If your dog’s coat has been looking a little dull lately, the culprit might not be the shampoo or the weather—it could be what’s missing from the dinner bowl. Fish-based treats are quietly becoming the go-to secret weapon for owners who want show-ring shine without the mess of bottled supplements. Packed with omega-3s, easily digestible protein, and natural anti-inflammatories, these ocean-inspired rewards do far more than earn tail wags; they literally feed the follicles that create that head-turning gloss.
Before you grab the first bag labeled “fish” off the shelf, know this: not every fish treat is created equal. From sourcing ethics to fatty-acid ratios, the details buried in the fine print decide whether your pup gets a lustrous coat or just fishy breath. Below, we’ll dive deep into what makes a fish treat truly coat-changing, how to decode labels like a pet-nutrition pro, and which red flags signal it’s time to toss the treat back.
Top 10 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’s 3-oz bag of whole, air-dried Baltic herring turns snack time into a Scandinavian fishing expedition your dog will celebrate. Each piece looks—and smells—exactly like the tiny silver fish you’d see on a sushi platter, because that’s literally all that’s inside.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike competitors that flake or crumble, PLATO delivers intact herring you can hand-feed without greasy residue. The single-species sourcing from the Baltic Sea lets allergy-prone owners dodge mystery fish blends, while air-drying keeps omega oils biologically active without chemical preservatives.
Value for Money:
At roughly $4.30 per ounce, you’re paying deli-counter prices for what amounts to “fish jerky.” It’s steep, but comparable to buying fresh sardines, then dehydrating them yourself—minus the labor and countertop funk.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: High palatability, intact omega profile, sustainable fishery, no refrigeration needed.
Cons: Off-putting aroma for humans, tiny 3-oz bag empties fast with large breeds, price per pound rivals grass-fed beef.
Bottom Line:
If your dog’s skin, coat, or enthusiasm for training needs a marine boost, PLATO herring is a top-shelf, guilt-free splurge—just hold your breath and tip the bag.
2. The Honest Kitchen 100% White Fish Filets Dog Treats, 3 oz (Wishes)
Overview:
The Honest Kitchen’s “Wishes” are paper-thin dehydrated white-fish filets that arrive in a resealable 3-oz pouch. Break them into confetti-sized bits for training, or serve whole as an allergy-friendly chew.
What Makes It Stand Out:
MSC certification means every filet is traceable to a sustainable boat, and the human-grade production facility follows FDA rules for people food—so you could technically share a fillet on your own Caesar salad.
Value for Money:
About $5.22 per ounce; pricier than PLATO per pound because you’re paying for boneless loins, not whole fish. Still, zero waste and easy portion control stretch the bag surprisingly far.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Virtually odorless, shatters into low-calorie training morsels, single protein ideal for elimination diets.
Cons: Dehydrated texture can feel sharp on tiny puppy mouths, bag size still modest for multi-dog households.
Bottom Line:
Choose Wishes when you want sustainable, scent-free seafood rewards that fit in a pocket and disappear in a dog’s happy blink—ideal for polite indoor training or allergy management.
3. 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 entire minnows—heads, tails, and all—into lightweight “fish candies” that crunch like savory popcorn. The 1-oz tub feels almost weightless yet packs 58% crude protein.
What Makes It Stand Out:
A 45-minute harvest-to-freeze pipeline locks in raw nutrition, while the inclusion of organ-rich minnows mirrors ancestral whole-prey ratios, delivering natural taurine and vitamin D often lost in cooked treats.
Value for Money:
Sticker shock alert: $175.84 per lb. However, one minnow equals roughly one calorie, so a single tub funds weeks of high-value reinforcement for small dogs or cats.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Ultra-convenient raw feeding, hypoallergenic single protein, resealable tub prevents freezer burn.
Cons: High cost per pound, brittle minnows powder easily at bag bottom, graphic “whole fish” appearance unsettles some owners.
