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Can Dogs Eat Herring?

SAFE

YES — Plain, cooked, boneless herring is a fish dogs can eat.

Herring is on PetMD's list of fish that are safe for dogs. Serve it cooked, without seasoning, and with the bones removed. Pickled, salted and smoked herring are not covered.

On this page
Pieces of plain cooked, skinless herring fillet without seasoning or sauce on a white plate.

Quick answer

Category
Fish
Recommended preparation
plain, fully cooked, boneless
Main concern
bones; pickled, salted, smoked or seasoned forms
Suitable as everyday food
an occasional part of meals

The full answer

PetMD lists herring among the fish that are safe for dogs. AKC's fish guidance adds that plain preparation matters and that shorter-lived fish such as herring generally carry less mercury.

This page covers plain herring that has been cooked, with no seasoning, oil or butter, and with the bones removed.

Pickled, salted, smoked or seasoned herring is not covered. Those products can contain a lot of salt and other ingredients such as onion.

Risks and Things to Know

  • Bones: remove them before serving.
  • Pickled, salted or smoked herring adds a lot of salt.
  • Seasonings such as garlic or onion, and butter or oil, are not suitable.
  • Raw fish is not part of this recommendation.

How Much Can Dogs Eat?

Offer as an occasional addition to your dog's usual diet rather than a replacement for it.

How Should I Prepare It?

  • Cook plainly, for example baked, steamed or boiled.
  • Remove all bones. No salt, seasoning, butter or oil.

What If My Dog Ate Too Much?

If your dog ate pickled, salted or smoked herring, or swallowed fish bones and seems unwell, contact your veterinarian.

This guide is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. If your dog has eaten something potentially toxic or is showing concerning symptoms, contact a veterinarian promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Plain, cooked, boneless herring is on PetMD's list of fish that are safe for dogs.

Pickled herring is not covered by this answer. It is salty and may contain onion or spices.

These are not covered. Smoked and salted fish usually contain a lot of salt.

Yes. Serve herring boneless.

This page covers cooked herring only.

AKC notes that shorter-lived fish such as herring generally contain less mercury than larger, longer-lived fish.

How this guide was written

Last updated 2 October 2026. We write from widely published, mainstream pet-health sources and avoid presenting feeding amounts as veterinary prescriptions.

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