Personally, I balance over time, so this isn’t something that I worry about, however, if you prefer to balance per meal, then a nutrient spreadsheet might help you make this decision – I created one for my dogs and there is a link to the site where you can download one for yourself: https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/nutrients.  And as you learn more about making raw meals at home and find quality sources, you can expand your dog's menu. Yes! Fish Flex is available at pet stores without a prescription and is said to be the same as what you would get from the vet. Hy there, is there any guidamce on amounts of fish to give per pound of dog? Raw Feeding 101 - Learn to Transition Your Dog to Raw Dog Food. We have been hearing a lot of scary stories about how these heavy metals such as mercury and lead are getting into our food and fish supply. “Human” And “Pharmaceutical” Grade Studies have shown that omega-3’s found in fish oil can decrease anxiety and improve anxiety related symptoms (19, 20, 21). The other protein sources help to make the food more nutritionally balanced.  If you can't add fresh mussels (or your dog won't eat them), freeze-dried mussels from a reputable source is a great option. I am not a veterinarian, canine/animal nutritionist, or dog trainer. Raw fish is safe for your dog – in fact, it’s safe for most humans! I believe that these brands are superior to other fish skin treats because…. However worldwide stocks of Atlantic mackerel are declining and they are being fished beyond a sustainable level which is why I have not included it in my list of fish to consume. And I have a tuna treat recipe I want to try soon. Note: Until recently mackerel was the fish to gulp down without a twinge of guilt, good for us and good for the planet. Now I don't have to bother with placing a random order with my local fishmonger. I feed my three dogs 60 pounds + ð here in Virginia raw frozen fish, meats, chicken, pig feet’s etc., they love it as a treat and there teeth are great, they always have brand dog food but they really enjoy the treats.  However, I never thought of buying a case of frozen mussels to thaw and add to my dogs' meals. Unfortunately though, fish does not provide all the nutrients a dog needs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, visit the Affiliate Disclosure page. Due to the personal nature of my blog, I do not accept guest posts nor do I participate in link exchanges, paid or otherwise. I’m certain that there is someplace that probably lists this. I'll make one dish for myself – spiced to my taste – and a second for the dogs, without anything other than fresh herbs that are safe for dogs … Can they always be left in or do I need to debone them?  24 hours just doesn't seem long enough. A dog can consume fish oil either through fish itself or supplements. Worse than lead and mercury these industrial toxins take 5-8 years to clear out of the body. Although many raw feeders feed salmon to their dogs, there have been cases of salmon poisoning in dogs in the Pacific Northwest. You can find plenty of websites that will tell you which fish are safe to feed to dogs raw. Coat and skin – Fish can oil also give your dog a healthy coat and skin. “Depending on the type, fish can provide omega-3 fatty acids which can be beneficial for skin and coat for dogs,” explains Janet Dempsey, Purina Senior Nutritionist. I’m wondering what would be the difference between these frozen raw and canned sardines in water? The dose calls for 1/16th of a tsp. The quick answer is yes. 2 Ways to Make the Best Out of Your Black Friday Shopping, the fish is harvested from Icelandic waters, which are some of the cleanest waters in the world, the fish is tested for safety in Iceland and again when it arrives in the US, the catfish skin treats are tough and long lasting.  I love salmon, trout, catfish, Dover sole, and swordfish. Later in life, they also support joint health. Gram for gram one of the most potent sources of protein. Although they both provide Omega 3 fatty acids, I give oysters for the zinc, not the fatty acids. I have been giving my dog Poshi raw fish. And feeding higher amounts of omega-6 fats leads to an increase in inflammation in your dog’s body. If you're feeding fish that you caught to your dog, make sure to remove any hooks before handing a fish over to your dog.  Is it safe to feed raw fish to our dogs or not? There are several raw food brands that offer a fish recipe and here are the ones I feed to my dogs: I recently received an email from someone who's dog got really sick from fish skins.  