If you are browsing the internet for pet food and accessories and you’ve just discovered some delicious salmon-based food for your dog, you might consider giving your companion this type of treat. But then again, you might start asking yourself if it’s safe to do this as you normally only feed your dog meat-based food. Read on and learn more about fish food for dogs and the health benefits it entails.
What are the advantages of feeding your dog fish?
Just like humans, dogs will get tired of eating the same type of food every day. You need to diversify their diet a little bit, but at the same type avoid feeding your dog the same food you eat. Given that dog food is the safest source of nutrients for your pal, you can find suitable products based on your pet’s age and size and try to change the menu every now and then.
Contrary to what many people believe, fish is not only a cats’ food. If it were so, we wouldn’t have so many varieties of dog food that are marketed for containing this ingredient. Getting one of these products for your dog might be a wise choice for two reasons.
On the one hand, you offer him or her a new flavor that will surely make them happy. On the other hand, you can diversify the source of protein they eat, which is also important for their health. Just like in our case, diversity is the key to a healthy and balanced diet. There are different nutrients in different types of meat and your dog should get a little bit of everything.
Therefore, whether you opt for foods that are based on poultry, beef, or fish, it is important to alternate them in order to ensure that your dog gets plenty of nutrients. Moreover, a wider range of ingredients may also prevent food intolerances and the correlated allergies that are quite common in dogs.
One of the main health benefits associated with feeding dogs fish is that this meal contains omega-3 fatty acids. This type of healthy fats can lower the level of inflammation and promote good cholesterol.
Are there any risks involved?
One of the worries that might be troubling pet owners who think about feeding their dog fish is the salmon poisoning syndrome. This syndrome is linked to the parasites that can be found in salmon or other fish and it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.
However, there is no correlated risk if you are feeding your dog pet food you buy from the store. This syndrome only occurs if the fish is consumed raw. Therefore, it is highly recommended to avoid feeding your dog raw fish. Another potential problem, in case you want to share your tasty fish dish with your furry friend, is the presence of bone.
No matter how much you strive to clean the pieces of fish before feeding your dog, fragments of bones can still remain inside. We all know how greedy dogs can be when it comes to food, so don’t expect them to chew the fish carefully to eliminate the risk of choking with bones or getting injured as they gulp on this type of food.
Therefore, if you do want to share your fish meal with your dog, opt for a species that doesn’t have a lot of bones. Another thing to keep in mind is that dogs shouldn’t be fed the sauce that might accompany your fish dish, especially if it contains onion or garlic. When you choose a piece of fish for your dog, make sure it has no sauce or spices on it.
However, the safest way to avoid all the possible complications related to fish is to feed your dog only pet food that contains this ingredient. Before you choose any fish-based dog food, read the label carefully to make sure what sources of protein it contains. Products labeled with fish formula or fish recipe could contain other sources of protein and additives, not only fish as you might expect.
What type of fish is good for dogs?
Some of the varieties that are often used for fish-based dog food are ocean or lake whitefish, salmon, herring, arctic char, and flounder. These types of fish offer a rich source of protein for dogs and humans alike. If you want to cook fish at home, these are some safe options your dog can also enjoy.
Don’t forget to avoid adding seasoning to the dish. Only do this for your own portion. Also, when buying the fish, you should get a fillet that has no bones or as few as possible. Moreover, whether you opt for baking or grilling the fish, make sure it is well cooked before feeding it to your dog so that you avoid any risks related to parasites.
Finally, it is worth highlighting again that dogs need a balanced diet. If they like the taste of fish or dog food that’s based on this ingredient, there is no reason to avoid it. However, make sure you regularly vary their diet.
