Can Dogs Eat Fish? A Guide to Fish for Dogs

• Watch Out For Bones Always Check
• Cook Fish Never Feed Raw Fish
• Keep it Simple No Spices, Sauces, & Oils
• Canned or Tinned Fish in Water is an Easy Alternative
• Fish Skin is a Fun Healthy Treat
• Safe Fish: Flounder, Cod, Haddock, Salmon, Trout, Sardines
• Tuna Fish Feed in Moderation
• Avoid: Mackerel & Swordfish

If you have a picky eater or a dog with allergies you’re probably wondering can dogs eat fish? Fish has numerous benefits with a range of options. But it is important to know that not every fish is safe for dogs. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of fish for dogs, what types of fish are safe to feed them, and the precautions you should take when including fish in their diet.

Some types of fish and fish species are safe for dogs to consume, while many others can be toxic. However, here are some fish varieties that dog owners can consider:

Salmon is a popular fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. It is a great source of nutrients for your dog. However, not all types of salmon are safe for dogs. Raw salmon can contain a parasite called Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which can cause a serious disease called salmon poisoning disease. To avoid this, it is recommended to feed your dog cooked salmon without any spices or seasonings. When feeding salmon fresh salmon is the best. Always always ensure there are no bones when feeding. If in a pinch canned salmon is a great option too. Check out our blog on canned fish for dogs.

If you’re looking for a delicious Salmon Recipe for your Dog check out our Salmon Fried Rice recipe for dogs.   

Cod is a white fish that is low in fat, calories, and high in protein. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals that your dog needs. Cooked cod is safe for dogs to eat and can be added to their regular meals. However, it is important to avoid feeding your dog salted or smoked cod as they can contain high levels of sodium.

Our healthy homemade recipe Egg and Cod Cooked Meal with Dog Child Meal Mix is an easy alternative when you’re looking to feed a fresh meal but are in a rush. With Dog Child Meal Mixes it takes only 15 minutes a week to cook for your dog.

Tuna fish is a popular fish that is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It can also be a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to limit your dog's consumption of tuna as it can contain high levels of mercury. Too much mercury can lead to mercury poisoning, which can cause serious health problems. Opt for tuna canned in water rather than oil and choose albacore or skipjack tuna rather than larger types of tuna (like bigeye or bluefin tuna) for a lower mercury content per serving.

Here is a fun lick mat recipe for your dog using canned Tuna.  Other yummy fish ideas for your pup:

Sardines are small, oily fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins. They can also be a good source of calcium and phosphorus. Sardines are safe for dogs to eat and can be added to their regular meals. However, make sure to remove any bones before feeding your dog as they can be a choking hazard and serve water sardines rather than oil.

Haddock is a white fish that is low in fat and high in protein. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Cooked haddock is safe for dogs to eat and can be added to their regular meals. However, make sure to avoid feeding your dog any salted or smoked haddock as they can contain high levels of sodium.

When properly prepared, shellfish such as shrimp, scallops, and lobster are safe for dogs to consume. They are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. They contain less mercury and are often low in fat as well. Ensure only to serve your dog cooked shellfish and avoid offering it raw as it may contain harmful bacteria.

Flounder is a good fish for dogs. It is an abundant source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus. It is a low-mercury fish, making it ideal for frequent consumption to boost your dog's nutrition. Always ensure these fish are cooked thoroughly, served bone-free and free from any spices or seasoning.

Trout is not just a tasty dish for humans, but can also make for a healthy meal for dogs as well. Not only is it low in saturated fat and rich in protein, but it also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can benefit a dog's overall health. Trout is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support cognitive function. Of course, it's important to make sure the trout is cooked thoroughly and bones are removed before feeding it to your furry friend.

Always ensure these fish are cooked thoroughly, served bone-free and free from any spices or seasoning.

Fish to never feed your dog include raw fish such as salmon or trout. Fish with bones in them such as freshly caught fish. Avoid swordfish and mackerel as these contain high levels of heavy metals.

While fish can offer several health benefits to dogs, they can also pose some precautions. First, always start by introducing small amounts of fish each time and gradually increase over time. This way, you can monitor how your dog reacts to the fish and avoid any potential digestive issues. Secondly, ensure that the fish is fresh and cooked thoroughly to avoid any microbial contamination. Finally, avoid feeding any fish that's high in fat or from polluted waters such as water near factories or near cities; this can lead to poor health and could even cause damage to the dog's brain and nervous system.

1. Identify the safe fish: 

Not all fish are created equal, and some types are safer than others to feed to dogs. Safe fish for dogs to eat include salmon, trout, and whitefish, which are all easy to digest and low in mercury. However, some types of fish, such as raw salmon and trout, contain dangerous bacteria that can make your dog sick, such as salmonella and listeria. Additionally, fish with high levels of mercury and other heavy metals, such as swordfish and mackerel and king mackerel, should be avoided as it can cause mercury poisoning in dogs.

2. Cook the fish well: 

While some pet parents advocate for feeding their dogs raw food, fish is not something you should serve raw. The bacteria in raw fish can cause serious health issues for your dog, such as salmon poisoning disease, which can be fatal if left untreated. Always ensure that the fish is cooked thoroughly before giving it to your furry friend. Steaming or baking the fish are the best cooking methods to use.

3. Watch out for bones: 

Fish bones can be hazardous to your dog's health, especially if they ingest them. Ensure that you remove all bones from the fish before feeding it to your canine friend. However, you can also choose boneless options such as canned or precooked fish. Be cautious when giving your dog whole fish as opposed to fillets.

