How Suitable is Raw Fish For Dogs?

Have you noticed your pooch go stir-crazy at the smell of fish? Have you been tempted to give them a taste but stop yourself because you’re not sure how suitable is raw fish for dogs? Well, what you’re faced with is a common dilemma that many pet parents contend with.

The short answer is no. Raw fish consumption exposes your dog to parasite risks that can lead to serious health complications. Many dogs may even experience an allergic reaction after consuming uncooked fish. On the other hand, the nutritional value of fish cannot be overlooked.

After all, the high concentration of protein and essential nutrients in fish surely makes it a good contender for a spot in your dog’s food bowl. This is also why it is a common ingredient in ready-to-eat dog food. So, the question you should be asking is: how much and in what form is fresh fish good for dogs? Let’s find out.

Is Fresh Fish Good For Dogs?

If you lean in favor of feeding home-cooked food to your dog, fresh fish is not only good but can also be considered an essential ingredient for a nutritionally complete balanced diet. Fresh fish for dogs offers many nutritional benefits, such as:

The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can contribute to improved coat and skin health and also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body
Fish are also rich in Vitamin D – a micronutrient rarely found in foods – which can facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, resulting in better bone and joint health
Zinc, Vitamins B6, B12, and B13, iron, and iodine keep the nervous system healthy, improve immunity and cardiovascular health

These health benefits make it clear as a day that fresh fish for dogs is a great dietary choice. That being said, not all fish types are suitable for your canine companion. In fact, some parasite risks, high mercury content, and risk of poisoning make some varieties of fish absolutely unfit for your pooch’s consumption. That’s why, if you’re considering introducing fresh fish to your dog’s diet, it’s crucial to carefully choose variety and source, and understand what’s the best way to incorporate it in your pet’s diet.

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What types of fish can dogs eat?

As I said, not all fish varieties are safe for your dog’s consumption. Fish with a larger lifespan, like mackerel, swordfish, shark, and tuna, tend to have a high toxin content such as heavy metals and mercury, which can make your pet extremely sick. Likewise, if the fish you’re feeding your dog hasn’t been sourced and stored correctly, it can expose your dog to parasites that can cause health complications. Not to mention, if it doesn’t sit right with your pooch, fish can also cause a severe case of food poisoning.

I’m reiterating this because understanding the risks can enable you to make an informed decision and make this inclusion in your dog’s diet after thorough research and careful planning. Now that we’re on the same page about what fish to not feed a dog, let’s take a look at which ones make a great addition to your pooch’s diet. Here is a quick rundown on the fish types suitable for dogs:

1. Salmon

Nutrient-dense Salmon can be a great addition to your pet’s meal. The omega-3 fatty acids in Salmon work wonders in promoting a shiny coat and good skin health. Its nutritional profile also helps in reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system.

But can dogs eat raw salmon? The answer is no. It not only increases parasite risk but can also put your pet at risk of salmon poisoning, which can prove fatal.

2. Herring

Herring, which is typically found in shallow, temperate waters, is another choice if you’re looking for fresh fish for dogs. It is a great source of vitamin D. Feeding your pooch Herring once a week can help improve teeth, bone, and joint health. For dogs who are allergic to poultry meats, Herring can make a great substitute, as it is cheaper than other fish proteins.

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3. Cod

If you’re looking for the best raw fish for dogs, add Cod to the list. Except, it shouldn’t be fed to your dog raw. Being a small fish, it is known to have a low mercury count and fewer toxins. This, along with its nutrient-rich profile, is one of the best fish for dogs’ diet. Even so, it’s crucial to prep it the right way before feeding it to your pet.

4. Flounder

Packed with lean protein, vitamin B, and omega-3s, Flounder is another great addition to your pet’s meal. If you can’t source it fresh, it’s perfectly okay to use the frozen variety. However, this frozen white fish for dogs must be duly poached or steamed before it makes its way to their food bowl.

5. Catfish

Cost-effective and nutrient-rich, the Catfish can make a great addition to your dog’s diet. Its nutrient profile, which includes protein, omega-3s, thiamine, and phosphorus, contributes toward improved cardiovascular health. However, it is also high in fat content, so portion control is crucial.

6. Lake whitefish

A frontrunner for the best fish for dogs to eat, especially if you’re looking for leaner sources of protein to incorporate into your pet’s diet. Belonging to the salmon family, these, too, are extremely rich in protein. But if you’re wondering if you can serve it to your dog uncooked, the answer is the same as can dogs eat raw salmon – NO! Not only is it not a food choice for a raw diet, but it is also extremely important to debone the Lake whitefish before feeding it to your dog to prevent internal injuries, which can often prove fatal.

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7. Sardines

Ah, sardines! A favorite among pet parents and dogs alike. These small fish are a great source of protein and also rich in calcium, selenium, coenzyme Q10, vitamin D, and B12, and are known to prevent certain types of cancer as well as gum diseases in dogs.

