Can Dogs Eat Fish? Benefits, Risks & How to Serve It

Yes, but with a few caveats. Fish fed to dogs should be cooked, deboned and only offered in moderation. With that in mind, fish can be a great source of lean protein and other nutrients for your dog. As always, please consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your dog’s diet to ensure it’s an appropriate snack for your pet.

If you’ve ever spent time browsing in the dog food aisle, you’ve probably noticed that fish isn’t an uncommon ingredient. This should not be a surprise considering dogs get much of their nutrition from meat.

Yet to fully answer the question, “Can dogs have fish?” we need to dig a little deeper. Along with the health benefits, there are also some potential risks pet parents need to be aware of when offering fish. Read on for more information and recommended ways to serve fish to your pup to ensure that they’re receiving the nutrition they need.

Health benefits of fish for dogs

Generally speaking, dogs can have fish—but is fish good for dogs? The answer to this is, in moderation, yes. Fish is quite wholesome for dogs and commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available dog food.

One benefit of fish is that providing a novel protein for your dog may be helpful in managing and minimizing food sensitivities. As changing your dog's food could have positive or negative repercussions depending on what they have a sensitivity to, be sure to consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's food if you feel they may be suffering from food-related health concerns.

Humans often take fish oil supplements as a way to get extra omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are great for maintaining heart health in humans but may also support a healthy skin and coat in canines. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help people who are suffering from arthritis, and they may also help reduce joint swelling in your senior dog.

Can dogs eat fish skin? Fish skin can also be a valuable source of collagen, which is especially important for senior dogs’ bone and skin health. Just be sure it’s descaled, cooked and chopped up into bite-sized pieces before providing it to your pet.

How to feed fish to your dog

Now that you’ve learned the answer to “Can dogs eat fish?” is yes, there are some important things to consider before feeding it to your pup. Fish can be given as a treat or added to meals as a food topper, or it may be the primary source of protein in the commercial dog food you choose for your pet. It’s always recommended to consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog.

While you may have a half dozen favorite ways to prepare fish for yourself, be sure to cook it thoroughly without seasoning or oils before giving it to your dog. Grilling or steaming are good ways to prepare fish since they don’t require oil or butter, which may upset your pet’s stomach and add unnecessary calories and fat. There are a few reasons the answer to “Is fish bad for dogs?” can also be a resounding yes. Uncooked fish, fish bones, cooking fish with oil, butter or seasonings are all dangerous for your dog and must be avoided. The answer to the question “Can dogs eat fried fish?” is also no.

Other parts of fish—like the head, tail, bones and scales—are not good for your dog’s digestion. They can be sharp or have bones that can puncture or damage your dog’s mouth, throat, stomach or other parts of their digestive system. These fish parts pose a choking hazard at the very least and can be potentially fatal.

Check out Petco’s selection of fish dog food available in many varieties and for different life stages.

Featured Dog Food and Treats with Fish

If your dog does well with fish and you're ready to add it to his regular rotation, fish-based dog food and treats make it easy to deliver those benefits consistently — no prep, no pin bones, no guesswork.

Fish-Based Dog Food

Fish appears in dry dog food as a primary protein or as a complementary ingredient alongside chicken, turkey or lamb. Look for these features on the label before you buy:

• Named fish as the first ingredient — salmon, whitefish, herring or trout listed by name (not "fish meal" as a catch-all)
• Complete and balanced — confirms the recipe meets AAFCO nutritional standards for your dog's life stage
• Omega-3 content noted — EPA and DHA from fish can help support skin and coat condition
• Limited-ingredient options — useful if your dog has a history of food sensitivities, since fish is often a novel protein for dogs who have eaten primarily chicken or beef

Grain-inclusive and grain-free fish recipes are both available; talk with your veterinarian about which format fits your dog's individual health needs before switching foods.

Fish-Based Dog Treats

Dog treats featuring fish are a straightforward way to introduce the protein in small amounts — especially helpful if you're testing tolerance before committing to a full food switch. Common formats include:

Keep the 10% rule in mind: treats of any kind — including fish-based ones — should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake.

