Can My Dog Eat That? Fish

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat fish?” Read on!

If your dog’s nose is working overtime sniffing the delicious smell of fish wafting down from the dinner table, the good news is that dogs can safely eat fish — as long as it’s deboned, cooked, unseasoned and only fed as a treat.

Fish as an Ingredient in Dog Food

Fish is a common ingredient in nutritionally balanced commercial dog foods. The types of fish we use in some Taste of the Wild recipes include menhaden whitefish, salmon, small ocean fish and trout. Like turkey and cheese, fish is an excellent source of protein. It is also a good source of minerals and omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

DHA is a component of mother’s milk and is critical for brain and vision development in growing puppies. Studies show that the benefits of DHA in the diet continue after weaning. DHA and EPA also help maintain a healthy coat and skin, and have roles in inflammation and the immune response.

Dogs Should Avoid Raw Fish and Fish Bones

Fish is safe for dogs as long as it’s prepared correctly and fed in moderation. Always cook fish for dogs to the same temperature recommended for safe consumption by people. Fish that is baked, steamed or grilled is safe for dogs, but if dogs eat fried fish, the fat content may upset their digestive tract. When cooking fish for dogs, make sure you don’t use any seasonings or ingredients that could upset their stomach or are toxic to dogs (like garlic and onion).

It’s really important to make sure all the fish bones have been removed, as bones can be a choking hazard and can perforate the digestive tract. You should also limit how much fish your dog eats. Too much fish can cause an upset digestive system, so just offer a small amount of fish as an occasional treat.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Fish?

No, you shouldn’t feed your dog raw fish. If dogs eat raw fish, they risk ingesting harmful bacteria like salmonella or listeria. Some fish are also known to harbor parasites. Fish for dogs should be cooked to the same temperature recommended for humans to safely consume fish.

Can Dogs Have Tuna?

Canned tuna in plain water (not oil or salted water) is safe for dogs to eat in moderation as a treat. However, some experts recommend avoiding fresh-caught fish like albacore tuna, king mackerel, shark and swordfish. These fish are typically harvested when they are older and larger, and can contain relatively high mercury levels, which can cause toxicity if your dog eats too much.

Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

Dogs can eat plain salmon as long as it is cooked — do not feed your dog raw salmon. Salmon is a highly digestible source of protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids. In some of our recipes, we use smoke-flavored salmon for enhanced taste!

Can Dogs Eat Tilapia?

Yes, dogs can eat tilapia if it is deboned and cooked correctly. If your dog has kidney problems, you may want to avoid feeding them tilapia, though. Like some other types of fish, tilapia is high in phosphorus. Too much phosphorus in the blood interferes with calcium metabolism and contributes to further progression of chronic kidney disease.

Can Dogs Eat Fish Sticks?

Any type of fried or breaded fish is not good for dogs due to the high fat and salt content. Fish sticks may also contain seasonings that are not healthy for dogs. Stick with plain, unseasoned fish.

Are Fish Oil Supplements Good for Dogs?

Some dog owners provide fish oil as a supplement to their dog’s diet. Some dogs may benefit from a fatty fish oil dietary supplement; however, you should always talk to your veterinarian before you change your dog’s diet, including feeding them any kind of supplement.

Can Dogs Eat Fish?

Dogs can eat fish as long as it is unseasoned, cooked and deboned and offered in small amounts as occasional treats in addition to their regular complete and balanced diet. Fish also offer some benefits for your dog’s health.