✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last reviewed: 2026-06
Can dogs eat sardines in brine?
The full picture
Brine is concentrated salt water, and that's the issue. A standard tin of sardines in brine has around 1.5–2g of salt — roughly twice as much as sardines in spring water. For a small dog, that's a significant proportion of the daily sodium tolerance in a single serving.
If brine is all you have, rinse the sardines thoroughly under cold running water for 30 seconds before serving. This removes most of the surface salt but not all of it.
Better solution: buy sardines in spring water instead. They cost roughly the same and need no preparation beyond draining.
If your dog ate more than a safe amount
Excessive salt causes increased thirst and urination. If your dog has eaten multiple tins of brine sardines: provide fresh water and call the vet if vomiting or lethargy develops.
Risks to watch for
- High sodium content — roughly 2g salt per tin
- Repeated brine sardine feeding can stress kidneys
Potential benefits
- The sardines themselves still provide omega-3, protein, and calcium
Breed-specific notes
- Dogs with heart or kidney conditions should avoid brine sardines entirely
Safe portion size
Half the portion size of spring-water sardines, and only after rinsing. Or — better — buy the spring water version.
Safer alternatives
- Sardines in spring water (much better choice)
And while you're thinking about what's good for your dog, keeping on top of flea and parasite prevention is just as important as diet.
Common questions
Can I just rinse them?
Why are sardines in brine sold at all?
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