4. Monitor the quantity: 

Fish is a rich source of protein, and while it's tempting to give your dog a large portion, this can cause gastrointestinal issues and, in some cases, pancreatitis. It would help if you always monitored how much fish you give your dog and ensure that it's served as a treat or an addition to their regular meal. A good rule of thumb is to feed your dog one ounce of fish per ten pounds of body weight, but this should always depend on your dog's overall diet.

5. Know your dog's health: 

Dogs with underlying health issues, such as kidney or liver disease, should avoid eating fish, as it can cause further damage. Before introducing any new food or fish, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian and make sure it is safe and won't cause any adverse effects.

Raw fish can harbour harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, which can cause food poisoning in both humans and dogs. To minimize the risk of bacterial contamination, make sure you source your fish from a reputable supplier, store it properly, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it. It is best to avoid feeding raw fish to make sure your pup doesn’t get sick!

There are many benefits to adding fish skin to your dog's diet. Fish skin is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, supports joint health, serves as a natural dental treat, easy to digest, and most importantly, a sustainable food source.

Try our Crunchy Salmon Skin recipe to feed your dog some fish skin.

Fish oil, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, offers numerous benefits for dogs. It contributes to a sleek and healthy coat, soothes skin issues, and alleviates dryness, itchiness, and flakiness. Additionally, Omega-3s have an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces joint pain and swelling in dogs with arthritis. Moreover, these fatty acids support heart health, regulating heart rate and reducing the risk of heart disease. Omega-3s also promote brain development in puppies and aid mental clarity in older dogs. They enhance the immune system, helping dogs fight off infections and reducing allergies by minimizing inflammation. Lastly, fish oil assists in weight management by regulating metabolism and appetite.

Check out our Omega Oil from Native Pet that is made with wild caught salmon and pollock. 

There are various ways to serve fish to dogs. The first approach is to mix cooked fish with their commercial dog food or kibble. 

Secondly, the better option would be to make homemade fish-based dog food using different fish meat. Check out our recipe community that has lots of ideas on how to incorporate fish into your dog’s diet.

You can add fish oil to your dog’s food or make homemade meals that are nutritionally balanced. Lastly, fish can be given as a treat or reward, especially freeze-dried fish snacks or jerky made from the fish varieties mentioned above, which is very popular among dogs.

When cooking fish for your pup, it's important to keep things simple. Avoid using spices or oils that may upset your dog's stomach. Also, make sure to remove small bones, as they can be a choking hazard. Cook the fish thoroughly to ensure that your dog is not at risk of bacterial infections.

There are several ways to cook fish for your dog. One popular method is poaching. To poach fish, place it in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Another option is baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the fish in a baking dish, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Grilling or pan-frying fish is also an option, but make sure to avoid using oils or seasoning that may be harmful to your pup.

The recommended serving size of fish for dogs depends on their size and weight. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to feed your dog one ounce of fish for every 10 pounds of body weight, up to two or three times a week. It's important not to overfeed your dog, as too much fish can cause stomach upset and other digestive issues.

We have some nutritionist and vet-developed recipes that would be perfect to start feeding your dog fish! 

Cod Stew

Crunchy Salmon Skin (Or use any fish skin)

In conclusion, when it comes to feeding fish to your pup, it comes down to making smart choices and feeding in moderation while being watchful of any potential health effects. Providing a diet high in protein, vitamins and essential fatty acids will keep our dogs healthy and strong. With the correct approach, fish can be a beneficial addition to your dog's meal plan and their overall quality of life.

Fish is a good source of protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals such as selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are extremely beneficial to dogs as they help promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, and support a robust immune system. Also, omega-3s are associated with reducing inflammation which helps dogs with arthritis, allergies, and other inflammatory conditions.

1. Helps Maintain a Healthy Coat

Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for dogs to maintain a healthy coat and important for skin health. These fatty acids help to reduce shedding, promote a shiny coat, and prevent dry and itchy skin. Dogs that suffer from allergies or skin irritations can benefit significantly from consuming fish that's rich in these fatty acids.

2. Supports Eye and Brain Development

Fish is a rich source of DHA and EPA, which are essential for the development of brain and eye function. Including fish in your dog's diet can improve their cognitive abilities, enhance their memory, and promote mental agility.

3. Supports Joint Health

Fish contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint pain and inflammation in dogs. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can also help to reduce the risk of arthritis and other joint-related issues.

4. Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

One of the significant benefits of fish for dogs is that it can reduce the risk of heart disease. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help to lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke.

5. Improves digestion

Fish is easy to digest and can be added to your dog's diet as a lean protein source. It's also an excellent choice for dogs that have sensitive stomachs and suffer from food allergies or intolerances.

For more information on Omega-3 Fish Oils for Dogs, check out our blog.

Yes, fish is a good source of protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals such as selenium, zinc, and magnesium.

Salmon, cod, sardines, tuna, haddock, flounder, and some shellfish are safe for dogs. Just make sure all fish is deboned and has no seasonings before serving.

Yes! Tuna fish is a popular fish that is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It can also be a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to limit your dog's consumption of tuna as it can contain high levels of mercury. Too much mercury can lead to mercury poisoning, which can cause serious health problems. Opt for tuna canned in water rather than oil and choose albacore or skipjack tuna rather than larger types of tuna (like bigeye or bluefin tuna) for a lower mercury content per serving.

No, fish is very good for dogs. Fish is a good source of protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals such as selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are extremely beneficial to dogs as they help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat and support a robust immune system.

No, salmon is great for dogs. Salmon is a popular fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. It is a great source of nutrients for your dog. However, not all types of salmon are safe for dogs. Raw salmon can contain a parasite called Neorickettsia Helminthoeca, which can cause a serious disease called salmon poisoning disease. To avoid this, it is recommended to feed your dog cooked salmon without any spices or seasonings.

Dogs cannot eat smoked salmon. Learn more at our blog focused on Smoked Salmon.