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Are fish oil supplements made from herring safe for my 13 kg dog, or could the concentration be too high?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

Fish oil supplements derived from herring are generally safe for dogs and are often recommended for skin and coat health. The key is choosing a product made specifically for pets rather than human-grade supplements, which may contain added preservatives or higher concentrations of omega-3 fats that your dog doesn't need. Start with the smallest recommended dose and watch for soft stools or mild vomiting during the first week. If your dog tolerates it well, continue at that level — if not, reduce the dose or switch brands. Call your own vet if you notice persistent digestive issues.

Herring — Food safety facts

Safe to share · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Cooked plain herring is fine. Pickled or salted herring is not.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Herring is not toxic to dogs. The real limit is calories, fat and salt, so treat it as a small extra alongside the normal ration rather than a meal in itself.

There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.

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.

Herring can stay on the rotation, but only as an extra mouthful: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

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

Open the full food page: Herring food facts →