Picture this: you open a bag of dog treats and the only word on the ingredient panel is a single, recognizable fish. No fillers, no preservatives, no mystery “meat meal”—just pure, ocean-packed nutrition that smells like the crisp sea breeze and delivers a powerhouse of omega-3s to your dog’s bowl. That’s the magic of dried fish dog treats, and in 2025 they’re poised to become the go-to chew for pet parents who want simplicity without sacrificing science-backed health benefits.
But not every strip, chip, or twist labeled “fish” is created equal. From sourcing ethics to drying methods, the devil is in the details—and those details determine whether your pup gets a glossy coat or a gut full of salt. Below, we’ll dive deep (literally) into everything you need to know before you toss that bag into your cart, so you can shop like a pro and treat like a nutritionist.
Top 10 Dried Fish Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. PLATO Pet Treats Fish Dog Treats – Air-Dried, Single Ingredient Dog Treat – with Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids to Support Skin and Coat – 100% Whole Fish – Wild Caught Baltic Herring Dog Treats – 3oz
Overview: PLATO Pet Treats delivers whole Baltic Herring in a convenient 3-ounce pouch, air-dried to preserve nutrients and flavor. These single-ingredient treats promise a natural boost of Omega 3 & 6 for skin, coat, and digestion without any fillers or artificial additives.
What Makes It Stand Out: The company’s origin story—founded after a Border Collie’s health scare—adds emotional weight to the brand promise. The air-drying technique locks in nutrients while keeping the fish intact, giving dogs the tactile joy of crunching a whole minnow.
Value for Money: At $69.28 per pound, these treats sit in the premium tier. You’re paying for wild-caught sourcing, minimal processing, and a transparent supply chain; the cost is justified if you prioritize single-ingredient transparency over volume.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: genuinely one ingredient, strong fishy aroma dogs obsess over, sustainable Baltic sourcing, resealable pouch. Cons: the smell is polarizing for humans, pieces vary in size (some too large for small dogs), and the price per ounce can add up during training sessions.
Bottom Line: If your dog flips for fish and you’re comfortable paying boutique prices, PLATO’s herring is a clean, trustworthy option. Keep them sealed and ration carefully—your pup will beg for more.
2. Vital Essentials Minnows Dog Treats, 1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Single Ingredient | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free
Overview: Vital Essentials freeze-dries raw minnows within 45 minutes of harvest, creating a lightweight, high-protein training tidbit. The 1-ounce pouch contains nothing but whole minnows, targeting owners who feed raw or hunt for novel proteins.
What Makes It Stand Out: Speed-to-freeze claims preserve “peak nutrients,” and the brand offers the widest single-protein raw treat catalog in the U.S., making rotation diets simple for allergy-prone dogs.
Value for Money: At $175.84 per pound, these are among the priciest treats on the market. You’re funding rapid processing, U.S. sourcing, and a protein concentration that turns a single ounce into 50–60 tiny rewards.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: virtually no odor compared with air-dried fish, crumb-free pockets, ideal for toy breeds or training pouches, single-source protein minimizes allergy risk. Cons: sticker shock, minnows crumble if crushed in a bag, and the tiny size can frustrate large dogs who swallow in one gulp.
Bottom Line: Perfect for raw feeders or allergy detectives with deep pockets. Use sparingly as a jackpot reward; a little goes a long way toward keeping high-value motivation alive.
3. Icelandic+ Whole Fish Herring – 3oz Bag – Dog Treats, Pure Wild-Caught & Air-Dried, Single Ingredient Snack, Pet Chew, Just The Fish Nothing Else
Overview: Icelandic+ revives Viking-era air-drying to create a 3-ounce bag of whole herring that’s fully digestible and allegedly less smelly than competitors. The brand leans heavily on Nordic purity, promising plaque reduction alongside omega benefits.
What Makes It Stand Out: The “100% Viking” marketing is memorable, and the lower-odor claim is a real differentiator for owners who love fish nutrition but hate lingering fish funk.
Value for Money: Matching PLATO at $69.28 per pound, Icelandic+ justifies the tag with wild Icelandic waters sourcing and a reputation for cleaner, mercury-light fish.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: noticeably less pungent, firm texture extends chew time for dental benefits, uniform size suits medium to large dogs, resealable bag maintains crunch. Cons: still too aromatic for sensitive noses, some bags arrive with excessive crumbs at the bottom, not suitable for dogs with fish allergies.
Bottom Line: If you want whole-fish nutrition without clearing the room, Icelandic+ is the most office-friendly option. Stock up when on sale; dogs view these as canine potato chips.