They love it. Update: In 2017, I began added canned oysters (boiled in water, rinsed before feeding) because they are an excellent source of zinc and manganese, both of which are lacking in many raw diets. I do not give my dogs smoked oysters. I do feed canned sardines to my dogs. Benefits of fish oil for dogs aren't just physical. I hope this post will help you make better choices. These are expensive, so if you can order fresh mussels in bulk through a supplier, you'll probably get a better deal. Or you can do as I do and order through a raw food co-op or watch for deals (Black Friday is a good time of year) and buy a case. They are available in fresh and canned varieties. If I had smaller dogs, I may cut the fish in half and serve it that way or give them one fish for breakfast a couple days a week, it would just depend on the dog. I worry about the fish bones still because of the old saying that they will Yep, dogs can eat raw fish, but like everything in this crazy dog nutrition world, that's not the end of the discussion because it's not that straightforward. Fish is a healthy source of protein and is often included in commercial dog food as an alternative protein source. Yet I do. Ironically enough, they are usually fed fishmeal and fish oil made from smaller oily species such as mackerel, sardine, herring, and anchovy. I have frozen mackerel but I’m not sure how to prepare them for my Staffy. So basically you shouldnt throw a dog a fish you JUST caught. I also have a relationship with Darwin’s Natural Pet Products as a customer; please note that Darwin’s Pet does not provide free food for my pets.  Personally, I'll only feed my dogs sardines and mackerel, because that's what I have access to through our local raw food co-op. Canine Muscleworks, 6 Prospect Street, Claremont, WA, 6010, Australia, Fish for dogs : Which to avoid and which to feed. in Perth, Claremont WA, Western Australia, Australia. In general, fish that has been deboned, cleaned properly, and thoroughly cooked, is safe for canine consumption. P.S there poop is much more normal:)0. Fish. I started giving my dog phytoplankton. When I switched from canned to frozen, I chopped the sardines up and split a couple between my four dogs to start. Overall health benefits2. At Fish4Dogs we love fish in all its varieties: fish is a tasty, easy to digest protein that naturally contains omega 3. High in omega 3s, selenium, trace minerals. Is the Embark Vet Breed Identification Kit Worth It? Because there are other options; I'm okay with taking these off the menu. Your opening line made me laugh! Since bacteria can cause allergies, it is important that you don’t overlook the presence of any bacteria in your dog’s body. I am a blogger, and all information shared is based on my personal experience with my dogs and research about raw feeding, canine health, and nutrition that I do for my dogs. Please do not use content from this blog in place of veterinarian care. I do not offer coaching or consultations; the most I can do is share my personal experience. Thats all i was wondering. When it comes to cooked fish, my dogs eat what I eat. It is not wild caught but Tassal salmon are non-GMO and grown in ocean farms where the health and welfare of the fish are a priority. Keep the Tail Wagging® is a personal blog and a minority/woman-owned business. I, Kimberly Gauthier (owner), am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Many raw feeders love to supplement their dog’s diet with fish, especially salmon, because of the omega-3 benefits.  Because I'm paranoid, I freeze fish for at least a week before feeding it to my dogs. not only can dogs eat fish, but fish is good for dogs.  Because of this, I don't feed salmon or trout to my dogs raw unless it comes from a reputable source (a premade raw brand I trust).  I look for sardines packed in water with no salt added. I will feed my dogs canned salmon and canned mackerel but I don't make a habit of it because it's crazy expensive. When I cook fish for my dogs, I take the bone out.  I'll make one dish for myself – spiced to my taste – and a second for the dogs, without anything other than fresh herbs that are safe for dogs (or nothing at all). Until recently mackerel was the fish to gulp down without a twinge of guilt, good for us and good for the planet. I give my dogs Beams, which are catfish skin treats sold by The Honest Kitchen. They also eat other fish that are high in mercury which compounds the issue. In fact, if fed solely a fish diet, a dog can end up with a vitamin B1 deficiency. Tuna : Avoid large predatory fish with dense flesh. In a nutshell, most dogs get too many omega-6 fats in their diet . by Kimberly | Nov 2, 2016 | Raw Food Diet for Dogs | 16 comments. I just purchased a case of beautiful looking frozen sardines from my raw food co-op.  This means that not all fish skins are safe for dogs and with so many people jumping into a lucrative pet industry, it's important that we only buy from sources we trust. Farmed fish are often fed terrible diets, exposed to antibiotics and poor living conditions. Any help?  