One of the best things we can do to protect our dogs’ health is to ensure they have a healthy diet. Fish skin is a great choice to supplement your dog’s nutrition with essential fats, vitamins and minerals.
But are dried fish skin treats good for dogs, too?
In a word, yes. Not only are they made from a singular simple ingredient, they’re also incredibly nutritious, containing Omega-3 fatty acids which are important for their skin, coat and joint health.
Also, drying the fish skin rather than cooking it ensures that none of the nutrients are lost, so your pup gets maximum health benefits.
What are some other benefits of fish skin treats?
- Excellent source of quality protein
- Relatively low in saturated fats
- Made from all-natural ingredients
- Doesn’t undergo a lot of processing
- Suitable for dogs with food sensitivities
- Keep teeth clean and gums healthy
Below are the best fish skin treats for dogs.
| Editor’s Pick | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Pure Paw Cod Skin Treats | Check Here |
| Best Budget | Savory Prime Cod Skin Fish Strips Treats | Check Here |
| Best Splurge | Snack 21 Salmon Skin Bone | Check Here |
The 13 Best Fish Skin Treats for Dogs
1. Pure Paw Cod Skin Treats
Sourced from the waters of Iceland, these treats are made from human-grade, non-GMO, sustainably caught codfish. They don’t have any kind of fillers or additives, and as they’re gluten and grain-free, they’re less likely to upset your dog’s digestive system.
The fish skins are also high in protein, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids to support your dog’s heart, brain, skin and coat.
Just be aware that the odor can be a little overpowering when the bottle is opened. However, since dogs find the taste and smell highly appealing, they probably won’t mind.
2. Canine Cravers Crispy Cod Skin Treats
Sometimes, simple is best, and these treats are no exception. Made in Canada from a singular ingredient – wild-caught Alaskan codfish skin – you know exactly what your dog is getting.
They’re all-natural and free from any preservatives, additives or other byproducts, and they keep very well as long as the container is properly sealed after each use.
Plus, they’re a good source of protein and fat for your dog (or cat), and you can use them for picky eaters and/or training purposes.
Although, keep in mind that the human nose may not appreciate the smell as much as Fido does!
3. Icelandic + Redfish Skin Roll Treats
Made from Icelandic redfish line-caught fresh on a daily basis, these treats contain no other ingredients other than dried fish skin.
That means you don’t have to worry about any artificial flavors or colors, nor do you have to worry about your dog’s sensitivities and digestive health. In addition, the high amount of essential fatty acids is incredibly beneficial.
As an added bonus, they work great as a training tool, and the upright, re-sealable bag is easy to carry with you on the go and is designed to keep things fresh and nutritious.
4. IM K9 Premium Salmon Treats
We, humans, eat salmon because it’s delicious and wonderful for the body, but did you know that the same fish also has health benefits for dogs?
These treats are made in the USA from freeze-dried salmon, complete with the skin intact. This offers your dog a plethora of vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids which are important for the health of his joints.
Free from grain, soy, gluten and other additives, you can either give them as they are, or soak in water for a fleshier filet. If Fido doesn’t like them, there’s a money-back guarantee.
5. Open Farm Dehydrated Cod Fish Skin Treats
Made from wild-caught Alaskan cod, these treats are sourced and dried in Canada, and each package is held to human-grade food standards.
They’re 100% natural and free from animal byproducts, unnecessary additives and processed fillers, and since they’re grain-free, they also up the protein content in your dog’s diet while reducing any likelihood of food sensitivities.
On top of that, there aren’t any added hormones or antibiotics, and the bag is resealable to ensure long-lasting freshness.
6. Polka Dog Bakery Cod Skin Dog Treats
These treats are made from cod caught in the United States, and the skin is dried in the city of Boston. Containing only one ingredient (codfish skin), they’re a solid source of high-quality protein and beneficial fatty acids.
The crunchy texture is satisfying to chew, and the cylindrical container closes tightly between uses, which makes it easy to store away or toss in a bag for travel.
