Can dogs eat fish? Fish has many health benefits for dogs, including omega-3 fatty acids. Just avoid feeding raw fish, fish bones, and these types of fish.
Can dogs eat fish? Fish has many health benefits for dogs, including omega-3 fatty acids. Just avoid feeding raw fish, fish bones, and these types of fish.
Picture it: Youre pan-frying trout or grilling a chunk of salmon for a quick weeknight dinner. A small piece of fish falls off, and you pick it up to give to your dog. He waits with bated breath. But then you hesitate and wonder, “Can dogs eat fish?”.
The answer is yes, dogs can eat fish. Dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat both plants and animals, including fish. When you go to the pet store or grocery store, look in the dog food section. There is a lot of kibble that is made with fish as the main ingredient. So, fish can be included as a part of your dogs diet.
With that being said, you shouldnt start giving your dog fish without making a few considerations first. Fish is safe for dogs and can be good for them, but it needs to be cooked and given to them in the right way to make sure it’s safe. And not all types of fish are right for your dog, either.
Lets take a closer look at the benefits and risks of fish for dogs. You’ll also learn what kinds of fish are safe for your dog to eat and which ones you should avoid.
As dog owners, we know how much our furry friends love chewing on bones. In fact, bones are some of the most popular dog treats and chews out there. But what about fish bones specifically? Are they safe for dogs to eat?
This is an important question for any pet parent who enjoys cooking fish at home or giving their pup the occasional fish-based treat. While dogs tend to gobble down anything edible, not all human foods are safe for canine consumption.
So let’s dive into everything you need to know about dogs and fish bones. I’ll cover the risks, benefits, tips for preparation, what to do if your dog eats fish bones, and more. Read on to get the full scoop from a fellow dog lover!
Can Dogs Eat Fish Bones?
The main risk of feeding fish bones to dogs comes from cooked bones splintering, compared to raw bones which are soft and flexible.
According to veterinarians, dogs can eat raw fish bones in most cases but should avoid cooked fish bones.
Cooked bones tend to become brittle and can splinter into sharp fragments that can damage your dog’s mouth, throat, stomach or intestines. Raw bones are more pliable and less likely to splinter.
Of course, even raw fish bones can present choking hazards or blockages depending on the size of your dog. Large, dense bones should be avoided.
Dangers of Dogs Eating Fish Bones
While the risks are lower for raw fish bones, there are still a few dangers to be aware of:
- Gastrointestinal injury – Bones could puncture the stomach or intestines, causing bleeding or infection
- Intestinal blockage – Indigestible bones get stuck and obstruct the intestines
- Choking hazard – Bones get lodged in the throat and block airways
- Constipation – Bones do not pass smoothly through the digestive tract
Signs of trouble include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and lethargy. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after eating fish bones, call your vet right away.
Tips for Safely Feeding Fish Bones
If you do choose to share some raw fish bones from your catch of the day, follow these tips to minimize risks:
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Only feed large dogs raw fish bones – they can handle larger bones better. Small dogs should avoid them.
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Stick to small, soft bones like those found in sardines or salmon. Avoid large, dense bones.
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Monitor your dog closely when they are eating bones and remove any they attempt to swallow whole.
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Grind up bones thoroughly before feeding them. You can use a blender, food processor or meat grinder for this.
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Limit portions to avoid overeating. Too many bones can overwhelm your dog’s digestive system.
Following these precautions will help make bones as safe as possible a treat for your pup.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Fish Bones
If you think your dog swallowed a fish bone, the first step is to stay calm. Here’s a quick action plan:
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Check for symptoms – Coughing, gagging, vomiting and discomfort signals trouble. But some dogs show no symptoms initially.
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Contact your vet – Especially if your dog is showing signs of distress. They will advise if inducing vomiting is recommended.
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Monitor closely – Look for symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite or abdominal pain over the next 5-7 days.
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See the vet – If symptoms develop or you have any concerns, get veterinary attention, even if days later.
With prompt vet care, most dogs recover well after eating fish bones. Serious cases involving perforations may require surgery and antibiotics.
Try not to panic or punish your dog. Even with precautions, determined dogs manage to scavenge all kinds of items. Focus on monitoring symptoms and providing prompt veterinary care if needed.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Fish Bones?
Cooked fish bones tend to splinter easily and can cause more damage than raw bones. Veterinarians recommend dogs avoid cooked fish bones altogether.
The cooking process causes fish bones to become brittle. They can then break into sharp fragments that can injure your dog internally if swallowed.
Even small cooked fish bones pose a substantial risk. These sharp pieces can get embedded in the back of the throat, stomach or intestinal lining, especially in smaller dogs.
So to be on the safe side, fish should be thoroughly de-boned before cooking it for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Small Fish Bones?
Many people reason that small fish bones, such as those found in canned fish, should be harmless. However, veterinarians caution against this assumption.
Even tiny delicate bones from fish like anchovies, sardines and salmon can pose a choking hazard or fatally perforate intestines if swallowed.
If you are adding any type of fish to your dog’s diet, pick over it meticulously and remove all traces of bones, no matter how small. Canned fish labeled “boneless” is the safest choice.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Fish Bones?
As mentioned earlier, raw fish bones come with significantly lower risks for dogs.
Raw bones are more flexible and softer, so they don’t tend to splinter. Dogs are often able to digest smaller soft bones from raw fish.
Salmon, mackerel, sardines and other oily fish provide calcium and other nutrients from their soft, edible bones. Just avoid larger, denser ones.
That said, raw fish does introduce the hazards of bacteria, parasites and mercury contamination. Be sure to source sushi or sashimi grade fish if feeding raw.
