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Best Fish Dog Food Australia

Pawkeen editorial team | Reviewed by Hazel, BVSc | April 2026

Fish-based dog food has two distinct advantages over land-animal proteins: it is a rich source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids (critical for skin, coat, joint, and brain health), and it serves as a novel protein for dogs with sensitivities to chicken or beef. This guide covers all fish protein types available in Australian dog food and ranks the best products by species.

THE FISH HIERARCHY: WHICH SPECIES ARE BEST

HIGHEST OMEGA-3:

  1. Sardine and anchovy — highest EPA+DHA per gram of any commonly used fish in dog food
  2. Mackerel — very high omega-3, sustainable, excellent flavour
  3. Herring — high omega-3, cold-water fish
  4. Salmon — well-known omega-3 source, slightly lower than sardine per gram
  5. Whiting/Barramundi — lean white fish, lower omega-3 but excellent protein source

NOVEL PROTEIN FOR ALLERGIES (fish dogs haven’t been exposed to): Any fish species not previously in your dog’s diet works as a novel protein. If your dog has always eaten chicken, almost any fish is novel.

TOP FISH DOG FOODS RANKED

1

Orijen Six Fish

9.1/10
PRICE: ~$38/kg

Fish species: 6 wild-caught (mackerel, herring, flounder, redfish, monkfish, silver hake) | 85% animal ingredients | Price: ~$38/kg
Why: Highest omega-3 content of any commercial dog food in Australia. Multiple fish species provide diverse omega-3 profile.

2

Black Hawk Grain Free Salmon & Ocean Fish

8.7/10
PRICE: ~$14/kg

Species: Salmon + ocean fish | Price: ~$14/kg | Made in Australia
Why: Good omega-3, Australian-made, excellent value for quality. Widely available.

3

Ziwi Peak Mackerel & Lamb Air-Dried

8.8/10
PRICE: ~$45/kg

Species: Mackerel (high omega-3) | Price: ~$45/kg | Air-dried format
Why: Highest omega-3 per serving of any AU mainstream product. Exceptional quality.

4

Advance Adult Sensitive Skin & Coat (Salmon)

7.2/10
PRICE: ~$12/kg

Price: ~$12/kg | Good palat. | Widely available

5

Petzyo Salmon & Ocean Fish (wet range)

8.0/10

Good for encouraging water intake alongside dry food.

6

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Named fish species (salmon, not ‘ocean fish’), fish as first or second ingredient, omega-3 listed in guaranteed analysis.

OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENTATION: DO YOU NEED A FISH-BASED FOOD?

If your primary goal is omega-3 supplementation, adding fish oil capsules to any quality dry food is often more cost-effective and flexible than switching to a fish-based food:

  • Fish oil (sardine/anchovy oil): 1000mg per 10kg body weight daily
  • Nordic Naturals, Zesty Paws, or pharmaceutical grade options available AU
  • This approach separates the protein choice from the omega-3 goal

FAQ

Is fish good for dogs with itchy skin?

Yes — EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids from fish have proven anti-inflammatory effects that reduce inflammatory skin conditions. Fish-based food or fish oil supplementation is one of the most evidence-backed dietary interventions for dogs with atopic dermatitis or environmental allergies.

Can dogs eat fish every day?

Yes — commercial fish-based dog food is nutritionally balanced for daily feeding. If using fresh fish as supplemental food (not commercial), limit raw fish (Salmon Poisoning Disease risk), remove all bones, and avoid high-mercury species (swordfish, large tuna).

What is the best fish for dogs?

Sardines and anchovies provide the highest omega-3 content. Salmon provides good omega-3 and is readily available in Australian commercial dog food. For novel protein purposes, any fish species your dog hasn’t previously eaten is appropriate.