Can Dogs Eat Fish? A Guide to Fish for Dogs - Dog Child - Dog Child (2024)

• Watch Out For Bones Always Check
• Cook Fish Never Feed Raw Fish
• Keep it Simple No Spices, Sauces, & Oils
• Canned or Tinned Fish in Water is an Easy Alternative
• Fish Skin is a Fun Healthy Treat
• Safe Fish:Flounder, Cod, Haddock, Salmon, Trout, Sardines
• Tuna Fish Feed in Moderation
• Avoid:Mackerel & Swordfish

Salmon is a popular fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. It is a great source of nutrients for your dog. However, not all types of salmon are safe for dogs. Raw salmon can contain a parasite called Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which can cause a serious disease called salmon poisoning disease. To avoid this, it is recommended to feed your dog cooked salmon without any spices or seasonings. When feeding salmon fresh salmon is the best. Always always ensure there are no bones when feeding. If in a pinch canned salmon is a great option too. Check out our blog on canned fish for dogs.

If you’re looking for a delicious Salmon Recipe for your Dog check out our Salmon Fried Rice recipe for dogs.

GET THE RECIPE

GET THE RECIPE

Trout is not just a tasty dish for humans, but can also make for a healthy meal for dogs as well. Not only is it low in saturated fat and rich in protein, but it also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can benefit a dog's overall health. Trout is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support cognitive function. Of course, it's important to make sure the trout is cooked thoroughly and bones are removed before feeding it to your furry friend.

Always ensure these fish are cooked thoroughly, served bone-free and free from any spices or seasoning.

While fish can offer several health benefits to dogs, they can also pose some precautions. First, always start by introducing small amounts of fish each time and gradually increase over time. This way, you can monitor how your dog reacts to the fish and avoid any potential digestive issues. Secondly, ensure that the fish is fresh and cooked thoroughly to avoid any microbial contamination. Finally, avoid feeding any fish that's high in fat or from polluted waters such as water near factories or near cities; this can lead to poor health and could even cause damage to the dog's brain and nervous system.

1. Identify the safe fish:

Not all fish are created equal, and some types are safer than others to feed to dogs. Safe fish for dogs to eat include salmon, trout, and whitefish, which are all easy to digest and low in mercury. However, some types of fish, such as raw salmon and trout, contain dangerous bacteria that can make your dog sick, such as salmonella and listeria. Additionally, fish with high levels of mercury and other heavy metals, such as swordfish and mackerel and king mackerel, should be avoided as it can cause mercury poisoning in dogs.

2. Cook the fish well:

While some pet parents advocate for feeding their dogs raw food, fish is not something you should serve raw. The bacteria in raw fish can cause serious health issues for your dog, such as salmon poisoning disease, which can be fatal if left untreated. Always ensure that the fish is cooked thoroughly before giving it to your furry friend. Steaming or baking the fish are the best cooking methods to use.

3. Watch out for bones:

Fish bones can be hazardous to your dog's health, especially if they ingest them. Ensure that you remove all bones from the fish before feeding it to your canine friend. However, you can also choose boneless options such as canned or precooked fish. Be cautious when giving your dog whole fish as opposed to fillets.

4. Monitor the quantity:

Fish is a rich source of protein, and while it's tempting to give your dog a large portion, this can cause gastrointestinal issues and, in some cases, pancreatitis. It would help if you always monitored how much fish you give your dog and ensure that it's served as a treat or an addition to their regular meal. A good rule of thumb is to feed your dog one ounce of fish per ten pounds of body weight, but this should always depend on your dog's overall diet.

5. Know your dog's health:

Dogs with underlying health issues, such as kidney or liver disease, should avoid eating fish, as it can cause further damage. Before introducing any new food or fish, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian and make sure it is safe and won't cause any adverse effects.

There are many benefits to adding fish skin to your dog's diet. Fish skin is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, supports joint health, serves as a natural dental treat, easy to digest, and most importantly, a sustainable food source.

Try our Crunchy Salmon Skin recipe to feed your dog some fish skin.

Fish oil, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, offers numerous benefits for dogs. It contributes to a sleek and healthy coat, soothes skin issues, and alleviates dryness, itchiness, and flakiness. Additionally, Omega-3s have an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces joint pain and swelling in dogs with arthritis. Moreover, these fatty acids support heart health, regulating heart rate and reducing the risk of heart disease. Omega-3s also promote brain development in puppies and aid mental clarity in older dogs. They enhance the immune system, helping dogs fight off infections and reducing allergies by minimizing inflammation. Lastly, fish oil assists in weight management by regulating metabolism and appetite.

Check out our Omega Oil from Native Pet that is made with wild caught salmon and pollock.

There are various ways to serve fish to dogs. The first approach is to mix cooked fish with their commercial dog food or kibble.

Secondly, the better option would be to make homemade fish-based dog food using different fish meat. Check out our recipe community that has lots of ideas on how to incorporate fish into your dog’s diet.

You can add fish oil to your dog’s food or make homemade meals that are nutritionally balanced. Lastly, fish can be given as a treat or reward, especially freeze-dried fish snacks or jerky made from the fish varieties mentioned above, which is very popular among dogs.

When cooking fish for your pup, it's important to keep things simple. Avoid using spices or oils that may upset your dog's stomach. Also, make sure to remove small bones, as they can be a choking hazard. Cook the fish thoroughly to ensure that your dog is not at risk of bacterial infections.

There are several ways to cook fish for your dog. One popular method is poaching. To poach fish, place it in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Another option is baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the fish in a baking dish, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Grilling or pan-frying fish is also an option, but make sure to avoid using oils or seasoning that may be harmful to your pup.

The recommended serving size of fish for dogs depends on their size and weight. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to feed your dog one ounce of fish for every 10 pounds of body weight, up to two or three times a week. It's important not to overfeed your dog, as too much fish can cause stomach upset and other digestive issues.

We have some nutritionist and vet-developed recipes that would be perfect to start feeding your dog fish!

Cod Stew

Crunchy Salmon Skin (Or use any fish skin)

In conclusion, when it comes to feeding fish to your pup, it comes down to making smart choices and feeding in moderation while being watchful of any potential health effects. Providing a diet high in protein, vitamins and essential fatty acids will keep our dogs healthy and strong. With the correct approach, fish can be a beneficial addition to your dog's meal plan and their overall quality of life.

Fish is a good source of protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals such as selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are extremely beneficial to dogs as they help promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, and support a robust immune system. Also, omega-3s are associated with reducing inflammation which helps dogs with arthritis, allergies, and other inflammatory conditions.

1. Helps Maintain a Healthy Coat

Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for dogs to maintain a healthy coat and important for skin health. These fatty acids help to reduce shedding, promote a shiny coat, and prevent dry and itchy skin. Dogs that suffer from allergies or skin irritations can benefit significantly from consuming fish that's rich in these fatty acids.

2. Supports Eye and Brain Development

Fish is a rich source of DHA and EPA, which are essential for the development of brain and eye function. Including fish in your dog's diet can improve their cognitive abilities, enhance their memory, and promote mental agility.

3. Supports Joint Health

Fish contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint pain and inflammation in dogs. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can also help to reduce the risk of arthritis and other joint-related issues.

4. Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

One of the significant benefits of fish for dogs is that it can reduce the risk of heart disease. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help to lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke.

5. Improves digestion

Fish is easy to digest and can be added to your dog's diet as a lean protein source. It's also an excellent choice for dogs that have sensitive stomachs and suffer from food allergies or intolerances.

For more information onOmega-3 Fish Oils for Dogs, check out our blog.