Salmon Meatballs for Dogs

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time10

Cook Time14

Total Time24

Course: Dog Food Recipes

Cuisine: Dog

Servings: meatballs

Calories: 20kcal

Author: Cheryl Bennett

1 lb. fresh salmon finely diced, or pulse in a mini food processor to break it up
1 egg
¼ cup oats
¼ cup finely grated carrot
1 tablespoon chopped curly parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley, optional *see note

Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Check salmon carefully for bones - remove any bones or skin you find. Finely dice salmon, or place it in a small food processor and pulse to break it up.
In a medium mixing bowl, gently fold everything together until just combined. *The mixture should hold together when pressed—if it feels too wet, add a bit more oats; if it feels too dry, add a small splash of water.
Use a small cookie scoop to portion the meatballs - this keeps them uniform so they cook evenly, and they are easy to portion. Then gently roll into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each) in your hands to shape them.
Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until set and lightly golden brown.
Cool completely before serving to your pup.

I used a tablespoon scoop to portion the salmon meatballs. Using this size scoop to portion out the mixture, you'll likely end up with anywhere from 40 - 50 meatballs. Slight variations, like, how tightly you pack the scoop, the size of your egg, etc. will affect your yield.
If the mixture is too soft to roll, chill for 10–15 minutes - this will allow the oats to absorb some of the moisture and help the meatballs to set up.
Fresh parsley can be used in small amounts, but it’s best to stick with curly parsley and avoid large quantities. If your dog has kidney issues or is pregnant, skip it altogether.
Avoid overworking the meatball mixture so the texture stays tender rather than dense.
These meatballs are intended as a treat or topper, not a complete meal unless properly balanced.
Always adjust portion size based on your dog’s size and dietary needs - consult your vet if you have questions or concerns.
Introduce any new food gradually to ensure it agrees with your dog.