Bottom Line:
Reserve these minnows for specialty use—medication pockets, jackpot rewards, or raw-diet top-dressing—where nutritional density outweighs budget concerns.
4. 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+ reimagines ninth-century Viking provisions for modern pups: whole herring air-dried under the Arctic wind, then vacuum-packed in a 3-oz pouch. Expect the same silver-skinned fish you’d see at Reykjavik markets.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The company claims noticeably lower odor than other fish skins, and independent sniff tests back it up—more “ocean breeze” than “low-tide dumpster.” Naturally abrasive skin also doubles as a dental chew, scraping tartar during enthusiastic chomping.
Value for Money:
Identical per-pound math to PLATO ($69.28), but you gain dental benefits and a resealable zip-top that actually works, reducing waste from staleness.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Dual-purpose treat/toothbrush, sustainable North-Atlantic fishery, manageable smell, fully digestible with bones softened by air-drying.
Cons: Still pricey, some dogs selectively eat meat and leave spines, 3-oz volume vanishes fast.
Bottom Line:
Pick Icelandic+ when you want Scandinavian simplicity, fresher breath, and a slightly less fragrant living room—perfect trade-off for fish-loving dogs and their smell-averse humans.
5. Bocce’s Bakery Fish & Chips Treats for Dogs – Special Edition Wheat-Free Dog Treats, Made with Real Ingredients, Baked in The USA, All-Natural Salmon & Sweet Potato Biscuits, 5 oz
Overview:
Bocce’s Bakery spins fish & chips into a crunchy, salmon-sweet-potato biscuit that looks like a café cookie but smells like Thanksgiving dinner. The 5-oz box is baked in small U.S. batches using GMO-free, wheat-free ingredients.
What Makes It Stand Out:
It’s the only baked option here, offering biscuit satisfaction for dogs that prefer crunch over chew. Added sweet potato provides beta-carotene and fiber, creating a complete macro snack rather than pure protein.
Value for Money:
At roughly $1.06 per ounce, the price lands in everyday-treat territory—cheaper than many grocery-store biscuits that hide corn and soy.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Wallet-friendly, low odor, easy to snap into smaller pieces, generous 5-oz supply, allergy-conscious recipe.
Cons: Multi-ingredient formula can trigger sensitivities, lower omega content than whole-fish treats, baking reduces some heat-sensitive nutrients.
Bottom Line:
Grab Bocce’s when you need an affordable, crowd-pleasing biscuit that still offers salmon-powered skin support—ideal for daily “good dog” moments without the fish-market perfume.
6. Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats for Training, Made with Natural Ingredients & Enhanced with DHA, Salmon Recipe, 4-oz Bag
Overview: BLUE Bits are soft, salmon-first training treats designed for repetitive rewards without filler overload. Each 4-oz pouch delivers 130+ pea-sized squares that stay moist even after opening, making them ideal for pocket carry during obedience sessions.
What Makes It Stand Out: The combo of real salmon and added DHA targets both palate and brain—rare in budget treats. The absence of corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-products keeps sensitive dogs itch-free while still costing under five bucks.
Value for Money: At roughly four cents per treat, you get functional nutrition (omega-3s + DHA) cheaper than a latte. Competing training treats either skimp on meat or charge twice the price for similar ingredient lists.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: ultra-soft for puppies/seniors; resealable bag preserves moisture; strong salmon scent grabs distracted dogs.
Cons: contains salt & molasses (unnecessary for dogs); dye-staining green pieces can mark light fur; 4-oz disappears fast in multi-dog homes.
Bottom Line: A guilt-free, wallet-friendly pouch that keeps training moving. Stock up if you have a large breed; portion tiny for waistline control.
7. 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 fuse cod and spinach into 6 crunchy batons that look like artisan breadsticks. Air-dried with geothermal heat, they snap cleanly, leaving no greasy residue on fingers or floors.
