1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 baking dish—trust me, you don’t want to skip this step.
2. Drain your sardines completely and mash them up in a large bowl until they’re broken into small pieces. Mix with the pumpkin puree until you get that perfect orange-fish combination that’ll drive your dog wild.
3. Add oat flour gradually, about half a cup at a time, mixing until you get a dough that holds together nicely—about the consistency of thick cookie dough.
4. Beat the egg and work it into your mixture until everything’s well combined and smells like pure doggy heaven.
5. Press the mixture evenly into your greased baking dish, really packing it down so your squares won’t crumble later.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top feels firm when gently pressed and the edges just start to pull away from the sides.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into squares (if your pup can wait that long).

Notes:

• Always let cool completely—hot treats can burn your dog’s mouth
• These work best when the mixture feels like thick cookie dough, not wet or crumbly
• Amber prefers these slightly soft from the fridge rather than room temperature

Storage Tips:

• Store in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container
• Don’t leave these out on the counter—fish-based treats spoil faster
• Toss if you see any mold or smell anything off

What Makes This Recipe Special: These squares pack serious nutritional punch with omega-3 fatty acids for coat health and joint support, plus fiber-rich pumpkin for digestive wellness. Way more beneficial than store-bought treats, and you know exactly what’s going into your pup’s belly.

Mix It Up (Dog-Safe Variations):

Senior Support Squares: Add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed for extra joint-supporting omega-3s (perfect for dogs like my 8-year-old Amber)

Frozen Summer Treats: Cut into smaller pieces and freeze for cooling snacks on hot days

Green Power Boost: Mix in 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh spinach for added vitamins and minerals