When it comes to fish skins, it's important to remember that the toxins in our very polluted oceans are stored in the fish's fat and skin. When I feed my dogs raw sardines or raw carp, I leave the bones in. Is Fish Good for Dogs? And there’s good reason to add fish oil to our dog’s bowl every day – he needs the omega-3 fats it contains. It is a very low nutrient fish. So I am always feeling like I know nothing, especially when I can’t get her to stop certain behaviours. I did leave the head and tail on, just roughly chopped in on her food. Dog foods labeled “fish formula” or “fish recipe” will contain other meats and proteins besides fish, which is a good thing, unless your dog has a specific allergy you’re trying to avoid. The protein rich food and fatty oil always helps to make her coat soft and shiny. Thanks in advance. Some species of mackerel such as Spanish mackerel and King Mackerel are large fish that have substantially higher levels of mercury. Great posting! The reason fish oil is so good for dogs is because of its Omega 3 content. More brands are coming out with freeze-dried mussels and I've been able to find fresh ones through our local co-op (although I haven't ordered them yet). Our dogs love the treats, which is a good thing because mussels are being called a “superfood.”  If you're concerned about your dog getting enough nutrients in their diet and want to give your dog an extra boost, then mussels are an answer. Some species of mackerel such as Spanish mackerel and King Mackerel are large fish that have substantially higher levels of mercury. Farmed salmon may contain chemicals. I then settle back down and remind myself of the time I tried to feed Rodrigo a grape. Along with being a great source of protein, fish is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be great for dogs with specific food allergies that limit what they can eat. Fish oil is a dietary supplement that helps supports dogs’ hearts, joints, coats, skin, and immune systems. These fish have a longer life span. But people have a fear of raw fish and parasites. We are dedicated to helping dogs be healthy and happy, which is why we are champions of fish as a tasty source of protein, perfect for their wellbeing. Avoid at all costs! The raw sardines may have been too rich. Fish, an increasingly popular core ingredient in high-end dog foods, is not exempt from this debate. I also tend to smoke a big batch as they make great stinky training treats! Yes, dogs can definitely eat some types of fish.  I add green lipped mussel powder to my dogs' diet because it's a natural anti-inflammatory. Beams catfish skin treats are available through my local raw food co-op (I buy them by the case) and from Amazon.com. I have big dogs (65-85 pounds) and give them one fish a day until I go through a 10 count package. I thawed one out for a topper on last nights dinner, and early in the AM she threw up. Dogs . I often give my dogs fish oil and oysters in the same meal. The fish that these usually affect are the âbottom feeders,â the ones that loiter on the bottom of the ocean floor such as eels, sea bass, trout, flounder and cod. Fish is also a great natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for a healthy coat and healthy skin. I add fish to my dogs' diet as a supplement and a natural source of essential fatty acids; not as a full meal. I don't think a dog can eat a diet primarily made of fish because I don't think it isn't healthy to limit a dog to a single protein.  So which is it? Make sure it is wild caught. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for dogs’ growth and early development. With the high concentration of fish oil in your dog’s diet, there are fewer bacteria in their system. On the other hand, that doesn’t mean that your dog’s sensitivities have simply gone away. Once these toxins enter your dogsâ bodies it can take years to clear out of their systems. One of the reasons I stick to sardines and mackerel is because they have lower toxin levels than other fish. As disgusting as videos showing worms in fish are – and I watched a few for this post and the one I have here is tame by comparison – it's perfectly natural for fish to have worms in them. Low in heavy metals and high in omega 3âs, selenium and copper. Salmon is a softer flesh fish and tends to be lower in contaminants because so it doesnât absorb those heavy metals as much. Thus, we can offer our furry companions any type of fish, both white and blue, since each one offers different benefits and interesting properties for the correct development of dogs. I have a question. In fact, a lot of fish that are good for humans are also safe for dogs to eat. Fish is great for dogs who suffer from allergies and intolerances such as sickness, skin rashes and itching, ear infections, swelling, stomach pain, wind and diarrhoea. What fish you feed to your dog depends on what you have access to and if you bring this topic up in a large raw feeding group, people will respond with what fish they do and don't feed, completely confusing you about what's safe and not safe. For this post, I'm sticking to what I know. If you are new to raw feeding, then I recommend starting with a reputable premade raw brand (scroll up to see my list). Fish, fish meal and fish oil are naturally rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are important for brain and vision development.  