Herring
Last updated: February 11, 2026
In This Article
Quick Summary
Herring is arguably the best value omega-3 fish—comparable to salmon nutritionally but typically cheaper and more sustainably sourced. Being small and low on the food chain, herring has 10-20x less mercury than large predatory fish. Dogs love the taste (despite the pungent smell), and it provides excellent EPA/DHA for skin, coat, joints, and brain health.
What It Is
Herring is a small, oily fish (Clupea harengus) used fresh or as meal in dog food, providing high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Compare to Similar Ingredients
- vs. salmon: Both are oily fish rich in omega-3s. Herring has slightly higher omega-3 content than salmon and is more sustainable, being lower on the food chain with less mercury risk.
- vs. whitefish: Herring is an oily fish exceptionally high in omega-3 fatty acids, while whitefish is leaner with lower omega-3 content but milder flavor. Herring provides more anti-inflammatory benefits.
- vs. sardines: Both are small, oily fish rich in omega-3s and low in mercury. Herring and sardines are nutritionally very similar, with sardines being slightly smaller and herring often larger.
Why It's Used in Dog Products
Manufacturers include herring in dog food, treats, and supplements for several reasons:
- High-quality, highly digestible protein source
- Exceptionally rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
- Low mercury risk (small fish, low on food chain)
- Sustainable and abundant wild-caught source
- Contains vitamin D, B12, and selenium
- Natural anti-inflammatory benefits
Nutritional Profile
Macronutrients (whole herring, raw)
- Protein: 17-18%
- Fat: 9-13% (high in omega-3 fatty acids)
- Moisture: 67-72%
Key Micronutrients
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Very high (EPA and DHA) - supports skin, coat, heart, brain
- Vitamin D3: Excellent source
- Vitamin B12: Very high levels
- Selenium: Good source
- Phosphorus: High levels
- Note: Oily fish; nutrient-dense but may have mercury/heavy metal concerns (smaller fish = lower risk)
Quality Considerations
When evaluating herring in dog products, it's important to understand protein density, amino acid profile, digestibility, and sourcing quality. This ingredient's quality and appropriateness can vary significantly based on sourcing, processing, and the specific formula it's used in.
Herring is an outstanding protein source for dogs. As a small, oily fish, it provides exceptional omega-3 content naturally—among the highest of any fish. Low on the food chain means minimal mercury and contaminant accumulation. Wild-caught herring is abundant and sustainably managed in most regions. Whether used as fresh herring or herring meal, it delivers complete protein, omega-3s, and micronutrients. Premium, species-specific ingredient.
Scientific Evidence
Function and Purpose
Primary Function: Whole fish protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Nutritional Profile and Composition
Herring (Clupea harengus or Clupea pallasii) is a small, oily fish from cold northern waters. Whole herring provides complete animal protein with excellent amino acid profile, along with substantial omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), B vitamins, selenium, and vitamin D. As a whole fish ingredient, it includes edible bones providing calcium and phosphorus.
Herring's high oil content (8-15% fat) makes it particularly valuable for omega-3 supplementation. These long-chain omega-3s support skin health, reduce inflammation, promote cardiovascular function, and aid cognitive development. Herring contains about 20-25% protein on a fresh weight basis, though moisture content is about 65-70%.
Efficacy and Research
Fresh or whole herring is a highly bioavailable protein source with digestibility typically exceeding 85%. The omega-3 fatty acids are in readily absorbed triglyceride form. However, the high moisture content means fresh herring constitutes a smaller proportion of the final dry product than its position on the ingredient panel suggests.
Sustainability varies by fishery, with North Atlantic and Pacific herring stocks generally well-managed. Herring is lower on the food chain than predatory fish, resulting in lower mercury and contaminant levels. For dogs, herring provides both protein nutrition and anti-inflammatory omega-3 benefits in a single ingredient.
Strong - Excellent protein source with well-documented nutritional benefits; sustainability depends on sourcing
Manufacturing & Real-World Usage
Wild-Caught Sourcing & Fishery Management
Herring used in pet food comes almost exclusively from wild-caught fisheries rather than farmed sources, as herring aquaculture is not commercially viable at scale. Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) is caught primarily in North Atlantic fisheries off Norway, Iceland, Canada, and Scotland, while Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) comes from Alaska, Canada, and Pacific Northwest fisheries. Most herring fisheries are well-managed with MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification available, indicating sustainable catch limits and ecosystem monitoring. Herring is a short-lived, fast-reproducing species lower on the food chain than predatory fish like tuna or swordfish, resulting in significantly lower mercury and heavy metal accumulation—typically 10-20 times lower mercury levels than large predatory fish. Fresh whole herring for pet food processing typically costs $0.40-$0.90 per pound wholesale depending on market conditions, catch volumes, and oil content, making it economical compared to salmon ($1.50-$3.00/lb) while offering comparable omega-3 benefits. Quality manufacturers source herring from MSC-certified fisheries and specify origin (North Atlantic, Pacific, etc.) for transparency, though many simply list "herring" without geographic specification.
