Should I Give My Dog Sardines?.
I am currently the Chief Feeding Officer
to 9-year old Stella, a spunky Boston Terrier who knows what she does and does not like when it comes to her food. This means I am always searching for special toppings to put on top of her kibble to inspire her to eat it. I mean, I can’t blame the girl. If I had to eat the same dried food day in and out, I would want a little something to spice it up from time to time.
I have often wondered if I could add one of my favorite tinned goods, the humble sardine, to her meal rotation. These fishy powerhouses have myriad health benefits for the humans that consume them. However, when it comes to our dogs, do the same rules apply? I know Stella will like them as she sits drooling by my side every time I open up a can. But are sardines safe to feed to dogs? If yes, what type of sardine is best?
First, let's discuss the health benefits of sardines for dogs.
Sardines are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals.
The two primary omega-3 fats found in sardines are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are the same healthy fats found in many fish oil supplements. An average can of sardines contains about 1,800mg of EPA and DHA combined. They’re also a good source of coenzyme q10 (CoQ10), vitamin B12 and even one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D. These have many health benefits for dogs including reducing inflammation, maintaining heart health, and supporting cognitive function.
In addition to being a healthy protein source, sardines are also a good source of vitamins and minerals including vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus, and calcium.
Protein is essential for dogs for many reasons: it helps them grow and develop properly, maintain a healthy weight, and build strong muscles. Sardines are an animal-based protein which is easy for dogs to digest, making them a good choice for pooches with sensitive stomachs.
They're also relatively low in mercury compared to other fish. This is because sardines only eat plankton, microscopic plants that live near the surface of the ocean. They also don’t live long enough for any other toxins they may come in contact with to make a significant impact.
Sardines have health benefits for dogs too
Sardines are an excellent source of nutrition for dogs as well as humans, offering a variety of health benefits.
Healthy omega-3s can promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, especially for dogs that suffer from allergies, hot spots or seasonal itching or dryness. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s can help to reduce swelling in joints and improve mobility, making them ideal for dogs that suffer from joint pain or arthritis.
How to feed your pets sardines
OK. Now we have that exhaustive list documented, let’s talk about number three of the things you should know - how to feed sardines to your doggo properly.
The first thing to consider is whether you're feeding your dog canned or fresh sardines. (We will admit we do have a natural bias here at TINNED, as we focus on tinned foods so we will mostly focus on those. You can of course choose the fresh type of sardines if you choose. Be sure to cook and bone them before feeding to your dog if you do.)
Be sure to choose a canned brand that uses high-quality ingredients and doesn't add any additional salt or seasoning. Many humans’ favorite canned sardines come preserved in delicious sauces such as garlic or tomato, which are a big no-no for dogs. So, take care when selecting sardines for your pet.
If possible, choose a sardine packed in water so you are not feeding your dog too much fat, outside of the aforementioned Omega 3s that are packed into these bad boys, of course. If you do choose the oil packed variety, be sure to remove as much oil as possible before you feed them to your dog.
What portion size do I need?
As with all food, the serving size will vary depending on the size of your dog. Start with small portions and take time to assess how they respond before increasing servings size- this will help avoid any stomach upsets or weight gain from additional fat in the body.
Remember, while sardines may be your whole meal, for a dog they’re a delicacy. Never feed more than 10% of your dog’s total calories from food outside their normal diet. Treat sardines as a supplement to their diet rather than the main component.
Sardines are safe for dogs and make a tasty addition to a complete and balanced diet. As always, check out our TINNED Top 5s for our picks from around the world.
