Meat & Fish
Can dogs and cats eat herring?
Short answer on herring: safe for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a safe verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
Herring safety for dogs
Plain, fully cooked, boneless herring is a shorter-lived fish that healthy dogs can eat occasionally, but pickled, smoked, salted, raw, or bone-in herring is a different exposure.
Safe serving: A small piece of plain, fully cooked herring with all bones, skin, brine, smoke flavor, oil, and seasoning removed.
Herring safety for cats
Plain, fully cooked, boneless herring is safe for healthy cats occasionally, but pickled, smoked, salted, raw, or bone-in herring should be avoided.
Safe serving: A small piece of plain, fully cooked herring with all bones, skin, brine, smoke flavor, oil, and seasoning removed.
Questions owners ask about herring
Can dogs eat herring?
Plain, fully cooked, boneless herring is a shorter-lived fish that healthy dogs can eat occasionally, but pickled, smoked, salted, raw, or bone-in herring is a different exposure.
How much herring can I give my dog?
A small piece of plain, fully cooked herring with all bones, skin, brine, smoke flavor, oil, and seasoning removed.. Introduce any new food gradually and watch for stomach upset.
Can cats eat herring?
Plain, fully cooked, boneless herring is safe for healthy cats occasionally, but pickled, smoked, salted, raw, or bone-in herring should be avoided.
How much herring can I give my cat?
A small piece of plain, fully cooked herring with all bones, skin, brine, smoke flavor, oil, and seasoning removed.. Introduce any new food gradually and watch for stomach upset.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
More meat & fish
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.