Ever paused at the fish counter and wondered why some herrings are called “regular” and others “Baltic”? It’s not just marketing; there’s a real difference — and it matters, especially if you care about where your fish (or your pet’s treats) come from. Understanding those differences can help you make informed choices for nutrition, flavor, and sustainability.
In this post, we’ll explore how a typical herring compares to a Baltic herring — what makes them different biologically, environmentally, and nutritionally, and why, for pet owners and treat-makers like us at Plato Pet Treats, it’s important to pay attention to those distinctions when selecting fish for wholesome, high-quality treats for your furry friend.
What Exactly Is a “Herring”?
The word “herring” commonly refers to species like Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) — a small, oily schooling fish, silver-sided with a bluish back, built for life cruising the open ocean in large schools. Adults often reach 20–35 cm in length and are among the most abundant fish worldwide.
These herrings spend their lives in oceanic waters, feeding primarily on zooplankton and small prey, and they form a vital part of marine food chains — serving as prey for larger fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. Their oily flesh, rich in omega-3s, makes them a nutritious choice — whether for human consumption or for raw-ingredient dog treats.
Meet Baltic Herring — Similar Roots, Different Life
Baltic herring is actually considered a subspecies of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus membras), but what sets it apart is the environment it calls home: the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea’s salinity is much lower than open ocean waters. Over generations, these herrings adapted to thrive in those conditions — and those adaptations affect their size, fat content, and even genetics.
As a result, Baltic herring tend to be significantly smaller than their oceanic cousins — often around 15 cm long, whereas Atlantic herring regularly reach double that. Their body is built for survival in lower-salinity, variable waters — not long migrations across the open Atlantic.
Why Size, Salinity & Diet Matter
Because Baltic herring live in brackish, sometimes challenging waters, their growth patterns and fat distribution differ from Atlantic herring. The lower salinity and different ecosystem pressures often result in slower growth, and smaller mature size. That compact size doesn’t mean less importance. On the contrary: Baltic herring plays a key role in its ecosystem, feeding on zooplankton (and in some particular sub-populations, even small fish), and serving as essential prey for predatory species like cod and salmon.
Interestingly, scientists have discovered that some Baltic herring populations have evolved to become more “fish-eating” instead of solely plankton-eating — showing a remarkable ecological adaptation to make the most of available food resources. This reveals that “herring” isn’t as uniform as many assume; environment shapes diet, behavior, and nutritional profile.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
Both Atlantic and Baltic herring are considered important forage fish, and in many regions they are managed through catch limits and monitoring to help keep populations stable. Because they grow relatively quickly and live in large schools, herrings can often be a more sustainable seafood choice than slower-growing, top-predator fish. For pet parents, choosing treats that rely on responsibly sourced small pelagic fish can be one way to support lower-impact seafood.
That said, environmental conditions in the Baltic Sea can change over time due to factors like nutrient run-off, climate shifts, and changing predator populations. This is why it matters that treat-makers partner with suppliers who follow regional regulations, monitor stocks, and prioritize long-term health of the fishery rather than short-term gains.
Implications for Taste, Nutrition, and Pet Treats
The differences between Atlantic and Baltic herring don’t just stop at biology — they influence taste, fat content, and culinary or pet-treat suitability. Baltic herring’s smaller size and different fat distribution affect its flavor and the concentration of oils like omega-3s. For humans, Baltic herring is often preserved — smoked, pickled, or salt-cured — and has been a staple in Northern European cuisines for centuries.
For our purposes at Plato Pet Treats, using Baltic herring — especially sustainably wild-caught Baltic herring — means we can offer dogs a lean, nutrient-dense fish treat rooted in tradition, full of natural oils, and perfectly sized for smaller mouths. The compact nature of Baltic herring can make it an ideal chew-size treat: easier for smaller or medium breeds to digest and enjoy compared to larger oceanic herring fillets.
How Baltic Herring Becomes a Dog-Friendly Treat
When Baltic herring is prepared specifically for pets, the focus is on simplicity and safety. Whole fish are cleaned, gently dried or air-dried, and packaged without heavy seasoning or added salt — very different from human snacks like pickled or heavily smoked herring. This process helps preserve the natural omega-3 oils and protein while removing excess moisture, resulting in a crunchy, shelf-stable treat that dogs instinctively enjoy.
Because these treats are made for pets, bones and texture are taken into account during the drying process. Always choose products formulated for animals rather than sharing seasoned or preserved human herring, which may contain added salt, spices, or other ingredients that aren’t ideal for dogs.
So Which Should You Choose: Herring or Baltic Herring?
If you’re after bigger fish with potentially richer fat content and traditional open-sea flavor, Atlantic herring (or generic “herring”) might be the go-to. But if you prefer smaller, leaner, brackish-water fish with a lighter footprint and a natural fit for smaller pets — Baltic herring offers a compelling alternative.
At Plato Pet Treats, we celebrate the unique virtues of Baltic herring. Our Wild Caught Baltic Herring treats deliver balanced nutrition, natural oils and proteins, and a wholesome, sustainably sourced fish option that traces back to ancient marine environments and cultural traditions of preservation. If your pup loves crunchy, fishy goodness — Baltic herring is one of the simplest, most instinctual ways to deliver it.
Final Thoughts for Pet Owners
Whether you’re browsing for fish treats or simply curious about your seafood, knowing the difference between a standard herring and a Baltic herring helps you make smarter choices. Baltic herring brings its own story — a fish shaped by brackish seas, adapted to survival, compact in size but rich in purpose. And for dogs, that means a treat that’s natural, flavorful, and in harmony with their wild instincts.
If you’re ready to give your furry companion a taste of tradition and nature, check out our Wild Caught Baltic Herring — a wholesome, single-ingredient treat straight from the sea to your dog’s bowl.
