Why Sardines should be part of your dog's diet. Small fish, big benefits.
Dogs love fish, and this includes sardines! They have an important role in your doggo's diet since sardines are rich in protein, good fats, vitamins, and minerals. For your dog to benefit from them, it’s important to choose and serve them properly.
Simply adding a few fresh sardines or dehydrated sardines treats to your dog’s regular meals can help develop muscles and other connective tissue, boost their immune system, increase dental health, and protect against kidney disease.
Sardines are loaded with nutrients like Omega-3s, vitamins D and B12, amino acids (the stuff that makes up protein), calcium, selenium, zinc and coenzyme Q10. See why this fish is great to include in your doggo's dinner!
Coat and Skin
A healthy coat often points to a healthy dog. A simple diet change can improve your fur baby's wellbeing. Your dog’s diet plays a big role in the health of their coat. Hair loss and dull fur are often the result of a diet that’s not well suited and tolerated by your pet’s system.
A diet rich in omega-3s helps restore shine and softness to your pet’s coat. It also reduces skin inflammation and calms undesirable reactions, such as allergy-related itching.
Heart
Another essential nutrient found in sardines is coenzyme Q10. This powerful antioxidant supports cellular energy necessary for cardiovascular health, carbohydrate metabolism, oxygen utilisation, liver detoxification, and blood sugar control. As dogs get older, they experience a decrease in CoQ10 production. Sardines help compensate for the loss of this essential nutrient.
"Sarah, Canine Behaviour Coach & Pet Food Nutritionist Faim Museau"
Puppies
The Coenzyme Q10 and DHA fatty acids found in sardines are excellent for neurological development in puppies, helping to refine learning abilities, memory, eye function, and motor skills.
Eyes
The omega-3 fatty acid DHA also plays a role in the quality of your dog’s vision. An adequate intake of DHA supports and protects retinal health. It also reduces the risk of eye disease.
Joints and Hips
Joint and hip problems are more common in large or older dogs, and sardines are their best friends. The fatty acids in this small fish help reduce pain caused by inflamed joints. Additionally, the calcium and phosphorus found in sardines support your dog’s skeletal system.
Are Sardines Safe for All Dogs?
Sardines are soft-boned, so you can usually feed them to your pup whole, which makes for added convenience. They are small fish and thus very low in mercury and pollutants, unlike some larger fish.
Sardines are high in fat, therefore not the best treat to offer if your dog is overweight or have a sensitive stomach. Additionally, if your pet is predisposed to pancreatitis issues, it is recommended that you consult your vet before serving them sardines.
Fortunately, if your dog doesn’t have any of these conditions, sardines, combined with a fresh, complete, and balanced diet, are a healthy treat for most healthy weight dogs.
Sardines come in many forms: fresh, dried, in oil, and canned. It can be difficult to choose the right option for your fur baby. Ideally, pick fresh or dried sardines with zero additives.
How Many Sardines to Feed a Dog?
Make sure that you introduce sardines to your pooch gradually and in small portions. This will allow your pet to adapt to sardines while maintaining good intestinal flora.
Follow this quick guide to eating sardines:
Up to 13 kg dog: half a sardine (instead of a meal), two to three times a week.
For a 13 to 27 kg dog: a sardine (instead of a meal), two to three times a week.
For a 27 to 45 kg dog: two sardines (instead of a meal), two to three times a week.
The best thing to do is to speak to your vet and ask if sardines are safe for your dog, and they’ll be happy to advise you on whether these small fish are safe for your furry friend and how many they can eat.
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