The tuna and cheddar cookies were a hit with both Cotton and the few doggy friends we gave them to, so we looked into other recipes to try! Since tuna works, why not sardines, right? 😀

Sardines are full of omega-3 fatty acids and Coenzyme Q10, and these fatty acids have many health benefits, like cancer prevention, reducing inflammation, and keeping the immune system strong. CoQ10 supports a healthy heart and circulation. The fatty acids also help brain development, which makes them good for puppies and kittens. They also prevent dental diseases into pets, and have low mercury levels unlike the bigger fish! 🙂

Ingredients you will need:



1) 3 cans of sardine in water (IMPT: water, not tomato sauce)

2) 1 cup of flour (I used whole wheat flour)

3) 1/3 cup of oats

4) 1/3 cup of cheddar (optional)

Steps:

1) Remove the sardine pieces from the can, do not pour in the liquid at this step

2) Mash the sardine with a fork until minced. There is no need to remove the bones as they have been pressure cooked and thus very soft (not a choking hazard) – plus they will provide extra calcium!

3) Add 1/3 cup of oats and mix well

4) Then add 1/3 cup of cheese

5) Mix well until a dough ball forms. Add in the water from the can to get the consistency needed. Alternatively, to reduce sodium level, plain water or broth will work too.

6) When it comes together, place it on your work surface. Dust the work surface with some flour

7) Roll until 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick, then cut with your favourite cookie cutter(s)

8) Lay them on a baking rack and bake at 180 degrees for 15 mins. Leave it to cool in the oven for 5-8mins before removal

9) Remove them and let them cool completely before serving your pup!

These cookies were really a hit with Cotton, she was very attracted to the smell of the stinky sardines! Here’s her tailing me while I was mashing up the sardines:

And here’s her enjoying her sardine cookies:

Do try it if you have some spare time, they are really high value soft treats and easy to break apart for training 🙂 They are firm, yet moist and soft in the inside.

Tag us on our Instagram @cottonthemaltese or drop us a reply if you make them 😀 We’d love to see how yours turned out! 🙂

Jamie and Cotton ❤