Besides being healthy and nutritious, sardines are delicious.
And we would love to include our Frenchies in the fishy feast.
But can Frenchies eat sardines? Let’s dive in for more.
Can Frenchies Eat Sardines?
Yes. Sardines are nutritionally beneficial for Frenchies. Like other seafood, Sardines are an excellent omega-3 fatty acids and a decent source of protein for your Frenchie’s growth and development.
Sardines Fun Facts
Sardines are interesting fish. Here are some fun facts about this nutritious seafood:
- Sardines measure approximately 6-12 inches. Their small size sets them apart from other seafood.
- Sardines have a subtle, slightly sweet taste. This makes them a staple meal for coastal communities across the globe.
- There are about 21 species of sardines.
- Sardines have a lifespan of approximately 13 years.
- Sardines feed on animal plankton. You will find them congregating where there are lots of animal plankton.
The Benefits of Sardines for Frenchies
Most people on the coast love sardines. Frenchies can also enjoy and benefit from consuming it.
- Protein: Protein is a crucial food for dogs since it aids in maintaining healthy tissues, organs, and muscles. Sardines are a high-quality protein source for your Frenchie, encouraging muscular growth and rebuilding damaged muscle fibers.
- Omega fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects that support coat and skin wellness. They can help relieve itching and discomfort while encouraging the growth and development of a bright coat. Omega 3 fatty acids are also heart and cognitive-friendly.
- Vitamins: Sardines are rich in vitamin B12, and vitamin D. Vitamin B12 is important for proper metabolism, energy, and cognitive health. Vitamin D ensures proper absorption of phosphorus and calcium, which support bone and muscle power.
- Minerals: Sardines have taurine, zinc, and selenium, which boost cardiac and immune health.
Risks of Feeding Sardines to French Bulldogs
Though nutritious, sardines have risks.
- Bone hazards: Sardine bones can be a choking hazard. Chewing on bones can also make them splinter, thus injuring your Frenchie’s mouth or digestive tract. Bones can also cause life-threatening blockages.
- Salt and preservatives: Canned sardines have preservatives and salt. Consuming them exposes your dog to salt toxicity and other health problems. The high sodium content in sardines causes excessive urination and can lead to dehydration.
- Heavy metals and mercury: Heavy metals and mercury are normally low in sardines. However, it is still critical to be cognizant of their potential presence and to purchase sardines from trusted suppliers.
The Mercury Myth
Mercury is always present in the bodies of anything that lives in or consumes aquatic life. Mercury exists, and it will be found in all ocean-related things. It will inevitably build up in an ocean, from the smallest species to the most ferocious predator.
But the good news is that sardines are small fish. The concentrations of mercury increase with the size of the fish.
Which types of seafood can dogs eat?
Seafood is safe and nutritious for dogs. Here are the safe seafood options for your Frenchie:
Shrimp
This fish is low in carbs, fats, and calories. It is, therefore, a great treat for Frenchies. Shrimp also contains niacin and antioxidants. Serve it moderately as it has lots of cholesterol.
Whitefish
Cod and haddock are examples of white fish. They are highly digestible protein sources for your dog’s muscle health. They also contain omegas for coat and skin health.
Atlantic mackerel
Low mercury levels make Atlantic mackerel a good protein source for dogs. It provides minerals, proteins, and vitamins for overall growth and development.
Types of Seafood That Aren’t Safe for Dogs
Some seafood is not safe for dogs. Here are the fish to avoid:
Tilefish
This fish has loads of mercury, and consuming it increases the chances of mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning can be fatal.
Tuna
Mercury levels also make this an unhealthy selection for Frenchies. Tuna accumulates lots of metals and mercury.
Which Sardine Recipes and Parts Can Be Eaten Safely by Frenchies?
Canned Sardines
There are different types of canned sardines. Canned sardines in oil and other ingredients are not safe for pets. Water-based canned sardines are the safest option.
So, can Frenchies eat canned sardines? Yes. Frenchies can safely consume sardines in cans. They must, however, be water-based and devoid of additional spices, salt, and additives. You should carefully read the ingredient list.
Dried sardines
Drying ensures maximum nutrient retention. Dried sardines are, therefore, nutrient-dense for healthy growth and development.
So, can Frenchies eat dried sardines? Yes. Dried sardines are protein-dense. They provide your Frenchie with all the essential amino acids for a healthy body. They also support the digestive system, immune system, internal organs, and muscles in maintaining good health.
Fresh sardines
Consuming fresh sardines is refreshing. It adds power to your dog’s muscles while keeping its skin shiny. Dogs with seafood allergies may not, however, benefit from fresh sardines.
So, can Frenchies eat fresh sardines? Yes. Fresh sardines are healthy and nutritious. They are rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, and omegas. Ensure there are no bones. You can steam or grill the sardines.
Cooked sardines
Cooking softens your dog’s food. It is also an excellent way to destroy bacteria or parasites. Cooked sardines are free from harmful pathogens.
So, can Frenchies eat cooked sardines? Yes. Cooking makes sardines safe, healthy, and nutritious for your Frenchies. Moderation is important as consuming lots of sardines can lead to obesity.
Raw sardines
Sardines are small seafood. This means they do not accumulate as much mercury as their larger counterparts. Raw sardines may contain traces of mercury, parasites, and bacteria.
So, can Frenchies eat raw sardines? Yes. Raw sardines in small amounts may not harm your dog. But it is best to cook sardines rather than risk your Frenchie’s wellness.
