Yes, dogs can safely eat sardines in moderation. This mini fish has several health benefits for dogs and is a good addition to their diet on occasion. However, since sardines are already oily, avoiding canned sardines in oil or those with added seasonings is typically best.
Safe: This food is generally considered safe by the veterinary community. Dogs can eat this food sometimes or in small amounts but contains little to no nutritional value.
| Food Safety | Beneficial when fed in moderation |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Value | Protein, omega-3 fatty acids |
| Potential Risks | Weight gain, pancreatitis, and other gastrointestinal issues. Canned salty sardines can cause sodium toxicosis. |
How Much Sardines Are Safe for Dogs?
For a small dog 1 sardine per day is fine, while larger dogs can have 2-3. It’s generally a good idea to avoid feed this salty fish every single day for a long period. It’s very important sardines are fed in moderation because overfeeding can lead to gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis or potential salt toxicity.
Are Certain Types of Sardines Better?
Yes, the best type to feed your dog is fresh sardines since they are not processed and give your dog all the health benefits without any potential risks. But naturally, these may not be easy to come by – nor are they convenient for dog owners to have in stock regularly.
For canned sardines, you should immediately rule out any packed in brine or sauce. Most commonly found in stores are water or oil packed cans (usually olive oil). Sardines packed in water will have less flavor, but lower calories and fat. If your dog enjoys these, thats the way to go!
How to Feed Sardines to Dogs?
If you are feeding canned sardines, you can remove a bit of the sodium or oil contents by rinsing under water. You can then feed sardines as a treat or meal topper. Be sure to cut the sardines to the appropriate bite size if you have a medium or small dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
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In most canned sardines, European sardines from the Mediterranean sea, the bones are super soft. You should not need to remove bones before feeding to your dog.
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Yes, dogs can eat raw sardines. However, you should ensure the sardines are properly cleaned and free of any contaminants.
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Mercury poisoning is a real risk in most fishes but luckily most sardines have negligible mercury content.