Because I feed fish as a supplement and not a meal, I add fish as a food topper, combining it with another protein. I love salmon, trout, catfish, Dover sole, and swordfish. Most tuna is very dense meat. However their smaller cousins, the north Atlantic Mackerel is a safe ocean fish to eat. Based on my research, for raw fish to be safe to feed to our dogs, it needs to be frozen for at least 24 hours to kill any parasites and bacteria. So if you’re concerned, I’d suggest looking into what each ingredient is bringing to the meal to see if your dog is at risk of getting too much of something. My 11 year old 60# lab mix has been getting canned sardines as a topper to raw diet for a long time now, one year plus. Many veterinarians will tell you to never ever feed your dog raw fish, because of the parasites and bacteria that live in the meat of the fish. Cheers!  It arrives frozen, I transfer it into smaller packages and leave it frozen for a week before grinding the fish (or chopping it up) to feed to my dogs. Tilapia is all farmed, never wild caught. However their smaller cousins, the north Atlantic Mackerel is a safe ocean fish to eat. For canned tuna avoid albacore (chunk tuna in cans). Sustainability - Beyond trying the save the planet, overfishing could cause these good fish to become extinct in the next 10 years. Or chopping them up is okay? Kimberly Gauthier, Dog Nutrition Blogger and Raw Feeder in Marysville, Washington, the benefits of adding mussels to our dogs' food, https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/nutrients, How to Avoid Online Scams Targeting Pet Parents, Reasons Why Veterinarians Don’t Support Raw Feeding for Dogs, Defeating Wet Dog Smell with the Right Air Purifiers. Cooked Fish I Feed to My Dogs. It’s important to note however, that there’s a risk of parasites than you can easily minimize. I think it’s completely safe for them. We live in Alaska, so in the summer my GSD, Scarlett, tends to get a lot of freshly caught salmon! I can order sardines, mackerel, and smelt through my local raw food co-op or through Raw Paws Pet Food. And I like to alternate raw fish with fish from premade raw food. I'm able to gain access to more fish, it's safe to feed, and it's nice not to have to break down a 50-pound case of sardines every month. It is usually found in parts of the world that doesnât have as much heavy metals. She’s never had a problem with them though occasionally she gets an upset stomach for whatever reason. Super high in omega 3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation , B12, selenium and low in heavy metals. At first, I used to have to filet the fish because my dogs weren’t interested; today, my dogs will eat the fish whole, bones and all. Quality dog foods have protein like fish as the primary ingredient. They are in the water longer, absorbing and increasing the density of those heavy metals within their flesh. Too much fish given to dogs can become dangerous with adverse consequences. The second toxin to consider is industrial chemical toxins. Fish can be a good addition to a dog's balanced diet. It's rich in amino acids, just like other animal-based proteins. It’s actually a healthy source of protein that you will often find mixed into commercial dog food as a source of protein. I am a new puppy mum and have only become one 4 weeks ago. There are other quality brands out there (I also like PolkaDog), however, I primarily order Beams because my dogs love them and The Honest Kitchen is a trusted brand. If your fish oil supplement is a pure fish oil it may be safe to also give to your dog but you should discuss it with your veterinarian first to be sure. Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet Soft Gels has all the health benefits of fish oil in an easy-to-swallow pill. When your dogs have large amounts of mercury in their bodies, it can cause serious central nervous issues such as muscles that do not contract well and general feelings of weakness. Dogs can eat salmon, and it’s usually good for them if served properly. If you don't have ready access to wild caught salmon, salmon from Australian company Tassal Salmon is a good option. A few months ago, Rodney Habib and Steve Brown shared the benefits of adding mussels to our dogs' food. King mackerel, sword fish, eels, sea bass, trout, flounder and cod. Anyway, What about the bones in the fish? One of the worst fish you can feed your dogs. The fish that have high amounts of mercury are usually the large predatory fish such as shark, tuna, king mackerel and sword fish. Should I gut and debone the fish? Second, fish contains a ton of omega … Fish oil can be very good for dogs, especially: Dogs with heart problems; Dogs who need a little extra help maintaining healthy skin and coats; Puppies who need the extra healthy fat to help their brains develop optimally; Dogs with joint or cognitive issues; Your veterinarian can let you know if your dog needs a fish oil supplement based upon their current health and their diet.  But raw feeders add raw sardines, mackerel, salmon, and other raw fish to their dogs' diet all the time. Since I have four big dogs, I never have enough fish to make an entire meal (swordfish is expensive), so I add the fish to their normal meal as a food topper. I did a google search and found some people also use this stuff although it states on the bottle not for human use. These toxins are heavier and higher density than water and end up sinking down to the bottom of the ocean. Some fish oil products have flavorings, sweeteners, or other added ingredients that may not be good for your dog. Fish is incredibly healthy. I don't have any right judging anyone. However, feeding your pooch high amounts of fish, regardless of how it’s served, it can lead to thiamine deficiency. I balance over time and don’t worry about amounts. Copyright© 2011-2020 Kimberly Gauthier. Articles may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of Kimberly Gauthier [that’s me!]. Fish can provide a novel protein for dogs, which can be particularly beneficial in managing and minimizing food allergies. Fish Oil for Humans vs.  Raw salmon may contain a parasite that can make dogs very sick. go the heart, has any one have a answer to this. First, most dogs think that fish is delicious! In conclusion, a little seafood or fish for dogs on a weekly basis under controlled supervision can be very beneficial. This may make it easier to digest. Aside from its health benefits, fish oil adds flavor to your dog’s food too, making your dog eat better. When it comes to cooked fish, my dogs eat what I eat. I do this once a week when I have fish on hand. If you prefer to give your dog a supplement rather than mix fish oil with his or her meal (some dogs dislike the flavor), there are plenty of pill options with the same benefits. These are the by products of factories that leak into our waterways. If you must feed tuna choose yellow fin tuna. Wild caught frozen salmon is also safe to feed. It takes 12-18 months for mercury to clear out of their systems. Fish Oil Benefits For Your Dog: Appetite – Dogs who take fish oil supplements have seen improvement in their appetite than those who don’t. They usually come from countries that donât pay attention to quality standards. I recently learned that I can also order smelt from Raw Paws Pet Food and I'm planning to place an order for my dogs soon. That's why it's … A good choice of unprocessed fish is important, and so is cooking it properly to avoid any diseases.  In the summer, my dogs eat the fish whole while outside (always under supervision). I used to get confused when I go into a fish shop or supermarket. 1. However, we do not usually let our dogs eat fish, so it is most likely that they will get their dosage from fish oil supplements. Jackie Crawford is one of the best groomers specialising in Golden Retrievers and muscle therapist for dogs and dog massage. In fact, my dogs’ favorite treats are a salmon cookie. However, according to pet nutritionist David Southey, who is an advocate of fish for dogs, fish can help to counter sensitivities due to lower fat levels. It is loaded which essential omega-3 fatty acids, high in lean protein, low in fat, and is easily digestible. Thanks ð. Turkey is a great protein source for dogs. Their stomach are much stronger than what most people perceive it to be! So is it safe to give fish to dogs? When I refilled my dog's Doxycycline last month it came from Walgreen's and was the same as the human variety. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, … Our oceans are becoming more polluted so it's important to take care when buying fish to feed to your dog. Contamination2. Moddie explains why fish, thanks to it being rich in Omega-3 fats, tends to be a type of protein that dogs with allergies and intolerances don’t react to. Since mercury is odorless and invisible, itâs not easy to detect and canât be avoided by trimming off the skin or other parts.  Would they eat them? Every now and then I come across a question that makes me roll my eyes and cringe at the same time because I'm being so judgy. Is it okay to give him mussels and oysters if he is having the phytoplankton in his food daily? Reduce inflammation, B12, selenium and copper, B12, selenium, minerals... 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