What Makes It Stand Out: Two-ingredient transparency plus wild-caught Icelandic cod sourced within EU/MAST fishing quotas delivers eco credibility most fish treats can’t match. The spinach hit adds antioxidants without flavor rejection.
Value for Money: You’re paying boutique prices—about $1.33 per stick—so these serve more as high-value jackpot rewards than everyday chews. Comparable fish skins run cheaper, but few guarantee single-source, sustainable fillet.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: crunchy texture scrapes tartar; no fishy room odor; suitable for gluten-allergic dogs; sticks break into smaller portions.
Cons: price per ounce is eye-watering; thin sticks can splinter if hammered by power chewers; spinach bits settle at bag bottom.
Bottom Line: Worth keeping a pack for special reinforcement or allergy rotation. Budget-conscious owners will reserve for photo-day bribes.
8. Icelandic+ Plus Cod & Salmon Combo Bites Dog Treat 3.0-oz Bag
Overview: Icelandic+ Cod & Salmon Combo Bites compress two Nordic fishes into thumbnail-sized, air-dried nuggets. The 3-oz pouch smells like a dockside market—intensely fishy—yet stays crumb-free thanks to Viking-era drying tech.
What Makes It Stand Out: Zero additives, 100% edible, and single-origin Icelandic seafood mean you avoid the heavy-metal worries sometimes linked to Pacific salmon. The firm texture doubles as a mini dental chew.
Value for Money: Mid-tier pricing lands at ~$3.66/oz—cheaper than freeze-dried, pricier than baked biscuits. You’re funding sustainable line-caught fisheries and centuries-old preservation methods.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: high omega-3 punch visible in glossier coats within two weeks; pieces don’t stain carpet; resealable pouch keeps crunch for months.
Cons: strong aroma off-puts some humans; nuggets vary in size, complicating portion control; bag size limits large-breed households.
Bottom Line: A clean, limited-ingredient powerhouse for allergy-prone or protein-rotating dogs. Just pinch your nose and watch the tail wag.
9. Vital Essentials Salmon Bites Dog Treats, 2.5 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Single Protein | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free
Overview: Vital Essentials freeze-dries raw, butcher-cut salmon into light, porous cubes that rehydrate on the tongue. The 2.5-oz tub yields 60+ treats, each retaining 45-minute-post-catch nutrition through rapid freezing.
What Makes It Stand Out: Single-protein, raw nutrition without freezer burn. The company freezes faster than competitors, locking in taurine, selenium, and natural enzymes that support cardiac and immune health.
Value for Money: At ~$0.20 per cube, this is premium fuel, not filler. You’re paying for minimal processing and USA sourcing from nose-to-tail philosophy—comparable to feeding raw without the mess.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: crumbles easily over kibble for picky eaters; zero additives = allergy safe; light weight makes them perfect hiking rewards.
Cons: price per pound rivals human steak; cubes crush to powder if carried loose; aroma attracts pantry moths if seal fails.
Bottom Line: If your budget allows, they’re the closest legal thing to handing your dog a fresh salmon fillet. Reserve for high-distraction environments or coat-conditioning top-ups.
10. PAWUP Cod Skin Dog Treats with Duck Dog Snacks High Protein and Omega-3, Natural Dog Chews w/Taurine, 12.5 oz
Overview: PAWUP wraps dehydrated cod skin around a duck strip, creating a 4-inch rolled chew that unravels as dogs gnaw. The 12.5-oz resealable sack holds roughly 20 rolls, each fortified with 1% taurine for heart and eye support.
What Makes It Stand Out: The dual-protein combo merges ocean omega-3s with land-based amino acids in a single, tooth-scraping package—no synthetic flavor coatings needed. Added taurine is virtually unheard of in fish-skin products.
