Best Canned Sardines for Dogs: Because Your Pooch Deserves Five-Star Fish Dining

Dogs love fishy treats, and sardines can be a healthy addition to their diet. These small fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and other nutrients that support your dog’s coat, joints, and overall health. Many pet owners are discovering that canned sardines make an excellent occasional treat or food topper.

Not all canned sardines are safe for dogs though. The key difference lies in what’s added to the can. Some sardines come packed in oils, sauces, or with added salt that can upset your dog’s stomach or cause other health issues. The best options for dogs are sardines packed in water with no added ingredients.

When shopping for sardines for your furry friend, I always check the ingredient list first. Look for products that contain only sardines and water. Avoid anything with added salt, garlic, onion, or heavy oils. The size of the fish matters too – smaller sardines have softer bones that are easier for dogs to digest.

After watching my chihuahua mix Ella go absolutely bonkers for fishy treats and seeing how my dachshund mix Moose’s coat got shinier after adding fish to his diet, I decided to test twelve different canned sardine brands to find the ones that are safest and most appealing to dogs.

Best Canned Sardines for Dogs

I’ve tested dozens of canned sardines with my two picky pups, Ella and Moose, who somehow have stronger opinions about fish than most food critics. After countless taste tests and plenty of fishy breath kisses, I’ve found the sardines that make both dogs and their humans happy. Here are the top canned sardines that passed the ultimate test: getting two spoiled dogs to actually finish their bowls.

Beach Cliff Sardines in Water

These sardines make my dogs dance around the kitchen like they’ve won the lottery, and at this price point, I feel like I have too.

Pros

• Opens easily without wrestling with the can opener while excited dogs bounce around your feet
• Clean water packing means no oily mess on dog bowls or your fingers
• Wild caught quality that even picky eaters like my chihuahua mix Ella actually enjoy

Cons

• Texture can be a bit mushy for dogs who prefer firmer fish
• Some cans have more broken pieces than whole sardines
• Strong fishy smell that lingers on everything including your hands

I started buying these for Ella and Moose after my vet suggested adding fish to their diet. The moment I crack open a can, both dogs appear out of nowhere like furry little fish-seeking missiles. Ella, who normally turns her nose up at anything healthy, actually gets excited when she hears the can opener.

The sardines break apart easily, which works great for mixing into their regular food. Moose inhales his portion so fast I wonder if he even tastes it. The water packing keeps things simple – no weird oils or sauces that might upset sensitive stomachs.

My biggest complaint is that some cans contain more sardine confetti than actual fish pieces. It still works fine for the dogs, but it looks less appetizing when you’re spooning it out. The smell definitely announces itself to the whole house, which the dogs love but my guests find less charming.

The 12-pack lasts us about two months with occasional sardine treats. For the protein content and my dogs’ enthusiasm, these have become a regular purchase that doesn’t break the bank.

Coastal Gourmet Sardines in Water

These no-salt sardines make a solid choice for pups who need low-sodium options, though the smell might knock you off your feet.

Pros

• Zero added salt keeps sodium levels super low for dogs with health issues
• Fresh taste that doesn’t leave my dogs begging for water afterward
• Clean ingredients without weird chemicals or fillers

Cons

• Smell is so strong it could probably wake the neighbors
• Fish pieces can be pretty tiny and fall apart easily
• Price adds up quickly when feeding two hungry pups regularly

I cracked open my first can expecting the usual fishy smell, but wow, these Coastal Gourmet sardines hit different. The aroma practically jumped out and slapped me in the face. My chihuahua mix Ella went absolutely nuts before I even got the can fully opened.

The no-salt thing is clutch for my older dog who needs to watch his sodium. Most canned fish has way too much salt for dogs, but these keep it real with just 70mg per can. Moose, my dachshund mix, gobbled them up without that crazy thirst he usually gets from salty treats.

Quality-wise, these sardines taste fresh and don’t have that overly processed flavor. The texture holds up pretty well when I mix them into kibble. However, some pieces are tiny and kind of mushy, which makes serving a bit messy. Both my dogs love the taste, though Ella always tries to steal Moose’s portion when I’m not looking.

Season Sardines in Water – No Salt Added

These wild-caught sardines make my dogs go absolutely bonkers, though opening the cans might give you a workout.

Pros

• Zero added salt keeps my pups healthy while they gobble down omega-3 goodness
• Wild-caught fish means cleaner protein without the mercury worries
• Bones included provide natural calcium that makes tails wag

Cons

• Can opener becomes your nemesis with these stubborn tins
• Fishy smell lingers on everything including your hands
• Bones might worry some dog parents despite being soft

My chihuahua mix Ella practically does backflips when she hears me wrestling with these cans. The no-salt formula gives me peace of mind since small dogs don’t need extra sodium messing with their systems. Each tin packs serious nutrition punch with wild-caught fish that actually tastes fresh.

Wrestling these cans open turned into an Olympic sport in my kitchen. The curved design seems designed to defeat every can opener known to humanity. I’ve started keeping a backup manual opener just for these stubborn tins.

Moose, my dachshund mix, crunches through the soft bones like potato chips. The calcium boost helps his long spine stay strong. Both dogs get shinier coats after a few weeks of sardine treats mixed into their regular food.

The fishy aroma definitely announces itself when you crack open a tin. My hands smell like a fishing dock for hours afterward, no matter how much I scrub. Still, watching my dogs’ pure joy makes the lingering scent worth tolerating.

Wild Planet Sardines in Water

These scale-free sardines make an excellent dog treat that both Ella and Moose devour like they’ve been starving for weeks.

Pros

• No salt added makes them safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Pull-tab cans open easily without sharp edges that could cut paws
• Scale-free preparation means less mess and choking hazards

Cons

• Strong fishy smell lingers on your hands long after feeding time
• Higher price point compared to basic canned fish options
• Small 4.4-ounce cans don’t last long with hungry pups

Opening these cans releases an aroma that sends both my dogs into full wiggle mode. Ella practically vibrates with excitement while Moose does his little dachshund dance around the kitchen. The no-salt formula gives me peace of mind since I don’t have to worry about sodium overload.

The sardines break apart easily with a fork, making portion control simple. I usually mash half a can over their regular kibble as a special treat. The oil-free water packing means less greasy mess on their faces and my floors afterward.

My wallet feels the pinch with these premium sardines, but the quality shows. The fish pieces look meaty and fresh rather than mushy like cheaper brands. Moose, who can be picky about new foods, gobbled these up immediately without his usual suspicious sniffing routine.

Storage becomes tricky once opened since the cans are small but too much for one serving. I end up refrigerating leftovers in a separate container, which adds an extra step to treat time. Still, watching my dogs’ pure joy makes the extra effort worthwhile.

Brunswick Sardines in Spring Water

These wild-caught sardines make my dogs go absolutely bonkers with excitement, though the “boneless” claim is about as accurate as my promise to only give them one treat.

Pros

• Clean spring water base makes them perfect for dogs without added sodium concerns
• Wild-caught fillets provide excellent protein that keeps my pups satisfied longer
• Easy-open cans mean less wrestling with sharp edges while two demanding dogs circle my feet

Cons

• Despite the boneless label, I still find sneaky little bones that require careful inspection
• The fillets can be quite large and need breaking up for smaller dogs like Ella
• Price point adds up quickly when you’re feeding two spoiled pups regularly

Opening these cans immediately transforms my kitchen into a canine circus. Moose starts his signature dachshund dance while Ella bounces around like a furry ping-pong ball. The spring water base gives me peace of mind since I don’t have to worry about excess salt or oils that might upset their stomachs.

The fillets themselves look impressively clean and fresh. I appreciate that they’re wild-caught rather than farmed, though I do wish Brunswick would be more honest about the boneless claim. I’ve learned to carefully check each piece before serving because finding a bone after the fact is no joke with these two food vacuum cleaners.

