Sardines

What are sardines?

Sardines are fish that grow to between 10 and 25 centimetres in length and are found in many of the world's oceans. They feed mainly on plankton and are even hunted by larger fish, birds and marine mammals. Sardines are very nutritious and contain a lot of protein, calcium, iron, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are important for the health of dogs, as they strengthen the bones, blood, nerves and immune system, among other things.

What are the benefits of sardines for dogs?

Sardines can be a useful addition to a dog's diet, especially when they are fresh or preserved in their own juice. The benefits of sardines for dogs are:

• They provide high-quality protein, which is important for muscle building and cell regeneration.
• They contain calcium, which ensures strong bones and teeth.
• They provide iron, which is needed for the formation of red blood cells and the transportation of oxygen in the blood.
• They contain potassium, which is important for regulating water balance and blood pressure.
• They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and keep the skin, coat, heart and brain healthy.

Sardines therefore promote the body's natural anti-inflammatory responses and are therefore excellent for dogs with arthritis. Sardines are also brain food and are therefore suitable for growing puppies and older dogs.

What are the disadvantages of sardines for dogs?

Although sardines are healthy for dogs, they should not be fed too often or too much. The disadvantages of sardines for dogs are:

• They can contain harmful substances such as mercury or dioxin, which can accumulate in the body. Although sardines are one of the marine fish with the lowest mercury content, you should still pay attention to where they come from and how they have been processed.
• They can contain too much salt if they are preserved in oil or brine. Too much salt can lead to dehydration, vomiting or kidney problems. Therefore, you should always choose unsalted sardines in their own juice or rinse fresh sardines well.
• They can cause allergies or intolerances if the dog is sensitive to fish. Typical symptoms are itching, skin rash or diarrhea. In this case, you should switch to other types of fish or meat sources.

How do you feed sardines to dogs?

Sardines can be fed as a treat or as part of a balanced diet. The amount depends on the size, age and activity level of the dog. As a rule of thumb, a dog should not get more than 10 percent of its daily energy requirement from fish. This corresponds to about one sardine per day for a small dog, two to three sardines per day for a medium-sized dog and four to five sardines per day for a large dog. The sardines should always be chopped or crushed well to avoid choking or suffocation. You should also always provide fresh water so that the dog can drink enough.

Sardines can be fed raw or cooked, depending on what the dog prefers. If you feed raw sardines, make sure they are fresh and of good quality. When feeding cooked sardines, they should be prepared without oil, salt or spices. You can also mix the sardines with other ingredients such as vegetables, rice or quark to create a varied meal.