Benefits of Fish Bones for Dogs
Despite the risks discussed, fish bones may actually provide some benefits when safely prepared and fed:
- Nutrition – Calcium, phosphorus and other minerals.
- Dental health – Helps scrub plaque and tartar off teeth.
- Mental stimulation – Chewing bones keeps dogs engaged and entertained.
Just keep portions of any bone small and watch your dog when they are gnawing. Make sure the consistency of the specific bones you feed is soft enough to avoid splintering.
Other Questions About Dogs and Fish Bones
Here are some other common questions dog owners have about feeding fish bones:
Can dogs have salmon bones? Yes, salmon bones are soft enough to be digestible for dogs when raw. Cooked salmon bones become dangerous.
Can dogs eat fish tail bones? Fish tails vary in size and density. For safety, it’s best to remove all bones, including the tail.
Can dogs eat fish heads? Fish heads contain many small bones and should not be fed as-is. You’ll need to meticulously remove all bones first.
Can dogs have fish skin? Yes, fish skin is safe for dogs as long as it’s boneless. It provides healthy fats. Avoid giving too much to avoid excess calories.
Can dogs eat tinned fish bones? No, as the canning process softens up the bones but does not actually remove them. Always pick through canned fish to remove any bones.
The Bottom Line
Fish can be a healthy, lean protein source for dogs. But as with any human food, take care to prepare it properly and safely. When it comes to fish bones, caution is advised.
Cooked fish bones should always be avoided due to splintering risk. Raw bones may be tolerated by some large dog breeds if size appropriate and carefully fed. Always monitor your dog closely during chewing and take care to pick any fish meat thoroughly.
If you suspect your dog ingested any bones, monitor them closely and contact your vet at the first sign of distress. Act quickly, and most bone-related incidents can be resolved with minimal harm to your beloved pup!
What Are the Risks of Fish?
Even though fish is healthy and can be part of your dog’s balanced diet, there are some things you should know about the risks:
The biggest danger of fish is the small bones found in almost all types of fish. Theyre very small and sharp, and they can easily be swallowed. This can cause holes in the stomach or digestive tract, which is a serious issue that might need emergency surgery. It is even possible for small fish bones to “migrate” through the digestive tract and poke holes in other body parts.
Whenever you feed your dog fish of any kind, its essential that the fish is completely deboned. Additionally, the fins, tail, or head of the fish should never be given to a dog.
Feeding raw or undercooked fish to your dog is never a good idea. Salmonella and listeria can be spread when a dog eats fish that is raw or not cooked all the way through. Dogs of all ages could get really sick from this, but young puppies or dogs that are pregnant are especially at risk.
Salmon Poisoning Disease (SPD) is another possibility if you feed your dog raw fish. Fish like salmon that swim upstream to breed can be infected with a parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola. That parasite itself can be infected with a rickettsial organism known as Neorickettsia helminthoeca. This microorganism can cause appetite loss, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and even more severe problems if medical action isn’t taken.
Some dogs are allergic to fish or shellfish. If you know your pet doesnt respond well to seafood, steer clear of feeding them fish.
If you feed your dog commercial dog food that contains fish and he or she has been scratching, drooling, vomiting, or having diarrhea, it could be because of a fish allergy. Youll want to contact your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist for help getting to the bottom of it.
Does your dog struggle with allergies? Native Pets air-dried Allergy Chicken Chews may help. Our recipe has an all-natural antihistamine that can help your body fight off allergens and support your immune system over time.
How Should I Prepare Fish for My Dog?
How can people cook fish for their dogs in a way that is safe and good for them? If you want to give your dog fish for a snack or to get some extra nutrients, here are some tips:
Stick to fully-cooked fresh fish, not raw or undercooked fish. Choose from dog-safe species like whitefish, flounder, salmon, or cod. Avoid the risk of mercury poisoning by keeping species like mackerel, shark, and swordfish out of Fidos reach.
Always clean and debone the fish fully before giving it to your dog. There is an easy way to do this if you don’t want to clean and debone the fish yourself: buy boneless fillets.
Grill or steam fish to give to your dog, rather than frying it in oil or butter. Fat, oil, butter, and extra seasonings like salt can prove hazardous to your dogs health.
Avoid giving your dog fish skin. Dried fish skin that has been scaled off can be eaten by dogs, but it might not be worth the trouble.
Last but not least, keep the portion size small when feeding your dog fish. Too much of any new food can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. Its best to give your dog only two or three small chunks of cooked fish at one time.
Give fish as an occasional treat, not an everyday indulgence. Also, make sure you watch your dog for a few hours after giving it fish to make sure it doesn’t have an allergic reaction. If you see anything that youre concerned about, call your vet.
Can Dogs Eat Fish Bones?
What happens if a dog eats a fish bone?
If your dog has eaten a fish bone, one of the first possible reactions is choking. In this situation, the fish bone may have gotten stuck in the dog’s throat or mouth. They may be struggling to get in the air or be experiencing severe pain from a puncture wound from the bone. The bone may also get stuck in the intestines, stomach, or other organs.
Can dogs eat salmon bones?
No, do not feed your pet any fish that still contains bones. Fish is a healthy source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, but you should completely debone it before feeding it to your dog.
Can dogs gnaw on fish bones?
While dogs can perfectly gnaw on fish bones, they probably shouldn’t. According to veterinary experts, fish bones (raw or cooked) are more brittle and fragile than the bones from larger animals. Therefore, these bones can easily disintegrate and cause massive lacerations in your dog’s mouth, gut, or stomach.
Can a fish bone kill a dog?
Yes, eating fish bones, no matter how harmless they seem to us, can kill your dog. From a choking hazard to internal bleeding, to serious intestinal blockages, there are many, many risks waiting for your dog from a fish bone. One of them can include death, and it does happen for some unlucky dogs.