Discover how to make healthy, homemade dog food with anchovies to keep your furry friend happy and full of essential nutrients.
As a dog parent, I’m always cooking up crazy new schemes to keep Luna—my golden-maned Golden Retriever—both healthy and happy. Honestly, I’ve tried it all: from basic peanut butter biscuits to those fancy freeze-dried salmon treats that make your wallet whimper. But I never thought I’d end up going ga-ga over something as, well, weird as anchovies. Those tiny fish are a love-it-or-hate-it affair for most people, right? Yet here I am, in my kitchen, armed with a mixing bowl and a bag of dried anchovies, determined to whip up something that Luna will devour and hopefully not fling under the couch cushions.
It all started when I noticed Luna’s coat looking a bit less movie-star shiny and more like, I don’t know, an old bath mat (bless her heart). She was still a happy-go-lucky fluffball, but I wanted her to look and feel her best. A neighbor—let’s call him Dave, the “dog whisperer” from across the street—suggested anchovies. At first, I gave him the old eyebrow raise. I mean, anchovies for a dog? Dave insisted these tiny fish are bursting with protein, omega-3s, vitamins, and all that jazz. He said they’d do wonders for Luna’s overall health. And, being the overly curious person I am, I decided to give it a whirl. Worst case, I’d learn a new recipe and have a fun story to share.
Why Anchovies Are Doggone Fantastic
Before we get into these recipes, let’s get nerdy for a second. Anchovies aren’t just salty little fish that lurk on pizzas. They’re actually protein dynamos, and let’s face it: dogs like Luna need high-quality protein to support all that muscle they love to show off when sprinting across the backyard. Plus, omega-3 fatty acids are like the backstage hair stylists of the dog world. They help keep Luna’s coat glossy and her heart ticking smoothly. We’re also talking key vitamins—like vitamin D—and minerals—like calcium and selenium—that can strengthen bones, support the immune system, and boost overall health. Long story short, if these treats were a superhero, they’d show up wearing a cape and saving the day for canine nutrition.
Recipe 1: Luna’s Anchovy Biscuits
This one’s loosely inspired by something I read on a pet blog (Mindiampets, I think?), and now it’s a go-to whenever Luna starts doing that “feed me or I’ll chew your socks” stare.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dried anchovies, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Yes, that’s the universal “dog treat baking” temp.
- In a big ol’ bowl, stir together flour, oats, and anchovies. This step smells fishy—don’t say I didn’t warn you.
- Add pumpkin puree and the egg. Mix until you get a dough. If it’s too crumbly, add a tiny splash of water. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a pinch more flour. Hey, cooking is all about feeling it out.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes. I use bone-shaped cutters because I’m a dork like that.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes until they’re firm. Let them cool before doling them out to your eagerly waiting taste-tester. Don’t be surprised if Luna tries to open the oven door herself.
(Off-topic aside): Once, I tried these biscuits myself out of sheer curiosity. Let’s just say Luna and I have different tastes. Think “salty pumpkin fish cracker.” Not my jam, but she practically high-fives me with her paws after each bite.
Recipe 2: Anchovy and Squash Biscuits
This one’s a riff on a Stockland recipe that popped up in my dog-lovers Facebook group. The butternut squash adds a hint of sweetness—like a subtle wink that says, “Hey, I know these are fish treats, but we can still be fancy.”
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dried anchovies, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked, mashed butternut squash
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to that trusty 350°F (180°C). Parchment paper is your friend here—no one wants to scrape burnt fish bits off a pan.
- Combine flour, oats, and anchovies. The mixture will look like fishy confetti.
- Add in the squash and egg, mixing until you’ve got a nice dough that holds together.
- Roll, shape, and place your biscuits on the sheet. Keep them roughly the same size so they bake evenly—dog treats aren’t an art exhibit, but hey, consistency is nice.
- Bake 15-20 minutes, then let them cool. Luna might try to help by sitting real close and drooling on your floor.
Recipe 3: Simple Anchovy Treats
Feeling lazy or just don’t want to turn on the oven? These no-bake treats—courtesy of a DogTipper inspiration—are the bee’s knees.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dried anchovies
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (the natural stuff, please—no xylitol!)
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
- Mix the anchovies, peanut butter, and honey in a bowl until it looks kind of like a weird granola.
- Roll into small balls or press the mixture into cookie cutters for cute shapes. Hearts, stars, dog bones—go wild.
- Toss them in the fridge until they firm up. It’s as easy as finding dog hair on your couch.
Health & Safety Check
Let’s get real: before you throw these new treats at your fur-baby, talk to a vet. Introducing anchovies or any new ingredient too quickly might upset your pup’s tummy. Start small, watch for allergies (itchy skin, weird behavior, you know the drill), and use common sense. Also, choose low-sodium anchovies if you can. Your dog doesn’t need a salt overload—leave that to humans who can’t put down the potato chips.
Another Random Aside: One time, I got so into making these treats that I forgot a batch in the oven. Ever smell burnt anchovies? Let’s just say I had to open all the windows and my cat looked at me like I’d lost my marbles.Conclusion: Fishy Goodness For The Win
So there you have it—three easy-peasy anchovy recipes that’ll have your dog doing backflips (or at least tail-wags) around the kitchen. Luna’s coat is back to that gleaming, “I just stepped out of a doggy salon” look, and she’s bouncing around with more energy than ever. And honestly, knowing I can whip up something nutritious and homemade for her gives me a serious case of warm fuzzies. So go ahead—channel your inner Julia Child, sprinkle a little anchovy magic, and watch your dog’s eyes light up. The world’s got enough store-bought treats. It’s time to show your pup who’s the top dog in the kitchen.
