7 Fun Dog Safe Sushi Rolls Using Cucumber and Fish

This recipe is the gold standard of doggy sushi. Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your dog’s skin, coat, and joints. Paired with the crunch of fresh cucumber and carrot, this roll is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber
• 4 ounces of cooked, unseasoned salmon, flaked
• 1 small carrot, peeled and julienned (cut into thin matchsticks)
• Optional: 1/4 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa for extra filling

Instructions:

1. Prep the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler, create long, wide ribbons. You’ll want about 5-6 ribbons. Lay them on a paper towel to absorb a little excess moisture.
2. Create the Base: Overlap two or three cucumber ribbons on a clean surface or a sushi mat to form a rectangular base about 4 inches wide.
3. Add the Fillings: If using rice, spread a thin layer over the cucumber base, leaving a small border at the top edge. Then, arrange a line of the flaked salmon and julienned carrots along the bottom edge of the base.
4. Roll it Up: Carefully and tightly, begin rolling the cucumber base from the bottom up, tucking in the fillings as you go. The moisture from the cucumber should help it stick to itself.
5. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 1-inch thick ‘sushi’ pieces. Arrange them on a plate for your pup and watch them disappear!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The Classic K-9 Salmon Roll is perfect for the pet parent looking to give their dog a special, health-boosting treat. It’s especially beneficial for dogs with dry skin or dull coats, or any pup who deserves a taste of the finer things in life.

Need a quick and easy treat? This one’s for you! Using canned tuna is a fantastic time-saver, and when paired with the vitamins from sweet potato, it creates a powerful and tasty bite your dog will love. Just be sure to get tuna packed in water, with no added salt!

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber
• 1 can (5 ounces) of chunk light tuna in water, no salt added, drained well
• 1/4 cup of cooked and mashed sweet potato, cooled
• Optional: A tiny pinch of chopped parsley for fresh breath

Instructions:

1. Prep the Cucumber: Instead of ribbons, we’re making cups for this one. Wash the cucumber and slice it into 1.5-inch thick rounds. Using a small spoon or a melon baller, carefully scoop out most of the seeds and flesh, leaving a solid base to create a small cup.
2. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the drained tuna, mashed sweet potato, and optional parsley. Mix until it’s well combined into a sort of pâté.
3. Fill the Cups: Spoon the tuna mixture neatly into each cucumber cup. Don’t overfill them.
4. Serve: These little bites are ready to serve immediately. They are perfect as a quick snack or a training reward.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The Tuna ‘Turner’ Power Bites are ideal for the busy pet owner who still wants to provide a special, homemade treat. They’re also great for smaller dogs, as the portion size is easy to control, and the texture is soft and easy to chew.

Don’t let the idea of sardines scare you off! These little fish are nutritional powerhouses for dogs, loaded with omega-3s, vitamin D, and CoQ10. They are fantastic for joint health, skin, and coat. This is one ‘stinky’ treat your dog will go absolutely wild for.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber
• 1 can (3.75 ounces) of sardines packed in water, no salt added, drained
• 2 tablespoons of finely diced red bell pepper
• Optional: 1 small, dog-safe nori (seaweed) sheet for rolling

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Wash the cucumber and peel it into long, wide ribbons. In a small bowl, mash the drained sardines with a fork. Mix in the finely diced red bell pepper.
2. Assemble the Roll: Lay your cucumber ribbons on a flat surface, overlapping them to create a solid sheet. If using nori, you can place it on top of the cucumber for extra flavor and easier rolling.
3. Add the Filling: Spread the sardine and bell pepper mixture in a line along the bottom edge of your cucumber/nori base.
4. Roll and Slice: Tightly roll the cucumber from the bottom up. The sardine oils will help everything stick together. Use a sharp, wet knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
5. Serve Fresh: Due to the strong scent, it’s best to serve these right away or store them in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Sardine Surprise Maki is the ultimate health-boosting snack. It’s perfect for senior dogs who need extra joint support, or any dog whose coat could use a little extra shine. If you can handle the smell, your dog will thank you profusely.

Shrimp is a low-fat, high-protein treat that many dogs enjoy. This recipe combines the delicate flavor of cooked shrimp with the crispness of asparagus for a truly gourmet doggy sushi experience. It’s a great light option for dogs who are watching their waistlines.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber
• 5-6 medium-sized shrimp, cooked, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
• 3-4 asparagus spears, steamed until tender-crisp and cooled
• 1 tablespoon of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt or dog-safe cream cheese (optional, for binding)

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Veggies and Shrimp: Peel the cucumber into long, wide ribbons and lay them out. Chop the cooled asparagus spears into small pieces, about the same size as your chopped shrimp.
2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp and chopped asparagus. If the mixture is a bit dry, add the optional tablespoon of Greek yogurt or cream cheese to help it bind together.
3. Assemble and Roll: Overlap your cucumber ribbons to create a base. Spoon a line of the shrimp and asparagus mixture along the bottom edge. Roll it up tightly.
4. Slice and Serve: Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces. The combination of pink shrimp and green asparagus looks beautiful when cut!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect treat for a doggy birthday party or ‘gotcha day’ celebration. The Shrimply Delicious Rolls are a fantastic low-fat option for dogs on a diet, but they feel so special that your pup will never know they’re eating healthy.

