TailVilleWhy
Anchovies are eaten bones and all, so they're rich in calcium and protein and popular as pet treats. Human dried anchovies are boiled in brine before drying, though, so they're salty enough to cause thirst, stomach upset or even salt poisoning in quantity. Their high mineral content calls for caution in pets with kidney disease or stones. Stir-fried anchovies (myeolchi-bokkeum) contain sugar, soy sauce and oil and shouldn't be shared.
How to give it / if eaten
Use unsalted pet anchovies, or remove the heads and guts from human ones and soak them for at least 30 minutes, rinsing two or three times. One or two a day for cats and small dogs and a few for large dogs is enough. If your pet has kidney disease or stones, check with your vet first.
Watch for these signs
After a lot of salty anchovies: extreme thirst, frequent urination, vomiting and diarrhea; very large amounts can cause salt poisoning with wobbliness, tremors or seizures.
FAQ
My dog tore open a bag of large soup anchovies.
A large amount carries a salt poisoning risk. Let your dog drink water and call your vet right away. Don't induce vomiting.
Does feeding anchovies give cats stones?
Anchovies don't directly cause stones, but their minerals and salt make them a poor choice for cats with stones or kidney disease. Even healthy cats should have them only occasionally.
General information only. Weight, age and health conditions change how a pet reacts, so ask your vet if you are worried.