Herring

396 foods contain this ingredient

Protein Fish allergen group

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About Herring

Herring is a small, oily marine fish processed into meal, oil, or whole-fish form and included in pet food as an animal protein and omega-3 fatty acid source.

Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.

Related ingredients

Herring Bone Herring Broth Herring Oil Herring Protein

Derived from: whole herring, herring meal, or herring oil
Primary role: animal protein and long-chain omega-3 (EPA/DHA) source

Why it's used

Herring contributes highly digestible protein along with EPA and DHA, the long-chain omega-3s associated with skin, coat, and joint support in dogs and cats. It is also valued in formulation for its natural palatability, which helps make fish-based recipes appealing to picky eaters.

Common concerns

Thiaminase in raw fish Herring, along with several other fish species, contains the enzyme thiaminase, which breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1); commercial cooking and rendering processes destroy this enzyme, which is why raw or improperly processed fish diets carry more discussion around thiamine adequacy than cooked ones.
Fish allergen Herring falls under the broader fish allergen group, and pets with a documented fish sensitivity may react to it.

Also relevant

AAFCO's updated nutrient profiles cap the combined omega-6 to omega-3 ratio at no greater than 30:1, a standard that oily fish like herring can help formulators meet.

2 sources cited

Common Questions

What category is Herring?

Herring is categorized as a protein ingredient in the KibbleLab database.

Is Herring part of an allergen group?

Yes. Herring is grouped under the Fish allergen group in the KibbleLab database.

Which foods contain Herring?

396 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Herring, including Open Farm, Orijen.

Foods with Herring

Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.