What Fish Is Good For Dogs To Eat?
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Fish is a nutritious and tasty addition to a dog’s diet, packed with high-quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
But while some fish offer excellent health benefits, others can pose risks due to bones, seasoning, or high mercury levels.
So, which fish are safe for dogs, and how should they be prepared? Here's all you need to know to be able to provide your dogs with the best and safest nutrition.
Table of contents
Can Dogs Eat Fish?
Dogs certainly can eat fish!
Many different types of fish can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet. The key is making sure that the fish has been properly prepared and cooked.
Raw fish and fish bones can be a health hazard, as can any additions like sauces, seasoning and spices. Some types of fish are better than others for your dog too.
The Benefits Of Fish For Dogs
Is fish good for dogs? The answer is yes! There are many benefits to including fish in your dog’s diet.
Let's take a closer look at the benefits of fish for dogs:
- Fish is a good source of protein, essential for growth and maintenance in the body.
- Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which can help decrease inflammation in the body. These also help to maintain healthy joints, strengthen cognitive function and improve skin and coat quality.
- Fish can be a good choice for some dogs with diagnosed allergies to other protein sources like chicken or beef.
- Dogs love the smell of fish so it can help tempt even the pickiest of eaters.
- This is why we have created our salmon and pollock cauliflower bake , to harness all these health benefits without you having to do the hard work at home.
Which Types Of Fish Are Suitable For Dogs?
There are many different types of fish that dogs can enjoy as part of a varied and balanced diet. Let’s explore some of these.
Can Dogs Eat Salmon?
Dogs can definitely enjoy salmon, and this is a great choice, used in many commercial diets.
Explore our adult dog meals and discover a delicious salmon and cauliflower bake for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Mackerel?
Dogs can eat mackerel as part of a varied and balanced diet.
Can Dogs Eat Sardines?
Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury. Dogs can eat them if they have been properly prepared and cooked.
Can Dogs Eat Tuna Fish?
Dogs can eat tuna fish, but it should only be offered in moderation due to the higher levels of heavy metals it may contain compared to other fish. If you want to give canned tuna as an occasional treat, try and stick to spring water types as oil and brine could cause digestive upsets.
Can Dogs Eat Codfish?
Cod is a flaky white fish that is relatively low in calories and contains many health benefits. It can be safely enjoyed by dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Haddock?
Haddock is another flaky white fish that dogs can safely eat.
Can Dogs Eat Sea Bass?
Dogs can eat sea bass in moderation. Some varieties can accumulate higher levels of mercury than others, however, such as Chilean sea bass, so some caution is needed.
Can Dogs Eat Pollock?
Pollock is a great source of lean protein which can be enjoyed by dogs if it has been properly cooked and prepared.
Which Types Of Fish Can Dogs Not Eat?
Some of the longer-lived fish species can accumulate higher levels of heavy metals like mercury in their system.
Heavy metal toxicity would be a risk for dogs that are frequently fed on these fish. Examples include:
- Swordfish
- Marlin
- Shark
- King Mackerel
- Albacore Tuna
- Tilefish
Mercury poisoning could cause blindness and kidney failure, so it is best to stick to some of the safer and more short-lived fish instead.
How To Ensure Fish Is Safe For Your Dog
As you can see there are a lot of variations of fish that are suitable for dogs.
This is only true however if the fish is prepared correctly to be suitable for them. Here's some of the most important considerations:
- Research to check if the fish is low in mercury levels and safe for your dog (you can go back to the list above!).
- When buying fish ensure that it is boneless and does not have any seasonings, sauce or anything else added.
- Cook the fish plain with nothing else added. Grilled or steamed fish is preferred as no added oil/ butter is needed.
- Ensure that the fish has cooled before allowing them to eat. Hot food can burn their digestive tracts.
- Don't feed your dog fish that is out of date or raw as it could have dangerous bacteria and make them very ill.
Summary
- Dogs can eat many varieties of fish as part of a balanced diet including cod, haddock, mackerel, sardines and tuna.
- Fish provides multiple health benefits including protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Fish must be properly prepared and cooked to ensure it is safe for dogs.
For more information or any questions about our food, you can contact us.
FAQ's
Can Dogs Eat Fish Skin?
Dogs can eat fish skin if it has been properly cooked. In fact, cooked fish skin is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants so it can make a healthy, occasional treat.
Can Dogs Eat Salmon Fish Skin?
Dogs can eat salmon skin as an occasional treat if it has been cooked. Raw salmon skin can carry harmful bacteria and parasites which could be harmful to your pet.
Can Dogs Eat Fish Fingers?
Fish fingers are not toxic to dogs, but they are not as healthy as just giving plain white fish. Check out all of the reasons why you should not feed your dog fish fingers here .
Can Dogs Eat Canned Mackerel?
Dogs can eat canned mackerel in moderation, as long as it is not coated in any sauces, seasonings or spices.
Can Dogs Eat Tuna From A Can?
Yes, dogs can occasionally eat tuna fish from a can.
It is best to choose tuna in spring water, rather than oil or brine.
Tuna in oil will have an excess of calories that could lead to weight gain whilst tuna in brine could impact your dog's digestion or give them a poorly tummy.
Can Puppies Eat Sardines?
Sardines can be fed to puppies in moderation if they are served cooked and with the bones removed.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Fish?
Feeding raw fish to your dog is not recommended. Raw fish can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella and listeria. Plus, some fish harbour parasites which could cause problems in immunocompromised pets, including dogs that are very young, old, pregnant or unwell.
A Complete Nutrition System For Your Dog
Feed your dog everything they need to thrive with the highest rated fresh dog food offering a complete nutrition system.
- Truly personalised plan based on their life-stage, breed, weight and activity level that contains all of the essential nutrients they need.
- Unique Wholefood recipes made with prime cuts of meat, seasonal ingredients and up to 400 million gut friendly bacteria in your dogs daily meal.
- Exciting meals freshly prepared by chefs serving up delicious meals that are freshly steamed to lock in nutrients and allows you to store meals in your cupboard.
Dr. Becky
Rebecca MacMillan – BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
Rebecca is a companion animal vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009. Since then, she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever, George!
