Can dogs eat Sardine?

What kind of food is this?

One of the oily fish. Per 100g: 870mg DHA and 780mg EPA — EPA is on the high side among seafood.

Vitamin D is also high at 32µg, especially high even among seafood. Vitamin D is involved in how the body uses calcium and phosphorus.

When used whole with the head and bones, calcium and phosphorus are higher than in the flesh alone.

When feeding it raw, the thing to watch is Anisakis parasites. Sardines are among the fish named in Japan's national advisories as prone to carrying Anisakis.

How to serve

In red-fleshed fish, histamine, a cause of food poisoning, can build up when the fish is left at room temperature. Once histamine forms, grilling or simmering won't get rid of it. After buying, do not leave it at room temperature — put it in the fridge or freezer right away and use it while it is fresh.

When you have these care goals

Skin & coat care — An oily fish containing EPA and DHA. One of the ingredients that comes up when thinking about skin and coat care.

Joint & mobility care — Along with EPA and DHA, it also contains vitamin D. It can also be a candidate when thinking about mobility in senior dogs.

In food-energetics terms

In food energetics this is classified as "warm." It is considered gently warming, so it is often chosen when the body tends to feel cold.

(Food energetics is a long-standing idea of supporting the body through everyday meals. Treat it as one extra hint alongside the nutrition numbers.)

Related foods

• Horse mackerel Safe to feedAnother oily fish, lighter in fat›
• Chum salmon Safe to feedAnother fish rich in vitamin D›
• Pacific saury Safe to feedAnother bone-in oily fish, higher in fat›