Quick answer
Yes, dogs can eat sardines in moderation, but they must be adequately prepared to ensure safety.
Learn the safest types (water vs oil vs brine), serving sizes, bone safety, and what to avoid.
Sardines are a high-value treat or kibble topper as an additional source of protein. Choose sardines packed in water (low-sodium or no-salt), avoid brine, tomato sauce, and oil-packed options, and serve small portions to prevent digestive upset.
Sardines are nutrient-dense and rich in vitamins and minerals. Sardines also support skin and coat health and may help reduce joint inflammation, skin dryness, and itchiness in pets.
Studies show that sardines are beneficial for brain and eye health. Canned sardines have soft bones that aren’t harmful to pets, which makes them an easy option for many dogs when served correctly.
In this guide, we’ll cover the safest sardine options to buy, which types to avoid (such as brine, tomato sauce, and oil-packed), and simple portioning tips to prevent digestive upset.
Why sardines can be good for dogs
Sardines are a healthy fish that contain essential vitamins and nutrients. They offer a protein boost and can easily be used as a high-protein topper.
Sardines provide a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which support skin and coat health in pets. They’re a great add-on as a snack or treat, but they should not be fed as a daily staple.
Nutritional content of sardines
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial vitamins, minerals, and protein, sardines are loaded with nutritional benefits. Sardines feature the following:
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Natural source of omega-3s and omega-6 fatty acids
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Offer a good source of vitamin D
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Loaded with amino acids and other essential minerals
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Suitable source of protein, especially for dogs with chicken or beef allergies
What kind of sardines are safe for dogs?
If you’re wondering what the best type of sardines for your dog is, look for:
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Sardines packed in water
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Low sodium or no salt
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Fresh sardines
What types of sardines are not suitable for dogs?
Some sardine options should be avoided because they’re too high in salt or fat.
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Sardines in tomato sauce are not safe because the sauce is likely to contain high levels of salt.
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Sardines in olive oil or sunflower oil: not safe because they’re high in fat, and sardines are already high in fat.
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Sardines soaked in brine are high in salt and should be avoided.
Healthiest option: Fresh sardines canned in spring water are the most nutritious, as they do not cause digestive upset.
Are sardine bones safe for dogs?
Yes, sardine bones are soft and easy for pets to chew. Canned sardines offer the same health benefits as fresh sardines. Fresh or frozen sardines should always be cooked thoroughly. One of the best ways is to bake them with no seasoning.
If your pup is a gulper, mash up the sardines or break them up into small pieces.
How many sardines can a dog eat?
Sardines should be fed like a high-value treat or topper, not a replacement for a complete diet. A widely used rule of thumb is that treats (including sardines) should make up no more than 10% of your pup’s daily diet/calories.
Easy “starter portion” idea:
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Small dogs: start with a small piece of sardine
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Medium/large dogs: begin with a few pieces of sardines
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Then reassess after 24 hours for digestive issues.
Best ways to serve sardines
If your pup suffers from allergies, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian first before feeding sardines.
Always introduce sardines slowly into your dog’s diet, starting with small bite-sized portions. Sardines are oily fish that can cause stomach upset and digestive issues, such as pancreatitis.
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Mash into kibble (tiny amount)
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Use as a high-value training reward (micro pieces)
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Rinse water-packed sardines if you’re concerned about sodium (even “no salt added” shoppers like this tip)
Always check your dog for nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when introducing sardines.
Sardines for Dogs with Cancer
According to research, Omega-3 supplementation can be a healthy, natural way to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and can also help maintain muscle mass, improve muscle strength, and enhance endurance.
"The evidence for Omega 3 supplementation in dogs primarily comes from studies of therapeutic diets with high levels of supplementation, and results are generally positive," explains CARE (Canine Arthritis Resources and Education).
Anticancer Animal Studies
Human studies show that sardines have anticancer properties that promote apoptosis, a programmed cell death in cancer cells. Animal studies on sardines show that sardine oil can affect dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
This hormone supports the development and growth of male reproductive organs and the proper formation of the prostate gland.
Sardines Can Decrease Inflammation
CARE adds that dogs need EPA and DHA to reduce inflammation associated with OA, and that the most potent sources of these fatty acids are fish oil.
Fish oil can be provided as fish, krill, or green-lipped mussel (GLM) supplements, including whole fish like anchovies and sardines, and is also found in prescription pet foods that include marine-based omega-3s.
"The recommended dose of fish oil is around 100 mg/ kg total EPA/DHA. (The dose range reported for dogs is 50-220 mg/kg, but we typically recommend staying around 100 mg/kg," explains CARE.
"The maximum daily dose is 310 x (BW in kg)^0.75.For example, a 22.7 kg (50 lb) dog would need about 2,000 mg (2 grams) of fish oil per day. The maximum dose for a 50 lb dog would be 3,200 mg/ day."
What is the Best Way of Supplementing Omega-3s?
CARE explains that natural sources such as fresh or canned sardines, with 1,800 mg EPA/DHA per 3 oz serving, should provide 1,800 mg EPA/DHA per 3 oz serving.
CARE also notes that they don't recommend using salmon or salmon oil as a regular source of Omega-3s for dogs, as it is not the most environmentally sustainable option.
"The ideal dose should be the total of EPA + DHA, not necessarily the total Omega 3 content," says CARE.
Sardines for skin and coat health
By regularly feeding sardines, you can safely boost your pup’s skin and coat health. Omega fatty acids promote a shiny coat, good skin health, and help reduce skin flakiness and excessive itching in pets from dryness.
My Pet Command High Velocity Pet Hair Dryer (coat health + grooming)
Sardines are one of the easiest ways to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy when included in a balanced, complete diet, along with regular grooming, especially after outdoor play and walks in the rain. If your pup has a thick coat or tends to stay damp, moisture can contribute to odor and irritation.
That’s where a high-velocity dog dryer helps: it expels water from the coat faster than towel-drying, making it easier to keep the coat clean, dry, and comfortable.
For at-home grooming, the My Pet Command Professional High Velocity Dog Hair Dryer is designed to speed up drying and help loosen undercoat. This is one of the best grooming tools, as it does not damage the skin or coat.
At the same time, you brush to maintain coat health between professional grooming visits. If you're looking for an at-home option, the My Pet Command High Velocity Pet Blower is designed for thick undercoats and helps dry your pup's coat through, supporting a healthier-looking coat.
A quick, consistent routine can make a huge difference: after a bath or walk, dry the coat thoroughly and brush out loose hair to reduce matting and "wet-dog" smell.
