Since sardines are a lot smaller than salmon, tuna, and other fish in the sea, they have less mercury which is safer to feed. Despite it's a smaller size, sardines are still a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids and coenzyme q10 like other fish.
Best Fish for Dogs
From our observations, small fatty fish types are usually the best to choose, such as trout, mackerel, smelt, sardines, anchovies, and herring. These fish are all oily fish that are low in the food chain and therefore low in mercury and other environmental contaminants.
Sardines are both calorie and nutrient-dense, so a little goes a long way. Just one small sardine can contain up to 25 calories, approximately half from fat and half from protein sources. Feeding too many dog sardines can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.
Now that's for salmon. Sardines contain significantly less mercury than salmon, so even if you had two standard-sized cans of sardines (~3 ounces / ~84 grams drained), that's still only ~6 ounces of a safer fish in terms of heavy metals. In fact, you could have 4–5 cans of sardines and still be safe!
The tests showed that, based on recommended serving sizes, sardines and salmon contained much higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than tuna. Sardines provided about 1,600 mg to 1,800 mg of DHA and EPA per 85 gram serving, while salmon provided 400 mg to 700 mg per 56 gram serving.
The Best Sardines Are Packed in Olive Oil
There are a whole lot of options when it comes to sardines, but the best are packed in olive oil. Water-packed sardines just won't have the same rich flavor and can taste a bit water-logged.
Sardines are a great way to treat your pup. They offer several benefits because of their omega 3 content. This can make their fur come to life, improve skin conditions and even provide pain relief for dogs with joint issues. It's a healthy treat that is great for heart and brain health.
Sardines in sunflower oil can be fed to your dog, but only very small amounts are recommended. This is because the oil can double the amount of fat present in the fish, leading to unhealthy weight gain if too much is consumed on a frequent basis.
As with any food, portion control is important. Serve your dog an appropriate portion size, and limit salmon intake to once a week or less. You may even feed your dog canned salmon, although it's best to choose one packed with water.
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which according to veterinarians may have health benefits such as decreasing inflammation. Fish is also a good alternative for dogs with food allergies to more common ingredients, like chicken.
Types of Fish Dogs Cannot Eat
Any large fish with a long life span is not safe for your dog to eat. These large fish—such as swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and albacore tuna fish—accumulate heavy metals; the high amounts of mercury in their system make them dangerous for dogs.
Yes, but in moderation. and only after you've checked with the vet! Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids which helps keep their coats shiny and support their immune system. Salmon must be unseasoned and cooked well, otherwise it may contain parasites and bacteria that can make your dog sick.
But are they just as healthy when you get them canned vs. fresh? Unfortunately, fresh sardines and canned sardines are not equal in nutritional value. Canned sardines are often packed in oil, water, mustard, tomato, or other sauces that can increase sodium levels.
The bottom line. While fresh sardines are the better choice, we recognize that this choice isn't always available. To get the most health benefits from your canned sardines, shop with care. Look for sardines packed in water, and if you can't find a brand without any added salt, simply give them a good rinse.
Canned sardines are a nutritional powerhouse. Not only are they an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D and calcium (containing more than 20% of the Daily Value), but they're also a good source of iron (containing more than 10% DV).
But you can feed your puppy sardines too! Many pet parents add salmon oil or fish oil for its Omega 3 but feeding sardines to supplement the fatty acid is best becausenot all fish oils are equal.
Yes, dogs can eat sardines. The oily fish has anti-inflammatory properties and offers vitamins and nutrients to boost your dog's health and immune system. You can add sardines to your dog's diet to help introduce healthy fish oils and provide an additional protein source for your furry friend.
Canned sardines are a healthy and delicious snack that can be added to your pup's diet. Not only are they high in protein, they are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making them a great treat for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
“The best-canned sardines for dogs (and cats) are those in water with no salt added. Avoid sardines packed in soy, corn, sunflower, safflower, or other omega-6 rich oils. Use the entire can of sardines within two days after opening it, and refrigerate the open can, so that the fragile fats do not go rancid.
Can Dogs Eat Sardines in Olive Oil? Many sardines are packed in olive oil. In general, olive oil is excellent for the skin and fur coat of dogs, but feeding dogs sardines packed in olive oil is not recommended. Since sardines are already a high-fat food, we don't want to be adding additional fat to the treat.
Just pop the can (as long as it's salt-free and packed with water or a natural oil like coconut, olive, etc.) and add a couple to your dog's bowl. A few sardines a week (one for smaller dogs and two a day for bigger breeds) is plenty.
Dogs love fish, and sardines are no exception! They're rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. They have an important place in your dog's diet. For your dog to benefit from them, it's important to choose your sardines wisely and to serve them properly.
Drain the oil out of the can.
However, keep in mind that the oil from the can will taste fishier than fresh oil.
You can simply eat canned sardines as are. You may want to drain the liquid they come in. You can easily add some oil, mayonnaise, hot sauce, mustard, or other seasonings; put them into a salad, or grill with some onions and garlic to seal in additional flavour.