You might be eating a Caesar salad or a slice of pizza. Your dog is watching you with big, eager eyes. They spot a small, shiny fish—an anchovy—on your plate. Now you may wonder: Can dogs eat anchovies?
Yes, dogs can eat anchovies, but you need to serve them safely. Most anchovies made for people are too salty or fatty for dogs.
I help pet owners choose safe foods for their dogs every day. In this guide, I’ll share the benefits, risks, and simple tips for feeding anchovies to your dog.
The Good Stuff: Nutritional Benefits of Anchovies for Dogs
If you serve them the right way, anchovies can be a healthy treat for your dog. These little fish have a lot to offer.
Omega-3 Powerhouse
Anchovies are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. Dogs can’t make these healthy fats on their own, so they need to get them from food.
Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, which is good for dogs with stiff joints or arthritis. These fats also support healthy skin and a shiny coat, and can help with dry or itchy skin.
DHA is important for your dog’s brain. Getting enough can help keep their mind sharp, especially as they age.
High-Quality Protein
Anchovies may be small, but they’re full of protein. Protein helps build and repair your dog’s body.
This protein helps your dog build strong muscles, stay active, and have energy for daily life. It also supports healthy organs.
Vitamins & Minerals
Anchovies also have important vitamins and minerals that help keep your dog healthy, like:
- Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Selenium: A powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and thyroid function.
- Vitamin D: Crucial for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, supporting bone health.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3): Helps the body convert food into energy and supports cardiovascular health.
The Bad Stuff: The Very Real Risks of Anchovies
Even though anchovies are healthy, most store-bought anchovies are made for people. They’re often cured or seasoned in ways that aren’t safe for dogs.
The #1 Danger: Sodium (Salt)
The biggest risk with anchovies is the high salt content. Anchovies for people, especially canned in brine or as paste, are packed with salt.
Dogs need some sodium, but not as much as people. Too much salt can cause problems, like making your dog very thirsty or needing to pee more.
In severe cases, consuming too much salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning (salt poisoning). This is a veterinary emergency. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, confusion, tremors, seizures, and, if untreated, kidney damage or coma. Never give your dog anchovies that have been packed in salt or brine.
Packed in Oil, Garlic, or Spices? A Hard No.
Some anchovies come packed in oil, like olive or sunflower oil. These oils aren’t toxic, but they add a lot of fat. Too much fat at once can upset your dog’s stomach and cause vomiting or diarrhea.
High-fat foods can also cause pancreatitis, which is a painful and serious problem. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or has had pancreatitis before, skip fatty treats.
Never give your dog anchovies with garlic, onions, or spices. Garlic and onions are toxic and can hurt your dog’s red blood cells.
What About Raw Anchovies and Thiaminase?
You might think about giving your dog fresh, raw anchovies, but this can be risky. Raw anchovies have an enzyme called thiaminase.
Thiaminase breaks down thiamine (Vitamin B1) in your dog’s body. If your dog eats a lot of raw fish with this enzyme, they could get a thiamine deficiency. This can cause nerve problems, loss of appetite, and weakness.
The good news is that cooking anchovies destroys thiaminase, so cooked anchovies are safe in this way.
Bones and Choking
Many people worry about the tiny bones in anchovies. In cooked or canned anchovies, the bones are soft and easy for dogs to digest. They’re also a good source of calcium.
Still, there’s always a small choking risk with any treat. Watch your dog while they eat.
How to Safely Feed Anchovies to Your Dog: A Vet’s Checklist
If you want to give your dog anchovies, follow these steps to keep them safe.
The Golden Rules: What Kind to Buy?
Picking the right kind of anchovies is the most important part.
- BEST: Fresh, whole anchovies that you cook yourself (plain).
- GOOD: Canned anchovies in water with no salt added. Always check the label.
- AVOID: Anchovies packed in any type of oil.
- AVOID: Anchovies packed in brine, salt, or sauces.
- AVOID: Anchovy paste (this is extremely salty).
- AVOID: Anchovies taken off your pizza or salad (these are salty and often covered in fatty dressing or cheese).
Safe Preparation
Once you have the right anchovies, getting them ready is easy:
- If you use canned anchovies in water (no salt), drain them well. Rinse them under cool water for at least 30 seconds to wash away any leftover salt.
- If you use fresh anchovies, cook them plain by baking, steaming, or boiling. Don’t add oil, butter, salt, or seasoning. Cooking also makes them safer by killing parasites and destroying thiaminase.
How Much is Safe? Serving Size Guidelines
Think of anchovies as a special treat, not a daily food. They’re packed with calories and nutrients.
Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The rest should come from their regular dog food.
Here’s a quick guide for feeding plain, rinsed, or cooked anchovies. Only offer them 2-3 times a week at most.
- Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1–2 small anchovies.
- Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 2–3 anchovies.
- Large Dogs (50+ lbs): 4–5 anchovies.
If your dog has kidney disease, heart disease, or pancreatitis, talk to your vet before giving them anchovies.
Conclusion
Anchovies can be a great, healthy treat for dogs. They’re good for joints, skin, and coat because of their omega-3s. But the salt, oil, and seasonings in most anchovies for people can be risky.
To safely feed your dog anchovies, you must source fresh fish to cook plain, or find canned varieties packed only in water with no added salt, which should then be thoroughly rinsed. Moderation is key. When in doubt, stick to their regular dog food and vet-approved treats.
FAQs
Can my dog eat the anchovies off my pizza?
No. Anchovies on pizza are cured in salt, making them extremely high in sodium. They are also often covered in oil, cheese, and potentially garlic or onion seasonings, all of which are unhealthy or toxic for dogs.
How many anchovies can I give my 15-pound dog?
A 15-pound dog should have no more than 1 to 2 small, plain anchovies (cooked or canned in water with no salt added), offered 2-3 times per week maximum. Always ensure they are thoroughly rinsed first.
Are anchovy bones dangerous for dogs?
Generally, no. The bones in cooked or canned anchovies are very soft and easily digestible by dogs. They are actually a good source of calcium. However, you should always monitor your dog while eating any treat.
My dog accidentally ate anchovies in oil. What should I do?
If your dog only ate a few, they might experience mild stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the high fat content. Monitor them closely. If they show signs of severe pain, persistent vomiting, or lethargy, contact your vet immediately, as this could indicate pancreatitis.
Can puppies eat anchovies?
Yes, but with caution. Puppies need a very specific balance of nutrients. If you offer anchovies, ensure they are cooked plain or packed in water (no salt) and rinsed. Offer only a very small amount (half an anchovy) to ensure they tolerate it well.
Is anchovy paste safe for dogs?
No. Anchovy paste is highly concentrated and extremely high in sodium (salt). It should never be given to dogs, as it poses a high risk of salt poisoning.
Are sardines or anchovies better for dogs?
Both are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Sardines are slightly larger and often more readily available, packed in water with no salt added, making them a very popular and safe choice for dog owners. The preparation rules are the same for both.
