NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods. “What is good for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on their age, health history, health conditions, and diet, among other things.” Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
Yes, dogs can eat fish. Fish is an important part of commercial dog foods that are nutritionally balanced, or it can be added to a healthy home-cooked diet that has been approved by a veterinary nutritionist.
When cooked, fish is easy to digest and a great source of protein. It also has a low amount of saturated fats. Many commercial prescription diets include fish as a new type of protein, which may be good for dogs with health problems like food allergies or other dietary intolerances.
Also, fish is a good source of a number of important vitamins and minerals that will help your dog stay healthy for a long time.
As a dog owner, you want to keep your furry friend safe from any food that could be potentially harmful But what if your curious canine manages to get into the fish food? Is it dangerous for dogs to eat food meant for aquarium pets? Let’s dive into the details.
What’s in Fish Food That Dogs May Eat
Fish food comes in various forms like flakes pellets tablets, or frozen varieties. The main ingredients are
- Fish meal – Made from fish processing leftovers
- Fish oil – Extracted from small fish like herring or anchovies
- Wheat, rice, corn – Binders and carbohydrate sources
- Krill, shrimp, spirulina – Added protein
- Algae, seaweed – Provide omega-3s
Additional ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, color enhancers, preservatives, and attractants.
Small Amounts are Generally Safe
In most cases, a small amount of fish food ingested by dogs is not harmful. The primary ingredients are not toxic. Dogs can typically digest a few pieces of fish food without major issues.
Signs of trouble are unlikely if your dog just licked up a few flakes or nibbled a couple pellets. Small amounts may give some dogs loose stools or temporary tummy upset. But serious reactions are rare.
Bigger Risks if Large Amounts are Consumed
Consuming larger quantities of fish food can pose greater risks for dogs. Some concerns include:
-
Allergic reaction – Dogs may be allergic to fish protein or other ingredients in the fish food. Reactions could range from mild to severe.
-
Gastrointestinal upset – Too much fish food can irritate a dog’s digestive tract, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
-
Blockages or choking – Dry fish food can expand in a dog’s esophagus or intestinal tract, potentially causing an obstruction.
-
Nutritional imbalance – Fish food won’t provide complete nutrition to meet a dog’s needs long-term.
-
Heavy metal toxicity – Fish meal may contain traces of mercury, lead or cadmium from aquatic environments.
-
Bacteria contamination – Spoiled fish food can harbor pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella.
So while a little taste is probably fine, large amounts could lead to health consequences for dogs. Preventing access is ideal.
Signs of Trouble After Eating Fish Food
Watch for these symptoms if you think your dog ate too much fish food:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain, bloating, gassiness
- Increased urination or thirst
- Skin irritation, itchiness, rashes
- Swelling of face, paws, eyelids
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness, tremors, wobbliness
- Choking, gagging, retching sounds
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Fish Food
If your dog accidentally eats fish food, here are some tips:
-
Monitor amount eaten – Assess approximately how much they managed to eat. Large volumes are more concerning.
-
Contact your vet – If signs of illness develop, seek veterinary advice right away.
-
Prevent dehydration – Make sure your dog is drinking enough water. Offer tasty broths or wet food.
-
Adjust diet – Feed bland foods like rice and chicken until stools normalize. Avoid fatty foods.
-
Give medications – Follow your vet’s recommendations for remedies to relieve symptoms.
With prompt care, most dogs recover fully after eating fish food. Call poison control if a large amount was consumed.
Preventing Dogs From Getting Into Fish Food
To stop fish food mishaps, try these tactics:
-
Store fish food up high in a cabinet dogs can’t access
-
Place tank supplies in a room and keep the door closed
-
Use containers with locking lids to deter prying paws
-
Supervise snack time and meal time to avoid mix-ups
-
Pick up wayward flakes or pellets that fall out of the tank
-
Train your dog using “leave it” and “drop it” commands
-
Keep dogs on a leash when outside to avoid scavenging
Stay vigilant and think through scenarios where your clever canine could get into fishy foods. A little planning goes a long way in keeping pets safe.
When to Call the Vet After Fish Food Exposure
Contact your vet promptly if your dog exhibits:
-
Loss of coordination, trouble standing or walking
-
Severe vomiting or diarrhea lasting over 24 hours
-
Little to no appetite even with bland diets
-
Visible swelling or hives on face, paws or body
-
Signs of airway blockage such as choking or breathing issues
-
Known or suspected heavy metal toxicity
-
Significant lethargy, weakness or other concerning symptoms
Veterinary assessment is advised anytime a large volume was ingested or symptoms persist beyond 48 hours. Call poison control if major health effects develop.
Key Takeaways on Fish Food Safety
Can Dogs Eat Raw Fish?
The American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend consumption of raw or undercooked fish by dogs of any life stage, including pregnant females and puppies. Raw fish poses a greater risk of harboring and transmitting parasites embedded in the skin, muscle tissues, or internal organs.
It’s also more likely that bacteria like salmonella, Listeria, and Clostridium will be spread if the temperature of raw fish isn’t carefully watched before it’s eaten or if the fish isn’t cooked enough. It’s not just your dog that is at risk from these bacteria; people are also at risk. For these reasons, any fish your dog eats should be properly cooked.
What Are the Benefits of Fish for Dogs?
Fish can give dogs a new protein source that can help them deal with and lessen the effects of food allergies. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and fur, can also be found in large amounts in fish.
In addition, omega-3 fatty acids naturally reduce inflammation in a dog’s body. This can be very helpful for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease or joint diseases like arthritis. For older dogs, fish skin can be a good source of collagen, which is important for their bones and skin.
Can DOGS Eat FISH? The truth
Can dogs eat fish food?
Fish food can potentially cause harm to dogs due to the presence of heavy metals. Some ingredients used in making fish pellets and flakes may contain traces of mercury or lead. These contaminants are harmful if ingested in large amounts. Heavy metal contamination can lead to serious health issues like organ damage or neurological problems.
Is fish food bad for dogs?
This means that in very large quantities, the high protein levels in fish food could cause health issues for your dog. High protein, low carbohydrate diets can lead to obesity, kidney damage, pancreatitis, and other issues.
Can dogs eat too much fish?
Too much of a good thing can become a problem. Plain, cooked, steamed, or grilled fish is fine for dogs to eat in moderation. Too much fish can lead to obesity, so consult your veterinarian about appropriate serving sizes of fish for your dog, especially if you plan to feed fish as a regular part of her diet.
Why does my dog eat fish food?
Your pet may be tempted to indulge in fish food for several reasons. Being curious creatures, they may find the smell or taste of this new item interesting. The fishy treat also often contains ingredients that dogs find appealing, such as shrimp or krill. Smelling this in fish food might make them want to eat a few mouthfuls.