ByLet me be honest with you first. Tuna is not my go-to fish for dogs. But my beagle mix, Pepper, goes wild for it. So I worked out a way to make 3 ingredient tuna dog treats that I feel okay about, as long as they stay a once-in-a-while snack.
For more quick ideas, browse my 25 easy 3-ingredient dog treats.
Here is the short answer. You can make soft tuna oat bites with one small can of light tuna packed in water, one egg, and a little oat flour. Keep the batch small. Share them now and then, not every day. The reason is mercury, and I will explain it in plain words below.
Recipe Snapshot
| Detail | Answer |
|---|---|
| Makes | About 24 small bites |
| Prep time | 10 minutes |
| Bake time | 15 to 18 minutes at 350°F (175°C) |
| Texture | Soft and a little springy |
| Keeps | 4 days in the fridge, 2 months frozen |
| Best for | Picky eaters and special days |
Is Tuna Actually Safe for Dogs?
This is the big question, so let’s start here. The American Kennel Club says tuna is not toxic to dogs the way onions or chocolate are. But it can carry high levels of mercury. Dogs are smaller than us, and AKC notes they are more sensitive to mercury. Even small amounts can be a problem if a dog eats tuna regularly.
AKC also says this. If you do share small amounts of canned tuna now and then, pick “light” or skipjack tuna packed only in water, with no added salt or seasoning. Skip canned white (albacore) tuna. Albacore is a big, long-lived fish, and it builds up more mercury.
So my rule is simple. These treats are a special snack. They are not a daily reward. On most days, Pepper gets my 3-ingredient salmon crackers or plain chicken rice squares instead.
Vet Tip
If your dog has been eating tuna often, AKC lists signs of mercury poisoning to watch for. They include hair loss, nervousness, loss of coordination, tremors, and vomiting blood. If you see any of these, call your vet right away. And if you have a cat, keep your dog out of the cat’s tuna food.
What Do You Need for Tuna Oat Bites?
Only three things. I bet you have them right now.
- 1 can (5 oz) light or skipjack tuna in water, no salt added. Drain it very well.
- 1 large egg. It holds the bites together.
- ½ cup oat flour. Blend about ⅔ cup of plain rolled oats until fine.
That’s it. No oil, no salt, no garlic, no onion. Your dog does not need any of that. Plain is best.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Tuna: Use light or skipjack tuna packed in water. Check the label for “no salt added.” Never use tuna in oil or flavored tuna packs.
- Egg: AKC says eggs are fine for dogs when fully cooked. Baking takes care of that.
- Oats: Plain oats only. No instant flavored packets with sugar.
- Never add: garlic, onion, chives, or salt. The ASPCA warns that onions, garlic, and chives can damage a dog’s red blood cells.
How Do You Make 3 Ingredient Tuna Dog Treats?
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a silicone mini mold, or line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Drain the tuna. Press it in a sieve with a spoon to get out as much water as you can.
- Put the tuna in a bowl and break it up with a fork. Make the flakes small.
- Crack in the egg. Stir until the fish looks wet and evenly coated.
- Add the oat flour. Stir until a thick, sticky mix forms. If it feels runny, add 1 more tablespoon of oat flour.
- Spoon the mix into the mold, about 1 teaspoon per spot. Or roll small balls and set them on the sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The tops should look dry and light golden.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the mold. Then pop them out and cool them fully on a rack.
The bites shrink a little as they bake. That’s normal. Your kitchen will smell like a fish shop for a bit. Open a window.
Pro Tip
Press the tuna really dry. Extra water makes the bites soggy and they fall apart. I press it twice: once in the can with the lid, and once in a fine sieve.
How Often Can My Dog Have These?
I treat these like birthday cake. Fun, but not every day. AKC says the real risk comes from feeding tuna regularly, over time. So I make one small batch and freeze most of it. Pepper gets one or two bites on a special day, and that’s all.
For size, keep all treats small. The VCA Animal Hospitals team says treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Our guide on how many treats a dog should have a day walks you through the math.
By my rough count using USDA FoodData Central numbers, the whole batch is about 400 calories. That works out to around 17 calories per bite if you make 24.
| Dog size | Bites on a treat day |
|---|---|
| Toy (under 10 lb) | 1, broken in half |
| Small (10 to 25 lb) | 1 |
| Medium (25 to 50 lb) | 1 to 2 |
| Large (50 lb and up) | 2 |
This is just a starting point. It is not a medical rule. Ask your vet what fits your dog.
Can I Swap the Tuna for a Safer Fish?
Yes, and I often do. AKC says the safest fish are shorter-lived kinds, like the ones used in dog food. These include whitefish, herring, flounder, and Arctic char. Salmon is another popular choice when it is fully cooked and boneless.
Here are swaps that work in this same recipe:
- Canned salmon in water, no salt added. Remove the skin and any soft bones you can see. This is my everyday pick.
- Cooked whitefish or flounder. Bake it plain, flake it, and check for bones.
- Plain cooked chicken. Not fish, but it works the same way. Use about ⅔ cup, finely shredded.
- Egg swap: Use ¼ cup plain canned pumpkin if your dog can’t have eggs. The bites will be softer.
- Flour swap: Whole wheat flour works if your dog does well with wheat.
If your dog is a seafood fan, you may also like our page on whether dogs can eat shrimp, and our healthy salmon dog treats.
How Do I Store Tuna Dog Treats?
Fish treats spoil faster than dry biscuits. So be strict.
- Fridge: In a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: In a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Take out one or two at a time.
- Thaw: Leave a frozen bite in the fridge for an hour, or give it slightly frozen on a hot day.
If a bite smells sour or looks slimy, throw it out. When in doubt, toss it.
Key Takeaway
Tuna is not toxic to dogs, but AKC warns it can carry high mercury. Use only light or skipjack tuna in water with no salt. Make a small batch, freeze most of it, and keep these as an occasional treat. For everyday rewards, choose salmon or chicken.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid?
I made a few of these myself, so learn from me.
- Using albacore. “White” tuna is albacore. AKC says to avoid it. Buy light or skipjack.
- Using tuna in oil. Oil adds fat your dog doesn’t need. Water-packed only.
- Skipping the label check. Many cans have added salt. Look for “no salt added.”
- Making a giant batch. That tempts you to feed them every day. Keep it small.
- Big bites for small dogs. Keep them tiny so they are easy to chew.
Tuna Dog Treat FAQ
Can puppies have tuna treats? I would skip tuna for puppies. Their bodies are small and still growing. Ask your vet first, and use salmon or chicken instead.
Can I use the tuna water from the can? AKC says small amounts of canned light tuna or its juice can be fine now and then, if it is water-packed with no salt. I pour mine off, because extra water makes the bites soggy.
Is raw tuna okay? No. AKC says raw tuna can carry parasites or bacteria, plus the same mercury risk. Always use cooked or canned.
My dog stole my tuna sandwich. Should I panic? AKC says one bite of tuna is not something to panic about. But sandwiches often have onion, mayo, or salt. Check what was in it, and call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if you’re unsure. Our list of foods dogs cannot eat can help you check.
How many ingredients are really in this? Just three: tuna, egg, and oat flour. No hidden extras.
My Final Thoughts
I love easy treats, but I love my dog more. That’s why these 3 ingredient tuna dog treats live in my freezer as a rare, special treat. Make them small, buy the right can, and save tuna for the happy days.
If you want help planning safe everyday treats, a ready-made healthy treat option can fill the gaps on busy weeks.
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