Can Dogs Eat Fish?  

As we know, dogs love to eat a variety of foods!  After all, they are some of the most curious animals out there.  We must know as pet owners that not all foods are okay for our four-legged friends to eat.  It may be toxic and harm them if consumed.  A lot of people wonder if dogs can eat fish.  The answer is complicated, and owners must know before they start feeding their dog a fish diet every day.  This article will go into further detail about the good and bad of feeding your dog fish.

The Good – Fish is a healthy protein which carries many nutrients that benefit a dog’s diet.  Think about all the Omega-3 Fatty acids in fish.  This benefits the immune system and has many anti-inflammatory properties. There may be dogs who are allergic to chicken, beef, or turkey.  Fish is a great option for these dogs.  We recommend that you speak with your veterinarian if you plan to use fish in your dog’s diet.  Overall, it is a great option – but not for all dogs!

The Bad – Fish may be toxic to our four-legged friends if it is not properly served or prepared.  Keep in mind that fish bones can be dangerous to dogs.  They are thin and can easily get lodged in your dog’s throat causing harm.  If you decide to feed your dog fish, ensure that the fish is deboned.  Raw fish can also pose a threat to dogs.  Raw fish carries diseases such as salmonella which can be passed to your dog when they eat raw fish.  There are some types of fish that are not good for dogs to eat on a regular basis as they can lead to negative health issues.  You should never give your dog raw or smoked salmon, clams, oysters, lobster, shrimp, and crab.

The Final Answer – Yes!  Dogs can eat fish and it is very beneficial to them.  It is important to cook the fish by baking, grilling, or steaming it fully to ensure any diseases are removed.  You should also avoid seasoning fish that you give your dogs.  Some seasonings are toxic to dogs and may cause health issues.  The good thing is that there are many dog foods out on the market which have fish as the main ingredient.  This may be an option to consider as well!