Freeze-dried whole sardines in three sizes
Updated
What is in the bag
Sardines, left whole with head, tail and bones, and no additives or preservatives. They are freeze-dried raw, a small batch at a time, and come out as small to mid-sized fish with a dry, snappy texture. Our scorecard gives the crunch 4 of 5 and training use 3 of 5. Those are our own ratings, not facts about your pet.
Contains fish. If your dog or cat has reacted to fish before, skip these and talk to your veterinarian.
The bones, from two sides
Our listing describes the bones as small and soft, made brittle by freeze-drying, and the sardine is sold to be eaten whole. That is how we describe our product. It is not a claim that fish bones are safe.
The AKC sees fish bones differently. It calls them small, brittle and dangerous and says they can lodge in a dog's mouth, throat, stomach or intestines (AKC, Can Dogs Eat Fish, opened 2026-10-16). The ASPCA adds that bones can injure or block the gut of a dog or cat, sometimes badly enough to need surgery (ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid, opened 2026-10-16).
So with these sardines: stay with your pet while it eats, size the piece to the animal, break it up for a small dog or a cat, and ask your veterinarian first if you have any doubt about your pet and fish bones.
Which size to buy
New to fish treats? The 1.5 oz bag tells you whether your dog or cat will eat them before you commit to more. The 3 oz bag sits in the middle. The 6 oz bag suits a home where a dog and a cat share. Each size shows its own live price and stock in the box above.
Guaranteed analysis
From the package label:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude protein (min) | 52% |
| Crude fat (min) | 13% |
| Crude fiber (max) | 5% |
| Moisture (max) | 14% |
| Metabolizable energy | 3,347 kcal ME/kg, approximately 94.9 kcal/oz |
Treat budget calculator
Type in your pet's daily calories and see what a 10 percent treat share is in sardines.
Use the number from your vet or your dog food bag.
Simple arithmetic on the label's energy figure and your number, not feeding advice. Your veterinarian can give you the daily calorie target. The 10 percent share comes from VCA's treat guidance (opened 2026-10-16).
Energy figure: 3,347 kcal ME/kg from the package label of Freeze-Dried Whole Sardines: Fish Treats for Dogs & Cats.
How to serve
Whole
One sardine as a snack, for a dog big enough to suit it.
In pieces
Snap a sardine into bits for fast training rewards, or for a cat.
As a topper
Crumble one over kibble or another meal. Reseal the bag when you are done.
Raw fish and clean hands
These sardines are raw when they go into the freeze dryer. VCA advises caution with freeze-dried or dehydrated raw treats because they can carry bacteria that may affect the pet eating them, other animals and people in the home (VCA, Dog Treats, opened 2026-10-16). The FDA's raw pet food advice is to give your hands 20 seconds or more of soap and water after touching the treats, clean bowls and surfaces the food touched, and keep your pet from licking your face after a raw meal (FDA, Get the Facts, opened 2026-10-16). The AKC notes the concern is greater around small children and people with weakened immune systems; if that describes your home, talk to your veterinarian before you bring raw treats in.
Questions about freeze-dried sardines
Are the bones a problem?
The bones are in every fish. Our listing calls them small and soft and brittle after freeze-drying; the AKC calls fish bones dangerous for dogs. We do not claim they are safe. Supervise, size the piece and ask your veterinarian if you are unsure.
Can cats have them?
Yes, they are listed for cats. Snap one into small pieces or crumble it over food. More in can cats eat sardines.
How much can my dog have?
The label lists roughly 94.9 kcal per ounce and gives no fish count. Size the amount to your dog and keep all treats near 10 percent of daily calories, the share VCA gives. The calculator above does the math, and the sardines for dogs guide has more.
What else is in the bag?
Nothing. Sardines are the only ingredient.
Do they need a refrigerator?
No. Reseal the bag after each use and keep it cool and dry.