Can My Dog Eat Sardines

Yes! Sardines are a great option to add to your dog’s bow in amounts appropriate for their size. They can have anchovies too!

Sardines offer several great benefits

• Protein, filled with essential amino acids that your pet cannot produce on his own without foods that have them.

• Omega 3 — beneficial for bone and joint health, as well as heart health, and brain health too. Omega 3 is also shown to be a contributing factor to the inhibition of some cancer cell growth.

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin B-12 —also beneficial to heart health

• Rich in DHA contributes to improved learning and brain development in puppies. DHA can help your pet with memory & learning new skills, and eye function

• Essential fatty acids can be beneficial to deter the development of seasonal respiratory allergies and can be extremely beneficial to red itchy skin conditions.

• Some research shows that Omega 6 in sardines can be effective in fighting the inflammatory properties in pets with epileptic seizures and may see a reduction in frequency.

• Supportive to the kidneys. Omega 3 has protective effects on kidneys in the early stages of kidney disease. Use of Omega 3 may slow the decline of kidney function.

  • It’s important to note that Omega 6 may be an accelerant to the decline of kidney function. Remember chicken is high in Omega 6.

• EPA and DHA found in sardines can be linked to improved mood and anti-depressants.

Canned Sardines for Dogs

Choose Sardines packed in water with no salt. Avoid sardines packed in oils. Soy, Corn, Sunflower, or other Omega 6 rich oils are to be avoided.

You can save an open can of sardines for up to 2 days after opening it in the refrigerator, in an air-tight container.

Amount to feed:

Dog’s Weight 3.75-oz can sardines
5 lbs 1/4 can per week
15 lbs 1/2 can per week
25 lbs 5/8 can per week
50 lbs 1 can per week
100 lbs 1 3/4 cans per week

Feed twice this much to puppies and pregnant or lactating females.

A 3.75-ounce can of sardines has about 200 calories, so reduce the amount of dry food given on “sardine days” accordingly. Rule of thumb: One can of sardines in water has about the same number of calories as ½ cup of most dog foods.

For cats, no more than a 1/4 to maximum 1/2 a week.

Canned Anchovies for Dogs

Anchovies are similar to sardines, but are from a different family of fish. Anchovies will be smaller and have a stronger flavor.

But anchovies offer similar benefits:

1. Omega 3 & inflammatory reduction

2. Improved Skin and Coat quality

3. Heart Health

4. Brain Health

5. Puppy Development

6. Vitamins & Minerals

7. Great source of selenium

   Anchovies and Toxic Contamination

   Not to worry! Anchovies have such a short lifespan, that they don’t accumulate significant toxin exposure in the same way larger fish (ie Tuna) would.
   

Thanks to Rodney Habib for the foundation of this content