7 Crispy Fish and Potato Dog Croquettes

Let’s start with a timeless classic! This recipe is straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and is a fantastic introduction to homemade treat-making. Cod is a low-fat fish that’s easy for most dogs to digest, making it a safe and delicious choice.

Ingredient Analysis

Cod Fillets: We use fresh or frozen cod (thawed, of course!). It’s packed with protein and those lovely omega-3s but is gentler on the tummy than oilier fish. Always make sure it’s boneless and skinless.

Russet Potatoes: The high starch content of Russets makes them perfect for mashing and forming into croquettes that hold their shape. Remember, potatoes must always be cooked for dogs—never raw!

Egg: This acts as our binder, holding the mash together so your croquettes don’t fall apart in the oven.

Recipe & Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Boil or steam the cod until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
3. While the fish cooks, peel and chop the potatoes. Boil them in a separate pot until they are very tender.
4. Drain the potatoes well and mash them in a large bowl. Let them cool slightly.
5. Flake the cooked cod into the mashed potatoes. Add the beaten egg and mix everything together until well combined.
6. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls or ovals. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. Let them cool completely before treating your pup!

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This recipe is perfect for first-time dog treat bakers and for pups who may have sensitive digestive systems. It’s a gentle, wholesome, and delicious way to show your love.

Looking for a recipe that’s both a nutritional powerhouse and quick to make? This one’s for you! We’re swapping in canned salmon for speed and sweet potatoes for an extra boost of vitamins and fiber.

Ingredient Analysis

Canned Salmon: The star of the show! Using canned salmon (in water, no salt added) saves you from having to cook the fish separately. Salmon is incredibly rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are fantastic for promoting healthy skin and a gloriously shiny coat.

Sweet Potatoes: A superfood for dogs! They’re packed with vitamins A, C, and B6, plus beta-carotene and fiber. They also add a natural sweetness that dogs love.

Oat Flour: We use a little oat flour (you can make your own by blending rolled oats) to help bind the mixture and add some extra fiber.

Recipe & Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. Cook the sweet potatoes until tender. You can bake, boil, or even microwave them. Once cooked, let them cool and remove the skins.
3. In a bowl, mash the sweet potato.
4. Drain the canned salmon very well and add it to the sweet potato. Flake it with a fork and mix thoroughly.
5. Stir in the oat flour and one beaten egg. The mixture should be firm enough to handle.
6. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until firm and slightly browned.
8. Cool completely before serving. These are a bit softer than the classic croquette, making them great for older dogs.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This is the go-to recipe for busy pet parents who want to give their dog a major nutritional boost. It’s especially great for dogs with dry skin or dull coats.

Want to bake for your pup without breaking the bank? Canned tuna is here to save the day! It’s an affordable and convenient protein source that makes for some seriously tasty treats.

Ingredient Analysis

Canned Tuna: Always, always, always choose tuna packed in water, with no salt added. Tuna is a great source of protein and omega-3s. We use it in moderation due to mercury levels, making it a perfect ‘sometimes’ treat.

Russet Potatoes: Good old reliable Russets provide the starchy base we need for a perfect puff.

Parsley: We’re adding a little something extra! Finely chopped fresh parsley can actually help freshen your dog’s breath. Plus, it adds vitamins K, C, and A.

Recipe & Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil and mash your potatoes until smooth. Let them cool.
3. Thoroughly drain the canned tuna and add it to the mashed potatoes.
4. Add one beaten egg and a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley. Mix until everything is incorporated.
5. Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to drop small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 18-20 minutes until the puffs are firm to the touch and lightly golden on the bottom.
7. Cool completely. These have a lighter, ‘puffier’ texture than dense croquettes.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

When you want a quick, easy, and inexpensive homemade treat, this is the recipe to reach for. The added parsley is a fantastic bonus for your dog’s dental hygiene.

If you’re looking to create the ultimate omega-3-packed super-treat, look no further. Sardines are tiny fish with a massive nutritional profile. They are one of the best sources of omega-3s, which are vital for brain health, joint function, and reducing inflammation.

Ingredient Analysis

Sardines: The MVP. Choose sardines packed in water with no salt. They are not only rich in omega-3s but also a great source of vitamin D and calcium, especially if the tiny, edible bones are included.

Red Potatoes: We’re using red potatoes here. They have a lower glycemic index than Russets and hold their shape well, giving our croquettes a slightly firmer texture.

Rosemary: A pinch of dried rosemary adds a wonderful aroma and has antioxidant properties. Just a little bit is needed!

Recipe & Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the red potatoes (skins on for extra nutrients!) until tender. Mash them roughly in a large bowl.
3. Drain the sardines and add the whole tin (fish and water) to the potatoes. Mash them into the potatoes with a fork.
4. Stir in one beaten egg and a small pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of dried rosemary.
5. Form the mixture into small, flat patties. This will help them get extra crispy.
6. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and golden.
7. Let them cool down completely before offering one to your very lucky dog.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This is the ultimate health-boosting treat. It’s perfect for senior dogs who need joint support, active dogs who can benefit from anti-inflammatory properties, and any pup whose owner wants to give them the best of the best.

For our furry friends with grain sensitivities, this recipe is a complete winner. We’re swapping out potatoes for parsnips, a root vegetable that’s a fantastic, low-glycemic alternative, and using a mild whitefish to keep it gentle on the system.

Ingredient Analysis

Tilapia Fillets: A very mild, lean whitefish that’s low in fat and easy to digest. It’s a great choice for dogs who might be sensitive to richer, oilier fish.

Parsnips: This is our clever, grain-free substitute for potatoes! Parsnips are rich in fiber, folate, and vitamin C. When cooked and mashed, they create a similar texture to potatoes but with a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor.

