If you want to give your furry mate a healthy treat, fish can be a great choice — when done properly. Packed with nutrients, many types of fish support skin, coat, joint, and overall health. But not all fish are created equal for dogs — and there are a few rules to keep in mind.
Here’s a guide to which fish are good for dogs (and why), and how some tasty offerings from our shop can make a top-notch treat or supplement.
🐟 Why fish is great for dogs (benefits)
Fish brings a bunch of good stuff to the table for your doggo:
- Omega-3 fatty acids — these healthy fats are fantastic for skin and coat health along with supporting brain development. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which assist with joint pain, allergies, and general inflammation.
- High-quality protein and nutrients — Fish provides lean, digestible protein plus vitamins (B-vitamins, vitamin D, etc.), minerals and sometimes calcium (especially when bone or cartilage is included).
Because of these, many vets consider fish a valuable protein source, especially for dogs that might be allergic to other common proteins like chicken or beef.
✅ These fish species are great for dogs
Some fish when prepared properly are widely regarded as beneficial for dogs:
- Sardines — These small oily fish are a favourite among dog owners. They’re low on the food-chain (less heavy-metal build-up), rich in omega-3 oils, and a good source of calcium (when bones are included. Note: whole sardines).
- Mackerel — Great as a source of protein and Omega-3s which is great for skin, coat and joint health.
- Salmon — Also rich in omega-3s, vitamin D, B-vitamins, and helps with coat, joints and overall well-being.
- Shellfish / Molluscs such as Green‑lipped mussels (and other mussels or low-mercury molluscs) — These are packed with healthy minerals, omega-3s, and chondroitin which is especially valuable for joint health.
The golden rule: go for small, oily fish (or small-shellfish), low on the food chain, with minimal risk of contaminants. Avoid larger predatory fish which are known for higher mercury concentration.
🛒 Get them here: Australia’s best fish treats for dogs
If you’re shopping for dog treats or supplements that harness fish’s benefits, a few items stand out as ideal for Aussie pups:
- Whole Sardines — A classic: sardines are small, nutrient-dense and excellent for skin, coat, and bone strength (when sardines bones are included).
- Mackerel Chews — Great if you want the benefits of mackerel in a tasty chewable treat form.
- Hardy Heads — bite sized whole fish that make a delicious training treat.
- Green‑Lipped Mussels — Fantastic for joint health and as a complementary source of omega-3 and chondroitin.
- Mackerel and Cartilage — Get all the tasty benefits of mackerel plus extra support for joints and bones with the chewy cartilage centre.
- Salmon Skin — these wafer-thin fishy skins are so loaded in healthy Oemga-3 oils you can literally see it dripping off. Fantastic for skin, coat and overall health.
With over 600 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reviews from Aussie dog owners, and our free treats exchange policy – you really can’t go wrong.
⚠️ What to watch out for
Even though fish can be a great addition, you’ve got to be careful:
- Avoid large predatory fish (like king mackerel, swordfish, shark, etc.) as they tend to accumulate mercury and heavy metals being higher up in the food chain.
- Introduce slowly — if your dog hasn’t had fish before, you’ll want to introduce it into their diet gradually to avoid an upset stomach. Young puppies can be particularly sensitive to introducing fish to daily meals.
