canned fish in package on lilac background

Can My Dog Eat Frozen Sprats?

We’ve written a few posts about the different foods dogs can and can’t eat. As an owner, it can feel like a dietary minefield because some types of food that sound safe for dogs can be harmful. You may remember that we mentioned food bloat in a recent post on what happens when a dog eats bread.

We don’t know about you, but we were surprised at how dangerous it can be when certain dogs devour a lot of food. It made us more careful about what we leave out on the counter. In this post, we’re asking about food that sounds a little more reasonable (and safer) — can my dog eat frozen sprats?

What are sprats?

Sprats are small silvery fish that look very similar to sardines. You may also see them called Bristlings, and according to eHow, they’re a sub-species of herring that you can buy dried, fresh or frozen. We’ve seen them sold in cans, and they’re usually preserved either in oil or brine. You typically eat sprats whole, including the head, tail and eyes, which can put some people off buying them.  Because it’s an oily fish, sprats are known to be high in polyunsaturated fats and omega-3, which help support a healthy lifestyle in humans and dogs.

Can dogs eat frozen sprats?

Yes, dogs can eat frozen sprats!

They’re commonly given to dogs as treats when they’re training. In addition to healthy fats and omega-3, sprats contain several other essential health benefits, including supporting heart health and maintaining a healthy coat. As dogs can’t produce omega-3 naturally, sprats are one way of including it in their diet. Sprats can be eaten in several ways, including raw, dried or frozen; it depends on your preference (and which your dog prefers). 

How many sprats can a dog have a day?

Sprats are a healthy treat but should be given in moderation, especially if you manage your dog’s weight. 100g of dried sprats contain around 400 calories, so the amount your dog can have will depend on its size and breed. It’s always a good idea to know your dog’s daily calorie intake because it makes it easier to adopt a feeding regime focused on your pet’s individual needs and breed. 

what age can puppies have sprats?

Puppies should be fine eating sprats from around three months onwards. It’s worth starting them off on small pieces because some dogs can be sensitive to fish, especially if they’re not used to eating it. Giving it in small portions will also help the puppy chew and digest it easier. 

Are there any issues owners should be aware of?

Raw feeding may present a risk because there may be bacteria inside the fish that isn’t going to be burned off during cooking. If you’re not freezing the sprats, make sure you’re purchasing them from a reputable company.  Our issue with sprats is the smell. You may not like it, and you may not want your house smelling of it. Advice that we think is interesting is that you can bake the sprats sealed in foil in the oven rather than stinking your house with fish. 

If you’ve found this post helpful, then you might also be interested in several others that we’ve written recently, including why does my dog leave me when I cry? can dogs chew on pinecones? And will a dog jump off a balcony?