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 isn't 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 is okay?
A small piece of plain cooked herring now and then is plenty, as an occasional addition to the usual diet and not a replacement for it. Skip pickled, smoked or salted herring.
How Should I Prepare It?
- Cook plainly, for example baked, steamed or boiled.
- Remove all bones. No salt, seasoning, butter or oil.
