Can dogs eat anchovies?
Quick answer: Yes, in moderation — dogs can have anchovies in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Quick verdict
In moderation
Recommended amount
A few plain, rinsed or unsalted anchovies occasionally as a small treat.
Why
Plain, low-salt anchovies are fine for dogs in small amounts and are rich in omega-3.
Can dogs eat anchovies, and why?
Plain, low-salt anchovies are fine for dogs in small amounts and are rich in omega-3. Tinned anchovies packed in salt or oil are too salty, so rinse well or choose unsalted.
Dogs are omnivores, so most of their diet should be a complete, balanced dog food, with treats on top. They cope with a wide range of foods, but rich, fatty or sugary ones can cause stomach upset and, over time, weight gain or pancreatitis.
How to feed anchovies to dogs
- •How much: A few plain, rinsed or unsalted anchovies occasionally as a small treat.
- •How often: An occasional treat, not a daily food. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of a dog’s daily calories.
- •Young pets: Puppies have more delicate tummies and specific growth needs, so introduce any new food in tiny amounts and check with your vet.
- •Preparation: Always wash fresh produce, remove any pips, stones, seeds, peel or tough skin where relevant, and serve it plain — never with salt, sugar, oil, butter or seasoning.
More foods dogs might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding dogs well:
Portable Pet Travel Water Bottle & Food Bowl
A fun kettlebell-shaped travel bottle that keeps your dog or cat hydrated on walks. The base unscrews into a feeding bowl for food or water on the go, with a wrist strap for easy carrying. Approx 18.5cm tall.
Dried Meat Slice Pet Treats
Thinly sliced, slow-dried meat treats with no added flavourings or preservatives.
Tarhong Moroccan Melamine Pet Food Scoop — Single or Double
Sturdy melamine food scoops in a Moroccan-inspired design — BPA free, dishwasher safe, and available in two sizes.
Long-Range Remote Dog Training Collar
A long-range training collar set with a backlit handset and a reflective receiver collar. Choose between tone, vibration and static correction to recall and train your dog over open distances. USB rechargeable.
Feeding & nutrition guides
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat anchovies?
In moderation. Plain, low-salt anchovies are fine for dogs in small amounts and are rich in omega-3.
How much anchovies can a dog have?
A few plain, rinsed or unsalted anchovies occasionally as a small treat.
Can dogs eat anchovies every day?
It’s best as an occasional treat rather than a daily food. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of a dog’s daily calories.
Can puppies eat anchovies?
Puppies have more delicate tummies and specific growth needs, so introduce any new food in tiny amounts and check with your vet.
Check anchovies for another pet
Sources
Our verdict on whether dogs can eat anchovies draws on established UK and US veterinary and welfare organisations. Individual pets, quantities and preparation vary — always confirm with your own vet.