Value for Money: Mid-pack pricing at $22/lb undercuts single-ingredient freeze-dried yet delivers dental workout plus nutritional bonus, making each chew feel like a 2-for-1 deal.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: rolls keep heavy chewers busy for 5-10 minutes; scales polish teeth without sharp edges; resealable bag prevents fish smell leakage.
Cons: high calorie (70+ kcal/roll) risks weight gain; duck may trigger poultry allergies; skin flakes can litter floors.
Bottom Line: A solid dinner substitute or long-lasting reward for medium to large dogs. Monitor intake if your pup is calorie-conscious, but expect a glossy coat in return.
Why Fish Beats Land Protein for Coat Health
Fish delivers a double punch of EPA and DHA—two omega-3 fatty acids that terrestrial proteins simply don’t stock in meaningful amounts. These fats bypass the liver’s extra conversion steps, slipping straight into the bloodstream to nourish skin cells and hair shafts. The result: less itching, reduced shedding, and a reflective “seal-skin” shine that plant oils or chicken jerky can’t replicate.
Omega-3s vs Omega-6s: The Balancing Act That Shows in the Fur
A shiny coat isn’t about maxing out omega-3s; it’s about keeping them properly balanced with omega-6s. Modern kibbles already flood dogs with omega-6, so the treat you choose should tip the scales back toward a 5:1 or lower ratio. Fish treats naturally restore equilibrium, calming the low-grade skin inflammation that manifests as dandruff and brittle hairs.
Wild-Caught vs Farm-Raised: Does It Matter for Skin & Coat?
Wild fish swim in cold, nutrient-dense currents, building thicker fat layers brimming with DHA. Farm-raised fish eat pellet diets higher in omega-6 grains, diluting the very fats you’re paying for. If the label doesn’t specify “wild-caught,” assume farmed—and expect a less impressive gloss for your money.
Whole-Fish vs Fish-Oil-Infused Treats: Which Delivers More Bioavailable Nutrients?
Whole-fish treats retain calcium-rich bones, collagen-dense skin, and trace minerals like zinc and selenium that cooperate with omega-3s to build resilient skin barriers. Oil-infused biscuits may list higher EPA/DHA numbers, but without the natural cofactors, absorption can drop by up to 30 percent. In short, the closer the treat is to the entire fish, the closer your dog’s coat will be to perfection.
Sustainable Sourcing Labels You Should Actually Trust
Look for MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or IFFO-RS certifications—third-party audits that verify low-impact harvesting and minimal by-catch. Treats carrying these logos aren’t just better for the planet; they’re typically processed within hours of catch, locking in peak omega potency before oxidation sets in.
Dehydrated, Freeze-Dried, or Air-Dried: Processing Methods That Lock in the Gloss
Heat is the enemy of omega-3s. Freeze-drying removes water at sub-zero temps, preserving up to 98 % of original fat quality. Air-drying at 70 °C keeps the texture chewy while sacrificing only 5–10 % of fragile fatty acids. Traditional dehydration at 90 °C+ can destroy up to 40 %—enough to notice a duller coat after a few weeks.
Mercury & Heavy-Metal Concerns: Size and Lifespan of the Fish Species
The longer a fish lives, the more mercury it accumulates. Opt for treats made from small, short-lived species like anchovy, sardine, or smelt—their tissues test lowest in heavy metals and highest in omega-3 per gram. Avoid vague “whitefish” blends that can legally include larger, older predators such as tuna or halibut.
Single-Ingredient Treats vs Blended Formulas: Purity vs Palatability
Single-ingredient strips smell like the docks—irresistible to most dogs but off-putting to some humans. Blended formulas mask ocean odor with salmon-sweet potato or cod-cranberry combos, yet every extra ingredient dilutes omega-3 density. If your dog already eats a limited-ingredient diet, stay single to keep the ratio in your favor.
Reading the Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Fat vs Omega-3 Percentages
“Crude fat” tallies every fat present—saturated, omega-6, even fish skin collagen—not just the omegas you want. Demand a separate line item for EPA & DHA; reputable brands list milligrams per gram or percentage of total fat. Anything shy of that transparency is a guessing game.
