Can dogs eat it?
Can dogs eat cod and other white fish?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
White fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, and hake is a very good food for dogs when it is cooked, plain, and boneless. It is lean, easy to digest, and low in mercury compared with large predatory fish. It is common in commercial dog foods. The main precautions are removing bones and avoiding batter, butter, and seasoning.
Why white fish works well
Cooked cod contains about 100 calories per 100 g and very little fat, so it is a light protein that suits dogs watching their weight. It is also a less common protein than chicken or beef, which is why it appears in some diets for dogs with food sensitivities.
Dogs on a prescription diet need their vet to approve fish before it is added.
Preparing it at home
Poach, steam, or bake the fillet with no oil, butter, lemon, or salt until it flakes easily, usually 10 to 15 minutes. Let it cool, then run your fingers through the flakes to find pin bones. Around 50 g (under 2 oz) is a reasonable topper for a 15 kg (33 lb) dog.
Frozen fillets are just as good as fresh once cooked.
Fish and chip shop fish
Battered fish from a takeaway is deep fried, so the batter is soaked in oil and usually salted. A dog that eats a whole portion takes in a lot of fat. If you want to share, peel away the batter and offer a few flakes of the white fish from inside.
Salt and vinegar on the chips should stay with the people.
Dried and salted fish
Salt cod, dried stockfish, and cured fish products are preserved with large amounts of salt and are not suitable unless they are specially made dog treats. Dried fish skins and cubes sold for dogs are made without salt. Check the ingredient list on any fish treat, and count them in the daily treat allowance.
Key takeaways
- Plain, cooked, boneless white fish is lean and easy to digest.
- Always check for pin bones before sharing.
- Peel away batter if sharing takeaway fish.
- Salt cod and cured fish are too salty for dogs.