Dos & Don’ts to Feeding Your Dog Fish
Have you noticed a shift in the meals your family is served today versus when you were a kid? Most of us try to focus on fresh ingredients, lean proteins, and whole grains while limiting our consumption of processed foods. This shift towards understanding the health benefits of homemade is paralleled with what we choose to feed our furry companions.
A recent study noted that 53.1% of pet owners felt that the food they feed their pets was as much a priority as what they feed their families, whereas 43.6% thought it was even more of a focus. However, the same study found that most pet owners struggle to determine the best diet for their beloved canines.
What Fish is Good for Dogs?
While you might love grabbing a portion of fish from the local chippie and sharing it with your best friend, can dogs eat battered fish? While white fish for dogs is excellent for their health, the additional grease and battered coating is not and may cause unpleasant digestive issues. The best fish for dogs in the UK includes:
- Salmon
- Whitefish
- Cod
- Hank or Whiting
- Tuna
- Flounder
- Herring
- Catfish
What Fish Can Dogs Not Eat?
While it is essential to know what fish your dogs can eat, it is equally critical to know what fish dogs cannot eat. The list of fish to avoid when feeding your dog includes:
- Albacore tuna
- King mackerel
- Swordfish
- Tilefish
- Shark
- Farm-raised fish
Now you might wonder, ‘can dogs eat fish bones?’ and the answer is that they shouldn’t. Nor should dogs consume fishtails, fins, or fish heads due to the chance of physical injury.
Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Fish
Fish for dogs is as much of a treat for them as it is for us as humans. However, besides doing zoomies because of the flavour alone, there are numerous health benefits of a diet rich in fish protein. Fish is one of the most effective sources of omega-3 fatty acids which assists with:
- Absorption of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are fat-soluble
- Reducing inflammation
- Immune system development
- Preventing certain cancers
- Alleviate arthritis and other joint problems
- Promoting a dog’s healthy coat and skin
- Ensuring proper neural development
Benefits of Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food is just as the name states in that it is a diet of uncooked meat and vegetables. The aim is to get your domesticated dog back to a diet more in line with its evolutionary roots. In addition, the recorded benefits of a raw food diet for dogs include:
- Healthy joints and bones
- Improved immune system
- Promotes healthy coat and skin
- Assists with canine dental health
- Decreased body odour
- Higher energy levels
- Reduced stool output
What we feed our beloved animals is as essential for their overall health and wellbeing as exercise. Ensure your beloved companion has the best every day by browsing our range of fish, as well as our wide collection of raw dog food.