Processing Methods & Omega-3 Retention
Herring appears in pet food in several forms with different processing impacts. Fresh or frozen whole herring maintains maximum omega-3 content (about 1.5-2.5g combined EPA/DHA per 100g whole fish) but contains 65-70% moisture, requiring significant inclusion rates to deliver meaningful protein and omega-3s. Herring meal, produced by cooking herring at 180-240°F, pressing to remove oil and moisture, then drying and grinding, concentrates protein to 60-72% and maintains substantial omega-3 content (though lower than whole herring due to oil removal during pressing). The separated herring oil contains concentrated omega-3s (15-25% combined EPA/DHA by weight) and is often added back to formulas or sold separately as supplements. Processing temperatures matter—excessive heat (above 250°F) or prolonged cooking degrades omega-3 fatty acids and can create oxidized fats, so quality manufacturers use controlled low-temperature processing. Herring's naturally high oil content (8-15% fat in whole fish) makes it prone to rancidity, requiring preservation with natural antioxidants like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) immediately after processing to prevent oxidation during storage and distribution.
Formulation Economics & Inclusion Rates
Pet food manufacturers typically include herring or herring meal at 8-20% of total formula weight in fish-based recipes, balancing omega-3 delivery with cost management. Fresh herring may appear prominently on ingredient lists (positions 1-3) due to pre-cooking weight including 65-70% moisture, but contributes less protein post-cooking than herring meal listed in positions 3-6. Premium formulas targeting skin, coat, and joint health often combine fresh herring (for palatability and marketing appeal) with herring meal (for concentrated protein) and added herring oil (for maximum omega-3 content), achieving guaranteed analysis omega-3 levels of 0.5-1.5% or higher. The inclusion rate depends on formulation goals—formulas emphasizing omega-3 benefits use 15-25% herring sources, while those using herring as protein variety may include 5-12%. Herring's strong flavor is highly palatable to most dogs, though some finicky eaters may prefer milder fish like whitefish. Cost considerations make herring more economical than salmon for delivering omega-3s, allowing mid-tier brands to offer fish-based formulas with genuine anti-inflammatory benefits at retail prices of $3.00-$5.00 per pound compared to $5.00-$8.00 for comparable salmon formulas.
Label Guidance
How It Appears on Labels
This ingredient may be listed on pet food labels as:
- herring
- whole herring
- fresh herring
- herring fish
Positioning and Context
Premium ingredient typically in top 5 positions of high-quality formulas, particularly grain-free and limited ingredient diets
Quality Indicators
Signs of quality sourcing and use:
- Whole or fresh herring (includes organs and bones)
- Species specified (Atlantic or Pacific herring)
- Sustainably sourced certification (MSC certified)
- Human-grade designation
Red Flags
Potential concerns to watch for:
- Generic 'herring' without freshness qualifier (may be meal)
- No sustainability information
- Position suggests minimal contribution after moisture removal
- Combined with multiple other fish without clear rationale
Herring is one of the absolute best fish-based proteins available. It rivals or exceeds salmon in omega-3 content, with the added benefit of being a smaller fish with lower contaminant risk. The built-in EPA and DHA support heart, brain, joint, and skin health without requiring additional fish oil. Wild-caught, sustainable, and named—everything we want in a fish protein. Whether listed as herring, herring meal, or dehydrated herring, this is a top-tier ingredient that adds serious nutritional value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is herring better than salmon for dogs?
Herring is comparable to salmon nutritionally and arguably superior in some ways. Both are oily fish rich in omega-3s. Herring typically has slightly higher omega-3 content per serving. Herring is also smaller and lower on the food chain, meaning less mercury accumulation (10-20x lower than large predatory fish). Herring is often more sustainably sourced and less expensive than salmon while delivering similar benefits.
Does herring have mercury concerns?
No—herring is one of the lowest-mercury fish available. As a small, short-lived fish low on the food chain, herring doesn't accumulate mercury like large predatory fish (tuna, swordfish). Mercury levels in herring are typically 10-20x lower than in large fish. This makes herring safe for regular consumption in dog food, even at high inclusion rates.
Why does herring smell so strong?
Herring's strong smell comes from its high oil content (9-13% fat). The omega-3 fatty acids oxidize quickly when exposed to air, creating that characteristic fishy smell. This is actually a sign of nutritional value—the oils that smell are the same omega-3s that benefit skin, coat, and joints. Dogs typically love the smell, even if humans find it pungent.
Related Reading
Learn more: Protein for Dogs: Requirements, Quality & Best Sources · Best Supplements for Dog Skin & Coat Health
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