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.
Can I Give My Dog Raw Salmon?
Salmon should not be fed to dogs raw or undercooked, with the exception of smoked salmon. Do not feed your dog anything, even if they give you the puppy’s eyes, whether you caught it yourself in the lake or you just bought it fresh from the store. There is a possibility that the raw fish has parasites. Salmon’s potential parasitic flatworm infestation is one of the fish’s problems. Additionally, although flatworms are not particularly harmful, they may harbor a bacterium known as Nanophyetus Salmincola. This bacteria is harmful to both dogs and humans.
Should I Feed My Dog Salmon?
Salmon can be given to dogs as long as it is fresh, cooked properly, boneless, and given in moderation. Various dog food products include salmon as one of their main ingredients. It is abundant in omega-3, superior proteins, potassium, selenium, vitamins A, B, and D, as well as minerals. The Omega-3 is fantastic for your dog’s coat, supports strong muscles, and minimizes inflammation. Additionally, it can help with cognitive function, which is crucial for puppies and older dogs. But you’ll need to keep the amount of salmon your dog consumes to no more than once per week.
Some people might peel the salmon skin and feed it to their dog because they don’t like salmon skin. However, make sure it is properly prepared and served plain before doing that. Additionally, you ought to chop it into smaller pieces to lessen choking hazards. You should only feed your dog a small amount of salmon skin because it contains a lot of fat and can lead to unhealthful weight gain.
You can occasionally treat your dog to canned salmon. The salmon is already well-cooked, and the bones have softened. Instead of oil or brine, it is suggested to purchase canned salmon that has been soaked in water. The latter’s salt or oil content may be harmful to your dog.
How Much Salmon Can a Dog Eat?
For health reasons, you should feed your dog in moderation just like other meals. Limit it to once a week and in small quantities. For ease of understanding, a dog should consume approximately 10g of salmon for every 450g of body weight.
FAQ
Can dogs eat smoked cooked fish?
Fish that has been smoked, pickled, marinated, or canned is not advised because it may contain other ingredients that are bad for your dog.
Is smoked cod OK for dogs?
Yes, there are numerous fish species that are healthy for dogs, including cod, haddock, flounder, salmon, trout, whitefish, sprats, and herring. Additionally, there are numerous fish products that your dog can eat, including fish skin, sprats, training treats, and flounder.
Can I give my dog smoked salmon?
Canning salmon that has already been cooked is safe, but stick with salmon that has been packed in water rather than oil or brine. Avoid eating smoked salmon because it contains a lot of salt and might still have dangerous parasites and bacteria after being smoked.
Can dogs have smoked food?
“Smoked meats typically contain a lot of sodium because they are salted or rubbed with herbs or spices.” Dogs who consume too much salt may develop sodium ion poisoning. Vomiting, a high fever, extreme thirst, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures are signs of sodium ion poisoning.