Sardinella

What is Sardinella?

Sardinella is a genus of fish from the Dorosomatidae family, which belong to the herring order. There are about 24 species of Sardinella, which differ in their distribution and in some body characteristics. The best-known species is the golden sardine (Sardinella aurita), which is also known as the large sardine or eared sardine. It has an elongated body with flattened sides and reaches a length of up to 33 cm. It has a golden horizontal stripe on its side, which gives it its name, and two fleshy outgrowths at the end of the gill cover that look like ears.

Sardinella lives pelagically, i.e. in open water, and forms large shoals. It feeds mainly on zooplankton, i.e. small animals that float in the water. It is an important part of the marine food chain and is also used by humans as food. It is mainly eaten fresh or preserved in oil or processed into fishmeal.

What are the benefits of sardinella for your dog?

Sardinella is a very healthy ingredient for your dog because it contains many nutrients that are important for his health. These include:

• Protein: Sardinella is a good source of high-quality protein, which your dog needs to build and maintain its muscles, organs, skin and hair. Protein also provides energy and supports the immune system.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Sardinella is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and protect your dog's cardiovascular system, brain, eyes and joints. Omega-3 fatty acids can also keep the coat shiny and the skin healthy.
• Vitamins: Sardinella contains many vitamins, especially vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Vitamin A promotes your dog's eyesight and mucous membranes. Vitamin D regulates the calcium and phosphorus balance and strengthens bones and teeth. Vitamin B12 supports the formation of red blood cells and the function of the nervous system.
• Minerals: Sardinella also provides important minerals such as iron, zinc, iodine and selenium. Iron is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Zinc is involved in many metabolic processes and promotes wound healing. Iodine is necessary for thyroid function. Selenium acts as an antioxidant and protects against cell damage.

What are the disadvantages of Sardinella for your dog?

Sardinella not only has benefits, but also some disadvantages that you should be aware of before feeding it to your dog. These include:

• Allergies: Some dogs can develop an allergic reaction or intolerance to fish. This can manifest itself in symptoms such as itching, skin rash, diarrhea or vomiting. When you give your dog Sardinella for the first time, you should therefore only offer a small amount and observe his reaction. If you notice any signs of an allergy, you should stop feeding immediately and consult a vet.
• Heavy metals: Sardinella, like other marine fish, can contain traces of heavy metals such as mercury, lead or cadmium, which accumulate in its tissues over the course of its life. These heavy metals can be harmful to your dog's health if ingested in large quantities and can affect the nervous system, kidneys or liver. To minimize the risk, you should only buy sardinella from trustworthy sources and not feed it too often. You should also make sure that the sardinella does not contain any bones that could injure or swallow your dog.
• Calories: Although sardinella is very nutritious, it is also relatively high in calories. A 100 g portion of sardinella contains around 208 kcal. This corresponds to about 10 % of the daily energy requirement of a 10 kg dog. If you feed your dog too much sardinella, it can become overweight, which in turn can lead to other health problems. You should therefore adjust the amount of sardinella to your dog's size, age and activity level and combine it with other ingredients.

How can you feed your dog Sardinella?

You can feed your dog sardinella in different ways. You can buy it fresh or packed in oil and offer it as part of a balanced diet. You can also prepare it yourself by boiling, steaming or baking it. However, you should avoid frying or seasoning them, as the fat and salt can be harmful to your dog. You can also mix the sardinella with other ingredients, such as rice, vegetables or cottage cheese.

Another option is to give your dog food that contains sardinella as a main or secondary ingredient. There are many varieties of wet or dry food that use sardinella as a protein source. However, you should make sure that the food is of high quality and does not contain any artificial additives such as colorants, flavorings or preservatives. You should also read the list of ingredients and compare how much sardinella is actually contained in the food.