Yes, dogs can eat herring. Despite being relatively small fish, herring are something of a nutritional powerhouse. Just remember to always serve properly cooked herring that has been deboned. Avoid feeding your dog any canned or jarred herring that may have been pickled, salted, or preserved with extra ingredients that could be harmful to your dog.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your favorite dog, including fish. Here’s what you need to know about herring and dogs.
Why is herring good for dogs?
Herring is a wonderful source of protein for dogs. Additionally, it’s usually priced quite cheaply, so if your dog develops an allergy to a protein like chicken, you can consider herring as a very economical substitute at mealtimes.
In terms of nutrition, herring is also super high in beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. This can help improve the condition of your dog’s coat and boost their immune system.
How can I safely give herring to my dog?
If you’re planning to serve herring to your dog, you need to make sure that you serve plain cooked herring. Avoid cans or jars of herring that may have been pickled, smoked, or preserved with the addition of ingredients that could prove troublesome for your dog to handle.
Only cook herring plainly by steaming or poaching it in plain water. Avoid the temptation to add any extra ingredients while cooking the fish for your dog.
When serving herring to your dog, flake it thoroughly to ensure that you get rid of any bones. You’ll always want to be mindful of bones, as they could pose a choking hazard as well as serious digestive problems, as fish bones are small, brittle, and sharp.
When it comes to precisely how much herring you can safely feed to your dog, this will depend on several factors, including your dog’s age, weight, breed, and nutritional needs. Your vet can help you figure out a safe and healthy amount to feed your dog.
