Not all cod skin dog treats are created equal. The best options start with responsibly harvested, wild-caught cod, minimal processing, and a supply chain you can trust. Knowing where your dog’s treats come from and how they’re made can help you make a more informed choice.

According to Scott Sandvig, president of Alaskan Leader Seafoods, that journey begins in one of the world’s most pristine fisheries: the Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska. Alaskan Leader operates four freezer longline vessels that harvest wild Alaska cod before the fish is processed for both human and pet food products.

“We’re a fishing company first and foremost,” says Scott Sandvig. “We own and operate four freezer longline cod vessels that fish in the Bering Sea of Alaska.”

Unlike companies that purchase fish from multiple suppliers, Alaskan Leader oversees much of the journey, from harvesting the fish to processing it at its Seattle facility. That traceability helps ensure consistent quality and gives brands like Polkadog confidence in exactly where their cod skins originate.

From the fishing methods used to the way the fish is handled, every step influences quality. Here’s what to look for when choosing cod skin dog treats and why those details matter.

How to Choose High-Quality Cod Skin Dog Treats

Choosing a high-quality cod skin dog treat starts with asking a few important questions. Where does the fish come from? How is it caught? Is it minimally processed? Can the company trace the fish from the ocean to the finished product? Here are six things to look for:

Look for Responsibly Harvested, Wild-Caught Cod

The quality of a cod skin dog treat begins with where the fish comes from. Fish harvested from well-managed, wild fisheries offer greater transparency and give you confidence in the source.

As Scott Sandvig, president of Alaskan Leader Seafoods, explains, “We’re a fishing company first and foremost. We own and operate four freezer longline cod vessels that fish in the Bering Sea of Alaska.”

Learn How the Fish Is Harvested

Not all fishing methods are the same. Fish caught one at a time can be handled more carefully, helping preserve quality from the moment they’re brought aboard.

Scott Sandvig explains how Alaskan Leader’s hook-and-line fishing method supports quality. “Each fish comes on board one at a time, he reports. “Each fish comes aboard alive and in perfect condition.”

Choose Minimally Processed Treats

Less processing means the natural qualities of the cod skin remain the focus. Quality isn’t created later in production. It starts the moment the fish is harvested.

Keith Singleton, founder of Alaskan Leader Seafoods’ value-added division, puts it simply, “Quality begins at the rail.”

Look for Traceability

Knowing where your dog’s treats come from matters. Companies that oversee more of the journey can provide greater confidence in the consistency and origin of their products.

Scott Sandvig explains why that matters. “Polkadog is able to buy directly from the fishery, and you can’t get any more direct than Alaskan Leader.”

Consider the Company’s Commitment to Sustainability

Responsible fisheries work to protect the resource for future generations while making thoughtful use of every fish they harvest. Sustainable practices benefit the environment and help ensure healthy fisheries for years to come.

Scott Sandvig sums up Alaskan Leader’s philosophy this way: “We don’t want to be the ones catching the last fish.”

Choose a Brand That Prioritizes Quality

The best cod skin dog treats are backed by companies that focus on quality at every stage, from harvesting to processing. When quality is a guiding principle, it shows in the finished product.

Keith Singleton explains why quality starts long before the treat reaches your dog’s bowl: “If you don’t take care of it at the boat level, it’s not going to magically get better farther down the line.”

Why the Source of Your Dog’s Cod Skin Treats Matters

When shopping for cod skin dog treats, it’s human natuer to focus on the ingredient list. But where the cod comes from is just as important. The source of your dog’s cod skin can influence quality, freshness, sustainability, and traceability, giving you greater confidence in what you’re feeding your dog.

For Scott Sandvig, quality starts long before a cod skin becomes a dog treat.

“We’re a fishing company first and foremost,” Scott reports.” We own and operate four freezer longline cod vessels that fish in the Bering Sea of Alaska.”

Unlike companies that purchase fish from multiple suppliers, Alaskan Leader oversees much of the journey, from harvesting wild Alaska cod in the Bering Sea to processing it at its Seattle facility. That level of oversight helps ensure consistency and gives brands like Polkadog confidence in exactly where their cod skins originate.

The location itself also matters. The Bering Sea is recognized for its cold, pristine waters, providing an ideal environment for wild Alaska cod. As Sandvig explains, harvesting in this carefully managed fishery is the first step in delivering a high-quality ingredient from the ocean to your dog’s bowl.

Why the Way Cod is Harvested Matters

Not all fishing methods are the same. The way cod is harvested can affect everything from the condition of the fish to its freshness and the environmental impact of the fishery. For companies committed to producing high-quality cod skin dog treats, how the fish is caught is an important part of the process.

Scott Sandvig explains that all four of Alaskan Leader’s vessels use a hook-and-line fishing method, where each fish is caught individually rather than in large nets.

“All four of our boats use what we call a hook-and-line catch method,” Scott shares. “We deploy individually baited hooks off the stern of the vessel on one continuous ground line that sinks to the ocean floor.”

Because each fish is brought aboard one at a time, it can be handled with greater care. He says each fish comes on board one at a time, alive, and in perfect condition. It immediately goes into the factory to start processing.”

Keith Singleton, founder of the Alaskan Leader Seafoods Value Added Division, says the fishing method offers another important advantage.

“Using that one fish, one hook method does allow us to cut the fish that we’re not targeting loose at the rail it swims away free.”

