Can Dogs Eat Fish? (Yes, But Beware)

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You’ve probably heard of dogs eating fish before. Arctic dogs such as huskies were traditionally fed on a diet of fish soup. Other cultures give their dogs fish to help make their coats shiny. Some dog owners will add cod liver oil to their pet’s meal to provide essential nutrients. Does this mean that your dog can eat fish?

This article will tell you everything you need to know about feeding your dog fish. We’ll look at the health benefits of fish and tell you which kinds of fish are suitable for dogs.

 

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So, can you feed a dog fish?

Can I give my dog fish

Dogs can eat fish, and many commercial dog foods contain fish as the main ingredient. If you plan to provide your dog with home-cooked food, you may want to add fish to his diet. Fish is an excellent source of protein. It’s also a low-fat meat, which, if cooked correctly, is easy for dogs to digest.

Fish is also very beneficial to dogs who have medical conditions or food intolerances or allergies. It provides a good source of many essential vitamins and minerals and will help to improve your pet’s health and keep them in good condition as they age.

 

Which fish are safe for dogs?

The best fish for dogs are ones that are small and, if possible, wild-caught. However, if you’re not into fishing yourself, you can buy fresh fish at the store for your pet. Avoid processed fish that have been designed for humans as these contain other ingredients, including salt and possibly onions or garlic that are toxic to dogs. You should never give your dog fish that has batter or bread crumbs or that’s been deep-fried.

Many types of fish are safe for dogs, including whitefish, flounder, salmon, herring, and catfish. Your pet can also eat cod, whiting, and light tuna fish from a can occasionally. These types of fish are suitable for dogs and are less likely to contain high levels of mercury or harmful parasites.

 

Which fish should dogs avoid?

It’s best to avoid giving your pet shark, swordfish, mackerel or tilefish. Albacore tuna from a can should also be avoided. In general, these types of fish are bigger and have a longer life apna. This makes it more likely that their flesh will contain mercury or harmful parasites in their skin or muscles that won’t be good for your dog.

It’s best not to give your dog any type of farm-raised fish as these can contain harmful residual antibiotics as well as dyes, and toxins.

 

Health Benefits

Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which will help to keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy. Omega-3 also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, which is excellent for dogs with digestive issues, joint pain, or arthritis. Fish skin or fish oil can provide dogs with a source of collagen, which is will help improve the condition of their bones and skin. This is particularly beneficial to senior dogs.

 

Feeding your dog fish

When feeding your dog fish, you should ensure that it’s been correctly cooked. Dogs shouldn’t be given raw fish. It’s not a good idea to offer your dog some fish off your own plate, including leftover skin, as these are likely to have been cooked in butter or oil and will contain seasoning.

Ensure that any fish you give your dog has been correctly filleted and the bones removed. You can boil or grill fish for your pet as a special treat or to supplement their diet several times a week. Fish is beneficial to dogs that require a hypoallergenic source of protein to manage medical conditions that cause inflammation, including allergies, arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease. If you are unsure about which species of fish you should give your dog or how often, you can ask your vet for advice.

 

Conclusion:  Can dogs eat fish?

Many people who provide their pet with a home-cooked diet give their pet fish regularly. If your pet usually eats dog food, you should discuss the change of diet with your vet first. Instead of cooking fish yourself, you may like to find a commercial brand of dog food with fish as the main diet.

Avoid giving your dog fish bones, fins, the head or tail of the fish as these can pose a choking hazard. You should never give your pet raw fish.

Abigail Stevens
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