Cod is a wonderfully mild and flaky white fish that’s easy for most dogs to digest. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those new to fish. This ‘futomaki’ or ‘fat roll’ style treat is packed with gentle, healthy ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber
• 4 ounces of cooked, unseasoned cod, flaked
• 1/4 cup finely shredded carrot
• 2-3 fresh spinach leaves, stems removed
• Optional: 1/4 cup cooked oatmeal for a soft, fibrous filler

Instructions:

1. Create a Wide Base: For a ‘fat roll’, you’ll need a wider base. Overlap 3-4 cucumber ribbons to make a sheet that’s at least 5-6 inches wide.
2. Layer the Fillings: If using oatmeal, spread a thin layer first. Then, lay the spinach leaves flat on top. Finally, create a line with the flaked cod and shredded carrot down the center.
3. Roll with Care: This roll is thicker, so roll it slowly and firmly. Tuck the fillings in as you go to make sure it’s compact.
4. Slice Thickly: Use a very sharp knife to cut the roll into thicker, 1.5-inch slices to ensure they hold together.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The Cod & Carrot Futomaki is the go-to recipe for senior dogs or pups with sensitive digestive systems. The ingredients are gentle, nutritious, and easy on the tummy, providing a delicious treat without the risk of an upset stomach.

Do you have a picky eater on your hands? Tilapia’s incredibly mild flavor might be just the ticket to get them interested in fishy treats. This simple roll pairs the gentle fish with zucchini, another mild and hydrating vegetable, for a subtle yet satisfying snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber
• 4 ounces of cooked, unseasoned tilapia, flaked
• 1/4 cup of finely shredded zucchini (pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess water)
• A few drops of fish oil (optional, to entice picky eaters)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Components: Peel your cucumber into long ribbons. Squeeze the shredded zucchini in a paper towel to get rid of as much moisture as possible – this is key to a non-soggy roll!
2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, gently flake the cooked tilapia. If you’re using fish oil, add a few drops and mix. Then, gently fold in the shredded zucchini.
3. Assemble the Rolls: Lay out your overlapped cucumber ribbons. Place a line of the tilapia and zucchini mixture along the bottom edge.
4. Roll and Slice: Roll it up tightly and slice into your desired thickness. The simple, clean flavors are sure to be a hit.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The Tilapia Tango is the perfect introductory sushi for the suspicious canine palate. Its mildness is non-threatening, making it a great way to see if your dog enjoys fishy treats before you invest in more expensive options like salmon or tuna.

Similar to sardines, mackerel is an oily fish that’s brimming with health benefits, particularly for joint inflammation. This recipe uses convenient canned mackerel and adds a pop of sweetness with green peas for a unique and powerful little treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber
• 1 can (3.75 ounces) of mackerel in water, no salt added, drained
• 2 tablespoons of cooked or thawed frozen green peas
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of ground flaxseed for an extra omega boost

Instructions:

1. Prep the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber and slice it into 1-inch thick rounds. Carefully scoop out the center to create little cups, just like in the tuna recipe.
2. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mash the drained mackerel with a fork. Gently stir in the green peas and the optional ground flaxseed.
3. Fill ’em Up: Spoon the mackerel and pea mixture into each of the cucumber cups.
4. Serve Immediately: These mini rolls are potent and best served fresh to your eager pup!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Mackerel Mini Rolls are a fantastic functional treat for active dogs, large breeds, or seniors who may be experiencing joint stiffness. The anti-inflammatory properties make this more than just a snack—it’s a delicious bite of wellness.

Making treats for your dog is a rewarding experience, but safety should always be the top priority. Not all ‘healthy’ human foods are safe for our canine companions. When you’re making doggy sushi, keep this guide in mind.

Safe Fish Choices:

• Always Cooked: Never give your dog raw fish. It can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria, as well as parasites. Cook all fish thoroughly by baking, steaming, or boiling without any salt, spices, or oils.
• Good Options: Salmon, cod, tilapia, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and shrimp are all great choices. They offer a range of benefits from omega-3s to lean protein.
• Canned Fish: When using canned fish (like tuna, sardines, or mackerel), always choose the variety packed in water with NO SALT ADDED. Drain it well before use.

Safe Veggies & Fillers:

• The ‘Roll’: Cucumber is the star here. It’s hydrating and low-calorie. Zucchini also works well.
• Fillings: Carrots, sweet potatoes (cooked), bell peppers, peas, spinach, and asparagus are all safe and nutritious.
• Grains & Binders: Cooked brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal are safe in moderation and can help bind the fillings. For a grain-free binder, a small amount of plain Greek yogurt, dog-safe cream cheese, or mashed sweet potato works wonders.

Ingredients to AVOID at All Costs:

• Avocado: Highly toxic to dogs as it contains persin.
• Onion, Garlic, Chives: These are all part of the allium family and are toxic to dogs, causing damage to their red blood cells.
• Soy Sauce: Dangerously high in sodium, which can lead to salt poisoning.
• Wasabi & Ginger: Too spicy and can cause severe stomach upset.
• Tempura: Fried foods are high in unhealthy fats and can lead to pancreatitis.
• Artificial Sweeteners: Xylitol, often found in sauces, is extremely toxic to dogs.

When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet. Moderation is key—these sushi rolls are treats and should not replace your dog’s balanced regular meals.

1. Can dogs eat seaweed (nori)?

Yes, in moderation, plain, unsalted seaweed (nori) is safe for most dogs. It contains beneficial minerals and vitamins. It can be a great, authentic addition to your dog sushi rolls. However, avoid any seasoned or flavored seaweed snacks made for humans, as they often contain garlic, onion, or excess salt. Always introduce it in small amounts to see how your dog’s stomach handles it.

2. How much dog sushi can my dog have?

This depends on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Remember the 10% rule: treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For a small dog, one or two pieces might be plenty. For a large dog, you might be able to serve four or five pieces. Think of it as a special appetizer or snack, not a full meal.

3. Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these dog sushi rolls and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. They are best served fresh, as the cucumber can become a bit soft over time, but they will still be safe and delicious for your pup to enjoy later.