Whether you use them as a dietary supplement or a training tool, keep in mind that particularly with smaller dogs, it’s best to start with smaller pieces, as they can cause diarrhea if too much is consumed.
7. Polka Dot Bakery Haddock Skin Dog Treats
Hand-rolled, dehydrated, caught and packaged in the United States, these treats are made from haddock skin and nothing else, so you don’t have to question what’s inside.
Haddock is a lean source of fatty acids and, like codfish, contains some Omega-3, which we already know is a great anti-inflammatory and immunity booster.
These are a little crunchier and less thick than the cod skin treats from the same company, but most pet owners report that their dog likes the taste just as well.
8. Presido Natural Pet Company Crunch Skin Treats
With only one simple ingredient: 100 % Alaskan cod skin, these treats provide an all-natural, preservative and additive-free source of high-quality protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Made in Canada, the skins are slowly dried and then twisted into shape, giving them a crunchy, substantial texture that your dog will love sinking his teeth into.
Plus, the resealable bag is easy to store and keeps everything fresh, and as dogs are naturally attracted to food that has a high fat content, they will look forward to this reward!
9. Savory Prime Cod Skin Fish Strips Treats
These tasty treats are 100% Pacific and Atlantic caught codfish skins that have been dried, so they’re kinda like potato chips for dogs!
An excellent source Omega-3 fatty acids and protein, they’re okay for dogs who suffer from allergies or food sensitivities, as long as you don’t give too much at a time.
Furthermore, the crunchy texture is great for getting in between your dog’s teeth, which helps with good oral hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
That said, they can be a bit messy to clean up, and you may encounter a bone here or there. Also, they’re made in China.
10. Snack 21 Salmon Skin Bone (18Ct)
This treat gives your dog the best of both worlds, combining the smell and taste of fish skin with the shape and texture of the bones he loves.
Containing salmon as the only ingredient, there are no by-products fillers, additives or anything “fishy”, and it’s a wonderful source of Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and B vitamins.
This is an ideal choice for dogs who might tend to gobble other fish skin treats quickly, as it forces them to slow down a little and take their time. I feel like they’re a bit small, though.
11. The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews Treats
Made from wolffish and processed in the United States, most dogs will love the chewy texture and savory taste of these treats.
Unlike crispier fish skin treats which don’t last some dogs very long, these fish skins encourage them to eat slower, making it a far more nutritious and safer alternative to rawhide.
All-natural and GMO-free, your dog can indulge in his instinct to chew while reaping the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids and better dental health.
12 .TickledPet Cod Fish Chews Treats
The only ingredient in these treats is dehydrated wild-caught codfish, which has a chewy texture that gently scrubs your dog’s teeth and massages his gums.
The skins are all-natural and human-grade, meaning they’re completely free from any by-products, starchy fillers etc. They’re also GMO and grain-free, so it’s a perfect choice for dogs with skin or tummy issues.
Luckily, they’re far less smelly then some of the other options on this list! This is a huge plus if you find the smell of fish offensive.
13. TickledPet Fish Skin Dog Treats
Naturally sun-dried, these wild-caught Icelandic cod treats supply your dog with a healthy treat option, as they’re high in Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as animal protein.
Their twisted, stick-like texture encourages chewing, which actually makes them pretty decent dental sticks, but without any artificial ingredients or synthetic substances to worry about.
These are also a low odor choice and makes a nice option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Bottom Line
If you’re considering adding fish skin treats to your dog’s diet, you want to be sure that you’re getting him the best quality treats possible. This means that you should look for a product that’s free from any additives and/or preservatives, along with any artificial colors or flavors.
Ideally, you want the treats to come from an oily fish, like salmon or cod, as these are some of the best sources of fatty acids, and avoid fish like swordfish, which contains high levels of mercury.
Sardines are another fantastic source of Omega-3 and calcium for dogs. Since they’re small in size and low on the food chain, they’re one of the safest fish to eat with the skin on (just be sure they’re packed in either olive oil or water.)
