Can Dogs Eat Sprats? Frozen Fish Treats Explained

Yes, most healthy dogs can eat sprats. Sprats are small oily fish that are fed whole, head and bones included, and frozen sprats are one of the most popular natural treats we sell. Most owners give them raw, either straight from the freezer or thawed in the fridge.

The two things to get right are the amount and the type of fish. Sprats are a treat or topper, not a complete meal, so keep them to a small part of your dog’s daily food. Avoid fish prepared for people, such as fried, smoked, salted or seasoned sprats, or fish tinned in brine or sauce.

What are sprats?

Sprats are small, silvery oily fish from the same family as herring. Because they are small and soft-boned, they can be fed whole rather than filleted. Our Southcliffe frozen sprats come in a 1kg resealable bag, so you can take out a few at a time and keep the rest frozen.

Why do owners feed sprats?

Oily fish such as sprats are a natural source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which is why many raw feeders like to include a little fish in the week. Plenty of dogs simply love them. They have a strong smell and taste, make a quick high-value reward, and are a single ingredient you can recognise.

A treat is not a treatment, though. If your dog has skin, coat or joint problems, speak to your vet rather than relying on fish treats to fix them.

How many sprats can a dog eat?

A sensible starting point is the 10% guideline. The UK vet charity PDSA advises that treats shouldn’t take up more than 10% of your dog’s daily food allowance, with their usual food reduced by the same amount so they don’t overeat.

The table below uses our Raw Plan builder’s own starting amounts for healthy adult dogs with average activity. Sprats vary in size, so weigh a handful on your kitchen scales once to see roughly how many make up your dog’s allowance.

That allowance covers all treats that day, not just sprats. If your dog has also had chews or training rewards, give fewer sprats. To work out your own dog’s daily amount, use our raw feeding calculator or build a personalised Raw Plan.

How often can dogs have sprats?

There is no single rule. Many owners give a few sprats two or three times a week rather than a larger amount every day. Some raw-feeding suppliers suggest limiting raw fish to about three times a week, which is a useful rule of thumb rather than a hard limit.

Keeping fish as an occasional extra makes sense for two reasons: oily fish is rich, so a big portion can upset some dogs’ stomachs, and some raw fish contains thiaminase.

Sprats and thiaminase

Some raw fish, including herring, contain an enzyme called thiaminase that breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1). Sprats belong to the herring family, so it is sensible to treat them the same way. Thiamine deficiency has mainly been reported in animals fed largely on raw or frozen fish, and freezing does not make this go away.

For a dog eating a complete raw diet with sprats as an occasional extra, this is simply a reason not to let raw fish become a large part of the diet. If your dog seems weak, wobbly or goes off their food, stop the fish treats and contact your vet.

Should sprats be fed frozen or thawed?

Either works. Straight from the freezer, a sprat is crunchy and takes a little longer to eat, which many dogs enjoy on a warm day. Thawed sprats are softer and easier for small dogs, older dogs and dogs trying fish for the first time.

• Thaw in the fridge: put the sprats in a covered container in the fridge, not on the kitchen side.
• Take out only what you need: reseal the bag straight away and put it back in the freezer.
• Expect some mess: feed on a washable mat or outside.
• Clean up afterwards: wash hands, bowls and surfaces, and remove anything left uneaten.

The same hygiene applies to all raw food. Our guide to handling and storing raw dog food covers it in more detail.

Are sprat bones safe for dogs?

Raw sprats are fed whole, and their small bones are soft, so most dogs crunch them up easily. Never give cooked fish with bones in, as cooked bones of any kind become more brittle.

Watch how your dog eats the first few. Dogs that gulp may do better if you hold the sprat while they chew, or if you mix thawed sprats into a meal. If your dog has a history of choking, swallowing difficulties or a sensitive stomach, check with your vet first.

Can puppies eat sprats?

Puppies can usually have a little sprat as a treat once they are settled on their main food, but their growth diet comes first. Keep the amount small so it doesn’t replace their complete puppy food, and thaw sprats for young puppies. For daily amounts by age, see our puppy feeding guide and calculator.

Which dogs need extra care with sprats?

• Dogs with a fish allergy or sensitivity, or on a vet-prescribed or elimination diet.
• Dogs prone to pancreatitis or stomach upsets, as oily fish is rich.
• Dogs on a weight-loss plan, where every treat needs counting.
• Dogs that gulp or guard food, who need closer supervision.

If any of these apply, ask your vet before adding sprats.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat sprats every day?

Some dogs have a sprat or two a day within their treat allowance, but most owners keep fish to a few times a week. If you do give them daily, keep the amount small and count them in the 10%.

Do I need to defrost sprats first?

No, many dogs enjoy them frozen. Thaw them in the fridge if your dog is small, elderly, new to fish or tends to gulp.

Can dogs eat tinned sprats or sardines?

Avoid fish tinned in brine, salted oil or tomato and other sauces. Whole frozen sprats sold for dogs are the simpler choice, with nothing added.

Are sprats a complete meal?

No. Sprats are a complementary treat. Feed a complete raw meal as the main diet and give sprats as an extra.

Why does my dog’s breath smell after sprats?

Oily fish has a strong smell, and it can linger on your dog’s breath for a while afterwards. That’s normal. Giving a few at a time rather than a big handful helps.

Buying frozen sprats from Raw Dogs Dorset

Our 1kg Southcliffe Frozen Sprats are £7.50 a bag. You can also add a bag to a box of raw food with our raw food and sprats bundle (24 × 454g plus 1kg of sprats for £36), or browse our other natural dog treats. We deliver frozen by our own van around Dorset and by courier to mainland UK, or you can collect from our Moordown and Blandford shops.

Prices were checked on 28 October 2026 and may change. This guide is general information for healthy dogs and does not replace advice from your vet.