Can dogs eat
Sardines?
In moderation
Yes, in small amounts, if they are plain sardines packed in water with no added salt. Like other fish, they supply omega-3 fatty acids, but salt, oil and sauces make some cans a poor choice.
Why it’s fine in small amounts
Sardines are small fish, and PetMD considers them generally safe for dogs because of their size, adding that the skin and bones can be eaten too. AKC agrees for canned sardines packed in water: canning leaves their tiny bones soft and fully edible, which makes them the one exception to its rule of removing fish bones.
The label matters. PetMD advises choosing sardines packed in water with no added salt. Cans packed in oil or flavored sauces add fat, salt and seasonings, and fried or breaded fish is not recommended because it can cause vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis.
Fish is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which PetMD links to a healthy coat and skin and anti-inflammatory effects that may help dogs with inflammatory bowel disease or arthritis. PetMD also contrasts small fish with large, older predatory fish, which accumulate more mercury. Fresh sardines should be cooked, because the AVMA does not recommend raw or undercooked fish for dogs of any age, and AKC's usual advice to remove bones applies to fish that has not been canned.
Benefits
- A natural source of omega-3 fatty acids that support skin and coat
- Small fish that are convenient and soft when canned in water
- A novel protein that can help dogs with food allergies, according to PetMD
Risks
- Added salt, oil, sauces or seasonings in some cans
- Oil-packed or fried fish adds fat that can upset the stomach or contribute to pancreatitis
- Bones in fresh, uncanned fish can lodge in the throat or injure the digestive tract
- Raw or undercooked fish can carry parasites and bacteria
How to serve it safely
Choose sardines packed in water with no added salt, drain them, and mash a small piece into your dog's regular food. Start small, give a small dog less than a large one, and count sardines toward the treat limit of about 10% of daily calories.
PetMD says fish can be a treat several times a week, but ask your vet how often suits your dog, especially if your dog has pancreatitis, a sensitive stomach or a prescription diet. Skip sardines packed in oil, tomato or hot sauce, and any that are smoked or salted. If you buy fresh sardines, cook them fully with no seasoning and remove the bones, as AKC advises for fish that has not been canned. Salmon and tuna are other fish options.
Related forms
| Food | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Canned in water, no added salt | In moderation | The best choice; drain and serve a small amount. |
| Canned in oil or sauce | With caution | Extra fat, salt and flavorings; skip them. |
| Smoked or heavily salted sardines | With caution | Too much salt for dogs. |
| Fresh raw sardines | No | The AVMA does not recommend raw or undercooked fish; cook them fully first. |
If your dog already ate it
A few salty or oily sardines may cause thirst or loose stools. Offer fresh water and watch your dog.
Call your vet for repeated vomiting, diarrhea, a painful belly, loss of appetite or lethargy, which can signal pancreatitis after a rich meal. Excess salt can cause vomiting, tremors and seizures, so call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply) if your dog ate a lot of heavily salted fish. Outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Excessive drooling or pawing at the face can mean a bone is lodged in the throat, which calls for a vet right away. Do not make your dog vomit at home.
Frequently asked questions
Are sardines good for dogs?
In small amounts, yes. PetMD notes that fish, sardines included, is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support coat and skin and have anti-inflammatory effects.
Can dogs eat sardines in oil?
It is better to choose sardines packed in water. PetMD recommends water-packed sardines with no added salt, and oil and sauces add fat and seasonings.
Can dogs eat sardine bones?
Yes, in canned sardines. AKC says canning leaves the tiny bones soft and fully edible, and PetMD says sardines can be eaten with the bones and skin. AKC's exception covers canned sardines; for fresh fish cooked at home, it advises removing the bones.
Can dogs eat sardines every day?
PetMD says fish can be a treat several times a week, and all treats together should stay under about 10% of daily calories. Ask your vet how often suits your dog.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy