Can Dogs Eat Anchovies? What You Need To Know

They seem like bite-size fish snacks, but can dogs eat anchovies? Read this guide to learn how safe or nutritious they are for dogs.

This little oily fish is the perfect size to feed your pet as a quick, high-protein snack, but there are some dangers you should be aware of before giving anchovies to your furry friend.

For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating anchovies.

Can Dogs Have Anchovies

Anchovies are tiny fish that live mostly in brackish river mouths – water that is saltier than freshwater but not as salty as seawater.

The good news is that anchovies can be a safe and healthy treat for both small dogs and larger dogs. The small size of this silver fish makes it easy for pups to gobble down!

The main reason it is the perfect snack is that this tiny fish is high in protein and fatty acids. You still need to be careful with how much you feed your dog in one day. There are some safety concerns with anchovies that you should be aware of.

Are Anchovies Safe For Dogs

Just because it’s safe for human consumption doesn’t mean it will be safe for dogs.

There is a small chance that anchovies may contain heavy metals and an industrial toxin or two from their time in polluted waters.

You don’t really have to worry about anchovies giving your pet mercury poisoning. The threat of fish containing high levels of metals mostly applies to carnivorous fish (like mackerel and tuna).

Since this small fish is at the bottom of the food chain, they don’t live long enough to harbor toxic pollutants. Even so, this is a risk you have to balance with your own research and decide whether to expose your pet to any of it.

You also don’t have to worry about the fish bones in fresh or dehydrated anchovies. The bones are completely digestible, so they can eat them without the bones getting stuck in their throat.

There are two things to watch out for – food allergies and the high sodium content of canned anchovies.

Any time you introduce a new type of food to your dog, look for signs of an allergic reaction. This could include itching, sneezing, or coughing.

It’s also safest to give your dog dehydrated or fresh anchovies, not canned. There is too much salt in canned anchovies to be safe for dogs to eat.

Are Anchovies Good For Dogs

Yes, anchovies are good for dogs. They contain important minerals that your pup needs for healthy growth and development.

Anchovies are a great source of protein, vital fatty acids, and high levels of DHA. It’s good for their brain health, coat health and provides natural support for their heart health too.

Anchovies Nutrition

In addition to anchovies protein, there are a lot of other fantastic nutrients in them.

A three-ounce serving of anchovies contains:

Calories: 111
Protein: 17 grams
Fat: 4 grams
No carbohydrates, fiber, or sugar.

Anchovies Benefits

There are many benefits of anchovies for dogs and humans.

The fish oil in anchovies contains omega-3 fatty acids – both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

The anti-inflammatory properties in EPA help prevent or lessen joint pain and support their overall immune system.

DHA is wonderful for healthy brain development.

They also contain amino acids that support healthy brain functions and muscle growth.

Plus, the b vitamins in anchovies provide a natural source of energy for dogs.

Can Puppies Eat Anchovies

Even though smaller dogs can eat them, you should be very careful with feeding anchovies to puppies. Young dogs have sensitive stomachs. You should wait until they grow up a bit before you deviate from their regular diet.

Can Dogs Eat Anchovies In Olive Oil

Many dog owners think that olive oil is a safe oil, so why not give their pet anchovies packed in it? Fresh or dehydrated anchovies are better for dogs than those packed in olive oil.

When you give your dog anchovies in olive oil, you are giving them more calories without giving them more health benefits. It might be safe, but it isn’t beneficial.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Anchovies

Yes, giving your dog dried anchovies is a good choice. This is a bite-sized healthy treat. You’ll often find dehydrated anchovies that are the whole fish. Feed it to your pup just like that – they will love it!

Anchovies For Dogs

Look for dried anchovies for dogs – they will be the safest and healthiest treats to give to them. After trying them once, your pup will probably beg for more dehydrated anchovies for dogs!

What about raw anchovies for dogs? Whether you feed your dog raw fish is a personal choice. This small raw fish is completely safe – it’s just not fun to touch (and is pretty stinky too!).

If you don’t like to touch or smell anchovies, you could buy some anchovy oil for dogs. Just pump a bit of oil on your dog’s food and they will get the same health benefits from it.

If touching or chopping raw fish doesn’t bother you, find an anchovy dog treat recipe and cook it up in your kitchen.

Anchovies or Sardines For Dogs

Your furry friend can eat both anchovies and sardines. Either type of small fish is healthy and good for your pet.

Dogs love to gobble down a bite-sized little fish as a special treat.

Different Types Of Anchovies and Dogs

The best way to give a dog anchovies is either raw or dried. Let’s look at the most common types of anchovies and how safe or dangerous they are for dogs.

Raw Anchovies – These are completely safe; you don’t have to cook them.
Fresh Anchovies – If you live somewhere that sells them fresh buy them for your dog.
Cooked Anchovies – It’s ok to cook them; just don’t use extra oils, salt, or spices.
Boiled Anchovies – This is ok but unnecessary.
Fried Anchovies – Do not give your dog fried foods. They don’t need the extra calories or fat.
Marinated Anchovies – Do not give your dog marinated anchovies; they don’t need the extra salt.
Pickled Anchovies – Do not give your dog pickled anchovies; they will have too much salt.
Salted Anchovies – Since dogs are prone to sodium poisoning, they should not eat salted anchovies.
Anchovy Paste – This contains vinegar, spices, sugar, and other ingredients that might be harmful to dogs.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, anchovies are a delicious treat that your dog will really love. Remember to avoid canned anchovies due to the high levels of sodium. If you don’t like fishy smells, you can always make homemade dog treats out of other ingredients – check out these dog treat recipes for a few ideas.

More Dog Food Resources

What are other types of healthy human food for dogs? Here are some more resources about different meat dogs can and can’t eat:

Find lots of information about human food dogs can eat (and ones they can’t) here on Spoiled Hounds!

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