Can dogs eat mackerel?

Atlantic mackerel, the type commonly sold in Europe, is small and low in mercury. King mackerel, found in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, is a much larger fish and is on food safety lists of fish to avoid because of its mercury levels. Check which one you are buying.

Canned mackerel is usually Atlantic or chub mackerel.

Mackerel is around 20 percent fat, with cooked fillets providing about 260 calories per 100 g. That is great for omega-3 content but easy to overdo. A 10 kg (22 lb) dog needs only a strip about the size of your thumb, once or twice a week. Sudden large portions can cause diarrhea.

Dogs on fat-restricted diets should avoid mackerel.

Smoked mackerel fillets are cured with salt, often coated in black pepper, and can contain more than 1 g of sodium per 100 g. Mackerel in tomato sauce may include onion, and mustard, curry, or chili sauces add irritants. Mackerel canned in water or olive oil with no added salt is the only canned option to consider.

Drain oily varieties well.

Fresh mackerel has a lot of fine bones. Bake or grill the fish plain until cooked through, then flake it with your fingers to find bones before serving. Canned mackerel bones are usually soft from the canning process. Canned bones are safe to leave in, but still flake the fish to check for any hard pieces.