balanced’ for long-term daily feeding. A complete diet requires a specific ratio of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. If you plan to feed a homemade diet long-term, you’ll need to work with your vet to include supplements like calcium, omega-3s, and other essential nutrients to avoid deficiencies.

Cooking Methods Matter

Always cook fish thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria or parasites. The best methods for digestibility are steaming, poaching, or baking. Avoid frying or using heavy oils, butter, salt, onions, garlic, or other seasonings that are harmful to dogs.

Safe Sourcing and Storage

Use fresh, high-quality hake. If using frozen, ensure it’s thoroughly thawed before cooking. Always check for and remove any bones, even in fillets. Once prepared, homemade dog food should be treated like any other fresh food. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it in portion-sized containers for longer storage.

Can my dog eat hake every day?

Hake is a safe and healthy protein source that can be part of a daily diet, provided it’s incorporated into a meal that is nutritionally complete and balanced. Feeding only hake and rice every day would lead to nutritional deficiencies. It’s best used as the protein component in a balanced diet formulated with the help of a vet.

Should I use fresh or frozen hake?

Both are great options! Frozen hake is often more accessible and can be just as nutritious as fresh, especially if it was flash-frozen. Just be sure to thaw it safely in the refrigerator before cooking and choose plain, unseasoned fillets.

How do I know if my dog is allergic to fish?

Fish allergies are less common than allergies to proteins like chicken or beef, but they can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction include itchy skin, chronic ear infections, hives, vomiting, or diarrhea. When introducing hake for the first time, give a very small amount and monitor your dog for 24-48 hours for any adverse reactions.

Are fish bones dangerous for dogs?

Yes, cooked fish bones are very dangerous. They can become brittle and splinter, posing a choking hazard or causing internal perforation. Always use boneless fillets, and double-check the fish for any stray bones before and after cooking.