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eat-sardines

Can Dogs Eat Sardines?

Dog owners usually want to improve their dog’s diet and to introduce some new foods. But, it is important to know that not all human foods are good for dogs.

In this text we will talk about fish, actually about sardines, and their effects on dog’s health. There are many risks of eating fish and we can read a lot about that. We can easily swallow bones while we are eating fish, fish has mercury and some fish can cause many health problems. But, we can also talk about things that are in favor of fish. We all know that fish is rich in omega 3 oils and it is a great source of protein.

Also, fish can reduce the risk of many health problems. As we can see, we sometimes can’t be sure if fish is good for us or not. But, what about dogs? Can dogs eat fish or it can be harmful to them? There are some things you should know before giving sardines to your dog. You can also read our article on chickpeas being eaten by dogs.

More About Sardines

Sardines are small oily fish that are usually consumed by humans. They are often packed in oil, but they can also be packed in water, mustard or tomato sauce. Sardines are rich in nutrients and they have many health benefits for people. They are one of the highest sources of omega 3 fatty acids, so they are great for brain’s health and for cancer prevention.

Sardines can also reduce the risk of some heart diseases and macular degeneration. They are also beneficial for bone health and they can boost our immune system. Sardines should be a regular part of our diet and it is recommendable to eat them at least once a week. But, can we share sardines with our dogs?

Are Sardines Safe for Dogs?

There’s no doubt that many dogs enjoy sardines, but we sometimes wonder if these fish are good for dogs. We have good news for you. Your dog can eat sardines without any danger. Not only are sardines safe for dogs, but they are also considered one of the healthiest fish for a dog. They are full of omega 3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA. Better sardines than feeding your dog fries.

Health Benefits of Eating Sardines

Omega 3 fatty acids have a great influence on the skin and coat, so they can help dogs keep a nice shiny coat. Also, sardines can boost an immune system of a dog and improve his bone health. Thanks to omega 3 fatty acids, sardines can also reduce inflammation and they are very beneficial for brain’s health.

Because of that, dogs with arthritis or some autoimmune conditions, as well as dogs with allergies, can benefit from sardines. Sardines contain natural oils and they are also one of the safest fish for dogs.

How Many Sardines Can Dogs Eat?

Sardines can be a good supplement for your dog’s diet. The size of a dog determines how many sardines should be given to him. A single sardine provides about 175 mg of omega 3 fatty acids and has around 200 calories, so you can use it as a treat or mash it into dog’s wet food.

For larger dogs, you can use two servings, without any healthy risks. It is recommendable to feed your dog only sardines packed in water which are salt free. Avoid giving them sardines packed in oil. It is important that sardines contain omega 3 oils and that are lower in sodium.

It is also important to give your dog sardines as an occasional treat. Sardines can be healthy snacks for your dog and they should be added to a dog’s diet. But, don’t substitute dog’s regular food with sardines. They are healthy, but they should be only an addition to a dog’s diet. Feeding sardines to dogs a couple of times a week can be beneficial change to dog’s regular diet that sometimes can be a little boring.

Final Thoughts

As you have seen, sardines are absolutely safe for your dog and they can be a good supplementary meal for him. It is important to be sure that there are no bones in the fish that you are feeding to your dog. It is recommendable to buy fresh sardines and to cook them yourself.