13 Crunchy Canned Tuna and Sweet Potato Dog Treats

This is the foundational recipe, the one that started it all! It’s simple, reliable, and produces a wonderfully crunchy treat that most dogs find irresistible. It’s the perfect starting point for your dog treat baking adventures.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained well
• 1 egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (plus more for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, drained tuna, and egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until a stiff dough forms. You may need to use your hands to bring it all together.
4. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the treats are hard. For an extra crunch, turn off the oven and let the treats cool inside with the door ajar.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is a fantastic all-rounder for most healthy adult dogs. It’s a no-fuss, nutritious treat that’s easy to make and even easier for your dog to love.

For our furry friends with sensitive tummies or grain allergies, this recipe is a game-changer. By swapping traditional flour for coconut flour, we create a lighter, puffier treat that’s just as delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the mashed sweet potato, drained tuna, egg, and melted coconut oil until smooth.
3. Stir in the coconut flour. Coconut flour is very absorbent, so the dough will thicken quickly. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
4. Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with a fork.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until firm and lightly browned.
6. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for dogs with grain sensitivities, allergies, or those on a limited ingredient diet. These puffs are gentle on the digestive system while still providing a satisfying crunch.

Love tuna treats but not the fishy breath that follows? This recipe is your secret weapon! Fresh parsley and mint are natural breath fresheners that help combat odor while adding a pop of flavor and extra vitamins.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 2 1/4 cups oat flour (or ground rolled oats)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweet potato, tuna, and egg.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley and mint.
4. Gradually add the oat flour, mixing until a workable dough forms.
5. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a surface dusted with oat flour.
6. Cut into leaf or bone shapes and place on your baking sheet.
7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until dry and hard. The longer bake time helps dehydrate them for maximum crunch.
8. Cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for any dog, but especially helpful for those pups whose kisses are a little too potent after a fishy snack. It’s a treat with a purpose!

Want to give your dog’s coat an extra boost of shine? This recipe is loaded with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from both the tuna and the ground flaxseed, promoting healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sweet potato, tuna, egg, and ground flaxseed in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
3. Slowly incorporate the flour until you have a stiff dough.
4. Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into small circles or squares.
5. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, until hard and dry to the touch.
6. Allow to cool completely.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Ideal for dogs who suffer from dry, itchy skin or a dull coat. It’s also a great maintenance treat for any dog to keep their fur looking and feeling its best.

For the dogs that live for a good, solid crunch, this recipe is engineered for maximum crispiness. The key is rolling the dough extra thin and a longer, slower bake time that dehydrates the treats perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained very well
• 1 egg
• 2 1/2 cups brown rice flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the sweet potato, tuna, and egg until you have a uniform paste.
3. Gradually add the brown rice flour. The dough will be very stiff. Knead it for a minute or two on a floured surface.
4. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half out as thin as you can, about 1/8-inch thick.
5. Use a small round cookie cutter or a bottle cap to cut out small discs.
6. Place the discs on the baking sheets and bake for 45-55 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are very hard and dry.
7. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside for several hours to get stone-hard.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate treat for ‘power chewers’ and dogs who love a loud, satisfying crunch. The abrasive texture can also help scrape away plaque as they chew.

Our senior companions deserve treats too, but their teeth might not be up for a super-crunchy biscuit. This recipe is formulated to be softer and easier to chew, while still being incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until a sticky dough forms.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, like you would with cookies.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The treats should be firm but still soft to the touch.
5. Let cool completely. These treats will have a chewy, not crunchy, texture.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A thoughtful and delicious treat for senior dogs, puppies who are teething, or any dog that prefers a softer bite. They’re gentle on the mouth but big on flavor.

What’s better than tuna and sweet potato? Tuna, sweet potato, and cheese! A small amount of low-fat cheese adds a savory kick that will make your dog’s tail wag with joy. These little tots are perfect for a special reward.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup shredded low-fat cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the sweet potato, tuna, egg, and shredded cheese in a large bowl.
3. Stir in the flour until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into small, tater-tot-sized logs and place them on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and firm.
6. Cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the cheese-loving canine in your life! These tots are a high-value treat, perfect for training or when your pup has been an exceptionally good boy or girl.

Add an aromatic, gourmet touch to your dog’s treats with a hint of rosemary. This herb is a safe and healthy addition for dogs, known for its antioxidant properties, and it pairs surprisingly well with the savory tuna.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 2 cups barley flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. In a bowl, combine the sweet potato, tuna, egg, and crushed rosemary.
3. Mix in the barley flour until the dough comes together. Barley flour gives it a lovely, rustic texture.
4. Form the dough into a log and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
5. Place the rounds on the baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes.
6. Cool on a wire rack until crunchy.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the pup with a sophisticated palate! These rustic rounds offer a unique flavor profile and added health benefits, making treat time a little more special.

In a hurry? This recipe proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a fantastic treat. With just three simple items, you can whip up a batch of crunchy, healthy snacks for your dog in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the mashed sweet potato and drained tuna in a bowl. Mix well.
3. Add the oat flour and stir until a thick dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
4. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are brown and the treats feel hard.
6. Cool completely for maximum crunch.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect recipe for busy pet parents or for those who need an egg-free or limited-ingredient option. It’s simplicity at its most delicious.

