Does your dog beg to taste fish while you’re cooking? Maybe you’ve thought about giving your dog a piece of raw fish while you’re making a meal. Fish is a common ingredient in dog foods and dogs often love the taste of it. Its high in healthy protein and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are essential to dogs. So, should dogs eat raw fish? The short answer is “maybe,” but it depends on the kind of fish.
Sushi has become an increasingly popular food item across the globe. With its explosion in popularity, many dog owners have wondered if sushi is safe for dogs to eat as well. Specifically, owners often ask if dogs can eat raw salmon from sushi. The short answer is yes, dogs can eat raw salmon, but there are some important guidelines to follow.
Understanding Raw Fish and Dogs
Raw fish served in sushi restaurants has been frozen to kill parasites This process makes raw fish safe for humans to eat. The same freezing process applies to any raw salmon you purchase from a grocery store or fish market. As long as the salmon is previously frozen, it will be safe for dogs to eat
If you are catching your own salmon or getting salmon from questionable sources, you’ll want to cook the salmon before feeding it. Freezing to the proper temperature (-4°F for 7 days or -31°F for 15 hours) kills any parasites in fish that could make your dog sick.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon for Dogs
Salmon is a great occasional treat for dogs to eat. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
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Protein – Salmon is a high-quality source of protein. Protein provides essential amino acids dogs need for maintaining and repairing muscles.
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Omega-3 fatty acids – Salmon is high in omega-3s, especially EPA and DHA These fatty acids support dogs’ skin, coat, joints, heart, and immune system
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Minerals and vitamins: Selenium and potassium are minerals that can be found in salmon, as well as vitamins B12, B6, and D. All of these micronutrients offer various health benefits.
So not only is raw salmon safe for dogs in most cases, it also supplies valuable nutrients. No wonder so many dogs love salmon treats!
Guidelines for Feeding Raw Salmon to Dogs
Follow these tips for safely feeding your dog raw salmon:
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Purchase previously frozen salmon. Only feed salmon raw if it has been previously frozen to kill parasites.
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Watch portion sizes. Salmon is rich, so limit it to a few small pieces at a time. Too much can cause stomach upset.
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Avoid additional seasonings. Plain, raw salmon is best. Skip sushi rice, seaweed, spicy mayo, and other sushi ingredients.
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Shop at high-quality sushi restaurants. If buying pre-made sushi, go to restaurants with high food safety standards. Or pick up sashimi-grade salmon from the fish counter.
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Store properly. Keep raw salmon chilled at all times. Toss out any uneaten portions after a day or two.
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Supervise your dog. Feed salmon as a treat, not free access. Make sure your dog is chewing thoroughly and not gulping large pieces.
Following these tips will ensure your dog gets to enjoy the benefits and delicious taste of salmon safely. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs and Raw Salmon
Many dog owners have additional questions about whether raw salmon is truly safe for their pup. Here are answers to some common queries.
Can I let my dog eat leftover salmon sushi?
Leftover sushi is not an ideal option. The rice and other ingredients may cause stomach upset. Plus, the salmon will no longer be fresh. Stick to feeding your dog fresh, properly frozen and stored salmon.
What about salmon skin? Is it safe?
Yes, salmon skin is safe and even beneficial for dogs to eat. It contains lots of healthy fats. Just monitor your dog when feeding skin because it can pose a choking hazard if swallowed in large pieces.
Are there any side effects of giving my dog too much salmon?
Feeding too much salmon may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Excessive omega-3s can also lead to slower blood clotting. Limit salmon to an occasional treat in small amounts.
Can puppies eat raw salmon too?
Salmon is fine for puppies over 12 weeks old. Their digestive systems should be developed enough to handle raw fish. For younger puppies, cook the salmon first.
Is raw salmon good for senior dogs?
The nutrients in salmon can benefit senior dogs, especially the omega-3 fatty acids. Just start slowly with small portions in case it causes an upset stomach. Check with your vet on diet recommendations for your older dog.
What about parasites like tapeworms in salmon?
Properly frozen then thawed salmon should not contain any live parasites. Tapeworm transmission requires the fish to contain live worm larvae for the dog to ingest. Freezing kills any parasites present.
As you can see, most concerns about raw salmon safety relate back to ensuring any fish is frozen first. Stick to previously frozen salmon and follow the other feeding tips, and your dog should be able to enjoy it without issue.
Best Practices When Feeding Salmon to Your Dog
To sum up the central advice around feeding raw salmon and sushi to dogs:
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Purchase high-quality sashimi or sushi-grade salmon that has been frozen to kill parasites. Ensure it was frozen to the proper temperature and time standards.
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Check that the salmon smells fresh, with no sour odor. Discard if it smells off.
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Limit portion size to a few small pieces of salmon or sushi at a time. Too much raw salmon can cause GI upset.
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Avoid feeding your dog the rice, seaweed wraps, vegetables, or sauces that come with sushi. Plain salmon is safest.
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Store leftover salmon in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 days. Toss any you don’t use during that window.
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Supervise your dog when eating raw salmon to prevent choking on bones or skin.
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Introduce new foods like salmon slowly and watch for signs of an upset stomach.
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Check with your vet before feeding raw salmon, especially if your dog has health conditions or a sensitive stomach.
Following these simple practices will let your dog enjoy the health and taste benefits of salmon safely. Salmon in moderation makes a nutritious treat. Just take care in where you source the salmon from and how you store and serve it.
The Consensus on Raw Salmon for Dogs
Can dogs eat raw salmon from sushi? In most cases, the answer is yes – as long as you take the proper precautions. Be sure to start with high-quality frozen salmon and feed it in limited amounts. With the right guidelines, salmon sushi and sashimi can be a tasty, healthy treat your dog will love. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about feeding raw salmon to your dog.
Bacteria
Fish may contain potentially harmful bacteria like salmonella and listeria. Some dogs will not be affected by the bacteria. This is, in part, due to the dogs short digestive system. In addition, some of their immune systems are capable of protecting the dogs from the bacteria.
Bones
Dogs can sometimes chew and digest the small bones in fish, but these bones can also get stuck on the way to the stomach and hurt the dog. A dog can choke on fish bones or hurt its esophagus and stomach. Once in the stomach, the bones are usually softened by gastric acids and then digested by the body. However, some dogs will experience difficulty with the digestion of fish bones.