Let’s be honest, buying those bags of store-bought dog treats gets expensive, and half the time, I can’t even pronounce the ingredients list! I started whipping these up because my guy, Buster, loves fish, and I always have leftover salmon from dinner. So, I came up with these simple, baked Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats. They only take a couple of minutes to mix together, and since they use just five wholesome things you probably already have, you know exactly what your furry best friend is getting. Seriously, if you need a quick dose of unconditional love delivered in a crunchy, healthy snack, you’ve hit the jackpot right here. I promise, your dog will go wild for them!
If you’re looking for more quick ideas, check out my big list of 14 easy homemade dog treats for when you’re feeling extra creative!
Why These Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats Are Perfect for Your Dog
Sometimes the best snacks are the ones that are totally straightforward, you know? These Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats are my go-to because I don’t have to stress about what’s in them. They are baked, not fried, which I always prefer for Buster. Plus, they are packed with good stuff!
- Power of Protein: That flaked salmon gives your dog a fantastic protein boost—great for energy and muscle.
- Super Simple List: We are only using five ingredients. If you can find these, you can make them!
- Bake, Don’t Fry: We get that perfect crunch just by using the oven. No messy oils needed!
- Dog Approved: Honestly, the combination of fish and peanut butter seems universally loved by every dog I’ve ever met.
If you stick to these simple steps, you’ll have fantastic homemade snacks in about 35 minutes total. Want to see some other non-fish options? My friend has a great guide for chicken biscuit recipes that owners love too!
Gathering Ingredients for Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats
Okay, grab your measuring cups because we’re about to round up the goodies for these amazing Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats! The best part is that you don’t need a huge pantry. We are sticking to five core components, and I’ve got a couple of non-negotiable rules for two of them. First up, that peanut butter MUST NOT contain xylitol. Seriously, that sugar substitute is dangerous for dogs, so double-check that label for me!
Also, for the flour, I use whole wheat, but if you’re doing gluten-free for your furry friend, oat flour is a perfect swap. You want to make sure the salmon is flaked and totally unseasoned—no salt, no pepper, nothing!
Treat Ingredients List
- Cooked salmon, flaked: 1 cup (Canned or fresh, no seasoning)
- Cooked white rice: 1 cup
- Peanut butter: 1/2 cup (Ensure it does not contain xylitol)
- Egg: 1 large
- Whole wheat flour: 1/4 cup (Or oat flour for gluten-free)
Having everything ready to go makes the actual mixing feel like such a breeze. It’s so satisfying knowing every single bit of this recipe is good for Buster. If you skip anything here, you might want to check out my guide on 3-ingredient no-bake dog treats for even quicker ideas!
Essential Equipment for Making Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats
We really keep this minimal so you don’t need a fancy kitchen setup for these Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats. Honestly, I just used the biggest bowl I could find! You don’t need anything specialized, which is what I love about keeping dog treat baking simple.
You’ll need three basic things:
- A sturdy mixing bowl for bringing everything together.
- A standard baking sheet, nothing fancy here!
- Parchment paper. Trust me, this saves you from scrubbing sticky rice off the pan later.
That’s it! No pastry cutters or specialized rollers needed for these fantastic snacks. If you’re looking for ways to make even *more* treats, I really rate this guide on the ten best puppy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats
Alright, preheating is always step one—don’t skip it! You want your oven at 350°F (175°C). Get that baking sheet ready, too; I line mine with parchment paper every single time, promise! This prevents sticking, which is a lifesaver when you’re dealing with rice.
If you want the best Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats, follow these mixing steps closely. It’s easier than you think!
Mixing the Dough
First, we mix everything wet and savory. Grab that mixing bowl and drop in your flaked cooked salmon, the cup of white rice, the peanut butter—remember, no xylitol!—and that one big egg. Mix that really well. You want everything cooperating before you add the dryness.
Next, stir in the flour. This is crucial: keep stirring until you get what feels like a really stiff dough. If it feels too loose or sticky—like it might just flop over—just add another teaspoon of flour until it firms up nicely! That stiffness is what makes them hold their shape when you cut them.
Shaping and Baking
Now for the fun part! Lightly flour a clean counter, and roll that dough out until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t go too thick, or they won’t get that nice crunch all the way through. Use whatever small cookie cutter you have—circles, bones, whatever tickles your fancy!