Give a nod to autumn with this delicious variation. Pumpkin is another superfood for dogs, fantastic for digestive health. It subs in beautifully for some of the sweet potato, creating a treat with a slightly different flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 egg
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the sweet potato, pumpkin puree, tuna, and egg.
3. Gradually stir in the flour to form a firm dough.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Use a pumpkin or leaf-shaped cookie cutter and place the shapes on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes until hard and lightly browned.
7. Cool completely.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fantastic treat for any time of year, but especially great for dogs who need a little extra digestive support. The combination of fiber from both pumpkin and sweet potato is a win-win.

When you’re in the middle of a training session, you need small, high-value rewards that won’t fill your dog up too quickly. This recipe creates tiny, crunchy morsels that are packed with flavor, making them perfect for rewarding good behavior.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 egg
• 2 cups brown rice flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the sweet potato, tuna, and egg until very smooth.
3. Stir in the brown rice flour to form a stiff dough.
4. Roll the dough out very thin, about 1/8-inch.
5. Use a pizza cutter or knife to score the dough into a grid of small, 1/2-inch squares. You don’t need to cut all the way through.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until crisp.
7. Once cooled, the scored lines will allow you to easily snap the sheet of treats into tiny, perfect tidbits.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An absolute must-have for dog owners who are actively training their pups. These little bites are flavorful enough to keep your dog’s attention and small enough to be used frequently during a session.

Sweet and savory come together in this delightful treat. A touch of unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness, moisture, and vitamins, creating a unique flavor combination that many dogs love.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the sweet potato, tuna, applesauce, and egg. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour until a firm dough is formed.
4. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with an apple or heart-shaped cookie cutter.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the treats are hard and dry.
6. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the dog who enjoys a little variety in their snacks. The hint of apple provides a surprising and delicious twist on the classic tuna treat.

Let’s pack as much goodness as we can into one crunchy bite! This recipe includes chia seeds and nutritional yeast for an extra boost of nutrients, protein, and a cheesy flavor that dogs find irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 2 cups oat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the sweet potato, tuna, and egg.
3. Stir in the nutritional yeast and chia seeds.
4. Add the oat flour and mix until a dough forms. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes for the chia seeds to absorb some moisture.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into your desired shapes.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until hard and crunchy.
7. Cool completely before storing.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate health-boost treat. It’s perfect for active dogs, or any pup whose owner wants to sneak some extra vitamins and minerals into their diet in a delicious way.

Baking for your dog is fun and rewarding, but a few tips can elevate your treats from good to paw-some! Here’s what to keep in mind.

Choosing Your Ingredients

• Canned Tuna: Always, always choose tuna packed in water, not oil. Look for varieties with no salt added to keep sodium levels safe for your pup.
• Sweet Potatoes: You can bake, boil, or steam them. The key is to cook them until they are very soft so they mash up smoothly. One large sweet potato usually yields more than enough for a recipe.
• Flour: Whole wheat is a great default, but if your dog has sensitivities, don’t be afraid to experiment! Oat flour (just blend rolled oats in a blender), brown rice flour, chickpea flour, and coconut flour are all excellent grain-free or gluten-free options. Just remember that alternative flours absorb liquid differently, so you may need to adjust the amount.
• Safe Add-ins: Want to customize? Go for it! Aforementioned ingredients like parsley, flaxseed, pumpkin, and rosemary are great. Blueberries, chopped carrots, and a little bit of cheese are also safe and fun additions.

Baking for the Perfect Crunch

The secret to a truly crunchy dog treat that lasts is removing as much moisture as possible. Here’s how:

• Roll it Thin: The thinner you roll the dough (1/4 to 1/8 inch), the faster it will dry out and the crunchier it will be.
• Low and Slow: A lower temperature for a longer time is better than a high temperature for a short time. This dehydrates the treat rather than just browning the outside.
• The Oven Trick: Once the baking time is up, turn the oven off, crack the door open, and just leave the treats in there to cool for a few hours. This is the single best trick for getting that shelf-stable, store-bought crunch!

Storage and Shelf Life

Because these treats have no preservatives, storage is key. For crunchy treats, let them cool completely (for several hours) before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for 1-2 weeks. For softer treats (like the Senior Chews), you must store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll last up to a week. For longer storage, all of these treats freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly (baking or steaming is great) and flake it before adding it to the recipe. You would use an equivalent weight (around 5 ounces) of cooked tuna.

My dog is allergic to wheat. What’s the best flour substitute?

Oat flour, brown rice flour, or chickpea flour are excellent 1-to-1 substitutes for whole wheat flour in these recipes. Coconut flour is also a great grain-free option, but it’s much more absorbent, so you’ll need to use significantly less (start with half the amount and add more as needed).

How do I know when the treats are fully cooked and crunchy?

A fully cooked crunchy treat will feel hard and dry to the touch, not soft or spongy. When you tap it on the counter, it should make a ‘clinking’ sound. The color should be a uniform golden brown, not pale. The ultimate test is breaking one in half after it has completely cooled—it should snap cleanly.

Are these treats safe for puppies?

For the most part, yes! The ingredients are all generally safe. However, for young puppies, you might want to opt for the ‘Soft-Baked Senior Chews’ recipe to be gentle on their developing teeth. Always introduce any new food or treat slowly and watch for any signs of digestive upset. As with any treat, they should be given in moderation.