The Rundown
Best Overall: Zignature Limited Ingredient Whitefish Formula
“Zignature Limited Ingredient Whitefish Formula contains good protein and fat levels that are ideal for all breeds, sizes and ages. It has wholesome ingredients that help avoid allergens.”
Best For Active Dogs: Wellness Core Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
“Wellness Core Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has multiple fish-based protein sources, contributing to high protein and fat levels. This kibble is perfect for active dogs.”
Best Treat With Whitefish: Earthborn Holistic Whitefish Recipe
“Earthborn Holistic Whitefish Recipe has great ingredients and nutrients including high protein and low calories. You can give your pup a little more treat daily without being worried about his calorie in-take.”
Although some pup parents might think fish is a “cat flavour”, it’s really one of the best protein sources you can feed your dog.
It fulfills more than one function in a dog food – it’s a great protein, and it’s also an unrivaled source of healthy fats and oils. It also tends to be quite tasty and has fewer reported allergies or intolerances than beef or chicken.
Salmon can be an expensive choice of fish, so here we’ll be reviewing the best dog food with whitefish.




Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- 10 Best Dog Food With Whitefish
- 1. Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Whitefish Formula
- 2. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Ocean Whitefish, Herring, & Salmon
- 3. Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free Whitefish Recipe Dog Treats
- 4. SPORTMiX Wholesomes White Fish Meal & Chickpea Formula
- 5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish & Oatmeal
- 6. Purina Beyond Ocean Whitefish, Salmon, & Sweet Potato Canned Dog Food
- 7. Wellness Complete Health Adult Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe
- 8. Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage
- 9. Diamond Naturals Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe
- 10. Canidae Under The Sun Whitefish Recipe
- 1. Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Whitefish Formula
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
10 Best Dog Food With Whitefish
1. Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Whitefish Formula
Premium Option: Very good protein and fat levels
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy.com
PROS
- Contains whitefish and whitefish meal – a double dose of a single protein source
- Very good protein and fat levels for all breeds, sizes, and ages
- Avoids poultry, potatoes, and other common allergy ingredients
- The vegetables included have great antioxidant properties and add some fiber
CONS
- Slightly pricey
Although this is a limited ingredient formula, the quality of the ingredients is super and will have a positive effect on your dog’s health and wellbeing. A single source of protein and two sources of carbohydrates make this packed with nutrients, yet still relatively simple and easy to digest. It’s grain-free, contains no artificial stuff, and also makes sure to avoid common allergens such as chicken and potato, which can sneak into other foods lower down the list. This food is high-quality and your pup will enjoy the taste and health benefits it brings.
click to see more
2. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Ocean Whitefish, Herring, & Salmon
Best For Active Dogs: Great nutrient levels for active dogs
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy.com
PROS
- Multiple fish-based protein sources, contributing to high protein and fat levels
- Great nutrient levels for active dogs
- No hidden poultry ingredients
- Suitable for most dogs, regardless of breed or life stage
CONS
- One of the more pricey foods
This food is super for active dogs as the protein count is high, the fat content is good and it contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
click to see more
3. Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free Whitefish Recipe Dog Treats
Best Treat With Whitefish: High in protein and low in calories
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy.com
PROS
- High in protein and low in calories
- Good Omega fatty acid levels for a treat
- Packed with wholesome ingredients
- Grain and gluten-free
CONS
- May have a strong fishy smell
Dogs need treats. Whether you’re using them for training purposes or just to give your pup something nice when he’s a good boy, a great quality treat is an essential thing to have around the house. These little bites are made of good stuff, and contain a nice amount of protein while containing very few calories. They’re suitable for giving to your pup between meals as a tasty morsel.
