Icelandic+ Herring Whole Fish Dog Treat

The Verdict

The problem with most “single-ingredient” dog treats is that they’re a marketing story. You flip the bag over and find “chicken” followed by “chicken broth, salt, natural flavor, potassium sorbate.” The Icelandic+ Herring Whole Fish Dog Treat is not that product. This is genuinely one ingredient — wild-caught Icelandic herring, freeze-dried whole. That’s it. If you’re a label reader who’s been burned by misleading pet food claims, this one actually delivers.

What You Actually Get

The bag contains freeze-dried whole herring — not fillets, not fish meal, not “fish-flavored” anything. The fish are small enough that each piece is roughly the size of a large sardine. The freeze-drying process locks in the natural oils and nutrients while removing moisture, which means you get a shelf-stable treat without artificial preservatives.

As shown in the product image, the pieces have a pale, flaky appearance — they look like actual dried fish rather than processed kibble. The texture is notably soft and crumbly, which matters more than you’d think. You can snap these into tiny training bits without a fight, and even small-breed puppies or senior dogs with dental issues can manage them. The 3.3-ounce bag looks modest, but because the treats are lightweight and you’ll likely break them into smaller pieces, it goes further than you’d expect.

Real-World Performance

My test panel was two dogs: a picky golden retriever who turns her nose up at most freeze-dried liver, and a beagle mix who’d eat rocks if you told her they were chicken. The golden went for these immediately — the fish smell is present but not the overpowering, stinky-fish odor you get with some brands. The beagle, unsurprisingly, also approved.

The standout feature here is the nutritional value. Herring is one of the most omega-3-dense fish available, and because the whole fish is preserved — including the bones and organs — you’re getting natural calcium, vitamin D, and taurine. This makes them a solid choice for dogs on raw or homemade diets where you need to supplement nutrients beyond just muscle meat.

Customer feedback consistently echoes this. One reviewer noted, “My dog has a chicken allergy and this is one of the only treats we’ve found that doesn’t trigger her. She goes crazy for them.” Another praised the ingredient list: “Finally, a treat I can read the label and actually understand every word.”

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. First, the price point is steep. Per ounce, you’re paying significantly more than you would for standard jerky strips or biscuits. If you’re using these as a daily training reward, you’ll burn through the bag quickly — and your wallet will feel it.

Second, this is a fish product, and fish allergies are real. If your dog has shown sensitivity to salmon or whitefish, skip these. Also, if your dog is on a low-purine diet due to conditions like bladder stones, fish is naturally higher in purines than poultry or beef.

Finally, while the smell is mild compared to other fish treats, it’s still unmistakably fishy. If you’re someone who’s sensitive to odors, you may want to keep these stored in an airtight container rather than leaving them loose in your treat jar.

Who Should Buy These

These treats are ideal for health-conscious pet owners who prioritize ingredient quality over cost. They’re particularly well-suited for:

• Dogs with food sensitivities — the single-protein, single-ingredient formula eliminates guessing games
• Puppies and senior dogs — the soft, crumbly texture is easy on teeth and gums
• Raw-fed dogs — natural omega-3s and organ nutrients complement a raw diet
• Training scenarios — the breakable texture makes portion control simple

FAQ

Q: Can these be used as a complete meal replacement? A: No. These are treats, not a balanced diet. They lack the ratios of calcium-to-phosphorus and other nutrients needed for complete nutrition. Offer as a supplement, not a substitute.

Q: Are these safe for small dogs and puppies? A: Yes, but break them into smaller pieces. The freeze-dried texture is soft, but small dogs should still be supervised with any treat to ensure they chew rather than swallow whole.

Q: How should I store them after opening? A: Keep the bag sealed in a cool, dry place. While freeze-dried products don’t require refrigeration, moisture is the enemy — consider transferring to an airtight container if your home is humid.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a genuinely single-ingredient, nutrient-dense treat and don’t mind paying a premium for quality. This is one of the cleanest options on the market, backed by a 4.7-star rating across 235 reviews for good reason.

Skip it if your dog has a fish allergy, you’re on a tight budget, or you need a treat that fills a dog up — these are more of a functional supplement than a satisfying chew.

Rating: 4.6/5 — deducted half a star for the price point and the fish-allergy limitation. For what it is — a pure, wild-caught, freeze-dried whole fish treat — it’s hard to beat.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.