Sprats for Dogs: Small Fish, Big Benefits
Sprats for dogs are small, whole dried fish that most dogs tolerate well and love as a crunchy snack. Healthy dogs can eat whole dried sprats including head and bones – in moderation, because these little fish are rich in fat and calories. In this guide you will learn what sprats contain, how many per day make sense and what to look out for when feeding them.
Content: Sprats for Dogs: Small Fish, Big Benefits
- Can dogs eat whole dried sprats?
- What are sprats? A portrait of the little fish
- Are sprats healthy for dogs?
- How many sprats can a dog have per day?
- Feeding sprats correctly: everyday tips
- Frequently asked questions about sprats for dogs
- Conclusion: sprats – a small fish to enjoy in moderation
Whole fish to crunch on:
Can dogs eat whole dried sprats?
Yes, healthy dogs can eat whole dried sprats – including head, skin and bones – as long as they are gently dried sprats made for pets and the amount is right.
What about the bones?
The bones of these small fish are very fine. Drying makes them brittle and easy to chew. Unlike cooked bones from larger animals, they do not splinter into sharp-edged pieces. Even so, give sprats under supervision at first and make sure your dog chews rather than gulps.
Which sprats are not suitable
- Smoked sprats for humans: They are salted and seasoned.
- Sprats in oil or sauce: too fatty and often containing salt, onions or spices.
- Spoiled fish: If sprats smell rancid or look unusual, throw them away.
Dried sprats without additives, on the other hand, are fine – like the Sprat from our sprat category.
What are sprats? A portrait of the little fish
Sprats are small schooling fish from the herring family that live in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea and usually grow to only about 10 to 15 centimetres.
Origin and special features
Sprats live in large schools in coastal waters. For humans, they are best known in smoked form, for example as "Kiel sprats". For dogs, however, they are dried plain and whole – without salt or spices. This preserves the natural fish flavour that many dogs find irresistible.
Sprats compared with other fish snacks
| Fish snack | Typical | Well suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Sprat | whole small fish, oily, crunchy | special reward, small chew |
| Herring | whole, larger fish, oily | larger dogs, longer chewing fun |
| Flounder | flat fish, rather lean | dogs watching their weight |
| Fish thalers and cubes | small pieces, easy to portion | training and many small rewards |
If you would like to offer your dog larger fish, you will find the sprat's big relative in the herring category. A lean alternative is available under flounder.
Are sprats healthy for dogs?
Sprats are a healthy snack for dogs because, as a whole fish, they provide protein, fat with omega-3 fatty acids and minerals – but they are high in calories and therefore an extra, not a meal.
What sprats contain
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Oily sea fish such as sprats contain the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which contribute to a balanced diet.
- Protein: Dried fish is rich in animal protein.
- Minerals: Because the whole fish is fed with its bones, it also provides minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
- Natural flavour: The intense fishy smell makes sprats a very attractive reward.
Where the limits are
Sprats have a comparatively high fat content. If your dog is overweight or has pancreatitis or a sensitive stomach, only give them after consulting your vet and switch to lean snacks, for example from the low-fat chews category. Sprats also do not replace targeted fish oil supplementation if your vet recommends it. Our article Fish for dogs provides more background on fish in a dog's diet.
Fish thalers for small rewards:
How many sprats can a dog have per day?
As a rough guide, small dogs get 1–2 sprats, medium-sized dogs 2–3 and large dogs 3–5 sprats per day – and not necessarily every day.
Factors that influence the amount
- Size of the sprats: The fish vary in size. With large ones, the lower limit is often enough.
- Other snacks: If your dog gets other treats or chews on the same day, reduce the sprats.
- Activity and body condition: Very active dogs can have a little more, dogs prone to weight gain less.
- Getting used to them: Start with one sprat and only increase once digestion is fine.
The 10 percent rule
All snacks together should provide no more than about 10 percent of daily energy. So deduct the calories of the sprats from the main food. Our guide How Many Treats per Day? The 10 Percent Rule explains exactly how to do this. You will find the energy value in the product description.
Feeding sprats correctly: everyday tips
Sprats are best fed as a special reward or a small chew in between – with fresh water within reach and under supervision at first.
How to use sprats
- As a jackpot: A whole sprat for a particularly good performance in training.
- As a small chew: For a few minutes of crunchy fun after a walk.
- Crumbled as a topping: For dogs that are picky about their food.
- In rotation: Alternate with lean fish snacks such as the Cod thaler, mini to keep an eye on the amount of fat.
For training and on the go
Whole sprats are rather too big for training with many repetitions. Smaller pieces or snacks from the training snacks category are better suited for this. If your dog likes bigger fish, you can also offer a whole Herring as a longer chew. You will find many more ideas in our article Fish chews for dogs: omega-3 to chew on.
Storage and smell
Dried sprats have an intense fishy smell. Store them tightly sealed, cool and dry – ideally in a tin. This keeps them crunchy and the smell stays in the packaging. You will find tips on this in the article Proper storage of chews. More fish snacks are available in our fish category.
More fish snacks for every day:
Frequently asked questions about sprats for dogs
Can dogs eat whole dried sprats?
Yes, healthy dogs can eat whole dried sprats including head and bones. Drying makes the fine bones brittle and easy to chew. Give the fish under supervision at first and make sure your dog doesn't gulp them down.
Are sprats healthy for dogs?
Sprats provide protein, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals from the whole fish. However, they are high in fat and calories and should therefore be fed in moderation. If your dog is overweight or has pancreatitis, ask your vet first.
How many sprats can a dog have per day?
As a rough guide: small dogs 1–2, medium-sized dogs 2–3 and large dogs 3–5 sprats per day. This is not a must for every day. You should factor in other snacks given on the same day.
Do sprats cause bad breath?
Shortly after eating, many dogs' breath smells of fish. This is normal and usually fades soon. If strong bad breath persists, there may be a dental or health problem that your vet should check.
Can cats eat sprats?
Cats often love sprats too. Because of their low body weight, a small piece or at most one small sprat now and then is enough for them. The main meal remains a complete cat food.
Conclusion: sprats – a small fish to enjoy in moderation
Sprats for dogs are a natural, crunchy snack that, as a whole fish, provides protein, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals. Because they are high in fat and calories, the amount matters: as a guide, 1–2 sprats a day are enough for small dogs, 2–3 for medium-sized and 3–5 for large dogs. Give the fish under supervision at first, provide water and factor the snacks into the daily ration. If your dog is overweight or has pancreatitis or other conditions, talk to your vet first. Try the Sprat now and discover our full range of fish snacks.
Further reading on this topic:
- Salmon snacks for dogs: healthy for skin and coat
- Freeze-Dried North Sea Shrimp: Seafood for Dogs?
- Low-Fat Dog Chews for Overweight Dogs & Pancreatitis
This post was created with the help of AI