Breaking up the larger pieces works well for portion control. Ella gets smaller chunks while Moose can handle bigger pieces without inhaling them whole. The texture holds up nicely when mixed into their regular kibble, and the fishy smell doesn’t linger on their breath as long as some other brands I’ve tried.

Buying Guide

Choosing canned sardines for my dogs feels like shopping for tiny fish in a big ocean. I learned this the hard way when my chihuahua mix Ella turned her nose up at my first pick.

What to Look For:

• No added salt or sodium
• Packed in water, not oil
• No garlic or onion powder
• BPA-free cans when possible

The ingredient list should be short and sweet. Water and sardines are perfect. My dachshund mix Moose doesn’t care about fancy ingredients, but his stomach sure does.

Size matters for small dogs like mine. Whole sardines work great because I can break them into bite-sized pieces. Ella gets tiny portions while Moose gets slightly bigger chunks.

Feature	Good Choice	Avoid
Liquid	Water	Oil, brine
Additives	None	Salt, spices
Bones	Soft bones OK	Hard or sharp

Check the sodium content on the label. Even “low sodium” options might be too salty for dogs. I always rinse the sardines before serving them to my pups.

Bone-in sardines are usually fine since the bones are soft. But if you’re nervous about bones like I was at first, boneless options work too. My dogs don’t seem to notice the difference as long as the fish tastes good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dog owners often wonder about sardine nutrition, dosage amounts, and bone safety. They also ask about purchasing locations, oil preparations, and how sardines compare to tuna.

What are the delectable deets on sardines for dogs with an action-hero bod?

Sardines pack more protein punch than a superhero’s breakfast. These tiny fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that make my Ella’s coat shinier than a freshly waxed car.

Each sardine delivers calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. My dachshund Moose gets excited because sardines support joint health and brain function.

The protein content ranges from 18-25 grams per 3.5-ounce can. That’s enough to fuel even the most energetic chihuahua mix through their daily zoomies.

Is there a secret clubhouse where poochy pals can purchase the primo sardine cans?

Most grocery stores stock sardines in their canned fish section. I find the best selection at larger supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods.

Pet stores sometimes carry dog-specific sardine products. Online retailers like Amazon and Chewy offer bulk purchasing options that save money.

Health food stores often stock higher-quality brands. I’ve discovered that organic markets typically carry sardines packed in water instead of oil.

Do dogs dreaming of sardines need a reality check on daily dosages?

Small dogs like Ella need only half a sardine per day. Medium dogs can handle 1-2 sardines, while large breeds can eat 2-3 sardines safely.

I give Moose sardines twice per week maximum. Too many sardines can cause stomach upset or loose stools in sensitive dogs.

Start with quarter portions for new sardine eaters. Gradually increase the amount over several days to avoid digestive drama.

Can Fido feast on sardines with bones, or is it a no-go for the fur-gobbler?

Sardine bones are completely safe for dogs to eat. These soft bones crumble easily and provide extra calcium for strong teeth and bones.

I watch Ella crunch through whole sardines without any problems. The bones in canned sardines cook until they become soft and digestible.

Never give dogs cooked chicken or fish bones from your dinner. Only canned sardine bones are safe because of the special canning process.

Are dogs with a gourmet palate cool with sardines lounging in olive oil?

Olive oil sardines contain too much fat for most dogs. I stick to sardines packed in water to avoid giving Moose an upset stomach.

Some dogs tolerate small amounts of olive oil well. However, the extra calories can lead to weight gain in smaller breeds like chihuahuas.

Oil-packed sardines often contain added salt too. Water-packed varieties offer the same nutrition without unnecessary additives that might harm your pup.

In the ultimate showdown of finned food, does Team Tuna or Squadron Sardine win the wagging tail trophy?

Sardines contain less mercury than tuna, making them safer for regular feeding. I choose sardines over tuna because they’re smaller fish with fewer toxins.

Tuna costs more per serving than sardines. My wallet and my dogs prefer the budget-friendly sardine option for weekly treats.

Sardines offer more omega-3 fatty acids per ounce than tuna. Both Ella and Moose show shinier coats after eating sardines regularly for a month.