Fish is one of the food items that cause confusion among dog owners. Regardless of its healthy attributes, most people do not know whether feeding fish to their dogs is safe.
Even though it is usually considered safe to feed fish to dogs, there are certain specifications that dog owners should be aware of. You will have to determine whether you can feed your dog fish after analyzing the subjective attributes of your dog.
When Should You Avoid Feeding Fish to Your Dog?
Fish and its products are usually healthy for dogs but there are specific circumstances in which you should not feed your dog fish. Often, stories are reported where people say things like I almost killed my dog with fish oil.
Such incidents occur when your dog reacts to a particular food item or is generally unable to tolerate it. When it comes to fish, the first thing you should do is ensure your dog isn’t allergic to it. This should be done beforehand, but if you are still unaware and your dog has a reaction to the fish, seek medical aid immediately.
You should also avoid feeding fish to your dog if it has small bones. These can cause great harm to your dog, and there is a choking hazard. Lastly, you should never feed your dog unsanitary or uncooked fish. These contain many parasites and can cause a range of infections.
Necessary Precautions While Feeding Fish to Your Dogs
If you overcome the facts above, fish is a great source of nutrition for your dog. They are a great source of amino acids, especially fatty acids, which are needed to keep the skin and fur of dogs healthy.
But there are certain precautions that you must always take when feeding fish to your dog. You should always purchase fresh fish for your dogs, whatever the kind, to avoid the risk of food poisoning.
It would be best to cook the fish properly before feeding it to your dog because this will help you avoid the risk of parasites. Grilling or steaming are the best options because they help avoid the extra oil intake, and there is also no need to add seasoning as this can increase the salt content of the fish.
An important rule is always to debone the fish to avoid choking. This is a serious hazard, and you should never risk giving your dog a fish with bones, especially small bones. Lastly, you must also check the quantity of fish you provide to your dog. If your dog already has a balanced diet, fish should only be a treat you occasionally provide to your dog.
An excessive amount can also lead to issues like obesity, so fish should be fed sparingly to sustain the benefits.
6 Types of Fish Dogs Can Eat
Salmon
One of the most common types of fish eaten by man and animals is Salmon. It has many health benefits and can be found in most marketplaces. Salmon contains many omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, which hold great nutritional value. These help boost your dog’s immune response and also reduce inflammation within the body.
There is one precaution you must take, and that is never to feed your dog smoked Salmon. This contains large salt content, which can be dangerous for your dog.
Sardines
Another popular pick, Sardines, is an ideal protein-filled treat for your dog. They also contain nutrients such as Vitamin D and Calcium which are essential for your dog’s health.
Alongside the main nutritional benefits, Sardines help prevent dog diseases such as Cancer and Gum Disease.
Feed your dogs steamed Sardines, and if you buy them in canned form, make sure to get them soaked in water instead of oil. Unnecessary oil should be avoided, especially since fish contains a hefty amount of oil.
Flounder
If you are looking for a source of lean proteins for your dog, the Flounder fish is a great option. Alongside proteins, this fish also contains Vitamin B and Omega 3, which contain a range of benefits for your dog.
You can easily feed this mild whitefish to your dog by poaching it in water. But ensure that everything is sanitized well, including the fish, because it is usually in overly polluted areas.
Catfish
Catfish is a cheaper option for dog owners but contains an equally large quantity of nutrients. It contains all the important elements, including Vitamin B12, phosphorus, and proteins, but it is completely safe for your dog.
Catfish is a type of fish that does not cause obesity in dogs and helps keep their heart healthy. It is safe and healthy but should still be treated as an occasional treat because of its high-fat content.
Herring
Herring is a good source of Vitamin D for dogs, but it has several other advantages. It is a great alternative for dogs that cannot tolerate chicken. This is one of the reasons why Herring can be found in several processed dog food items.
When serving this fish, you should always serve it fully cooked without extra seasoning. There is no need to risk your dog’s health by feeding it parasites or a high dose of sodium.
Cod
Another fish commonly found in dog food is Cod. It has a high nutritional value but contains less mercury, reducing the overall risk of mercury poisoning in dogs. Simultaneously, Cod is a tiny fish and carries a smaller amount of toxins when compared to other fish. This is why it is considered to be a safer option for dogs.
Conclusion
The final verdict is that dogs can eat fish, but this should be cared for. First, you should ensure that your dog can handle eating fish, and then you should take all the required measures.
The types of fish mentioned above are the best picks for your dog’s diet, but the quantity should always be monitored irrespective of the type of fish being fed. Fish as a treat is great but should not be considered an everyday food option.
Lastly, you never compromise on sanitation. Every fish you feed your dog should be properly cleaned and cooked in a clean environment with proper tools.