4. A Better Treat – Freeze Dried Salmon Dog Treats, Wild Caught, Single Ingredient | Natural High Value | Gluten Free, Grain Free, High Protein, Diabetic Friendly | Natural Fish Oil | Made in The USA
Overview: A Better Treat packages wild-caught Alaskan salmon into a 3-ounce, freeze-dried cube format that’s marketed as high-value for both dogs and cats. The company touts 68 % less saturated fat than farmed fish and diabetic-friendly macros.
What Makes It Stand Out: Dual-species appeal means multi-pet households can share one bag, and freeze-drying retains 61 % more nutrients than dehydration according to the brand’s cited studies.
Value for Money: Translating to about $90 per pound, the price is steep, but salmon’s natural fish-oil payload replaces separate omega supplements, potentially offsetting other line items in your pet budget.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: cubes break into custom portions, low dust residue in pockets, rich salmon odor drives picky eaters wild, U.S.-made in an FDA-regulated facility. Cons: cubes shatter into powder if jostled, strong smell re-emerges when wet, salmon is calorie-dense—easy to overfeed.
Bottom Line: Excellent topper or jackpot treat for fussy or diabetic pets. Monitor waistlines; salmon cubes are nutrient bombs that add up fast calorie-wise.
5. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Ocean Chews Crispy Cod Fish Skins Dog Treats, 5.5 Ounces
Overview: The Honest Kitchen takes cod skins—by-products of human seafood processing—and slow-dehydrates them into 5.5-ounce bags of crispy, scroll-shaped chews. The result is a moderate-duration chew that’s grain-free and Non-GMO Project verified.
What Makes It Stand Out: “Human grade” manufacturing means the same safety standards applied to your dinner govern these skins, offering peace of mind for owners wary of pet-grade facilities.
Value for Money: At $54.14 per pound, it’s the most economical fish option here, and the larger bag lasts through multiple training weeks even for multi-dog homes.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: chewy texture cleans teeth without the calories of a rawhide, single transparent ingredient, mild ocean scent compared with whole fish, generous quantity per dollar. Cons: skins can be sharp when chewed to a point—supervise to avoid gum scratches, not a quick gulp reward, some bags vary in crispness.
Bottom Line: A wallet-friendly, dental-friendly chew that satisfies the fish craving without the full-fish funk. Supervise aggressive chewers and store sealed to maintain crunch.
6. Icelandic+ Combo Sticks: Cod & Spinach – 6pk Wild-Caught Fish Dog Treats, 2oz Bag, 2 Simple Ingredient Pet Snacks, Skin-Coat Health, Natural Pet Chews
Overview: Icelandic+ Combo Sticks combine wild-caught cod and spinach into crunchy 5½-inch sticks that promise skin-and-coat benefits through slow geothermal baking.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand leans hard on its Icelandic origin—fish pulled from Arctic-clean waters, then air-dried with the island’s own geothermal energy. The two-ingredient list is refreshingly short, and the sticks stay intact in the bag, so you don’t end up with fish powder at the bottom.
Value for Money: At almost $64 per pound these are boutique-priced, but each stick can be snapped into training bits, stretching the 2-oz pouch further than it first appears.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: single-protein, hypoallergenic, no fishy smell compared with oilier treats. Cons: spinach adds little nutritional value for obligate carnivores, and the price may induce sticker shock if you have a large dog that inhales treats.
Bottom Line: Great for allergy-prone or fish-loving small dogs; break sticks into shards and you’ll feel better about the cost.
7. green paws Gluten Free Herring Dried Fish Pet Treats Pure Wild-Caught & Single Ingredient Snack Healthy Dog Treats, Made in Alaska Just The Rich in Protein Fish & Nothing Else (3.5 Oz Bag)
Overview: Green Paws serves up whole Alaskan herring—heads, tails, and all—in a resealable 3.5-oz pouch. Think of them as XL minnows: single-ingredient, air-dried, and protein-dense.
What Makes It Stand Out: You’re literally handing your dog an entire fish; the visual honesty is both amusing and reassuring. Herring is naturally oily, so omega-3 content is higher than white-fish alternatives, yet the drying keeps fingers grease-free.
Value for Money: Under $10 for 3.5 oz works out to $2.81/oz—middle of the fish-treat pack—and the bag packs more pieces than freeze-dried options of the same weight.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: irresistible scent for picky eaters, crunchy edible bones for calcium, sustainably fished. Cons: some dogs delicately spit out the heads; others drag them to the carpet like trophies.
Bottom Line: If you can handle the “ick” factor, these are nutritious, fairly priced, and excellent for coat shine.
8. Otis & Pearly Freeze Dried Minnow Dog Treats – Single Ingredient, Made in USA – Healthy Protein Treat for Small, Medium, Large Breeds, 2oz
Overview: Otis & Pearly offers uniform little minnows that have been freeze-dried within minutes of harvest, delivering a lightweight, high-value reward in a 2-oz tub.
