Sprats are a healthy and tasty snack for dogs. Learn how to feed sprats correctly and why having fish in your dog’s bowl is a good idea.

What Are Sprats, Anyway?

If you rarely feed fish to your dog and wonder what sprats are, they are small fish with a body length between 12 and 20 cm. They are mainly found in the Northeast Atlantic and the North and Baltic Seas. These small schooling fish are a delightful treat for your furry friend and can be eaten whole, including the head and fins.

Raw with Bones? How to Feed Sprats Correctly!

Indeed, the best way to feed sprats to your dog is raw, uncooked, not smoked, and without spices. Hold on—what about the bones? In their raw state, yes. Generally, the bones in their raw state are soft and elastic, and dogs can tolerate them well. Only when you cook the fish do these bones become very hard and sharp. Therefore, when dealing with cooked fish, you should always carefully remove the bones. Since sprats are small and can be eaten from tail to head, you can occasionally give them to your dog in their raw state as a tasty addition to their diet. If you BARF your dog, feeding sprats or fish, in general, might already be a regular part of your nutrition plan.

You can also use sprats as a snack. Of course, not everyone has a few raw, slippery fish in their pocket. That’s why sprats are available dried as a delicious chew or as a special treat for dogs. Here too, you can feed the fish whole without any worries. Due to their intense fishy taste, most dogs really enjoy sprats, and a tasty sprat or dried salmon skin can be quickly devoured.

Suitable for Sensitive Dog Bellies

In general, sprats are considered very digestible. Therefore, especially sensitive furry friends can benefit from consuming sprats. Even for dogs suffering from food allergies, sprats and other fish varieties can be a healthy treat. That’s why you can find well-tolerated fish as a source of animal protein in our Sensitive dog food with salmon alongside wild game.

Why Are Sprats So Healthy?

The health benefits of fish apply to both humans and dogs. The Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in fish support a normal cardiovascular system and can have a positive effect on your furry friend’s skin and coat health. Although sprats are relatively small, they are “really fatty fish,” as they have a very high proportion of healthy fats compared to other fish varieties.

In addition to essential fatty acids, sprats also contain a lot of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Among others, they are rich in Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus.

Other Healthy Fish Varieties for Dogs

Does your dog turn up its nose at the sight of sprats? Luckily, sprats are not the only fish dogs can eat. Other healthy and popular fish varieties among dogs include:

All of them benefit from easily digestible proteins, high-quality fats, and essential minerals, making them popular components in complete foods such as our wet food with fish, as well as in snacks or as chew items for dogs.

Fish Oil and Plant-Based Alternatives

Just like in humans, some dogs simply don’t like fish. However, this doesn’t mean that these dogs have to miss out on the healthy nutrients found in fish. High-quality oils like our Omega-3 oil or salmon oil are a good way to provide your dog with valuable fats.

If you feed your dog vegan or vegetarian, you can also use our flaxseed oil or algae oil. Did you know that algae oil is the only plant-based source containing the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA? Both of these fatty acids can be directly utilized by your dog’s body. Algae oil is particularly recommended as a supplement for healthy senior dog nutrition. It’s also ideal for dogs with allergies or intolerances.