Sardine

138 foods contain this ingredient

Protein Fish allergen group

This is an alphabetical list, not a ranking. Add KL+ to rank foods for your pet in the Food Finder.

About Sardine

Sardines are small oily fish added whole or as meal to pet food for protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Sardine serves as a rich animal protein and palatability enhancer in pet food, supplying highly digestible protein, abundant omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), B vitamins and vitamin D, and when included whole can provide calcium and phosphorus. They can benefit both dogs and cats by supporting skin and coat, joint and cardiac health, but owners should watch for high sodium in some canned products, potential fish allergies or digestive upset in sensitive animals, and choose sustainably sourced, low‑sodium options to minimize contaminant exposure.

Related ingredients

Pilchard Sardine Broth

Derived from: Whole sardines (Sardinops or Sardina species) or sardine meal
Primary role: animal protein and omega-3 fatty acid source

Why it's used

Sardines feed low on the marine food chain, which relative to larger predatory fish gives them a lower mercury burden alongside a high concentration of the omega-3s EPA and DHA. Whole sardines contribute vitamin D and B12 from the flesh, along with calcium and phosphorus when the soft, edible bones are included in the product.

Common concerns

Sodium in canned products Canned sardines packed for human consumption can carry added sodium, so pet food formulators and owners choosing canned sardines as a topper generally look for low-sodium or no-salt-added versions.
Fish allergy Fish is a recognized allergen category, so a pet with a documented fish sensitivity may react to sardine as it would to other fish-based proteins.

Also relevant

Sardines are also cited as a non-scombroid fish species that can still be implicated in histamine-related reactions if the fish spoils before processing.

2 sources cited

Common Questions

What category is Sardine?

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

Is Sardine part of an allergen group?

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

Which foods contain Sardine?

138 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Sardine, including Orijen, Primal, Reveal.

Foods with Sardine

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