click to see more
4. SPORTMiX Wholesomes White Fish Meal & Chickpea Formula
Best Value For Money: Great quality for its price
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy.com
PROS
- Extremely easy to digest, thanks to fish meal and wholesome carbs
- Good, balanced levels of Omega fatty acids to give your pup’s coat a shine
- Selection of fruits give a nice splash of antioxidants
- Free from any poultry ingredients
CONS
- Lower in protein than some, so may not be suitable for all dogs
It can be hard to find top quality dog foods at low prices, and even harder when you’re looking for a very specific ingredient such as whitefish. SPORTMiX isn’t the most well-known brand, but this offering ticks all the boxes for our Value For Money pick – it’s high quality, contains nothing but wholesome ingredients, is easy for your pooch to digest, and is quite affordable. For pet parents who want to feed their dog a high-quality, whitefish-focused meal without bankrupting the family, this is a great option.
click to see more
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish & Oatmeal
Best With Grains: Contains healthy grains
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy.com
PROS
- Whitefish is the first ingredient on the list
- Contains healthy grains, which are easily digestible
- High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for keeping joints strong
- Contains L-carnitine, which helps manage weight and metabolism
CONS
- This food is quite low in protein, which may not suit some dogs (but on the other hand, would also be a good option for pups who need a low-protein diet)
Blue Buffalo has some great food options and this is their whitefish flavoured food. It’s quite low in protein, so would be best suited to dogs who need a low-protein diet. It contains whole whitefish as the first ingredient, followed up by wholesome grains, garden veggies, and antioxidant-rich fruits. The real draw of this food is the added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These come in the form of LifeSource Bits – Blue Buffalo’s own special formula to give your pup a boost.
click to see more
6. Purina Beyond Ocean Whitefish, Salmon, & Sweet Potato Canned Dog Food
Best Wet Food With Whitefish: Contains no carrageenan
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy.com
PROS
- Contains no carrageenan, which is a low-quality canned food thickener
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains a variety of protein sources
- Plenty of chelated minerals
CONS
- Contains chicken ingredients, so may not be suitable for all dogs
Ocean whitefish is first up on the list here, which is a super source of both protein and fats. Although canned foods don’t usually mention the levels of Omega fatty acids on their packaging, you can be sure this one has more of it than others, due to the fish content.
click to see more
7. Wellness Complete Health Adult Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe
Best Low-Protein Food: For dogs on a low-protein diet
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy.com
PROS
- Perfect for dogs on a low-protein diet
- Good fat level for a low-protein food
- Added vitamin A & E
- Naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols
CONS
- Slightly lower Omega fatty acids than others
- Contains potatoes, which may not agree with some pups
If your dog shows signs such as dehydration, lethargy, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and loss of appetite, they may be suffering from kidney disease. This can only be diagnosed by a vet, and it’s likely that he will recommend a low-protein diet. Kidneys play a very active role in metabolising protein, so a food that is lower in protein gives them a bit of a break. This kibble is made from healthy, wholesome ingredients, and has a decent fat level even though the protein is low, which means your pooch will still have plenty of easy-to-metabolise stuff for energy.
click to see more
8. Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage
Best For Puppies: For energetic puppies
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy.com
PROS
- Good protein and fat levels for an energetic puppy
- The calcium/phosphorus ratio is great for building healthy bones
- Contains DHA to help your puppy’s brain develop
- Great Omega fatty acid levels to give your pooch a shiny coat from the start
CONS
- Whitefish is not the main protein source
- Contains chicken, which may not agree with all puppies
- This food doesn’t contain glucosamine – you will need to add an extra supplement to your puppy’s diet if they are one who would benefit from glucosamine
It’s not the easiest job to find a whitefish-flavoured food for puppies, and this one contains two different proteins with whitefish being a little further down the list. If you specifically want a food that is aimed at puppies that contains only whitefish, maybe you’ll have better luck than we did finding one – or, you can make your own. This food does contain most of what’s needed for a growing puppy to thrive – it’s just missing glucosamine, but that can easily be added in supplement form.
