When it comes to feeding your dog a wholesome, gut-friendly, and protein-rich diet, fish is often overlooked — especially here in South India, where coastal markets brim with affordable, nutritious options. Sea fish offer not just lean, easily digestible protein, but also essential omega-3 fatty acids that support joint health, coat shine, and heart function. But not all fish are created equal — some are packed with nutrients while others come with hidden risks like mercury.
In this guide, we focus exclusively on sea fish commonly found in and around Bangalore, Chennai, Kerala, and Mangalore — breaking down which ones are safe, how to feed them, and what to avoid when serving fish to your dog.
| Fish (English Name) (Local Name) | Safe for Dogs? | Feeding Guidelines (Portion per kg body weight) | Diet Use |
| Sardine (Mathi – Tamil/Mal.; Boothai – Kan.) | Yes. Small oily fish rich in omega-3s and protein; safe if cooked (or canned in water, unsalted). Remove any large bones. | ~1 small sardine per 10 kg of dog’s weight, a few times a week (max ~10% of diet). For example, a 20 kg dog can have ~2 sardines as a treat. | Home-cooked (often fed as fresh/cooked treat; rarely used in commercial pet foods) |
| Indian Mackerel (Ayala – Mal.; Bangude – Kan.) | Yes (in moderation). Good source of omega-3 and B-vitamins when cooked plain. Avoid daily feeding – larger mackerels can accumulate mercury. Remove bones and never feed salted or smoked mackerel. | Limit to ~10% of diet. For a medium ~15 kg dog, ~½ a mackerel (75–100 g) is a safe serving size. A large 30 kg dog can have up to 1 whole small mackerel. Feed at most 2–3 times per week. | Home-cooked (occasionally used in homemade diets; not common in commercial dog food) |
| Seer Fish (King Mackerel) (Vanjaram – Tam.; Neymeen – Mal.) | No – Avoid. High mercury levels in large predatory fish like king mackerel make it unsafe for regular feeding. Can also contain more parasites. Not recommended for dogs. | N/A – not recommended. If ever given, only very tiny amounts infrequently, and must be well-cooked and deboned (but best avoided). | Not used (Neither in home diets nor in pet food due to mercury risk) |
| Anchovy (Nethili – Tam.; Kozhuva – Mal.) | Yes. Tiny fish packed with omega-3s; safe if unsalted. Use fresh or dried anchovies with no added salt. Great as a crunchy treat or food topper. | Small dogs: ~2–3 anchovies per day; Large dogs: up to ~5 per day. (Each anchovy is very small; adjust amount so it stays under ~10% of daily calories.) Ensure they are plain (no brine or spices). | Home-cooked (given as treats or meal toppers; not typical in mass-produced dog foods) |
| Pomfret (White Pomfret) (Vavval – Tam.; Aavoli – Mal.) | Yes. Lean white-flesh fish with low mercury. Safe for dogs when cooked and thoroughly deboned (pomfrets have fine bones). Provides protein, B-vitamins, iodine, etc. | Moderation – e.g. a few small pieces (20–30 g per 10 kg body weight) as part of a meal. Can be fed 1–2 times a week in rotation with other proteins. Always remove bones and avoid seasoning. | Home-cooked (used in homemade fish diets; not used in commercial dog foods) |
| Shark (Shark Meat) (Sura – Tam.; Sraavu – Mal.) | No – Avoid. Shark meat contains very high mercury and other heavy metals because sharks are large, long-lived predators. This can lead to heavy metal toxicity in dogs. Do NOT feed. | N/A – not safe. (Even small sharks like baby shark meat “Sura” should be avoided for pets due to contamination.) If accidentally ingested, limit further exposure and consult a vet if large amount. | Not used (Unsafe – neither given in home diets nor present in dog food products) |
| Tuna (Skipjack/Light Tuna) (Soorai – Tam.; Choora – Mal.) | Limited. Dogs can have small amounts of light tuna (skipjack) occasionally, but large tuna (albacore, etc.) are high in mercury and should be avoided. Tuna flesh is lean protein but offers less omega-3 than other oily fish. | Infrequent, small portions only. E.g. a tablespoon or two of cooked flaked skipjack tuna as a treat for a medium dog. Do not feed canned tuna in oil or brine (salt!) and do not feed daily. Consider safer fish (sardine, salmon) for regular feeding. | Home-cooked (occasionally as a treat). Rare in commercial pet food (a few cat foods use tuna; dog foods generally avoid due to mercury). |
Incorporating the right sea fish into your dog’s diet can be a game-changer — whether you’re dealing with skin issues, arthritis, digestive sensitivity, or simply looking for a clean, local protein source. Small, oily fish like sardines and mackerel provide a potent dose of omega-3s, while lean white fish like pomfret offer easy-to-digest options for sensitive stomachs.
Remember, always cook the fish thoroughly, debone carefully, and avoid seasoning or salt. And when in doubt — start small and rotate wisely. Your dog’s tail-wagging approval will tell you everything you need to know. 🐾