Salmon & Spinach Oven Biscuits: The Flaky Fish Fix That Makes Your Brain And Taste Buds Do A Happy Dance

Does anyone else’s dog give them that look when you pull out the same bag of store-bought treats for the hundredth time this month? It’s the look that says, “Really? Again?”

That’s exactly what pushed me into the world of homemade dog biscuits. My two dogs, Ella (a chihuahua mix) and Moose (a dachshund/chihuahua mix who looks like a classic dachshund), will eat pretty much anything. They’re not picky — in fact, they’re the opposite. But that’s part of the problem. Because they’ll happily gobble down whatever I give them, it’s up to me to make sure those treats are actually good for them.

And here’s the thing: baking your own dog biscuits isn’t just about nutrition. It’s about knowing what’s in your dog’s food, saving money, and adding a little variety to their routine. Plus, it’s fun. There’s something satisfying about pulling a tray of golden-brown biscuits out of the oven and seeing your dogs waiting eagerly, tails wagging like metronomes.

These salmon and spinach biscuits are one of my go-to recipes. They’re crunchy, packed with healthy fats and vitamins, and simple enough for anyone to make. Even if your dog is on the picky side, the smell of salmon baking in the oven usually does the trick.

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Why Bother Making Dog Biscuits at Home?

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the effort, here’s why I think homemade treats are a game-changer:

• You know exactly what’s in them. No hidden fillers, no preservatives, no artificial colors. Just real ingredients.
• They’re healthier. Salmon brings omega-3s, spinach brings vitamins, and olive oil adds healthy fats.
• They’re cheaper in the long run. A batch of these costs less than a single bag of “premium” treats.
• They feel special. Dogs notice when you do something just for them. It’s not about the perfect shape — it’s about the care behind it.
• They can win over picky eaters. Ella and Moose will eat anything, but I’ve seen these biscuits tempt even the most skeptical dogs.

Opinion: I used to think homemade dog treats were just for people with too much free time, but once I realized how easy and rewarding they are, I never looked back.

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Important Note Before You Bake

Dogs aren’t little humans in fur coats — their digestive systems are different. Foods like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and xylitol (a sweetener) are toxic to them. Even too much fat can cause serious issues.

That’s why recipes like this one stick to safe, dog-appropriate ingredients. These biscuits are meant as treats, not meals. Think of them as dessert: fun, rewarding, and delicious, but not the main course.

And a quick tip from experience: if your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, introduce these slowly. Ella and Moose can handle pretty much anything, but not every dog is that easygoing. When in doubt, check with your vet.

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Quick Recipe

Time: About 25–30 minutes
Yield: 12–14 biscuits (depending on size)
Oven Temp: 400°F

This recipe is straightforward. No fancy equipment, no hard-to-find ingredients. If you can stir and scoop, you can make these.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-sensitive dogs)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup unsweetened plain yogurt or buttermilk
• 1/4 cup olive oil (a healthier fat than butter)
• 6 oz canned salmon, drained and flaked (in water, not oil)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

Steps

1. Prep work: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour and baking powder in a large bowl. This keeps the biscuits from being too dense.
3. Add wet ingredients: Stir in yogurt and olive oil until dough just comes together. It doesn’t need to be perfect — rustic is fine.
4. Fold in salmon & spinach: Mix gently so the salmon stays flaked and the spinach spreads evenly.
5. Shape & bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet or roll and cut into shapes if you want to get fancy. Bake 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
6. Cool completely: Let biscuits cool before serving. Ella and Moose usually hover by the oven during this step, convinced I’m baking for them (and in this case, they’re right).

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Feeding Guidelines

Here’s where moderation comes in. Homemade biscuits are healthier than many store-bought options, but they’re still treats. A good rule of thumb is to keep treats at about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

• Small dogs (5–20 lbs): ½ to 1 biscuit per day
• Medium dogs (21–50 lbs): 1–2 biscuits per day
• Large dogs (51–90 lbs): 2–3 biscuits per day
• Giant dogs (90+ lbs): 3–4 biscuits per day

If your dog is anything like mine, they’ll try to convince you they need more. Don’t fall for it. Those puppy eyes are powerful, but sticking to limits keeps them healthy.

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Benefits of Salmon & Spinach

These ingredients aren’t just tasty — they’re functional.

• Salmon: A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health, reduce inflammation, and promote shiny coats.
• Spinach: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and antioxidants. It’s like sneaking a salad into snack time.
• Whole wheat/oat flour: Adds fiber and structure while keeping the treats wholesome.
• Olive oil: Provides healthy fats that are easier on digestion than butter.

Opinion: I like salmon because it feels like a treat for both humans and dogs, but it’s still affordable. Spinach is my sneaky add-in — most dogs don’t notice it, but I know it’s boosting the nutrition.

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Storage Tips

These biscuits don’t have preservatives, so they won’t last as long as store-bought treats (and that’s a good thing).

• Counter (airtight container): Up to 3 days
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw at room temperature before serving)

Pro tip: skip the microwave for reheating. It makes them rubbery. A quick warm-up in the oven keeps them closer to fresh-baked.

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Variations for Different Needs

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is.

• Weight management: Use oat flour and make smaller biscuits. Dogs feel like they’re getting more without the calorie overload.
• Puppies: Bake softer at 325°F for 20 minutes; break into tiny pieces for training.
• Senior dogs: Add pumpkin puree for easier digestion and bake until softer.
• Allergies: Swap salmon for cooked chicken or turkey; use oat flour for grain-sensitive dogs.

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Seasonal Twists

Another way to keep things interesting is to adjust the recipe with the seasons. Dogs may not care about holidays, but they definitely notice new flavors.

• Fall: Add pumpkin puree or a pinch of cinnamon (safe in small amounts) for a cozy autumn treat.
• Winter: Mix in shredded carrots or sweet potato for extra fiber and a touch of sweetness.
• Spring: Swap spinach for parsley or fresh herbs like basil (both safe in moderation) for a fresh twist.
• Summer: Add a handful of blueberries or grated zucchini for a lighter, refreshing flavor.

Opinion: I like making the fall version the most — the smell of salmon and pumpkin baking together makes the whole kitchen feel warm and festive.

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FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
A: Yes, as long as it’s cooked and boneless. Canned in water is usually easier and more affordable.

Q: What if my dog doesn’t like spinach?
A: Replace it with carrots, zucchini, or pumpkin puree. Most dogs don’t notice spinach when it’s finely chopped, though.

Q: Are these safe for cats too?
A: In small amounts, yes — but cats don’t handle carbs well, so keep it very occasional.

Q: Do I have to use olive oil?
A: No. Coconut or sunflower oil works too. Butter, however, is best avoided.

Q: How do I know if my dog is allergic?
A: Watch for itching, ear infections, or digestive upset. Stop immediately if symptoms appear and check with your vet.

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Final Thoughts

Homemade dog biscuits are more than just food. They’re a way to show your dog you care enough to make something just for them. Ella and Moose don’t care that these biscuits aren’t perfectly shaped or that I sometimes burn the edges. They care that they smell amazing, taste delicious, and come straight from my hands.

And that’s the real reason to make these: not just because they’re healthier or cheaper, but because they make your dog happy in a way store-bought treats never quite do.

So next time you see that “Really? Again?” look when you reach for the treat jar, try baking a batch of these salmon and spinach biscuits. You’ll get wagging tails, eager eyes, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing you gave your dog something special.