Can Dogs Eat Mackerel?
Yes. Cooked, boneless, unsalted mackerel is one of the best oily fish for dogs, very rich in omega-3. Because of its fat, give it in measured portions; never raw, salt-cured, smoked or pickled.
What it gives your dog
Mackerel has about 200 kcal and 12-14 g of fat per 100 g (3.5 oz) raw, with about 2-2.5 g of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, among the highest of any common fish. It also provides quality protein, vitamin D, B12 and selenium. Atlantic mackerel is a small, short-lived fish, so it accumulates little mercury, unlike large predators (king mackerel, a different and much larger species, is high in mercury and best avoided). That makes it a good main protein in homemade recipes, like salmon or sardines, and a good extra for skin and coat.
There are three caveats. The bones: the fine ones can lodge in the mouth or throat, so remove them. The fat: it's an oily fish and shouldn't be given in quantity to dogs with pancreatitis or dogs that need a very lean diet. And freshness: poorly stored oily fish produces histamine, which causes vomiting, diarrhea and itching. Not raw, because of bacteria and parasites like Anisakis. Mackerel canned in oil contains salt; pickled mackerel also has vinegar and spices; and salted or smoked mackerel, a lot of salt.
How to serve it
- Baked, steamed or boiled, with no salt
- Boneless, skinless and without the head
- Flaked over their food
- Never raw, pickled, salted or smoked
How much can they eat?
As an extra, once or twice a week: small dog (under 10 kg / 22 lb), 20-30 g (about 1 oz) cooked; medium (10-25 kg / 22-55 lb), 50-70 g (about 2 oz); large (over 25 kg / 55 lb), 80-120 g (3-4 oz). If it's the protein in a homemade recipe, follow the recipe's amounts. A cleaned mackerel fillet weighs about 80-100 g.
Risks
- Fine bones: they lodge in the mouth or throat
- Fat: diarrhea, and caution in dogs with pancreatitis
- Histamine in poorly stored fish
- Raw: bacteria and parasites
- Pickled, salted or smoked: salt and vinegar
Frequently asked questions
Is mackerel good for dogs?
Yes, it's one of the best fish for dogs: plenty of protein and the omega-3s EPA and DHA, which support skin and coat, with little mercury. Cooked, boneless and in portions measured for its fat, it can be part of their diet once or twice a week or be the protein in a homemade recipe.
Can dogs eat canned mackerel?
Fresh is better. Mackerel canned in olive oil contains salt, so if you give it, drain it well and keep it small, as an occasional extra. Pickled mackerel, no, because it contains vinegar, salt and spices. If you find mackerel canned in water with no added salt, that's the best canned option.
Can dogs eat raw mackerel?
We don't recommend it. Raw mackerel can carry bacteria and parasites, and oily fish spoils quickly and produces histamine. Cooking it removes those risks and keeps most of its omega-3. If your dog is on a raw (BARF) diet, fish is better cooked and served separately.
General information reviewed against veterinary sources. If your dog has eaten something that worries you, call your vet or a 24-hour emergency vet right away, without waiting for symptoms.