Allergen Alerts: When Fish Treats Exacerbate Rather Than Heal
Fish is a novel protein for many dogs—great for elimination diets—but some pups react to specific species. Rotate slowly: introduce one fish type for two weeks, watching for ear scratching or paw licking. If symptoms spike, switch species before abandoning fish altogether; the allergen is often the fish meal binder, not the fillet itself.
Calorie Density: Keeping the Scale Balanced While the Coat Shines
Fish skin is 50 % fat by weight, packing up to 5 kcal per gram—double that of lean chicken breast. A shiny coat can quickly become a pudgy waistline. Measure treats against daily caloric allowance, not guilt. Most 20 kg dogs thrive on just 3–4 g of fatty fish skin per day—about the size of a credit card.
Storage & Oxidation: How to Keep Omegas Fresh Until the Last Bite
Omega-3 fats turn rancid when exposed to oxygen, light, or temps above 20 °C. Reseal bags tightly, squeeze out air, and stash in the freezer—even if the label says “shelf stable.” Rancid fish smells sour, not briny; if you wrinkle your nose, the omegas are already dead.
Introducing Fish Treats to Sensitive Stomachs: A Gradual Transition Plan
Start with a thumbnail-sized piece for every 10 kg of body weight, served after a full meal to buffer fat digestion. Increase by 50 % every three days if stools stay firm. Loose stool means you’ve outpaced bile production—pause, halve the dose, and ramp more slowly.
Homemade Fish Skin Crunchies: Vet-Approved Safety Steps
Use fresh, wild-caught sardine skins or salmon belly trim from a sushi-grade source. Lay on parchment, 80 °C convection for 3 hours until glass-dry. Store frozen in snack-size bags; thaw only the day’s portion. Skip oils, salts, or smoked paprika—dog kidneys don’t need the seasoning you do.
Combining Fish Treats With Other Coat Supplements: What’s Synergy and What’s Overkill
Fish treats plus algae oil capsules can push EPA/DHA past safe blood-thinning thresholds, especially for dogs on NSAIDs. Conversely, pairing with a modest 0.5 mg/kg biotin or 5 ml cold-pressed coconut oil amplifies shine by supporting keratin structure and reducing yeast overgrowth. Always clear add-ons with your vet if prescriptions are in play.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long before I see a glossier coat once I start fish treats?
Expect subtle improvement in three weeks, show-worthy shine by week six—sooner if your dog was omega-deficient.
2. Can puppies have fish-based treats, or are they too rich?
Yes, from 12 weeks onward; simply halve the adult dose and monitor stool quality.
3. Do fish treats replace daily fish oil capsules?
They can if the combined EPA/DHA hits your vet’s target (roughly 50 mg combined per kg body weight).
4. Are there any breeds that shouldn’t eat fish treats?
Northern breeds prone to pancreatitis (Shetland Sheepdogs, Miniature Schnauzers) need fat-restricted versions—opt for white fish over salmon skin.
5. My dog hates fishy smell; any hacks?
Briefly rinse the treat in warm water, pat dry, then toss with a pinch of dried parsley to neutralize odor without losing omegas.
6. Can fish treats trigger tear stains?
Unlikely; tear stains link more to red meat proteins and porphyrins than to fish fats.
7. Is it safe to feed fish treats every single day?
Yes, as long as total daily calories stay balanced and mercury levels remain low (rotate small species).
8. What’s the white powder on some dried fish skins?
It’s tyrosine—an amino acid, not mold. Safe, but if it bothers you, brush off before serving.
9. Do I need to refrigerate fish treats after opening?
Freezer is better; refrigeration only slows oxidation by half, while freezing virtually stops it.
10. Can cats share the same fish dog treats?
Absolutely—omega-3 needs are species-agnostic. Just adjust portions to feline calorie limits.