The question of whether dogs can eat fish comes up a lot, and the answer is yes—it all just comes down to the preparation. To share it safely, the key is to make sure it's always cooked, completely deboned, and served plain. Safe choices like Alaskan salmon, whitefish, and sardines can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet, but it's essential to avoid anything fried (like fish sticks) or fish known for high mercury levels, such as tuna.

No matter what, make sure to keep raw fish completely off the menu. It's just not safe, as uncooked fish can be home to dangerous parasites like tapeworms and roundworms that can make your pooch very sick.

If your dog isn't allergic, fish oil supplements are another fantastic way to promote healthy skin and boost their immune system. Even other types of seafood, like mussels, cooked clams, and scallops, can be a safe treat.

Keep reading as we explore five of the best types of fish you can share with your dog.

5 Types of Fish Dogs Can Eat

When it comes to sharing fish with your pooch, not all types are created equal. Some offer fantastic health benefits, while others are best left off the menu entirely.

Below, we’ll cover some of the best fish for dogs, what makes them a good choice, along with what you need to know to prepare them safely for your pup.

#1 Cod:

Cod is an excellent and safe choice for dogs, making it a great place to start. As one of the lower-fat types of fish, it's a fantastic source of lean protein that can easily fit into a healthy diet.

Despite being lean, it's still rich with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which support everything from heart and kidney health to their immune system. Another major plus is that cod is naturally low in mercury, as its shorter lifespan means it has less time to accumulate mercury, so it’s one of the safest fish you can offer.

#2 Salmon

Salmon is a fish with two very different sides for your dog. On one side, cooked salmon is an incredible source of health benefits. On the other side, raw salmon is extremely dangerous due to a unique parasite it can carry. This parasite causes “salmon poisoning disease”, a serious and often fatal condition, which is why it's a risk you should never take.

Once it's cooked, however, salmon is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich with omega-3 fatty acids, which are celebrated for reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and giving their coat a beautiful shine. It’s also a great source of protein, along with vitamins A, B, and D, and important minerals like magnesium and zinc. Just be sure to avoid smoked salmon, as its high salt content isn't good for dogs.

Why hassle when Healthy Dogma is here to save you time?

A simple and safe way to give your dog the benefits of both cod and salmon is with a prepared food mix like Healthy Dogma’s Homestyle PetMix with Fish. This rotational protein formula uses a blend of wild-caught cod and salmon to support muscle health and give their skin and coat a vibrant look.

Homestyle PetMix with Fish is crafted with natural ingredients like brown rice flour, quinoa, and flax meal for natural fiber and easily digestible energy, and it's full of the goodness of fruits and veggies such as carrots, cranberries, and spinach. 

Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to prepare—you just add warm water to create a hearty, porridge-like meal with real chunks of high-quality fish, making it a perfect choice for daily feedings.

Learn More About Homestyle PetMix with Fish

#3 White Fish

White fish is more of a general category than a specific type, and it includes some excellent, safe options for dogs, like the cod we've already covered. Other popular choices in this group include flounder, haddock, and pollock.

What makes these fish such great choices is that they are typically very lean and low in fat, making them a gentle source of high-quality protein. The same golden rules apply to any white fish you choose: it must be cooked thoroughly, completely deboned, and served plain to be a healthy and safe treat.

#4 Sardines

Don't let their small size fool you! Sardines are an incredibly nutrient-dense choice for your dog. They provide all the beneficial omega-3s and high-quality protein found in larger fish, while also offering an excellent source of both calcium and B vitamins.

When you’re at the grocery store, there's one important detail to look for on the can. Be sure to avoid sardines rich in oil, as this adds many unnecessary fats to an already rich food. Remember, the best and safest choice is always sardines canned simply in water.

#5 Anchovies

Like sardines, anchovies are another excellent small fish you can share with your dog. These small fish offer a surprising amount of nutrition, providing the omega-3s and protein you’d expect, along with a rich supply of iron, calcium, and a range of essential vitamins.

Their small size also comes with two major safety benefits. First, they pose very little choking risk. Second, their short lifespan means they don’t accumulate high levels of mercury or other pollutants found in larger, long-living fish.

When buying them, the rule is the same as for sardines: always choose anchovies preserved in water. It’s important to avoid those canned in salt, as the high sodium is unhealthy for dogs, as well as any that come in oil or with added spices.

The Risks to Keep in Mind

While fish can be a healthy treat, there are a few important risks to be aware of to ensure you're sharing it safely.

The biggest risk actually comes from overfeeding. Most types of fish are naturally high in fat, so making them a regular, large part of their diet can cause weight gain or other health issues. Just as important as how much you feed is how you prepare it. This means making sure the fish is served completely plain, with no added salts, spices, or oils that could be harmful.

Equally essential is removing every single bone! Fish bones are small and brittle, making them a serious choking hazard that should always be removed before serving.

Finally, always consider your dog. A food that’s perfectly fine for one pet might not be right for another, especially if they have allergies or specific health conditions. This is why your vet is your best resource for any doubts you might have. They can offer advice adapted to your dog’s unique health needs, ensuring fish remains a safe and enjoyable treat for them.