If you have ever looked at your dog’s food’s ingredient list or other brands of dog food in the store, you know that fish is often an option. Though, just because it’s in dog food doesn’t mean dogs can eat any fish we give them without getting sick. These are the things you need to know before giving your dog a fishy treat.
As a dog owner, you likely want to give your furry friend the very best You research the healthiest dog foods, make sure they get plenty of exercise, and shower them with affection But what happens when your pooch gets into something they shouldn’t, like fish food? You may wonder can dogs eat fish food?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat fish food without getting sick. But there are some important things to consider before you let your pup scarf down your pet goldfish’s dinner. Keep reading to learn whether fish food is safe for dogs, how much is too much, and what to do if your dog eats fish food.
Is Fish Food Dangerous for Dogs?
Fish food is generally safe for dogs to eat and does not contain anything toxic or immediately harmful. Most fish foods are made up of fish meal, fish oil, and fish protein, which are all healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish food also contains vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for dogs.
However, most types of fish food are very high in protein and fat and low in fiber. Too much protein and fat can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. The biggest risk is your dog eating a large quantity of fish food and getting an upset stomach from it.
Additionally, fish food is not balanced and complete nutrition for dogs like dog food is. While the protein and fat may seem appealing, dog food contains a careful balance of nutrients dogs need to stay healthy that fish food does not provide.
Are Certain Fish Foods More Dangerous Than Others?
Most fish foods have a similar nutritional makeup. However, there are a few specific types of fish food that can pose more risks to dogs:
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Flake foods: Flakes are less dense than pellets, so a dog can eat more and take in extra fat and protein.
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Freeze-dried foods: Freeze-dried fish foods expand in the stomach and can cause bloating.
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Algae-based foods: Spirulina and algae contain lots of minerals that can cause toxicity if a dog eats enough.
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Medicated foods: Any fish food designed to treat infections or parasites can make a dog sick if ingested.
As a general rule, avoid letting your dog eat any specialized fish foods not meant for direct consumption Simple flake or pellet foods are less likely to cause issues
What Happens if a Dog Eats Fish Food?
If your dog sneaks a few pieces of fish food, they will likely be just fine. The main concern is if they eat a large quantity, which poses a risk of gastrointestinal upset.
Signs your dog may have eaten too much fish food include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Bloating
- Gas
- Stomach pain
These symptoms are similar to if your dog eats too much fatty human food. The best thing to do is monitor them closely for the next 24 hours. Make sure they are drinking water and call your vet if symptoms persist or seem severe.
Your vet may recommend a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice for a day or two to settle the stomach. Serious cases may need IV fluids and anti-nausea medication. But in most cases, the stomach upset is mild and passes quickly.
How to Keep Your Dog Out of the Fish Food
To prevent your dog from getting into the fish food in the first place, follow these tips:
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Store fish food up high or in a cabinet your dog can’t access. Use child locks if needed.
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Feed your fish on a schedule when your dog is outside or in another room. Don’t let your dog watch.
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Consider using an automatic fish feeder. This dispenses food at set times without you having to open the container.
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Supervise anytime your dog is around the area where fish food is kept. Redirect them if they seem focused on it.
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Feed your dog first before feeding fish so they are less likely to try and eat the fish food.
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Put a lid with clamps on your fish food container if needed. Or switch to reclosable plastic tubs instead of bags.
With some simple precautions, you can keep your fish food safe from your food-motivated furball. Just be sure to contact your vet if you ever notice concerning symptoms after your dog gets into the fish food unexpectedly. They can guide you on any next steps needed to get your pup back to full health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs and Fish Food
Here are answers to some other common questions dog owners have about fish food safety:
Can I give fish food to my dog on purpose?
It’s not recommended. While not immediately toxic, fish food does not provide complete nutrition for dogs when fed regularly. Stick to high-quality commercial dog foods and treats.
What fish foods are the most dangerous?
Specialty medicated fish foods pose the most risk, as they are designed to treat illness in fish. Other higher risk foods include freeze-dried, flake, and algae-based.
How much fish food is too much for a dog?
More than a handful of flakes or pellets may cause stomach upset. Any amount that makes a dog vomit repeatedly or have diarrhea is too much.
Are the different types of fish food different nutritionally?
Most fish foods have a similar composition, with lots of protein and fat. Flakes and pellets vary in density but have comparable overall nutrition.
Can puppies have fish food?
No, fish food should be kept away from puppies even more diligently. Their small stomachs are more likely to be upset by the excess protein and fat.
What if my dog eats the gravel at the bottom of the fish tank?
Aquarium gravel can cause obstructions or lacerations in the digestive tract. Contact your vet if you notice symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
Is it ever a good idea to induce vomiting after they eat fish food?
Typically no – it’s best to just monitor them and let the food digest. Only induce vomiting if your vet advises based on the amount eaten or symptoms.
The Bottom Line
While most types of fish food are not toxic to dogs, letting your furry friend feast on fish flakes regularly is still not advised. The excess fat and protein can cause stomach issues. But occasional fish food theft is unlikely to do major harm beyond some temporary tummy upset. Just be sure to contact your vet if you ever notice more worrisome symptoms. With some vigilance about where you store fish food, you can keep your curious canine out of trouble.
Benefits of Fish for Dogs
Dogs love the smell of fish, and in this case, there is a reason. Fish is a healthy source of protein and is often included in commercial dog food as an alternative protein source. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which according to veterinarians may have health benefits such as decreasing inflammation. Fish is also a good alternative for dogs with food allergies to more common ingredients, like chicken.
When making a homemade diet for your dog, fish can be a big part of it. But if you do decide to feed your dog fish, talk to your vet or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to make sure you are meeting all of his nutritional needs. When you give your dog fish for the first time, give them a small amount until you know if they can handle it without having an allergic reaction or stomach upset.
Best Types of Fish for Dogs
Even though the sea is full of different kinds of fish, the ones most often used in dog food are short-lived ones, like salmon, ocean whitefish, lake whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char. Longer-lived fish species, like tuna and swordfish on the other hand, can contain heavy metals like mercury. Mercury builds up in fish over time and can make them sick from heavy metals. That’s why it’s better to feed fish that don’t live as long, like swordfish or tuna. With so many fish to choose from, it is better to be safe than sorry.