7 Best Health Benefits of Sardines for Dogs
Sardines are rich in nutrients. It is low in calories and is known to resemble oily fish, which means it contains high omega oils. It is also packed with coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and vitamin D. This also benefits from being simple to prepare. Most dogs like the fish’s smell. They’re large and live mostly on planktonic fish, meaning they don’t have mercury as much as many fish. Mercury toxicity can be dangerous to the health and kidney and digestive systems. Over time, the trace amounts of mercury in sardines can begin to accumulate in your pet, so it’s important to limit how much fish and fish oils you add to your pet’s diet.
Can dogs eat sardines?
Yes, dogs eat sardines. Sardines offer a wide variety of health benefits for your furry friend including being a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Protein helps to build and repair muscle tissue, Omega-3s help support coat health and shiny, vitamins support the immune system, and minerals are needed for many different bodily functions.
Dried sardines can be usually found in pet stores however it won’t have as much of the nutritional benefits as fresh sardines. Canned sardines are better than dried but fresh would be better.
Can Dogs Eat Sardines With Bones?
The sardine bones are no worries for dogs so you don’t need to worry about those! They are safe for dogs and will serve as a source of calcium. Sardines are an excellent addition to dog’s diet for all ages and you can feed sardines as a treat, snack, or part of a meal in the dog’s food.
What are the 7 Best Health Benefits of Sardines for Dogs?
1. Sardines are a good source of protein.
2. Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Many pet parents add salmon oil or fish oil for its Omega 3 but feeding sardines to supplement the fatty acid is best because not all fish oils are equal. This fatty acid is super beneficial because the three fatty acids included: Alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which have a list of benefits. One of the benefits is the anti-inflammatory properties. This reduces arthritis inflammation and essential for pets with cancer.
3. Sardines are packed with vitamins and minerals.
4. Sardines support the immune system.
5. Sardines have all the essential amino acids that your pet will require for a healthy lifestyle. Sardines help to keep the coat healthy and shiny. They can prevent and reduce inflammation, but they will also help your dog get rid of hot spots and itchiness. You may even begin to notice that your dog has healthier fur once getting into a routine of feeding sardines weekly.
6. Sardines are low in mercury and other toxins. As a little fish, sardines are pretty low on the food chain and do not live long enough to accumulate significant quantities of mercury.
7. Sardines are easy to digest.
Are canned sardines safe for dogs?
Yes, canned sardines are safe for dogs as long as they are packed in water or spring water with no added salt or other ingredients. Feeding sardines that are in olive oil is not recommended because they both are a high-fat source. Instead, go for canned sardine in 100% water, no salt, or any additional ingredients.
Some people worry about the small bones in sardines but as long as they are properly chewed before swallowing there is no risk of them causing any problems.
Can dogs eat canned sardines in oil?
No, dogs should not eat canned sardines in oil as it can cause digestive upset and potentially lead to pancreatitis.
If you’re looking for a healthy treat or snack for your dog, sardines are an excellent choice. Just make sure to choose ones that are packed in water with no added salt or other ingredients.
How many sardines can a dog have?
As with all treats and snacks, canned sardines should be given in moderation. A good rule of thumb is to give no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories in treats.
As always, make sure to introduce any new food slowly and in small amounts (not too many sardines) to avoid digestive upset. Watch for any signs of adverse reactions such as vomiting or diarrhea and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. If you feed your dog sardines regularly, keep an eye out for any weight gain that might occur due to the fish’s high fat content.
Suggested feeding for adult dogs ( 3.75 oz can):
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
What is better for dogs tuna or sardines?
Sardines are generally considered to be a healthier choice for dogs than tuna. This is because they are lower in mercury and other toxins, and higher in omega-3 fatty acids.
Tuna also has the potential to cause nutritional deficiencies if fed too often, due to its high levels of mercury.
While both fish can be part of a healthy diet for dogs, sardines are the better choice if you’re looking for maximum nutrition.
In conclusion, sardines offer a wide variety of health benefits for dogs and are an excellent addition to a healthy diet. This fish is great for improving and supporting your dog’s health. It’s a small fish with big benefits. The main reason we add fish to our dogs’ diet is for the Omega 3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, brain health, heart health, joint health, and gut health. Just make sure to choose ones that are packed in water with no added salt or other ingredients, and feed them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Thank you for reading!
You may also enjoy reading: Healthy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes For Dogs.
