What Can Dogs Eat? — The Ultimate List
Can Dogs Eat Fish? Salmon, Tuna, Sardines?
Fish is an excellent omega-3 source. Be mindful of mercury (tuna), raw fish (parasites), and bones.
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Can Dogs Eat Fish? Salmon, Tuna, Sardines?
Yes, fish is an excellent food for dogs and a main ingredient in many premium dog foods. However, a few rules should be followed.
Safe, Cooked
✅ Salmon, sardines, cod, perch, trout, tilapia.
Benefits
- Omega-3 (EPA + DHA), the best source
- High, easily digestible protein
- Vitamin D, selenium, iodine
Serving Size
| Size | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Mini (1–5 kg) | 30–50 g |
| Small (5–10 kg) | 70–100 g |
| Medium (10–25 kg) | 150–200 g |
| Large (over 25 kg) | 250–400 g |
Tuna: CAUTION
⚠️ High mercury content. A small portion once a week is fine, NOT daily. Canned tuna should be in water (NOT oil, NOT salted).
Sardines: The Best Choice
✅ Small, low mercury, high in omega-3, soft bones.
Raw Fish: Handle with Care
⚠️ Salmon poisoning disease, a rickettsia infection carried by parasites, primarily affects raw Pacific salmon and can be fatal if untreated. Only feed thoroughly frozen (-20°C, at least 1 week) or cooked fish.
Fish Bones: Be Careful
Large fish may have thin bones. Remove them or chop the fish into small pieces.
Fish Oil Supplementation
As a general supplement, about 20–55 mg EPA + DHA / kg / day. For skin problems, atopy, or arthritis, about 50–100 mg / kg / day may be appropriate, but your veterinarian should set this dose. The NRC (2006) safe upper limit is about 370 mg EPA + DHA / kg body weight^0.75 / day (e.g., ~4.7 g for a 30 kg dog); do not exceed it. If your dog is on anticoagulants or NSAID pain relievers, or is scheduled for surgery, only give fish oil after consulting your veterinarian, as it can increase bleeding tendency.
This information is for guidance only.
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References
- 1.Mueller RS, Fieseler KV, Fettman MJ, et al. — Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on canine atopic dermatitis. Journal of Small Animal Practice 45(6):293–297, 2004. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2004.tb00238.x (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine — Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet. FDA, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 4.Roush JK, Cross AR, Renberg WC, et al. — Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 236(1):67–73, 2010. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.236.1.67 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist