Can Dogs Eat Fish?

Sushi? For me, please hold the chopsticks – and add a touch of salmon! That’s more or less how many dogs would react if they could. Because many four-legged friends are huge fish fans. And quite rightly so – provided the fish is cooked and prepared correctly. Twice to three times a week, fish can be a welcome addition to your dog’s menu. Why is fish not only tasty, but can also be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, which types are suitable and which ones are better left out of the bowl – you’ll find out here. Let’s dive into the world of fish!

Fish is packed with valuable nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins, essential fatty acids and amino acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA): support the brain, heart and joints, have anti-inflammatory effects and promote a shiny coat.

Highly digestible protein: provides essential amino acids that are indispensable for healthy muscle metabolism and development, as well as for the immune system and energy supply.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin D strengthens bones, teeth and muscles. Vitamin A supports eyesight, helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes and plays an important role in the immune system and growth. It also supports thyroid function and healthy metabolism. The antioxidant selenium protects cells and strengthens the immune system.

Some types of fish contain the enzyme thiaminase. This can be problematic for dogs because it breaks down vitamin B1. Dogs can develop a vitamin B1 deficiency if they are fed thiaminase-containing fish regularly. Vitamin B1 is essential for nerve function, energy metabolism and heart health. A prolonged deficiency can lead to neurological problems, weakness, cramps, loss of appetite and other symptoms.

So what can you do about it? It’s simple: heat destroys thiaminase. Briefly cooking or blanching fish makes it safe to feed. Small amounts of raw fish are usually harmless, but feeding raw fish regularly can lead to vitamin B1 deficiency. If you want to serve fish raw, choose species that do not contain thiaminase.

Fish species without thiaminase

Salmon (e.g. Atlantic or wild salmon), cod (also known as Atlantic cod), trout, pike, catfish, saithe, sole, flounder, redfish, dorado, hake, halibut and European pike-perch (a type of perch).

Fish species containing thiaminase – please cook thoroughly

Sea bass, herring, carp, sardines, catfish, zander, yellowfin tuna, mackerel, sprats, perch, anchovies.

It’s rare for a dog to catch a trout straight from a stream. But what about the fish we bring home fresh? Can dogs eat raw fish? And what alternatives are there?

Yes, dogs can eat cod. Cod is lean and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for your dog’s diet.

Why is cod healthy for dogs?

• High-quality protein: Supports muscle development and overall health
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Support healthy skin and a shiny coat as well as healthy joints and have anti-inflammatory effects
• Vitamins: Vitamin D supports healthy bones and teeth, while B vitamins support the immune system and energy metabolism. Vitamin A supports eyesight, healthy skin and mucous membranes and plays an important role in the immune system and growth
• Minerals and phosphorus and selenium: Important for healthy bones and a strong immune system. Iodine supports thyroid function and a healthy metabolism

What should you look out for?

Cod contains many small, fine bones. Remove them carefully before feeding. Salted or smoked cod does not belong in your dog’s bowl.

Yes, in moderation – tuna can contain mercury. For dogs with certain health conditions such as kidney problems, it is better to consult your veterinarian first.

Why is tuna healthy for dogs?

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Support healthy skin and coat as well as heart health and have anti-inflammatory effects
• Vitamins A, B and D: Important for strong bones, muscles and the immune system
• Protein: Supports muscle development and overall vitality

What should you look out for?

• Mercury content: Tuna can contain small amounts of mercury, so it should only be fed in moderation.
• Preparation: Fresh tuna should be carefully deboned and cooked or steamed before feeding. Canned tuna can also be suitable – but only in its own juices or water, never in oil or seasoned.

Yes, dogs can eat shrimp, but they should not be served as a main meal. Shrimp are packed with nutrients. However, dogs with cholesterol problems or certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes) should not be fed shrimp. Allergic reactions are also possible.

Why are shrimp healthy for dogs?

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Promote healthy skin and a shiny coat and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamins (B12, A, D): Support nerve function, the immune system and metabolism.
• Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium: Strengthen bones, teeth and joints.
• Glucosamine: Supports joint health and may help relieve joint problems in older dogs.

What should you look out for?

Shrimp must always be cooked. Raw shrimp can contain pathogens such as Listeria, Salmonella or parasites. Remove the shell, head and tail to prevent injuries. The hard chitin shell is difficult to digest when raw and can cause stomach problems. Cooking may reduce certain heavy metal residues.

Yes, dogs can eat salmon. Salmon is a valuable source of protein and contains important nutrients for dogs.

Why Is Salmon Healthy for Dogs?

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Support the immune system, cognitive function and joint health, help prevent skin problems and promote a shiny coat.
• Vitamin D: Supports bone metabolism and helps protect the immune system.
• Vitamin B12: Important for the formation of new blood cells and nerve cells.
• Vitamin E: Protects and strengthens skin cells.
• Vitamin A: Supports cell growth and healthy vision.
• Minerals such as iron, magnesium and potassium: Important for your dog’s growth and overall health. Iodine supports thyroid function and healthy metabolism. The antioxidant selenium protects cells and strengthens the immune system.
• Protein: Provides energy and supports muscle development.

What Should You Look Out For?

Raw salmon should be frozen beforehand to kill parasites. Smoked or seasoned salmon is off-limits.

Yes, dogs can eat mackerel in moderation. Eating too much can cause digestive problems due to its high fat content.

Why Is Mackerel Healthy for Dogs?

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Good for the skin and coat, joints and cardiovascular system; have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Protein: Supports muscle development and healthy tissue.
• Vitamins (B vitamins and vitamin D): Support bone health, energy metabolism and the nervous system.
• Minerals such as iodine: Support thyroid function and healthy metabolism. Selenium protects cells and strengthens the immune system.

What Should You Look Out For?

Mackerel is not a good choice for overweight dogs. Remove any large bones.

Can Dogs Eat Sardines?

Why Are Sardines Healthy for Dogs?

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, have anti-inflammatory properties and support joint, heart and immune system health.
• Rich in protein: Easily digestible protein supports muscle development.
• Vitamins such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D: Support bone health and the nervous system.
• Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus: Support healthy bones and teeth.

What Should You Look Out For?

Ideal as a small snack – raw or cooked.

Can Dogs Eat Trout?

Yes, dogs can eat trout. This fish is a low-fat source of protein.

Why Is Trout Healthy for Dogs?

It is rich in vitamins and easy to digest.

• High-quality protein: Supports muscle development and overall health.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, support healthy joints and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamins: Vitamin D supports healthy bones and teeth, while B vitamins help maintain a healthy immune system and metabolism.
• Minerals such as phosphorus and selenium: Support healthy bones and a strong immune system.

What Should You Look Out For?

Freshwater trout can contain parasites, so it is best to serve it cooked.

Although fish is healthy, there are a few risks to be aware of:

• Bones: Raw fish bones are soft and usually not a problem. Cooked bones, however, become brittle and can cause injuries.
• Heavy metals: Large predatory fish such as tuna or swordfish often contain high levels of heavy metals such as mercury, so it is best to avoid them.
• Parasites: Raw fish can contain parasites. Here’s how to eliminate them: freeze the fish for a sufficient period or cook it thoroughly.