Can Dogs Eat Sardines?

  Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes  Summary: “Are sardines good for dogs?” Sardines, for dogs, can have amazing health benefits so read on to learn all about sardines and dogs…    Can Dogs Eat Sardines?  Yes! And sardines are a powerhouse of nutrients – all of which can benefit your dog. Sardines are even safe to serve up […]

3 min read·Updated: Mar 06, 2025
Can Dogs Eat Sardines?

 

Estimated Read Time: minutes 

Summary: Are sardines good for dogs?” Sardines, for dogs, can have amazing health benefits so read on to learn all about sardines and dogs… 

 

Can Dogs Eat Sardines? 

Yes! And sardines are a powerhouse of nutrients – all of which can benefit your dog. Sardines are even safe to serve up to a puppy.  

Are Sardines Good For Dogs? 

Sardines (a small, silvery fish from the Herring family) are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, taurine, copper, zinc, selenium, vitamin B12 and coenzyme Q10. And, because of their size, they’re much lower in mercury than other oily fish and are also considered to be one of the most sustainable seafoods on the market (you can look for the international blue Marine Stewardship Council seal on your sardine product to be sure they’ve been fished sustainably). 

The nutrient load in sardines can support your dog’s health in a variety of ways: helping reduce inflammation, boosting immunity, and promoting their heart and dental health while also helping maintain optimal joint condition and brain functioning 

However, sardines are relatively high in fat so they shouldn’t be served to overweight or obese dogs or those who have a history of pancreatitis.  

a close-up of a collection of several fresh sardine all bundles together

Sardines For Dogs 

Fresh, frozen or canned sardines in water are all great options to serve your dog as long as the sardines haven’t been seasoned with any flavourings that are known to be toxic to dogs (like garliconion or other spices). It’s also advisable to purchase deboned fillets of sardines to remove the risk of any fish bones fracturing after being swallowed and diminish the risk of choking.  

You can either feed your dog sardines straight from the can as a treat or as a meal topper. If you’ve purchased fresh or frozen sardines, cook them in the oven without seasoning them at all and allow them to cool before feeding them to your dog.  

All this said, sardines should still be considered a treat food and shouldn’t replace your dog’s “complete” diet. Sardines should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.  

8 crates of freshly caught sardines – all slightly overflowing – sit side by side. 2 of the crates at the back of the shot are covered by upturned crates

You should always take it slowly when introducing any new food to your dog too, to avoid upsetting their stomach – particularly with puppies. Feed a very small amount of plain, unseasoned sardines every couple of days over a week before considering continuing to feed low quantities of them to your dog more regularly. As with humans, all dogs will react differently to different foods so always be mindful of this when trying them on new foods, snacks, and treats regardless of whether they’re deemed safe. 

Can Dogs Eat Sardines In Olive Oil? 

Although not toxic, it is not advisable to feed your dog sardines packed in olive oil. As these fish are already fairly high in fat, this will just contribute to that fat content and thus their calorie intake. If you can only find sardines in olive oil, make sure to drain the fish thoroughly of the oil before sharing it with your pup.  


Sources

Author Shoshi, Parks “Can My Dogs Eat Sardines” The Dog People, Powered by Rover https://www.rover.com/blog/can-dog-eat-sardines/  

“Can Dogs Eat Sardines? Potential Benefits and Precautions” MasterClass, Mar 29. 2022 https://www.masterclass.com/articles/can-dogs-eat-sardines  

Becca TriggB
Written by

Becca Trigg

Becca Trigg is a content creator and pet-industry writer, with over 5 years of experience at PetLab Co. She is an all round animal lover, with a keen interest in canine joint health, dental hygiene and nutrition. When she’s not typing away in the office, she can be found sitting in a country pub, growing chillies or cuddling up with her family dog Maggie, a chocolate Labrador.

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The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice. PetLab Co. is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If your pet has, or you suspect your pet has any medical condition, you are urged to consult your veterinarian. Medical conditions can only be diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Results May Vary. Not intended for human consumption. Please consult your veterinarian regarding any change in treatment or supplementation.
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