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What happens if I regularly give my dog small pieces of oil-packed anchovies from my pizza over several weeks?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Regularly feeding oil-packed anchovies is a bad idea. They are extremely salty, and the high sodium can lead to excessive thirst, urinary issues, or even sodium ion poisoning over time. The oil and any added seasonings can also upset your dog's stomach or cause pancreatitis. Stick to a tiny piece of plain, unsalted anchovy very rarely as a treat, if at all. If your dog shows vomiting, diarrhea, or seems lethargic after eating them, stop and consult your vet.

Anchovy — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Extremely salty, whether fresh or tinned. A tiny piece at most, and no oil-packed ones.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Anchovy is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Why these cautions matter

A heavy salt load drives up thirst and urination, and in the worst cases leads to sodium ion poisoning, which is a genuine emergency.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Anchovy food facts page.

Open the full food page: Anchovy food facts →