Place those cut shapes on your prepared pan. Pop them into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be just lightly golden brown; they should feel firm when you gently press on them. Once they cool completely on a rack—and you have to wait for them to cool!—they are ready for your pup! When you’re done, you can check out how these compare to my oat dog cookies recipe!
Tips for Perfect Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats
I’ve learned a few tricks over the batches I’ve tested to make sure these Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats come out absolutely perfect for Buster every time. It’s all about being mindful of those little details before they even hit the oven. You’re making food for your best friend, so safety first, right?
Make absolutely sure that salmon is plain—no seasoning means no onion or garlic powder makes it in there! And that peanut butter warning bears repeating: check that jar! Xylitol is a real danger, so be vigilant about that ingredient. It’s the kind of thing I learned the hard way about reading labels!
The other big thing for these treats is thickness. When you roll out the dough for your Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats, try to keep it uniform, aiming right for that 1/4 inch mark. If one spot is thick and another is skinny, the thin parts will burn while the thick parts are still soft. Uniformity equals perfect baking! If you want to see my general thoughts on homemade puppy food, I wrote a little bit about it over on the main recipe blog.
Storing Your Homemade Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats
So, now you have about two dozen amazing Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats, and you’re wondering how long they last, right? That’s the practical part of any baking project!
Because these use whole ingredients and no funky preservatives, they are best kept in the fridge. An airtight container works wonders, and they’ll stay perfectly fresh for up to one week. That’s long enough for Buster to get through them, usually!
If you accidentally made a huge batch and can’t get through them that fast, don’t sweat it. You can absolutely freeze these treats! Pop them into a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last much longer. Pull them out the night before you plan to serve them, and they’re good as new. For more great snack ideas, check out my pumpkin yogurt dog treats!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Dog Treats
One thing I always stress when making any dog treat recipe is understanding what you’re putting into that bowl. With these Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats, substitutions are usually pretty easy, but we have to be smart about them. Safety is my number one concern, which is why I have to mention peanut butter again—if it has xylitol, do not use it! Period. It’s just not worth the risk, even if you’re in a rush.
Now, let’s talk flour, because I know not everyone keeps whole wheat flour on hand. If your pup is sensitive to gluten, swapping that 1/4 cup for oat flour is just as effective. It binds beautifully with the salmon and rice mixture!
If you want to experiment with different starches that aren’t meat-based, I really suggest taking a look at my recipe for sweet potato dog biscuits next week. It uses completely different binders, but the process is just as easy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats
Whenever I post my go-to dog snacks, I always get a ton of questions—which is great because I love sharing what I know! It shows you guys really care about what goes into your pup’s tummy. Here are some things I hear all the time about these tasty Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats. If you have a different question, drop it in the comments!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in these Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats?
Yes, you absolutely can! Brown rice works just fine in terms of binding everything together since it’s cooked anyway. The main difference you might notice is the final texture. White rice tends to break down a little softer, giving the final Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats a slightly smoother texture overall. Brown rice might leave a tiny bit more chewiness, but dogs usually don’t mind either way!
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Generally, yes, the ingredients themselves are safe for puppies, but moderation is key! Puppies have sensitive tummies. If your puppy is under six months, maybe start with just a tiny piece to see how they handle the richness of the salmon and peanut butter. Make sure they are fully weaned, of course! For more age-appropriate ideas, you might want to peek at this pumpkin and applesauce treat recipe.
What if my dog has a fish allergy?
That’s a really important safety check! If your pup is allergic to fish, don’t worry, you can still make a version of this recipe. The salmon is mostly there for protein and binding, so you can easily substitute that 1 cup of flaked salmon with 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken breast instead. Just make sure the chicken is plain, unseasoned, and cooled down before mixing!
Share Your Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats Experience
Now, it’s your turn! I’m dying to hear how your dog reacted to these Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats. Did Buster’s tail wag extra hard? Let me know in the comments below how they turned out for you! Snap a picture and share it—I love seeing all your happy pups enjoying their healthy snacks.
If you enjoyed this recipe, think about giving my blueberry dog biscuits a try next time for a different flavor!
Salmon, Rice & Peanut Butter Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked salmon, cooked rice, peanut butter, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Add the flour to the mixture and stir until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one teaspoon at a time.
- Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a small cookie cutter or knife to cut the dough into desired treat shapes.
- Place the cut treats onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the treats are firm.
- Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing them.
