Can dogs eat sardines?
✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last updated: 2026-06-17
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The full picture
Sardines are one of the best human foods you can feed a dog, but the type you buy matters enormously. The question we get asked most: "Can dogs eat sardines in spring water?" Yes — that's the gold standard option. Spring water is plain water sourced from a specific location and contains no added salt, no oils, no flavourings. A small tin of sardines in spring water, drained, is a near-perfect occasional dog treat: high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), B vitamins, vitamin D, and calcium from the small bones.
Check individual ingredient safety at 247IngredientsCheck.
Why sardines specifically? Of all oily fish, sardines have the best balance for dogs:
• They're a small species so they accumulate less mercury than tuna or large salmon. • They're low in pollutants compared to longer-lived predator fish. • The small bones are soft and edible — a complete calcium source. • The omega-3 content (around 1.5g per tin) supports skin, coat, joints, and brain function.
We've written more detail on each variant in dedicated pages — see our guides on sardines in spring water, sardines in brine, sardines in olive oil, and sardines in tomato sauce.
Quick summary of the variants:
• Sardines in spring water — best option. Drain and serve. • Sardines in water — also fine, drain first. • Sardines in brine — too much salt. Rinse thoroughly before serving, or skip. • Sardines in olive oil — extra fat. OK occasionally, drained, for healthy dogs. Skip for pancreatitis-prone dogs. • Sardines in sunflower oil — same as olive oil but the oil quality is worse. Drain well. • Sardines in tomato sauce / chilli / lemon — too many added ingredients, often onion or garlic. Skip.
How much? A small breed dog (under 10kg): one or two sardines, twice a week. Medium dog (10-25kg): half a tin, twice a week. Large dog (25kg+): a full tin twice a week. Sardines are calorie-dense (a small tin is ~190 kcal) and high in fat — overdoing it causes pancreatitis risk and weight gain.
For a detailed calorie breakdown, see 247CalorieCheck.
Salt content matters. US supermarket sardines in spring water typically have 0.5-0.8g salt per tin, which is fine for dogs in moderation. Sardines in brine have 1.5-2g+ per tin, which is too much. Rinse if you've bought brine; better to switch brands.
Risks to watch for
- Salt in brine-packed versions
- Fat overload in oil-packed versions
- Mild fishy breath afterwards
Potential benefits
- Excellent omega-3
- Calcium from bones
- Protein
- Supports skin and joints
Safe portion size
One or two sardines in spring water, two or three times a week.
Choosing the right sardines
Sardines packed in spring water are the best choice — plain, no added salt or oil. Sardines in olive oil are acceptable in small amounts (drain off excess oil first) but add extra fat that can trigger pancreatitis if overfed. Avoid sardines in tomato sauce, brine, or any flavoured/seasoned variety, since these often contain added salt, sugar, garlic, or onion.
Does size or breed matter?
Small and toy breeds, and any breed prone to pancreatitis (Miniature Schnauzers especially), should have sardines as a small, occasional treat given the fat content — large dogs can generally tolerate more without issue. No specific breed sensitivity to sardines themselves.