click to see more
9. Diamond Naturals Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe
Best For Seniors: Great for keeping older pets’ brains sharp
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy.com
PROS
- Contains DHA, which is great for keeping older pets’ brains sharp
- Great quality ingredients and fairly limited ingredient
- Lower in calories than many others, which helps when your older pet is burning fewer calories during their day
- Good levels of Omega fatty acids
CONS
- “Fish meal” is a little vague
- Doesn’t contain glucosamine, so you may need to supplement with chews
This food, although it doesn’t specify that it’s aimed at seniors, contains all the nutrients in all the right amounts for an older guy or girl. The only thing it’s missing is a joint supplement – you will have to get one separately for your pup. If, however, you want to feed your senior pooch a whitefish-flavoured food specifically, this one is a super option.
click to see more
10. Canidae Under The Sun Whitefish Recipe
Best Limited Ingredient: Still contains wholesome ingredients
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy.com
PROS
- Limited ingredient but still contains wholesome ingredients
- Good protein and fat counts for dogs of most life stages
- No chicken, red meat, or grains
CONS
- Lower in Omega fatty acids than others
- A little on the pricey side
A limited ingredient food is never a bad idea, as long as the nutrients are where they should be for your pup. Whitefish is the only protein in this food (in two different forms), and there’s a multitude of good carbs that will provide both slow-burning energy and a dose of antioxidants and vitamins and minerals.
click to see more
Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria 1 – Protein (Whitefish) Level & Quality
This is, naturally, an important part of choosing the best dog food with whitefish. Some of these foods will contain whitefish, some have whitefish meal, but all of them should have their whitefish ingredient first on the list, or near the beginning of the list.
The protein level will depend on what the food is best for – a protein level for seniors will be a little different to that for puppies, as an example. We’ve only reviewed foods that we believe have an appropriate protein count for the pup they’re aimed at, and of course, have whitefish as their main protein source.
It may be that the dog food contains more than one protein source. This isn’t a problem at all, but whitefish should definitely up near the top of the ingredient list, if not the very first ingredient on the list.
Criteria 2 – Healthy Carbohydrates
As much as quality protein source is crucial, it’s just as essential that it is backed up by healthy carbohydrates that are easy for your pup’s digestive system to handle. Some breeds are more prone to fussy tummies than others, but no matter what dog you have it’s worth making sure they’re getting good carbs in, as these will be used to give them sustained energy.
We’re looking at things like fruits, vegetables, and grains that contain no gluten (rice, barley, sorghum, millet, oats and oatmeal). Potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, and chickpeas are often used as the primary carb sources in high-quality foods, and are good things to see on the list. Fruits usually come in lower down, along with some extra veggies, and add a nice dose of antioxidants and vitamins. We’ve made sure only the good quality stuff finds its way onto this list.
Criteria 3 – Omega Fatty Acid Levels
One of the bonuses of having fish as the main protein source is that they’re generally loaded with healthy fats and oils. These do great things for your pup’s skin and coat, keeping them hydrated, moisturised, and soft.
The level of Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids in a dog food depends on the quality of the sources. We’ve made sure all the foods we’ve reviewed here are high in Omega fatty acids, so your pup will get a skin and fur boost as well as some digestive help.
Many of these foods have extra fat and oil sources added on top of the fish, which is great. As long as they are identified and not labelled vaguely, such as “animal fat”, then it’s good to go.
Criteria 4 Added Probiotics, Vitamins, & Minerals
It’s always a good idea to feed your pet a kibble that is not only loaded with premium quality ingredients, but has some extra health-promoting stuff added. All good protein and carbohydrate sources will contain nutrients that are essential to your dog’s wellbeing, but added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics will help even more.
A guaranteed analysis list will usually show extra vitamins added, and most dog foods that add probiotics will specify it on their packaging. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that keep your pet’s digestive system healthy and running smoothly. Other things that we’ve considered under this category include things like glucosamine and chondroitin, L-carnitine, taurine, and anything else that’s found as extras on the guaranteed analysis list.
Criteria 5 – Affordability
Some of the foods we’ve reviewed can be considered quite expensive, but they are of the highest quality and are quite worth the buy. The fact is, though, that not all of us can afford these foods on a monthly basis for our pups, no matter how much we want to feed them the healthiest thing possible.
