Bonito for Bow-Wows: Is This Fishy Treat Safe for Your Pup?

If you're anything like us at Salty Dog Treats, your pup isn't just a pet—he's family. And when it comes to feeding the family, we don’t mess around. We read labels. We ask questions. We sniff around (sometimes literally). So when Bonito treats started gaining attention, we knew it was time to talk about them.

Is this flaky fish snack really safe for our dogs? Is it merely a fad, or can it be healthy?

Let’s chat about it.

What Even Is Bonito?

Bonito is a type of fish. It belongs to the same family as mackerel and tuna. It has a strong smell that dogs absolutely love. In the pet world, it’s often turned into light flakes or chewy Bonito cubes. These sweets are low in fat and high in protein. Win-win, right?

But still, you might wonder...

Is Bonito Fish Good for Dogs?

Short answer? Yes.
Let’s break it down like a conversation at the dog park.

Why Bonito Fish Can Be a Smart Treat Choice:

• It’s a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. These support healthy skin, glossy coats, and cognitive function.
  

• It’s high in protein. Dogs need protein to stay strong.
  

• It’s low in calories. You can treat your pup without adding weight.
  

• It’s easy to chew. Even older dogs can enjoy it.
  

So if you’re asking, “Is Bonito fish good for dogs?”, the answer is: Yes, when it’s pure and fed in moderation.

Are There Any Bonito Cubes for Dogs Side Effects?

Like with all treats, too much can be a problem.
Bonito cubes are safe, but let’s talk about what to look out for.

Things You Should Know:

• Too much protein can upset a dog’s stomach, especially for small pups.
  

• Some dogs may have fish allergies. Signs include itching or upset tummy. If that happens, stop feeding it and talk to your vet.

• Overfeeding fish might lead to too much mercury over time. This is rare but worth asking your vet if you feed fish often.
  

So, while Bonito cubes for dogs side effects are usually not serious, it’s best to feed them as an occasional snack—not a full meal.

What Do Other Pet Parents Say?

Let’s be honest. Before trying new treats, we check the reviews.

And the Bonito cubes for dogs reviews are pretty great.

Here’s what other dog parents are saying:

• “My picky eater finally found something he likes.”
  

• “She goes nuts when I grab the bag!”
  

• “It’s the only treat my dog takes without sniffing first!”
  

You can read more of our Bonito Treat reviews here. Real dogs. Real humans. Real feedback.

What Makes Our Bonito Treats Different?

At Salty Dog Treats, we picked the name for fun—but we don’t add any salt.
Seriously. None.

We use only one ingredient: freeze-dried, wild-caught Bonito from clean U.S. waters.
No fillers. No preservatives. No fake colors.

That means:

• Safer for sensitive bellies
  

• No added sodium
  

• Nothing weird or fake
  

That’s how treats should be, right?

How to Feed Bonito Treats Safely

You don’t need to overthink it. Bonito treats are simple.

Here’s how to feed them safely:

• Keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily food
  

• Use as rewards or food toppers
  

• Store in a dry, cool place
  

If your dog is under 20 lbs, try 1–2 cubes a day.
Big pups? Maybe 3–5.

And yes, always offer fresh water with treats.

Need help figuring out how much to feed? This simple dog treat feeding chart can help.

Who Should Not Eat Bonito?

Most dogs do great with Bonito. But not all.

Avoid Bonito if:

• Your pup has a fish allergy
  

• Your vet says to avoid high-protein diets
  

• Your dog has kidney issues or is on a low-purine plan
  

If you’re not sure, always check with your vet before adding something new. Better safe than sorry.

Fun Ways to Use Bonito Treats

Bonito isn’t just for tossing into a bowl.
Here are some fun ways to use Bonito cubes:

• Training treats – Break them into small pieces
  

• Food toppers – Sprinkle flakes on dry food
  

• Kong fillers – Use them with a little peanut butter
  

• Snuffle mat stuffing – Make treat time a game
  

• DIY dog recipes – Add them into frozen pupsicles or baked bites
  

Want an easy recipe? We’ve got some DIY treat ideas on our blog coming soon!

Is Bonito a Better Choice for the Planet?

Yes. Fish-based treats like Bonito are often more sustainable than meat-based treats.

Why?

• They need less water and land
  

• There’s less greenhouse gas from fishing than from farming animals
  

• Wild-caught fish don’t require feed or antibiotics
  

Groups like the Marine Stewardship Council even help track and support responsible fishing.

So when you pick Bonito, you’re making a better choice for the planet, too.

Quick Reminder: Read Your Labels

Not all Bonito treats are the same.

Some brands add:

• Salt
  

• Preservatives
  

• Low-quality fish
  

At Salty Dog Treats, we keep it clean. Our fish is:

• Wild-caught in the U.S.
  

• Freeze-dried for freshness
  

• Free of fillers or weird ingredients
  

It’s just fish. That’s it.

Quick Recap

Still wondering, “Is Bonito fish good for dogs?” Let’s sum it up.

Here's What You Need to Know:

• Yes, Bonito is great for dogs—when fed in small amounts.
  

• It’s full of protein and omega-3s.
  

• Bonito cubes for dogs side effects are rare but possible in large amounts or for sensitive dogs.
  

• Bonito cubes for dogs reviews are paws-itively glowing.
  

• Stick with one-ingredient treats like ours for the safest choice.
  

Join Our Pack

We’re not a big company. We’re a small team of dog lovers who care about quality, safety, and belly rubs.

Got questions? Want to send a photo of your dog trying our treats?
Reach out to us on Instagram or use our contact form.

We’d love to hear from you.

Try Bonito Treats Today

Want your pup to try the fishy snack they’ll beg for again and again?

Check out our Bonito Treats collection.
We pack every bag with love—and only one ingredient.

P.S. If your dog loves our treats, leave us a review!
We read every single one, and they help other pet parents feel confident, too.