What Makes It Stand Out: Consistency—every piece is whole, not broken, so you can count out exact training portions. The freeze-dry process locks in smell without oil, making them pocket-friendly for walks.
Value for Money: $7.50/oz is premium territory, but minnows are so light that 2 oz equals roughly 90–100 pieces, softening the blow.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: single ingredient, USA farm-raised, cats love them too. Cons: delicate; a firm squeeze turns them into expensive fish dust, and large dogs may swallow them whole.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small-breed training or meal toppers; store gently and the tub lasts longer than you expect.
9. Finfare Freeze Dried Dog Treats, Salmon Skin Bites, Protein & Omega-3s, Grain Free Salmon Dog Training Treats, Crafted in USA, 2oz
Overview: Finfare takes salmon skin—the part many processors trash—cold-smokes it, freeze-dries it, and chops it into 1-inch crunchy squares rich in omega-3s.
What Makes It Stand Out: Cold-smoking adds a bacon-like aroma that hooks even salmon-skeptical dogs, while the skin’s natural collagen supports joint health. Sashimi-grade sourcing reassures owners worried about heavy metals.
Value for Money: $5/oz lands between cheap biscuits and fancy freeze-dried fillets; a 2-oz pouch holds about 50 bites, so cost per reward stays reasonable.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: strong smell = high motivation, zero carbohydrates, crunchy texture cleans teeth. Cons: smell can linger on fingers; not suitable for dogs with pancreatitis due to natural fat.
Bottom Line: A smoky, crunchy jackpot for training or coat conditioning—just wash your hands afterward.
10. PAWUP Whole Fish Treats for Dogs Cats, Air Dried -100% Wild-Caught Fish Treat, Only Two Ingredient, High in Protein and Omega-3, 8oz
Overview: PAWUP delivers 8 oz of petite whole fish—think sardine-adjacent—air-dried with an added 1% taurine boost marketed for heart and eye health.
What Makes It Stand Out: It’s the only fish treat here fortified with taurine, an amino acid many owners now track for cardiac support. The eight-ounce volume quadruples most competitors, yet the price per ounce is the lowest of the bunch.
Value for Money: At $1.87/oz you’re paying grocery-store-treat prices for a wild-caught, single-protein superfood; large-breed households finally get a break.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: economical, resealable zip keeps fish crispy, added taurine benefits senior dogs. Cons: fish vary in size, so calorie count per piece isn’t uniform; heads can be pointy for tiny pups.
Bottom Line: The best balance of nutrition, quantity, and cost—feed whole or snip into kibble; either way, your dog’s coat will thank you.
Why Single-Ingredient Fish Treats Are Dominating 2025
Pet parents are rewriting the rules: if they can’t pronounce it, they’re not feeding it. Single-ingredient fish treats tick the clean-label box while delivering functional nutrients no plant-based chew can match. Add in skyrocketing interest in omega-3s for joint, skin, and cognitive support, and you’ve got the perfect storm driving double-digit growth in the fishy snack sector.
Omega-3 Spotlight: EPA vs. DHA vs. ALA for Canines
Not all omega-3s swim the same. EPA and DHA—found only in marine sources—fight inflammation and support brain health. ALA, the plant-based pretender, must be converted inside your dog’s body and barely makes a splash. Dried fish delivers EPA and DHA in their ready-to-use form, meaning faster results for itchy skin and creaky hips.
Sustainability First: How to Read Eco-Certifications
A chew that’s good for your dog should be good for the planet, too. Look for MSC (Marine Stewardship Council), ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), or Friend of the Sea logos. These labels verify traceable supply chains, responsible catch limits, and minimal ecosystem disruption—so you can reward your pup without depleting the ocean.
Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised: Nutrient Density Compared
Wild fish dine on algae and smaller fish, concentrating more omega-3s per gram. Farm-raised fish can still be nutritious, but their diet of grain-based feed skews the fat profile toward omega-6s. If the label doesn’t specify “wild,” ask the brand for a fatty-acid assay; transparency is the new marketing.
Dehydration, Air-Dried, Freeze-Dried: Which Process Protects Nutrients?
Heat is the enemy of omega-3s. Low-temperature air-drying (below 70 °C) preserves up to 90 % of the original EPA/DHA content, while traditional dehydrators can torch 40 %. Freeze-drying locks in the most nutrients but costs more and creates a crumbly texture some dogs won’t chew long enough to clean teeth.
Low-Odor Options: Science Behind the Smell
That “low-odor” whitefish skin you love? It’s not magic—it’s moisture. Bacteria thrive at 10–15 % water activity, releasing trimethylamine (the infamous fishy stench). Premium brands finish treats below 8 % moisture and vacuum-seal within minutes, trapping volatile compounds so your pantry stays fresh.
