Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent the cakes from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato: If you’re using fresh sweet potato, peel and chop it into small cubes. Steam or boil until soft, then mash it thoroughly. Sweet potato can also be microwaved for a faster cooking method.
3. Mash the Sardines: Drain the sardines from the can and place them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them with a fork or potato masher until the sardines are broken down into a fine consistency.

Mix the Batter

4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In the mixing bowl with the mashed sardines, add the mashed sweet potato, egg, and olive oil. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats to the mixture. Stir to combine. If you’re using optional ingredients like grated carrot, parsley, or turmeric, add them now and mix until evenly distributed.
6. Form the Cakes: Use your hands to form small cakes or patties from the mixture. Depending on your dog’s size, you can make them small (for small dogs) or slightly larger (for bigger dogs). Aim for about 8-10 cakes.

Bake the Sardine Cakes

7. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the formed sardine cakes on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced a little apart to allow for even cooking.
8. Bake: Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cakes are firm to the touch and golden brown on top. You may want to flip them halfway through baking to ensure both sides cook evenly.
9. Cool: Once baked, allow the sardine cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog. This helps them firm up further and makes them easier to handle.

Serve the Sardine Cakes

10. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve the sardine cakes to your dog as a treat, snack, or part of their main meal. Always ensure that they’re served in appropriate portion sizes based on your dog’s weight and dietary needs.