Can Dogs Eat Sardines? Yes, and They Add Omega-3s

What it gives your dog

Sardines are small oily fish, rich in omega-3s (EPA and DHA), vitamin D, B12 and selenium. Because they are short-lived and sit near the bottom of the food chain, they accumulate very little mercury compared with tuna or swordfish. In cans, the bones soften during sterilization and can be eaten, which adds calcium.

What you need to check is the liquid in the can and the salt. Sardines in oil add a lot of extra fat; those in tomato sauce, marinades or with chili contain salt, vinegar, spices or garlic. The ideal is fresh sardines or sardines canned in water, preferably with no added salt; if you can only find them in oil, drain them well and pat them dry with paper towel.

How to serve it

Fresh: poached or baked with no salt, removing the backbone and head
Canned: in water, preferably with no added salt, and drained
In oil: only drained, patted dry and in a smaller amount
Whole if canned (the bones are soft) or flaked over their food
Never in tomato sauce, marinated, spicy or salt-cured

How much can they eat?

As an extra, 1-3 times a week: small dog (under 10 kg / 22 lb), half a canned sardine or one small fresh one; medium dog (10-25 kg / 22-55 lb), one or two canned; large dog (over 25 kg / 55 lb), two or three. A drained canned sardine weighs about 20-25 g (under 1 oz) and provides about 40-50 kcal.

Risks

Salt in canned and salt-cured fish
Extra fat if packed in oil
Tomato, marinade, garlic or chili in some canned varieties
Bones in fresh sardines cooked at home: remove them

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat sardines in oil?

Yes, now and then, if you drain them well and give a smaller amount than you would of sardines in water. The oil is not toxic, but it adds a lot of calories and can cause diarrhea in sensitive dogs. If the can contains salt, it is even better to drain them, rinse them and pat them dry with paper towel. Skip those in tomato sauce or marinades.

Can puppies eat sardines?

Yes, once they eat solid food, in small amounts and well flaked: a quarter or half a sardine canned in water is enough to start. Their omega-3s, especially DHA, support brain and eye development. If they are fresh, cook them and remove all the bones, because bones in a sardine cooked at home do not soften like canned ones.

Can dogs eat sardine bones?

In canned sardines, yes: sterilization leaves them so soft they crumble between your fingers, and they add calcium. In fresh sardines cooked at home, however, the backbone stays stiff and can get stuck; remove it before serving, along with the head. The small bones in the fillets are usually fine, but check carefully for small dogs.