Are sprats good for dogs?
Are Sprats Good for Dogs? Everything You Need to Know
Sprats are having a moment in the natural pet treat world — and for good reason. If you've been wondering whether sprats are safe, healthy, or worth adding to your dog's diet, here's the complete answer.
What Are Sprats?
Sprats (Sprattus sprattus) are small, oily fish from the herring family, caught wild in the cold waters of the Baltic Sea. They're one of the most nutrient-dense forage fish in the ocean — small in size but packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
Historically eaten by humans across Northern and Eastern Europe, sprats are now gaining recognition as one of the best natural treats you can give a dog.
Are Sprats Safe for Dogs?
Yes — sprats are completely safe for dogs when properly prepared. Dried or air-dried sprats that are free from added salt, seasoning, or preservatives are an excellent treat for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Always choose unseasoned sprats. Human-grade smoked or salted sprats are not suitable for dogs. Look for plain, single-ingredient dried sprats with nothing added.
- Feed as a treat, not a meal. Sprats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily diet.
- Always provide fresh water. As with any dried treat, make sure your dog has access to plenty of water.
Are Sprats Good for Dogs? The Nutritional Case
Sprats are genuinely one of the most nutritious treats you can give a dog. Here's what makes them stand out:
High Natural Protein
Dried sprats contain around 58% crude protein — easily absorbed and essential for muscle maintenance, coat health, and energy. Unlike plant-based proteins, fish protein is highly bioavailable, meaning your dog actually uses most of what they eat.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Sprats contain around 4.3% Omega-3 in the form of EPA and DHA — the same fatty acids found in fish oil supplements. These support:
- Heart health and circulation
- Healthy, shiny coat and reduced shedding
- Joint mobility, especially in older dogs
- Brain development in puppies
Natural Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Sprats are naturally rich in Vitamin D, B vitamins, iodine, and phosphorus — nutrients that support bone density, immune function, and thyroid health.
Low in Carbohydrates
With less than 0.5% carbohydrates, dried sprats are ideal for dogs on grain-free, low-carb, or raw-adjacent diets.
How Many Sprats Can I Give My Dog?
As a general guide:
| Dog size | Sprats per day |
|---|---|
| Small (under 10 kg) | 2–3 sprats |
| Medium (10–25 kg) | 4–5 sprats |
| Large (over 25 kg) | 5–7 sprats |
These are guidelines — every dog is different. If you're introducing sprats for the first time, start with 1–2 and see how your dog responds before increasing.
Can Puppies Eat Sprats?
Yes. Dried sprats are actually an excellent treat for puppies. The high Omega-3 content supports brain and eye development, while the soft texture of small sprats is easy on developing teeth. Start with 1–2 sprats per day for puppies under 6 months.
Can Cats Eat Sprats?
Absolutely. Cats are obligate carnivores with an even greater need for animal protein and taurine than dogs. Sprats are one of the most natural treats you can give a cat — just choose smaller portion sizes (1–3 sprats per day depending on size).
Whole Sprats vs. Sprat Oil Supplements
You might have seen sprat or fish oil capsules marketed for dogs. Whole dried sprats offer a significant advantage over oil supplements: they deliver the full nutritional profile of the fish — protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals — rather than just the extracted oil. They're also a more natural, satisfying treat that engages your dog's chewing instinct.
Why Baltic Sprats Are the Best Choice
Not all sprats are equal. Baltic sprats are caught from some of the cleanest, coldest waters in Europe. The Baltic Sea's low temperature produces fish with a naturally higher fat content — meaning more Omega-3 per gram than warm-water equivalents. They're also smaller and more sustainable than many other fish species, with well-managed stocks monitored under EU fisheries regulation.
At Dogs Like Fish, our sprats are caught fresh from the Baltic Sea and air-dried using a low-temperature drying process that preserves 70–80% of the natural nutrients. Single ingredient. Nothing added.
The Bottom Line
Sprats are one of the best natural treats you can give your dog. They're high in protein, rich in Omega-3, free from additives, and dogs genuinely love them. If you haven't tried them yet, start with a small pack and watch your dog's reaction — it usually speaks for itself.
Try our Whole Dried Baltic Sprats — available from 100g
Dogs Like Fish is a natural pet treat manufacturer based in Latvia. All our products are made from single-ingredient Baltic fish, air-dried with nothing added.