Can dogs eat sardines?
Canned sardines packed in water, with no salt or seasoning, are fine for dogs in moderation (AKC). AKC says their soft bones don’t need to be removed; skip sardines in oil, brine or sauce.
How to serve it: canned in water, no salt, oil or sauce
Good to know: Fresh sardines must be fully cooked and deboned; the bone exception applies only to canned sardines (AKC). AKC notes that too much fish can lead to obesity.
How much is okay
All treats together: at most 10% of daily calories. Enter your dog’s weight:
Sardines
up to 1.1 oz a day
30 g · about 2½ sardines
10% of 629 kcal a day, for a spayed or neutered dog with normal activity. If your dog gets other treats too, give less.
Questions
What amount of sardines is okay for my dog?
All treats together: at most 10% of daily calories. For a spayed or neutered dog with normal activity weighing 22 lb, that’s up to 1.1 oz (30 g) (about 2½ sardines) a day. Work out the amount for your dog above.
Can cats eat sardines?
Yes, but only a little. A small bit of sardine packed in water is OK now and then – PDSA suggests sardines to tempt cats that won’t eat. Not more: some cats fed canned fish meant for people developed potentially serious neurological disorders (Cornell).
Sources
- AKC – People Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat (fish: canned sardines in water, bones edible)
- AKC – Can Dogs Eat Fish?
- AKC – Can Dogs Eat Salmon? (low-sodium sardines among safe fish)
- Nutrition data: USDA FoodData Central (208 kcal per 100 g)
Last checked: October 2026