Can dogs eat sardines?

Quick takeaways about sardines

• Sardines can be served as an occasional snack or food topper for dogs in small portions.
• They’re a source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants like coenzyme Q10.
• They can be served canned or fresh, but you’ll need to avoid salt and extra flavourings.

 

If you’re wondering whether dogs can eat sardines, the short answer is yes. Sardines are packed with protein and omega-3s. They’re also rich in coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that helps support everything from your dog’s heart health to their immune system.

Like all foods, though, there are some things to know before you start feeding your pooch this oily fish – particularly if they have particular health issues.

Dogs who’ve had pancreatitis should avoid sardines, for example. And as they’re high in fat, they’re not ideal if your pooch is overweight, so it’s always worth checking in with your vet before trying your dog on any new foods.

Preparation is another thing to bear in mind, as sardines containing salt are a no-no, and large bones pose a choking risk to dogs.

This is one of the reasons so many pet parents choose a complete and balanced raw meal plan for their dog instead, to take out any of the guesswork.

Let’s debunk some myths and take a closer look at how to add sardines to your dog’s diet safely so they can enjoy these tasty fish.

 

Are sardines good for dogs?

Sardines can be used to supplement your dog’s diet if you’re looking for an extra source of protein, and they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

These are essential for your dog’s memory and brain functions and can help with everything from joint mobility to the health of their skin and coat. Sardines also contain the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 plus lots more vitamins and minerals.

Though, if you’re already feeding a healthy complete and balanced diet, you don’t need to supplement your dog’s food. They’ll already be getting all the proteins and vitamins they need.

 

How should I serve sardines for my dog?

Dogs can eat sardines canned or fresh – the main thing is to check the list of ingredients to avoid salt or any other flavourings.

You’ll also need to supervise your dog while they eat sardines, particularly if they’re fresh. Fish bones are a choking hazard, so remove all bones before feeding sardines if you’re confident in doing so, or choose dog-safe deboned fillets.

Even better, pick a Natures Menu raw nugget recipe that includes fish, and avoid the messy prep altogether.

 

Can I feed my dog canned sardines?

You can feed your pooch canned or tinned sardines in small quantities. They can be an affordable way to get some extra nutrients into your dog’s diet if needed.

You can feed them straight from the can, as a treat or mixed into their food.

The fish bones in tinned sardines soften so much when they’re pressure-cooked that they practically disappear, but it’s always worth supervising your dog while they eat.

Things to bear in mind when feeding canned sardines:

• Sardines canned in water are the best option, but make sure you check there’s no added salt. You can also use the leftover water to flavour the rest of their food.
• Sardines canned in oil are OK, but they are higher in fat, so you’ll need to adjust the portion size.
• Tinned sardines in brine are best avoided because they tend to have a high salt content.
• Likewise, avoid sardines in any other flavouring, including tomatoes, which tend to include lots of salt and sugar.

 

Are there any dogs that shouldn’t have sardines?

If your dog is overweight, it’s worth avoiding sardines as they have a relatively high-fat content – which rises further if they’re packed in oil.

And our in-house veterinary nurse, Melanie Sainsbury, recommends that dogs who suffer from or are at risk of pancreatitis avoid sardines for the same reason. Her advice? “If you want to understand more, speak to your vet, who will understand the full medical history and predisposed health concerns.”

It’s also worth remembering that dogs who are fed a complete and balanced diet don’t actually need sardines, as they’ll get everything they need from their food.

 

Feeding dogs sardines FAQs

Are sardines the same as pilchards?

Pretty much, yes – they’re both the same species, but the smaller fish are known as sardines, and the bigger fish are called pilchards

 

Are sardines in oil OK to feed my dog?

In small quantities, yes, sardines in oil – once you’ve drained any excess oil off – can make a tasty topper or treat for your dog. Wherever possible, though, look for sardines in water and always check that there’s no added salt.

 

Are the fish bones in sardines safe for my dog to eat?

The bones in tinned sardines pretty much disappear when they’re cooked, so they are least likely to cause your pooch any problems. If you’re serving fresh sardines, opt for deboned fillets to serve sardines safely, and always supervise your dog while they’re eating.

 

Doesn’t fish contain mercury?

While some bigger fish, like mackerel, contain high levels of mercury, sardines contain much lower levels. They’re lower down the food chain, so they don’t eat other mercury-containing sea creatures in the same way as bigger fish do.

 
Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients, including plenty of proteins and vitamins to help keep your dog’s skin healthy.