- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Sardines may be among the smallest edible fish but, nutritionally speaking, they are giants. Sardines are jam-packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and lower in mercury than many larger fish.
Can My Dog Eat Sardines?
Yes! Canned sardines are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10. Because they are small and low on the food chain, sardines contain minimal amounts of mercury in comparison to larger fish. Omega-3s boost all aspects of health, decreasing inflammation and reducing the risk of illness. Coenzyme Q10 is excellent for neural development and dental health, which makes sardines an excellent supplement for growing puppies.
Sardines are safe for dogs and can make a tasty addition to a nutritionally balanced diet. Here’s how to get the most out of this little fish.
What Are Sardines?
Sardines are a small silvery fish six to 12 inches in length hailing from the herring family. Found in open oceans around the globe, the abundant schooling swimmers are often considered among the most sustainable seafoods.
Like anchovies, sardines are an oily, fatty fish that, while most commonly sold tinned or jarred, can also be purchased frozen or fresh. In addition to being high in protein, sardines are full of omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients which have been shown to provide heart-healthy benefits, and CoQ10. an antioxidant that supports the heart and neurological system. They also contain plenty of vitamins B12 and D, calcium and selenium.
Are Sardines Safe For Dogs To Eat?
Sardines make a great treat or meal topper for most normal-weight dogs. Because they are high in fat, they probably aren’t the best snack for overweight dogs, those that are already on a high-fat diet or those with sensitive stomachs. If your dog has had a bout of pancreatitis in the past or is predisposed to inflammation of the pancreas, it’s best to avoid sardines altogether.
Do Sardines Contain Mercury?
Unlike some larger fish which are high in mercury, a heavy metal which can be toxic in large concentrations, sardines contain relatively little. As small fries in the ocean food chain, sardines do not consume other mercury-containing sea dwellers and don’t live long enough for the toxins they do come in contact with to accumulate significantly.
Are Sardine Bones Dangerous For Dogs?
Some sardines are sold whole or with bones still in. Those bones are tiny and edible; in tinned sardines, they soften so much in the pressure-cooking process they are virtually unnoticeable. Bones left in fresh or frozen sardines, however, may be tougher and more likely to fracture and form sharp points that a dog could choke on. To be on the safe side, when looking for fresh or frozen dog-friendly sardines, choose deboned filets instead of whole fish.
What’s The Best Way For My Dog To Eat Sardines?
Fresh, frozen and tinned or jarred sardines are all good options for use as dog treats, meal toppers and mix-in, or to include in homemade dog food.
What Sardines Should I Choose?
For the fish that are best for your pet and for the environment, choose:
- Sardines marked with a blue MSC label (Marine Stewardship Council). These fish are certified to have come from a sustainable fishery.
- Fresh or frozen deboned sardine fillets
- Tinned or jarred sardines packed in water, not oil. Because sardines are already an oily fish, the fat added by packing them in oil makes them less healthy.
- Sardines that are plain, unseasoned and unpickled
How Should I Prepare Sardines For My Dog?
If you’ve purchased tinned sardines, they can be fed to your dog straight from the can. Deboned jarred sardines also require no additional preparation. Both can be offered whole or cut into pieces. The water in which the sardines are packed can also be drizzled over a meal or added to water for a flavor boost.
If the only tinned or jarred sardines you can find are those packed in oil, they’re still okay to give to your dog in moderation. Drain the excess oil first by removing the fish from their contain then laying them out on a towel for several hours and rotating them regularly.
Fresh or frozen sardines should be cooked before given to your dog. The most convenient way to prepare them is baking them on a baking sheet in the oven with no added seasonings. Because sardines contain their own oil, they can also be pan-fried without any additional fats or seasonings.
What Portion Of My Dog’s Diet Should Sardines Be?
Sardines are a healthy, tasty whole food but they should not take the place of dog foods that have been formulated for optimum canine nutrition (unless you feed your dog a homemade diet, in which case they can be part of a nutritionally appropriate recipe). They also should not be used in place of a vet-recommended daily omega-3 or CoQ10 supplement. Sardines combined with other treats and toppers, should make up no more than 10% of the daily calories your dog consumes.
When first introducing sardines to your dog, start slow. Offer a small piece or two then monitor them for any nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. If you feed your dog sardines regularly, keep an eye out for any weight gain that might occur due to the fish’s high fat content.
For More Information
We’ve got tons of articles about which foods are safe or dangerous for your dog, from common snacks to fruits, all wrapped up in this handy resource. You might also be interested in “Can My Dog Eat Anchovies?”
