The Scoop on Canned Sardines

If I were asked to choose one item, one super convenient way to improve what's in your pets bowl.....canned sardines would be my pick!

What can sardines bring to the bowl?

• Omega 3 fatty acids, specifically EPA & DHA. These are your anti inflammatory fatty acids, needed to balance fats in the diet. A diet not composed of 100% pastured or wild game or kibble diet is in need of added omega 3 fats to restore a healthy balance. These are necessary for brain & eye health, as well as healthy skin & coat.
• Vitamin D. Dogs and cats are not capable of manufacturing vitamin D from sun exposure the way we can. It must come from the diet. Homemade diets are often lacking in sufficient vitamin D. Fish such as sardines are an easy way to meet vitamin D requirements.
• Canned sardines are convenient and inexpensive. They are shelf stable so you wont be taking up more freezer/fridge space. The packages are small enough you can use them up quickly.  

                                                                             
What you want to look for when choosing them?    

• Packed in water, not oil or tomato sauce, not smoked or seasoned.
• The ingredients should list water & sardines only.
• No added salt. Seafood is naturally higher in sodium, we don't want extra added.
• Compare brands & choose the one that fits these criteria and has the lowest sodium.    

​Here is one example of a brand that works well.

How to serve?
Simply drain & feed. The amount needed will always be dependent on the overall diet of your pet. A general guideline that will fit into most diets is approximately 1.5oz of sardine per 50lbs of pet weight per day. Now you don't have to feed daily you can feed the entire weeks worth divided into 2 or 3 days of the week. Example; if your dog requires 1oz a day & the can is 4oz you could simply feed the entire can every four days. The sooner you use up the can once opened the better. 

Now, 'm focusing on canned sardines today, but of course raw frozen sardines as well as many other species of oily fish are also suitable for feeding. This is not implying that they are better in any way just an alternative great for fussy eaters or people who are not comfortable feeding raw fish. 

So let your furry companion enjoy the heathy benefits of adding sardines to the bowl, and as always, happy, healthy feeding!