Coconut Flour: Just a tablespoon of coconut flour helps bind these patties and keeps the recipe entirely grain-free.

Recipe & Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Steam or bake the tilapia fillets until cooked through.
3. Peel and chop the parsnips, then boil them until they are very soft, even softer than you would for potatoes.
4. Drain the parsnips well and mash them in a bowl.
5. Flake the cooked tilapia into the mashed parsnips. Add one beaten egg and a tablespoon of coconut flour.
6. The mixture will be a bit stickier than potato-based dough. Lightly wet your hands to form small, half-inch thick patties.
7. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the patties are firm and golden at the edges.
8. Cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This is the perfect choice for pet parents managing their dog’s grain allergies or sensitivities. It’s a thoughtful, healthy, and delicious way to provide a special treat without any of the worry.

Why stop at fish and potato? Let’s sneak some extra veggies in there! This recipe incorporates finely chopped carrots and peas for an added nutritional punch of vitamins and fiber, all hidden within a tasty treat.

Ingredient Analysis

Flounder: A delicate, mild flatfish that’s low in mercury and a great source of lean protein. Its gentle flavor is perfect for pairing with vegetables.

Potatoes & Carrots & Peas: The veggie trio! We’ll use standard potatoes for the base, then add finely diced carrots (for beta-carotene and vision health) and peas (for vitamins A, K, and B). Using frozen peas and carrots is a great time-saver.

Recipe & Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake or steam the flounder until it flakes easily.
3. Boil the potatoes and carrots (chopped small) together until tender. Drain and mash.
4. If using frozen peas, you can thaw them by running them under warm water for a minute.
5. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potato/carrot mixture, flaked flounder, peas, and one beaten egg. Mix gently to keep some of the veggie texture.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 22-25 minutes until firm and lightly browned.
8. Cool completely. Your dog won’t even know they’re eating their veggies!

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This recipe is ideal for the health-conscious pet parent who wants to maximize the nutritional value of every bite. It’s a fantastic, well-rounded treat for dogs of all ages.

For all the modern pet parents with an air fryer, this one’s for you! The air fryer creates an unbelievably crispy texture without needing extra oil. We’re using mackerel, a wonderfully oily fish that’s brimming with health benefits.

Ingredient Analysis

Mackerel: A true superfood fish, mackerel is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s fantastic for reducing inflammation and supporting overall health. We’ll use canned mackerel in water (no salt) for convenience.

Potato: A simple boiled and mashed potato provides the perfect base to let the rich mackerel flavor shine.

A Touch of Flour: Just a sprinkle of whole wheat or oat flour will help the exterior get extra crispy in the air fryer.

Recipe & Instructions

1. Boil and mash one medium potato and let it cool.
2. In a bowl, combine the mashed potato with one can of drained mackerel and one beaten egg. Mix well.
3. Roll the mixture into small, marble-sized balls.
4. Lightly dust the balls in a little bit of your chosen flour.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
6. Place the balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches.
7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are deep golden brown and wonderfully crispy.
8. Let them cool completely—the crunch is worth the wait!

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

If you love your air fryer and want to make a quick, incredibly crunchy, and super-healthy treat for your dog, this is your new go-to recipe. The texture is simply irresistible!

Embarking on your homemade treat journey is exciting! To make sure your croquettes are both delicious and safe, keep these key points in mind when selecting your ingredients.

Choosing the Right Fish

Fish is fantastic, but not all fish are created equal. When making treats, stick to fish that are low in mercury.

• Excellent Choices: Salmon, Sardines, Cod, Flounder, Tilapia, Mackerel.
• Use in Moderation: Tuna (light, in water) is okay for occasional treats.
• Avoid: Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, and Tilefish, as they have high levels of mercury.
• Preparation: Always cook fish for your dog. Raw fish can contain harmful bacteria. And be incredibly diligent about removing ALL bones before mixing. Canned options are great because the bones are usually pressure-cooked to be soft and edible (like in sardines), but always double-check.

Perfecting the Potato (and aternatives)

Potatoes provide the starchy structure for our croquettes, but they must be handled correctly.

• Cooked is Key: Never, ever feed your dog raw potato. Raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to dogs. Cooking breaks this down, making them safe.
• Go Plain: Always boil, bake, or steam potatoes without any salt, butter, or seasonings you might add for yourself.
• Great Alternatives: If your dog has a grain sensitivity or you want to mix things up, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and even mashed carrots or cauliflower can work as a base.

Healthy Add-ins and What to Avoid

You can customize your croquettes with other dog-safe ingredients!

• Safe Add-ins: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint for breath, a little rosemary for its antioxidant properties, finely chopped carrots, peas, or blueberries.
• Ingredients to AVOID: Onions, garlic, chives, salt, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), and grapes/raisins are all toxic to dogs. Always stick to simple, whole-food ingredients.

How should I store these homemade dog croquettes?

Once completely cooled, you can store the croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Because they are made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives, they won’t last as long as store-bought treats.

Can I freeze the croquettes for later?

Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to make a big batch. Lay the cooled croquettes on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months. You can thaw them in the fridge or give them to your dog as a cool, crunchy treat on a warm day.

My dog is a picky eater. Will they like these?

Most dogs find the smell of fish irresistible! If your dog is particularly fussy, start with a milder fish like cod or tilapia. The ‘Speedy Salmon & Sweet Potato Bites’ are also a big hit due to the natural sweetness of the sweet potato. You can also try making the treats smaller, as some dogs prefer a tinier reward.

How many of these treats can I give my dog per day?

Remember that treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. These are healthy, but they are still treats. For a small dog, one or two croquettes a day is plenty. For a larger dog, you could offer three or four. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s diet or caloric needs.