Fish can be a tricky thing to deal with. There are many dos and don’ts when it comes to humans eating fish, and the same is true for dogs. You might be wondering which fish are safe for dogs to eat and which ones are not.
Fish can add many wonderful health benefits to your dog’s diet when prepared properly, but things can easily go wrong if everything isn’t done correctly.
Check out the extensive list below to prevent any mishaps and learn how to make the most of the fish you feed your dog.
I advise speaking with your veterinarian before giving your dog any of the foods listed in this article for the sake of your pet’s safety. Table Of Contents.
Since I first released this guide in 2019, I have gotten a ton of great questions. I updated this guide to make it clearer and to provide you with scientific sources to refer to as you decide what to feed your dogs.
We all adore our dogs dearly, but the food we give them has the potential to either make them stronger or even harm them. Fish is one of those very confusing types of food. This guide should provide you with clear instructions so you feel more secure knowing what kinds of fish you can feed your dog.
I revised each section and cited the sources for any safety or cautionary information I discovered during my research. I hope they assist you in making wiser choices for your dogs as well.
Please remember that each dog has different digestion issues. What works for one might be harmful to another. Therefore, if you have concerns about a particular fish and the health of your dog, speak with your veterinarian directly.
Best Types of Fish for Dogs
There are many fish in the sea, but the species with shorter lifespans like salmon, ocean whitefish, lake whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char are most frequently used in commercial dog food. On the other hand, longer-lived fish species like swordfish and tuna may contain heavy metals like mercury. Feeding a shorter-lived fish species is preferable to tuna or swordfish because mercury accumulates in the fish’s system over time and can cause heavy metal toxicity. Given the variety of fish available, it is preferable to be safe than sorry.
Read this before giving your dog fish
There are some types of fish that should not be given to your dog, even though they are typically thought to be healthy and safe for them to consume.
The Dodo reached out to Dr. Claudine Sievert, a veterinarian working with Stayyy, and Dr. Aziza Glass, a veterinarian at Personal Touch Veterinary Clinic, to find out the answer to the question: Can dogs eat fish? And if they can, which types of fish are safe for them?
Can Different Dog Breeds Eat Fish in Different Amounts?
Yes, depending on their size, various dog breeds can eat varying amounts of fish per day. Large breed dogs can typically consume more fish per day than small breed dogs. A large breed dog like a Labrador, which weighs an average of 55 to 80 pounds, can consume more fish per day than a Pug, which weighs an average of 14 to 18 pounds.
As a result, different dog breeds require different amounts of daily calories, vitamins, and minerals. As a result, their weight affects how much fish they consume each day.
German shepherds, Newfoundlands, and Bull Mastiffs are some dog breeds that can consume one or more fish per day. However, breeds like Chihuahuas, Corgis, and Yorkshire Terriers ought to consume less fish each day.
FAQ
Is it safe to feed dogs fish everyday?
Dogs can consume fish in moderation whether it is plain, cooked, steamed, or grilled. Consult your veterinarian about the proper serving sizes of fish for your dog, especially if you intend to feed fish as a regular part of her diet, as too much fish can result in obesity.
How often can I feed fish to my dog?
Fish that has been cooked or canned for adult dogs should only be consumed once or twice a week in small amounts. If you regularly feed your dog fish as a staple of their diet, there is a significant difference between the two. Treat fish as a every-one-in-a-while special treat.
How much fish is too much for dogs?
Last but not least, when giving your dog fish, keep the portion size small. Any new food consumed in excess can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s best to feed your dog no more than two or three tiny pieces of cooked fish at once.
What fish can I feed my dog regularly?
According to Dempsey, tuna, salmon, whitefish, cod, and whiting (also known as hank) are all healthy fish for dogs to consume. According to Dempsey, Purina uses fish in its products because it is a good source of many of the nutrients that dogs require. Additionally, fish is not only good for dogs’ health but also tastes good to them.