Can Dogs Eat Fish Skin? A Guide to Feeding Fish Skins Safely

Fish are a nutritious source of protein and healthy fats for dogs. But what about feeding fish skin to your canine companion? Fish skins contain many of the same benefits as fish meat making them an appetizing and healthy treat or meal addition if prepared properly.

This article will cover everything you need to know about feeding fish skins to dogs, including:

• The nutritional benefits of fish skin
• Recommended fish skin types
• Preparation and serving tips
• Amounts to feed
• Risks to avoid

Follow these tips for safely incorporating fish skins into your dog’s diet

Why is Fish Healthy for Dogs?

Fish provides dogs with excellent nutrition:

• High-Quality Protein: Fish contains all essential amino acids dogs need. Protein supports strong muscles, tissues and immune function.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids support skin/coat health, brain development, reduce inflammation and benefit the heart.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Fish is rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, zinc, potassium and selenium. It supports bone health and metabolism.

• Digestibility: Fish is easy for dogs to digest efficiently when cooked properly. Less waste means more nutritional absorption.

• Palatability: Many dogs love the intense scent and flavor of fish. It stimulates appetite in picky eaters.

• Moisture Content: Fish has high water content to help hydrate dogs. Canned fish is about 80% water.

Fish provides a powerhouse of nutrition for dogs. Used moderately as part of a balanced diet, it offers many benefits.

Are Fish Skins Good for Dogs Too?

The skins of fish contain many of the same healthy fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals that are found in fish meat. Feeding fish skins to dogs can provide benefits such as:

• Essential Fatty Acids: Fish skins are rich sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support dogs’ coat, skin, joints and heart.

• Added Protein: Fish skin proteins help maintain and build muscle mass and tissues.

• Antioxidants: Fish skins contain antioxidant compounds to reduce cellular damage from free radicals.

• Unique Texture: The chewy texture of fish skins satisfies dogs’ instinct to gnaw and promotes dental health.

• Flavor: Fish skin concentrates the fish oils and amino acids that create intense umami flavor dogs crave.

• Low Calorie: Fish skins are nutrient dense but low in calories compared to many dog treats. Benefits overweight dogs.

Fish skins offer more than just flavor. They provide valuable nutrients to support your dog inside and out.

Should Dogs Eat Fish Skins Raw or Cooked?

Fish skins should always be cooked before feeding to dogs. Raw fish skin risks:

• Parasites – Raw fish may contain parasitic roundworms, tapeworms or flukes that can transfer to dogs and make them ill.

• Bacteria – Pathogens like salmonella and E. coli found in raw fish and fish skins can potentially sicken dogs.

• Sustainability – Raw preparation often indicates fish that hasn’t undergone inspection for toxins.

• Bones – Small sharp bones in raw fish pose internal puncture and choking hazards.

• Nutrient Loss – Some nutrients like thiamine are destroyed by enzymes in raw fish.

Cooking fish skin destroys any parasites, bacteria or viruses present. This makes it safe and digestible for dogs to enjoy while retaining nutrients.

What Types of Fish Skin Can Dogs Eat?

The skins of these smaller, low mercury fish are safe and nutritious options for dogs:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Herring
• Cod
• Tilapia
• Whiting
• Catfish

Select wild-caught fish whenever possible for sustainability. Avoid fish farm raised in crowded, antibiotic-laden conditions.

Also limit tuna skin due to higher mercury levels with larger tuna species.

Fish Skins to Avoid

Do not feed dogs these types of fish skin:

• Raw fish skin – Contains dangerous parasites and bacteria
• Fatty fish like tuna or mackerel – Too much may cause vitamin E deficiency
• Large fish like swordfish, shark, tilefish – Higher in mercury
• Ornamental fish – May carry pathogens or toxins
• Leftover fried fish skins – High in fat, salt and cooking oils
• Heavily seasoned fish skins – Onions, garlic and spices are toxic for dogs
• Fish skin jerky treats – Can have excess sodium and preservatives

Stick to cooked plain fish skins from the recommended fish sources. Avoid anything heavily seasoned, processed or fried.

How to Prepare Fish Skin for Dogs

Follow these steps for safe preparation:

• Cook fresh fish skin by baking, broiling, steaming or poaching – no added fats or seasonings.

• Cook to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to kill bacteria and parasites present.

• Cool fully before handling or serving to dogs. Refrigerate leftovers for use within 3 days.

• Remove all bones, fins, tails or heads which could present a choking hazard if swallowed.

• Peel off scales if left on fish before cooking. Scales can damage dogs’ digestive tract.

• Chop cooked skins into bite-sized pieces for easy chewing and digestibility.

Proper cooking and handling ensures fish skins are safe for dogs to enjoy while providing the most nutritional value.

How Much Fish Skin Is Safe for Dogs?

The following portion sizes of fish skin are recommended for dogs:

• Small dogs up to 10 lbs: Start with 1/2 oz, gradually increase to 1 oz max
• Medium dogs 20-50 lbs: 1-2 oz is a healthy amount
• Large dogs 60+ lbs: Can handle up to 4 oz

In general, limit total fish intake including skin to no more than 1-2 fish-based meals per week. This prevents any risk of vitamin deficiencies from developing. Fish skin can work as an occasional treat or addition to a well-balanced diet. Monitor your dog for allergic reactions or digestive upset.

Can Dogs Have Dehydrated Fish Skin Treats?

Dehydrated fish skins make a safe, long-lasting chew treat alternative to rawhide. Look for brands like:

• Honest Kitchen Beams Fish Skins
• Polkadog Cod Skins
• Sojos Salmon Skins

Check the label to avoid excessive sodium or preservatives. Supervise use to prevent any choking risk from gulping large pieces.

Should Dogs Eat Human Fish Skin Foods?

Avoid feeding dogs these human fish skin foods:

• Fried fish skins from restaurants or prepared frozen foods – Too high in fat, salt and oils

• Leftover baked salmon or trout skin – Prone to spoilage without proper storage

• Canned fish like tuna for people – Very high in sodium, lacks balanced nutrition

• Seasoned fish skin like blackened seasoning or lemon pepper – Toxic to dogs

• Sushi leftovers with wasabi – Can irritate dogs’ stomach lining

Instead, stick to plain cooked fish skins to provide the most nutritional benefits for dogs without any unhealthy additives.

Balancing Fish Skin in Dogs’ Diets

While nutritious, fish skin should not be the only component in a dog’s diet. For balance:

• Use fish skin just 1-2 times per week as a supplement to commercial dog food.

• Combine with proteins like chicken, beef, eggs and yogurt for variety.

• Avoid overdoing omega-3s which can interact with other medications or supplements.

• Provide plenty of clean water to help counteract fish’s salty properties.

Consult your veterinarian about the ideal amount of fish skin to feed your individual dog based on their health, age, and weight. Used in moderation, fish skins can be a tasty protein addition. Just don’t let them become your dog’s sole protein source. Combine with commercial food and monitor for any signs of intolerance.

The Verdict on Feeding Fish Skin to Dogs

Cooked fish skin provides dogs with many of the same great nutritional benefits as fish meat. When sourced and prepared properly, fish skin makes a healthy supplement to most dogs’ diets. Use fish skin in moderation to avoid any nutritional imbalances. Combining with commercial dog food guarantees your dog receives balanced nutrition day to day. Talk to your vet about the right amount to safely incorporate fish skins into your dog’s diet. By preparing fish skin properly, you can provide your dog with a tasty new protein treat that benefits their skin, coat, brain and joints.