A Note Before You Shop

Every dog is different. If your dog is managing a health condition, has a history of pancreatitis, or you're simply unsure whether a fish-based diet is the right move, check with your veterinarian before making the switch. A knowledgeable Petco associate can also help you compare ingredient panels and find a recipe that fits your dog's size, age and activity level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat fish every day? Fish can be a nutritious addition to your dog's diet, but it should be offered in moderation rather than as a daily standalone treat. Too much fish can contribute excess calories and, depending on the species, may expose your dog to elevated mercury or other contaminants over time. Stick to appropriate portion sizes and consult your veterinarian about how often fish fits into your dog's overall feeding plan.

What fish can dogs eat safely? Shorter-lived, smaller fish species tend to accumulate fewer environmental contaminants and are generally considered safer choices for dogs. Good options include salmon (fully cooked), whitefish, cod, whiting, flounder and herring. Avoid large, long-lived predatory fish such as swordfish, shark, tilefish and king mackerel, which can carry higher levels of mercury. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners

Can dogs eat raw fish? No. Raw fish poses real risks for dogs. It can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, and certain raw fish — particularly raw salmon and trout from the Pacific Northwest — can carry a parasite responsible for salmon poisoning disease, a potentially life-threatening condition in dogs. Always cook fish thoroughly before offering it to your dog, and never serve raw fish as a shortcut.

Can dogs eat fish bones? No. Fish bones — whether raw or cooked — are a serious hazard. They are small, brittle and sharp, and can splinter easily, creating a choking risk or causing punctures and lacerations in your dog's mouth, throat, esophagus or digestive tract. Always serve fish that has been carefully deboned, and check fillets thoroughly before feeding. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Can dogs eat canned fish, like tuna or sardines? Plain canned fish packed in water — with no added salt, seasonings or sauces — can be an occasional treat for dogs. Sardines are often a popular choice because they are small, lower in mercury and soft-boned. Canned tuna should be limited due to its higher mercury content. Always check the label and avoid varieties packed in oil or brine.

How much fish can I give my dog? Treats and food toppers — including fish — should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake. The right portion will also depend on your dog's size, age, activity level and any existing health conditions. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian to help you determine a safe serving size that complements your dog's regular diet without tipping the nutritional balance. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners

Fish for Dogs: Quick-Reference Guide

Recommended Preparation Methods

Suggested Serving Portions by Dog Size

Treats and food toppers — including fish — should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake. The rough portion guidelines below are for plain, cooked, boneless fish served as an occasional treat or topper. Always confirm appropriate amounts with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions.

These are general guidelines only. Portion needs vary by your dog's age, activity level and overall diet. Consult your veterinarian before making fish a regular part of your dog's meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat fish every day? Fish can be a nutritious addition to your dog's diet, but variety and moderation are key. Feeding fish daily — especially higher-mercury species like tuna — raises the risk of mercury accumulation over time. Stick to low-mercury options and keep fish to no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake; consult your veterinarian about the right frequency for your individual dog. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Can dogs eat raw fish? No. Raw fish carries a real risk of harmful bacteria and parasites. In the Pacific Northwest in particular, raw salmon and trout can carry Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which causes salmon poisoning disease — a potentially fatal condition in dogs. Always cook fish thoroughly before serving it to your dog.

Can dogs eat canned fish, like canned tuna or sardines? Sardines packed in water with no added salt are generally a fine occasional treat. Canned tuna is higher in mercury and sodium, so it should be offered only rarely and in very small amounts. Always choose varieties with water as the only added ingredient — avoid oil-packed or salt-added options. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Can dogs eat fish bones? No. Fish bones — even small ones — are a serious hazard. They can splinter and puncture your dog's mouth, throat, stomach or intestines, and they pose a significant choking risk. Always debone fish completely before offering any to your dog.

Is fish good for dogs with food sensitivities? Fish can serve as a novel protein source, which may be helpful for dogs experiencing food sensitivities. Novel proteins are proteins your dog hasn't been regularly exposed to, and a veterinarian-guided elimination diet using fish-based food may help identify the source of a sensitivity. Never change your dog's diet to address suspected food sensitivities without first speaking with your veterinarian.

Can dogs eat fish skin? Yes, with conditions. Cooked, descaled fish skin is a source of collagen and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support skin, coat and joint health in dogs — particularly senior dogs. It must be fully cooked, free of scales, and cut into small, manageable pieces before serving. Never offer raw or seasoned fish skin.

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.