Thankfully, there are plenty of great quality dog foods out there that won’t burn a whole in your pocket. We’ve specified a particular food as our Best Value For Money option, but we’ve also given every food here a rating based on how affordable they are to the average dog parent. The good news is that there’s something for every dog and every human here – you’ll be able to find something that suits your pup’s taste and your wallet too.
Questions & Answers

What exactly is whitefish?
This can be a bit of a confusing one, as “whitefish” doesn’t actually refer to one fish species in particular. It’s more a collective term for a variety of bottom-dwelling fish with white flesh, so while it’s a decent quality fish to see on a dog food label, there could be any number of different species of fish in it.
Whitefish can contain haddock, hake, cod, and pollock, as well as various other species. It is a distinctly separate type of fish from the oily fish types, though, such as salmon. Although it’s slightly less oily, it still contains plenty of good stuff and is a more affordable alternative to salmon, which gives it a thumbs up.

What makes whitefish a better option than other fish?
Although whitefish is a fairly general term and it’s hard to tell exactly what species are in it, it’s nevertheless still packed with protein and healthy fats and oils. It’s generally low in saturated fat (the bad kind), and contains vitamins and minerals such as niacin, selenium, and vitamins B6 and B12.
It’s also a good option for pets who tend to suffer from food allergies and intolerances. While it can’t be said that there are no dogs who will react badly to it, fish is one of the proteins that has the fewest reported allergies and developed intolerances. Be careful, though – many dog foods that are advertised as whitefish flavour contain sneaky chicken or beef ingredients (such as chicken fat), so you’ll need to check them out before buying if your pooch does have intolerances.
Whitefish also seems to be particularly tasty to dogs, perhaps because of the variety of different fish it contains. All in all, it’s a healthy, protein and healthy-fat-packed, tasty, and affordable option. While salmon is a super protein source, it can often be quite a bit more pricey than whitefish, so this is a fantastic alternative for those pet parents who want to feed their pooch fish but can’t justify the cost of salmon.

What else should I look for in the best dog food with whitefish?
If you’re choosing a whitefish flavoured dog food for your pet, you’ll need to check out some of the other things in the food to make sure you’re getting something healthy, easily digestible and worth the buy.
Other protein sources in addition to whitefish are totally fine, and should be whole, named animal sources. Whitefish should be the prominent protein, though, but it’s not a problem to have mixed proteins, as long as your pup isn’t sensitive to them.
Carbohydrates are necessary to give your dog sustained energy throughout the day. They should consist of gluten-free grains (no wheat, corn, or soy here), and fruits and vegetables. Starchy vegetables and legumes are the best kinds as they are fairly slow-burning. These also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are great health-boosting elements. High levels of Omega fatty acids are also essential.
Chelated minerals are great to see as they’ll assist your pup with digestion. Depending on your pet’s needs, things like glucosamine, chondroitin, and L-carnitine can be wonderful additions.

What are some benefits of feeding my dog fish instead of other protein sources?
Fish is a fantastic protein source as it’s essentially two in one – protein and healthy fats in one little fishy package. This makes it a superb protein option as it requires fewer other ingredients to be added to bring up the protein and fat contents.
Fish is highly nutritious, flavourful, and on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to food allergies and intolerances. Chicken and beef are two of the most common allergy culprits, so avoiding those can help your pup’s nutrition by quite a bit.

Are there any risks of choosing fish over other meat?
Some concerns have been raised about the levels of heavy metals in fish. The good news is that most fish that have any significant levels of heavy metals in them are “long-lived’ fish, such as tuna and swordfish, most of which are not included in the “whitefish” label.
Short-lived fish (which are found in whitefish) very rarely have any measurable amounts of heavy metals in them, and so wouldn’t present any kind of problem to your pet’s system. Of course, every dog reacts differently, so if you’re switching your pet over to a seafood flavour for the first time, be aware of how he reacts to it.
Most likely, though, the biggest thing you’ll need to watch out for here is a serious case of fish-breath!