If you can source raw sardines, and serve them to your dog cooked and deboned, nothing like it. If not, canned variety works just as well. However, when using the canned variety, it’s best to avoid sardines in oils and use ones with water. Alternatively, you can also use frozen sardines for dogs’ meals.

Is Raw Fish Good for Dogs? 5 Hazards to be Mindful Of

Can I feed my dog raw salmon? Is raw fish good for dogs? Can frozen sprats for dogs be used raw? What about frozen sardines for dogs? So many questions… So much information about what types of fish have high mercury content, which don’t, which are easy to digest, which are not, the nutrient profile of each… It can be hard to find a clear takeaway.

So, let me simplify it for you. The answer to all these questions is no. Using raw fish for dogs’ diet is never a good idea. Yes, freshly sourced fish can be a rich and healthy addition to your pooch’s diet, safe sourcing of raw fish and proper preparation techniques are both critical in ensuring that they contribute toward making your furry baby healthier and not put them at unwarranted health risks. And why is that? Let’s take a look at the top hazards of feeding raw fish to dogs:

1. Parasites

As I’ve already mentioned, among the risks and considerations of feeding raw fish, parasites are the front runner. All raw fish can have parasites, among which tapeworms, roundworms, and flukes are the most dangerous to dogs.

It is a variant of flukes found in salmon and other fish native to the Pacific Northwest region that causes Salmon poisoning – the symptoms of which can range from vomiting and diarrhea to swollen lymph nodes, dehydration, extreme weakness, and death if not treated in time. I hope you’re now clear on why the answer to, “Can I feed my dog raw salmon?”, will always be a resounding NO!

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2. Bacteria

Whether it is raw sardines, cod, flounder, or frozen sprats for dogs served raw, all fish can carry potentially harmful bacteria such as listeria and salmonella. While not all dogs may become sick after exposure to these bacteria—in part due to their short digestive systems and in part, depending on how strong a dog’s immune system is—it is not worth the risk to try and find out how your pet will respond to being fed raw fish that carries harmful bacteria.

3. Bones in raw fish

The tiny bones in raw fish can not only prove to be a choking hazard for dogs but can also cause injury to the esophagus and stomach, sometimes causing the internal organs in the digestive tract to rupture—which, needless to say, can lead to serious health complications. While the gastric acids in a dog’s digestive system are equipped to soften bones, they may have trouble breaking down fish bones.

4. Presence of mercury

All fish contain some amount of mercury. The bacteria in water convert atmospheric mercury into organic mercury compounds, which get absorbed into fish’s tissue. Excessive mercury exposure can be toxic to dogs, leading to health complications such as:

Loss of body movements
Convulsions
Blindness
Tremors
Abnormal behavior

5. Risk of lead poisoning

Raw fish also contains other heavy metals such as lead, too much exposure to which can lead to serious consequences such as:

Anemia
Gastrointestinal disorders
Lethargy and anorexia
Neurological changes

The bottom line is, there is no such thing as the best raw fish for dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend raw fish for dogs (or even undercooked fish, for that matter) in any form or at any life stage.

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My dog ate raw fish, what do I do?

After learning of the potential risks of raw fish for dogs, it’s natural to worry about what would happen if your dog consumes it inadvertently. “My dog ate raw fish, what do I do?” is a common frantic query of pet parents. Well, first of all, breathe!

Unless your dog has ingested a large quantity of raw fish in a go under some circumstance—as a pet parent, I know the possibility is not far-fetched—it’s unlikely that a one-off incident will hurt their health (barring, of course, the risk of injury or choking due to fish bones). Even so, it helps to be vigilant. Here’s what you can do if your dog consumes raw fish:

Monitor your dog’s health for any symptoms or unusual changes in mannerisms/behavior
If you notice something out of the ordinary, consult your veterinarian
Get all the tests your vet recommends
Follow through the entire course of treatment

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The Right Way To Prep And Cook Fish For Dogs

You may have noticed that I’ve been talking a lot about prepping fish the right way before feeding it to your dog. But what is the right way? Let’s find out:

Safe handling of raw fish is paramount. This is equally important whether you’re using frozen fish or freshly sourced. You can follow the FDA guidelines for proper storage of raw fish for humans
Cook, poach, or steam the fish until you reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If the entire batch is not used immediately, it’s important to store the leftovers correctly
Freshly sourced fish should be consumed within two days, so decide the quantity to buy accordingly
Some of the acceptable ways of cooking fish are boiling, roasting, grilling, poaching, steaming, braising, air frying
If left unconsumed at room temperature for over two hours, the portion must be discarded
When introducing fish to your dog’s diet, monitor your dog for any symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort such as refusing to eat, diarrhea, vomiting

Making informed decisions about your dog’s diet is a crucial aspect of ensuring their well-being and good health. I hope this article offered you relevant insights about whether or not fish would be right for your pooch’s diet, and if so, how to incorporate it for optimal benefits. As with any new food item, start with small portions and build up gradually. And don’t overlook the importance of moderation in feeding fish to your dog. Overdoing it can do more harm than good.