Texture & Chew Time: Dental Benefits Explained
A proper fish chew should bend slightly before it breaks, giving gums a massage and scraping tartar like a natural toothbrush. Too brittle and it’s gone in two crunches; too hard and you risk fractured molars. Aim for a 30–60 second chew window for medium dogs—long enough to trigger saliva’s enzymatic cleaning action.
Allergen Alert: Detecting Hidden Fillers & Cross-Contact
Single-ingredient doesn’t always mean single-production line. Facilities that also process chicken or grain can leave allergenic dust on fish skins. Look for statements like “made in a dedicated fish-only facility” or third-party ELISA testing results if your dog has known food allergies.
Sodium Content: Why Some Fish Treats Are Salt Bombs
Salted cod traditions die hard. Some suppliers still brine fish to speed drying, pushing sodium past 2 % of treat weight—dangerous for dogs with heart or kidney issues. Ask for a lab report; anything under 0.3 % is safe for daily feeding, even for salt-sensitive seniors.
Portion Control: Calorie Density & Feeding Guidelines
Fish skins are deceivingly light but calorie-dense (≈ 350 kcal per 100 g). A strip the size of a credit card can pack 30 kcal, so factor treats into daily caloric budgets—especially for waistline-watching Dachshunds and couch-potato Retrievers.
Puppy vs. Senior: Age-Specific Considerations
Puppies need DHA for neural development but have delicate baby teeth. Choose paper-thin shreds that dissolve quickly. Seniors often have renal decline; prioritize low-sodium, phosphate-controlled options and soak briefly in warm water to soften if dental disease is present.
Storage Hacks: Keeping Omega-3s Fresh Longer
Oxidized fish oil is worse than no fish oil at all. Divide bulk bags into weekly servings, squeeze out air, and freeze. Add a 400 IU mixed-tocopherol vitamin E capsule to each pint-sized freezer bag to scavenge free radicals and extend shelf life up to 12 months.
DIY Safety: Dehydrating Fish at Home Without Risk
Thinking of using your kitchen dehydrator? Freeze fish at –20 °C for 48 h first to kill parasites, then dry at 60 °C for 10–12 h until brittle. Finish with a food-grade oxygen absorber packet; botulism spores love improperly dried fish more than your dog does.
Cost Breakdown: Price-Per-Omega-3 Math
A $30 bag might feel steep until you calculate cost per gram of EPA/DHA. Wild salmon skin can deliver 12 mg of combined omega-3s per penny, beating most salmon oil capsules. Do the division and you’ll find single-ingredient treats often outmuscle supplements on value.
Vet-Approved Transition Plan: Introducing Fish Without Tummy Upset
Sudden seafood surcharges can cause diarrhea. Start with a thumbnail-sized piece every other day for week one, double the dose week two, and reach full allowance by week three. Pair with a probiotic to help the gut adjust to the new fat profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can dogs be allergic to fish even if it’s a single ingredient?
Yes, fish proteins can trigger IgE-mediated allergies. Introduce slowly and watch for itching, ear inflammation, or GI upset within 24 h.
2. How do I know if the omega-3s are still active and not rancid?
Sniff for a strong paint-like smell, look for yellowish sticky spots, or send a sample to a lab for peroxide value testing; anything above 5 meq O₂/kg is oxidized.
3. Are dried fish treats safe for dogs with pancreatitis?
Opt for ultra-low-fat whitefish skins (fat < 5 %) and clear any new treats with your vet; portion size should be tiny and infrequent.
4. What’s the difference between fish skin and fish jerky for dogs?
Skin is mostly collagen with some fat; jerky includes muscle meat, making it higher in complete protein but also slightly higher in purines.
5. Do these treats help with joint health or just skin and coat?
EPA/DHA reduce inflammatory cytokines that damage joints, so yes—expect improved mobility after 4–6 weeks of consistent feeding.
6. Can I give fish treats if my dog is on a novel-protein elimination diet?
Only if fish is the selected novel protein; otherwise, wait until the trial is complete to avoid invalidating results.
7. How should I adjust my dog’s daily food when adding calorie-dense fish treats?
Subtract 1 kibble cup (≈ 350 kcal) for every 100 g of fish skin fed, or use a gram scale for precision to prevent weight gain.
8. Are there heavy-metal concerns with frequent fish feeding?
Choose smaller fish (anchovy, herring) lower on the food chain; they bioaccumulate less mercury and are safer for daily use.
9. Why do some fish skins curl into rolls and others stay flat?
Curling occurs when the skin’s collagen shrinks unevenly during drying; it’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect nutrition.
10. Can cats share the same dried fish dog treats?
Absolutely—single-ingredient fish is species-agnostic, but cut into kitten-sized pieces to prevent choking and adjust calories for obligate-carnivore needs.