For pet parents, this means the cod skins in their dog’s treats come from fish that were harvested using a method designed to prioritize quality while supporting responsible fishing practices.

Why Handling and Processing Matter with Cod Skin

The quality of a cod skin dog treat doesn’t begin in the processing facility. It begins the moment the fish comes aboard the vessel. Careful handling and prompt processing help preserve the freshness and quality of the fish long before it reaches your dog’s bowl.

Keith Singleton believes quality starts at the very beginning of the journey.

“Quality begins at the rail,” he says. “And if you remember that, you can quote me on it.”

For those unfamiliar with commercial fishing, the rail refers to the side of the fishing vessel where each fish is brought aboard. According to Singleton, every step that follows depends on how the fish is handled during those first few moments.

“Our whole purpose is to expand on the quality given to us from the fishermen on our vessels and pass that through to the best possible market…but it’s got to start with quality.”

Singleton says there’s no way to recover quality that has already been lost.

“If you don’t take care of it at the boat level, it’s not going to magically get better farther down the line; That’s our most important part.” 

Why Traceability and Sustainability Matter

Knowing where your dog’s cod skin treats come from is about more than transparency. It’s also about understanding the fishing practices behind the product. Companies that can trace their ingredients from harvest to processing help build confidence in quality while supporting responsible stewardship of marine resources.

Scott Sandvig says one advantage of Alaskan Leader’s partnership with Polkadog is that the company knows exactly where its cod comes from.

“Polkadog is able to buy directly from the fishery,” Scott reports. “You can’t get any more direct than Alaskan Leader. We’re the ones actually out there catching the fish.”

That level of traceability goes hand in hand with sustainability. Alaskan Leader’s cod fishery is managed using science-based quotas, and each vessel carries independent federal observers who help ensure regulations are followed and fish populations remain healthy.

As Sandvig explains, it’s all science-driven.

Keith Singleton says sustainability is simply part of how the company operate, and they “try very, very hard to stay eco-friendly.” 

By choosing cod skin dog treats made with responsibly harvested, traceable ingredients, pet parents can feel confident they’re supporting practices that prioritize both quality and the long-term health of the fishery.

Why Dogs Love Cod Skin Treats

Even the highest-quality dog treat doesn’t matter if your dog won’t eat it. Fortunately, cod skin treats seem to be a favorite among many dogs, thanks to their natural flavor, satisfying crunch, and simple, single-ingredient recipe.

Sandvig doesn’t have to look far for proof. His 11-year-old yellow Labrador, Yukon, is a big fan.

“I do love and feel good about serving my dog a treat that is a single ingredient, wild caught, healthy, nutritious that you can feel good about,” he shares. “It’s something that is actually going to not only get my dog’s attention and be a reward, but it’s good for the dog, good for their skin, and good for their overall health. My dog definitely loves Polkadog cod skin treats.” 

Keith Singleton has seen a similar response in his own home, although from a different audience.

“My kitty cats absolutely love crushed-up cod skins sprinkled on top of their wet food,” he says. “We call it a topper…they love it; they’ll clean that bowl, lick it clean.” 

When asked why dogs seem to prefer cod over other fish, Singleton shared an interesting observation from Alaskan Leader’s early product testing.

“We did try salmon skins at the same time…they’ll eat salmon skins. The craziest thing is, if you put both bowls there, they absolutely adhere to the cod skins faster. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s the crunch. Maybe it’s the flavor. Whatever it is, they sure love it.” 

Scott summed it up in three simple words: “The Call of the Wild.” 

That natural appeal, combined with responsible sourcing, careful harvesting, and minimal processing, is what makes high-quality cod skin dog treats a rewarding choice for many dogs and reassuring for the people who love them.

FAQs

Are all cod skin dog treats the same?

No. Cod skin treats can differ based on where the fish is sourced, how it’s harvested, how it’s processed, and whether the company provides transparency about its supply chain.

Are wild-caught cod skin dog treats better?

Many pet owners prefer wild-caught cod because it comes from natural environments and is associated with transparent sourcing and responsible fisheries. Alaskan Leader harvests cod from sustainably managed Alaskan fisheries. 

What should I look for in cod skin dog treats?

Look for:

• Wild-caught sourcing
• Single ingredient
• Transparent sourcing
• Sustainable harvesting
• Minimal processing
• Trusted manufacturer

Why does sourcing matter?

Knowing where a treat comes from helps you evaluate quality, freshness, traceability, and responsible harvesting practices.

How are cod skin dog treats made?

Alaskan Leader harvests wild cod, processes the fish, and the skins are dehydrated into treats while the rest of the fish is used for human food and other products as part of its goal of utilizing the entire fish. 

Why did Polkadog choose Alaskan Leader?

According to Keith Singleton, Polkadog took the time to understand the company, its fishing practices, sustainability efforts, and product quality before forming a long-term partnership. 

Where can I learn more about Alaskan Leader?

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch interviewed Scott and Mitchell, and also you can directly visit the Alaskan Leader website.

Where can I purchase high-quality cod skin dog treats?

Order crunchy, dehydrated, wild-caught Polkadog cod skin treats from the Polkadog website.

Final Thoughts on High-Quality Cod Skin Dog Treats

The best dog treats begin long before they reach your dog’s bowl. They start with responsible harvesting, careful handling, and a commitment to quality from sea to snack.

 When you choose cod skin treats made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, you’re doing more than rewarding your dog. You’re making an informed decision that supports both your dog’s well-being and sustainable fishing practices for generations to come.