Sardines in sunflower oil
Fresh sardines have less fat compared to those in sunflower oil. Consuming a fatty meal is bad for your dog’s wellness.
So, can Frenchies eat sardines in sunflower oil? Sardines in sunflower oil are safe in small amounts. Do not make them a regular meal, as they can cause pancreatitis.
Sardines in brine
Brine has a high salt concentration. Sardines in brine are, therefore, bad for dogs as they can cause poisoning and health issues.
So, can Frenchies eat sardines in brine? No. Sardines in brine are salty, and consuming them may lead to salt or sodium poisoning characterized by lethargy, diarrhea, and dehydration.
Sardines in tomato sauce
Fresh and plain sardines are healthy for dogs. Sardines in tomato sauce have lots of salt, which can greatly harm your dog.
So, can Frenchies eat sardines in tomato sauce? No. Sardines in tomato sauce have a high salt content. Consuming them frequently or in large amounts exposes your dog to the risk of salt toxicity.
Sardines with bones
Bones are harmful to dogs. Besides being a choking risk, bones can easily splinter, thus causing mouth and intestinal injuries. They also raise the risk of blockages.
So, can Frenchies eat sardines with bones? No. Sardines with bones are unsafe for Frenchies, as they can cause injuries, choking, and blockages.
Best Ways to Prepare Sardine for Your Frenchie
You can safely prepare sardines for your Frenchie at home. Here’s a recipe to give a try;
Sardine and oat cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cans of water-based sardines
- 1 cup of flour
- ⅓ cup of oats
- ⅓ cup of cheddar (optional)
Procedure
- Remove the sardine pieces from the can
- Mash the sardines with a fork until minced
- Add oats and mix thoroughly
- Add cheddar cheese
- Mix well until it forms balls. Add plain water or broth until you get the right consistency.
- Roll into ⅓-½ inch
- Put them on a baking rack
- Bake at 180 degrees for 15 minutes
- Let them cool, and then serve your dog.
Which Dog Food Brands Use Sardines in Their Food?
The nutritional content of sardines has made them a favorite of many pet food manufacturers.
- Nature’s Logic: Their recipe, Nature’s Logic All Life stages Sardine Meal Dry Food, starts with a sardine meal for its high protein content (36%). Proteins support muscle power. This formula has digestive enzymes and probiotics that support digestion.
- Lotus: Their recipe, Lotus Grain-Free Oven-Baked Sardine, and Herring Dry Food, features sardines as the only protein source. This makes it an excellent selection for Frenchies with sensitivities. It has phosphorus and calcium for bone and tooth wellness.
How Many Sardines Should Frenchie Eat?
Sardines, though healthy, can lead to obesity in large amounts. Serving them weekly is safe for your dog. The serving size varies with your dog’s weight. Here’s a guide:
| Weight in pounds | Number of sardines |
| Under 5 | 2 |
| 6-15 | 4 |
| 16-25 | 5 |
| 26-50 | 8 |
| Over 50 | 14 |
How to Feed Sardines to Your Dog
Here are some tips on how to feed sardines to your Frenchie:
- Go for fresh sardines from a trusted source
- Steam the sardines
- Do not fry them
- If serving canned sardines, go for the water-based options.
- Start with small amounts and monitor your dog’s reaction.
Tips for Adding Sardines to Your Frenchies Diet
It is important to introduce sardines gradually until your dog’s system adapts to them. Here are some tips on how to add sardines to your Frenchie’s diet:
- Add them to kibble or canned dog food.
- Serve them as treats.
- Add them to homemade dog food.
Can Frenchies eat mackerel?
Yes. Frenchies can eat mackerel. Mackerel has proteins and amino acids for bone, muscle, coat, and skin health. Avoid king mackerel, as it contains lots of mercury.
Is it okay to feed my dog sardines every day?
No. Although sardines are healthy and nutritious, they should not be consumed daily. A weekly serving is okay for your dog.
How often can I feed my dog sardines?
Sardines are safe, and feeding them once a week is okay. Consuming lots of sardines is unhealthy, increasing the risk of obesity.
What are the side effects of sardines for dogs?
Some side effects of sardines include unhealthy weight gain, mercury poisoning, sodium toxicity, choking, injuries, and blockages.
Can dogs eat human-canned sardines?
Yes. Dogs can eat plain, human-canned sardines. The sardines should, however, be water-based and free from additional additives.
How many dried sardines can I give my dog?
Sardines should not be a daily meal. Dogs weighing below 5 pounds require 2 sardines per week. This lowers the chances of unhealthy weight gain.
How do I prepare sardines for my dog?
Look for safe sardines from a trusted supplier, remove the bones, and cook them. You can steam, grill, or bake the sardines.
Can sardines make dogs sick?
Sardines are safe for dogs. However, sardine bones can make dogs sick as they can cause blockages and choking. Mercury in sardines can also make dogs sick.
What sardines are healthiest for dogs?
Cooked, boneless sardines are the healthiest for dogs. Cooking removes the risk of bacteria and parasites, and by removing bones, you ensure your dog does not choke or experience blockages.
Final Thoughts
Frenchies and sardines are a good match.
Sardines are rich in proteins, omegas, minerals, and vitamins. These nutrients are critical for your Frenchie’s growth and development.
Look for sardines from a trusted source and remove the bones.
Be sure to talk to the vet before giving sardines to your Frenchie.