Anyone who has looked at the ingredient list of various dog foods will know that fish is a fairly common protein on the menu. But the fact that commercial foods contain it does not mean that our pet can eat any fish, or that we can give it to them without any precautions.
In this useful guide of what fish can dogs eat created by sweet doggo, we explain everything you need to know about dogs and fish: quantity and forms of consumption, best options, healthy benefits, and contraindications.
Table of Contents
Is it safe to give my dog a fish?
Yes. The vast majority of dogs can eat fish as part of a balanced and nutritious diet. Fish is considered a relatively low-fat and very easy-to-digest source of protein. Not for taste is a common ingredient in many commercial products. However, there are some precautions in case you want to administer it as homemade food.
What kind of fish can dogs eat?
Before giving your dog a fish, it’s important to make sure you know what the best options are and which ones he shouldn’t eat.
The recommended fish for dogs are those that have a shorter life cycle, much better if they have been caught in the wild. These include:
- Salmon
- Tilapia
- Flounder
- Herring
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Cod
- Catfish
- Whitefish in general
Being smaller and having a short life cycle, they are less likely to contain high levels of mercury or be infected with parasites. That is why they are considered safer fish.
What fish are not recommended for dogs?
Avoid including the following in a canine diet:
- Shark
- Tuna
- Swordfish
- Mackerel or king mackerel
These fish are usually larger and have a long life cycle, hence they tend to accumulate higher concentrations of heavy metals, especially mercury. In addition, they are prone to harboring parasites in their body tissues.
It is also generally recommended that dogs be prevented from eating farm-raised fish, particularly in areas where there are few regulations on the type and quality of food used. Keep in mind that farmed fish may contain higher residual levels of antibiotics, hormones, dyes, and other potential toxins.
How to feed a dog, fish safely?
Fish can be safely included in a canine diet, either as an occasional treat in combination with commercial dog foods or as part of a balanced homemade diet to provide the protein and fat your pet needs.
As experts explain, the first thing to consider is the choice of fish. In other words, the preparation of the fish begins in the store. It is not only important to buy a type of fish that is suitable for canine consumption, but also that it is free of bones.
Now, many owners wonder: should I feed the fish raw or cooked? As a general rule, it is recommended that dogs only eat cooked fish. It could be grilled, steamed, boiled fish. Just make sure you cook it well and never over-season it.
In case of acquiring the whole raw fish, the bones and bones, the fins, the head, the tail, and the fish scales should not be included in the dog’s food. These parts could cause oral trauma, present a choking hazard, and even increase the risk of intestinal perforation.
Why shouldn’t dogs eat raw fish?
Specialized sources in Veterinary Medicine discourage the consumption of raw or undercooked fish in dogs because it presents a greater risk of harboring and transmitting parasites/bacteria. If the temperature of raw fish has not been carefully controlled before consumption, or if the fish is undercooked, it could contain Salmonella, Listeria, Clostridium.
These bacteria can seriously endanger your dog’s health.
Experts say that serving them raw fish is an unnecessary risk. When fish is cooked, it not only avoids the risk of illness but is also easier to digest.
Did you know…? Raw fish and shellfish contain the enzyme thiaminase I, which breaks down vitamin B1 in the dog’s body. Cooking fish is an effective way to destroy this enzyme.
Note. Some people tend to give their dog portions of raw fish, as it is very appetizing and rich in nutrients. In that case, it is important to use fresh fish previously frozen for at least 1 week to eliminate possible parasites.
What is the recommended amount of fish?
Depending on the nutritional needs and general health of the dog, fish may be offered as a special treat or as a supplement to a regular diet. In any case, moderation is key. Most dogs can eat small portions of cooked fish 1-2 times per week.
Remember: too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing. A dog should not eat excessive amounts of fish.
If fish is fed as part of a complete and balanced diet, then it should be considered a treat or treat. The general rule of thumb is that treats should only account for 10% of daily calories eaten in a day.
It is always a good idea to consult the veterinarian about the most suitable amount of fish for your dog based on his age, weight, and specific needs, as well as the best brands of dog food that contain fish among its ingredients.
General ideas about fish consumption in dogs
- Whenever possible, opt for the shorter-lived species. Longer-living fish, such as tuna and bonito, accumulate high levels of heavy metals and toxins throughout their lives.
- Also, consider the size. Small fish have less mercury than larger fish.
- Fishbones can pass through the dog’s intestinal wall and pose a choking hazard. Dogs should never eat fish with bones.
- Although fish is considered an excellent food for dogs, it should not make up the majority of their diet.
What benefits does fish have for dogs?
Fish is a food rich in protein, good fats, essential vitamins, and minerals. As in humans, its moderate consumption in dogs is associated with numerous health benefits. For example:
- The omega-3 fatty acids in some fish provide a natural anti-inflammatory component to the canine diet, which can be very beneficial for dogs suffering from inflammatory bowel disease or joint conditions such as arthritis.
- These fats also contribute to a silkier, shinier skin/coat.
- Fish skin is a good source of collagen, a very important protein for bone and skin health in older dogs.
- Fish is among the best alternatives for dogs with food allergies to other common proteins, such as chicken.
7 Risks and contraindications: when is it unsafe for a dog to eat fish?
Although dogs can eat fish, it is essential that we give it to them correctly and take into account a group of risks and contraindications.
1. Dangers associated with the consumption of thorns
Fish-bones are small, brittle, and dangerous. They can lodge in the dog’s mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines, perforating the wall of the organ. Before giving any piece of fish to your pet, make sure it is free of bones and bones.
Dogs should never ingest fish bones, fins, tails, or heads.
2. Parasitic/bacterial infections
Raw fish can carry parasites and harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and listeria. This is of particular concern if the fish has not been properly frozen or handled. To be on the safe side, it’s best for dogs to only eat cooked fish.
3. High levels of mercury and toxins
Some popular fish, such as tuna, swordfish, and king mackerel, can have harmful concentrations of heavy metals, toxins, and contaminants. Its consumption is usually contraindicated in dogs due to the risk of mercury poisoning, a condition that can cause anxiety, loss of coordination, diarrhea, vomiting blood, tremors, kidney damage, blindness, and in untreated cases, death.
4. Overweight
Your dog can eat cooked fish in moderation. A diet very high in fish can lead to a nutritional imbalance and therefore to unwanted weight gain. Small dogs and breeds prone to obesity face a higher risk in that regard. Control the frequency and size of fish portions your pet eats.
5. Salmon poisoning disease
This is a fatal condition usually seen in dogs that eat raw salmon. Both salmon and other anadromous fish (they swim upstream to reproduce) can become infected with a parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola. This parasite is relatively harmless; however, it can be a carrier of Neorickettsia helminthoeca, the microorganism responsible for salmon poisoning.
The symptoms of this disease include vomiting, lack of appetite, fever, diarrhea, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, dehydration, etc. It is said that 90% of affected dogs die when they do not receive timely treatment.
Did you know…? Dogs are the only species susceptible to salmon poisoning. Other animals, such as cats, raccoons, and wild bears, can regularly eat raw salmon without being affected by it.
6. Gastrointestinal upset/pancreatitis
Adding oils, salt, and other seasonings to fish during cooking can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in the dog. There may even be a risk of developing pancreatitis if you are given portions of very fatty fish.
7. Allergic reaction
Dogs can develop intolerance or allergy to any food, hence the possibility that your dog is allergic to fish. In that case, its consumption is totally contraindicated. It is always recommended to start with a small portion to see how your pet reacts to each individual fish.
