Can dogs eat fish, seafood and shellfish?

Can dogs eat fish?

Yes, fish can be a great addition to a healthy diet for dogs. Certain types of fish can be incredibly beneficial, offering a great source of nutrients that dogs need to thrive. Some types of fish can be hazardous to dog health, making it important to understand which types of fish can be fed to dogs and which should be avoided. 

The pros and cons of fish in your dog’s diet

To answer the question “can dogs eat fish?” including fish as part of dogs’ diets can be beneficial, bringing many nutritional benefits when fed responsibly. There are also risks associated with the frequent consumption of fish, which should be understood.

The benefits of fish for dogs

When fed in moderation, fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, bringing numerous health benefits to dogs, such as

• Improved kidney and heart health
• Reduced inflammation (1)
• Healthy brain development in puppies and a boosted immune system.
• Fish can help to ensure a dog has a varied and nutrient-rich diet, managing conditions such as arthritis while keeping dogs’ coats and skin healthy.

The risks of fish for dogs

The risks associated with feeding dogs fish are mainly based around overfeeding. Most fish is high in fat, which can lead to obesity, as well as thiamine deficiency and other health problems if it is fed in excess.

It is important for dog owners to make sure they are aware of all ingredients before feeding fish to a dog, making sure there are no additions such as sodium, spices, oils or seasonings that could be toxic to dogs.

Fish bones are small, brittle and dangerous, so they should always be removed before feeding to dogs.

Individual dogs’ requirements should also be taken into account, such as allergies and health conditions. If in any doubt about the suitability of fish as part of a dog’s diet, owners should seek veterinary advice or avoid feeding it unless they are confident it is safe for their dog to eat.

A note on thiaminase in fish

Whilst some nutrients such as omega 3 and 6 oils are better in fresh raw fish, other enzymes like Thiaminase enzyme can lower Thiamin  (Vitamin B1) if certain fish are fed as an exclusive source of meat.

This can be avoided by ensuring if dogs are eating raw fish that you include other meat sources in the varied diet or supplement Thiamin. Try our raw dog food for a balanced, complete and varied diet.

What fish can dogs eat?

Different types of fish bring different benefits for dogs. It is important to understand which fish are safe for dogs to eat, how they should be prepared and which fish dogs should not be fed. 

This section will outline some of the most common types of fish, as well as their suitability as part of a canine diet.

Can dogs eat tuna?

Yes, dogs can eat tuna in small quantities and infrequently. The reason for this is that tuna are quite long-living fish, meaning they often contain higher levels of mercury than other fish (2).

Tuna itself is not toxic to dogs, so providing tuna is not fed excessively, the mercury levels will not be enough to impact a dog’s health.

If feeding canned tuna, the best type to offer a dog is tuna that is stored in spring water.

Can dogs eat salmon?

Yes, dogs can eat salmon. We’re also often asked ‘can dogs eat raw salmon?’ and the answer here is yes too! This fish is a fantastic source of nutrients for dogs, providing omega-3 fatty acids, which can decrease inflammation, support the immune system and even promote a healthy and shiny coat.

Salmon is also a great source of protein and contains vitamins A, B and D, alongside healthy minerals such as potassium, magnesium and zinc. As well as being lower in mercury than some types of fish, its wide range of nutrients means it is ideal for growth and development (3)

It is important to make sure salmon has been prepared safely so it does not include bacteria that can cause salmon poisoning. Smoked salmon is also best avoided as it typically has high sodium levels. As with most foods, feeding it to dogs in moderation is key.

Can dogs eat white fish?

Yes, dogs can typically eat white fish, providing it is suitable for canine consumption. Cod and haddock are two popular types of white fish which have already been mentioned, however it is important to make sure the type of fish and method of preparation is suitable for dogs before feeding it to them.

Can dogs eat mackerel?

Yes, dogs can eat mackerel. This fatty fish is packed with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, aiding health and promoting a smooth coat and healthy skin, as well as brain development.

Its ability to help to keep joints healthy means it can be a fantastic addition to the diet of dogs suffering from arthritis.

Dogs should not be fed smoked or cured mackerel, due to its high salt content and additional ingredients such as seasoning and spices that can cause irritation to dogs’ digestive systems.

Can dogs eat sardines?

Yes! Sardines can be nutritious additions to a dog’s diet. Similar to other fish, sardines are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. They also provide Vitamin C, calcium and vitamin B12, making them a nutritious addition to a canine diet.

It is not recommended to feed dogs sardines in sunflower oil. This is because fish is already relatively high in fats and adding oil to it makes it more fatty. Ideally, dogs should be fed sardines that are canned in water.

Can dogs eat cod?

Yes. Cod is one of the lower-fat types of fish, meaning it can be included in a healthy dog’s diet as a source of protein.

It still contains significant levels of omega-3 fatty acids which can boost heart and kidney health, as well as helping the immune system and aiding brain development. Cod also has lower mercury content than many other types of fish, due to its short lifespan.

Can dogs eat anchovies?

Yes. Anchovies offer many nutritional benefits for dogs, as they are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, vitamins A, B-6, B-12, E and K. Their small size reduces the likelihood of choking, as well as their short lifespan meaning they are less likely to contain high quantities of mercury and other pollutants.

It is not safe for dogs to eat anchovies that are stored in salt, as the high sodium content is toxic to dogs. It is also not recommended that dogs consume anchovies that are stored in oil or have additional spices or ingredients that are not suitable as part of a canine diet.

Can dogs eat fish skin?

Yes. Dogs can eat a small amount of fish skin, providing it is prepared suitably. Fish skin can be high in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and proteins, however it is important to feed it in moderation as too much can cause stomach problems and result in dogs consuming too much fat.

As an example, you should not feed a dog the whole skin from a salmon fillet. Instead, a small amount should be broken off and fed, to reduce overfeeding.

Other things to be aware of include making sure there are no sharp, hard or large scales on the fish skin, as well as making sure it is bitesize to prevent the risk of choking.

Can dogs eat haddock?

Yes. Haddock is high in protein, vitamins B6, B12 and niacin, meaning it can be a nutritious and tasty addition to a dog’s diet.

When feeding haddock, it’s important to make sure there are no additional flavourings, seasonings or other ingredients that would be harmful to dogs.

Can dogs eat trout?

Yes. Trout is known for being lower in contaminants than many other types of fish, as well as being packed with omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, selenium and protein. These factors make it a beneficial addition to a canine diet.

Can dogs eat herring? 

Yes, dogs can typically eat herring. It’s an easily digestible, low fat source of protein and it’s high in omega 3 fatty acids that’s great for your dog’s skin, coat and joint health. However herring can often contain lots of very small bones, so it’s recommended that any large, or particularly sharp bones are removed prior to serving to your dog. 

Other fish dogs can eat

Providing they are fed in moderation, sourced responsibly and in line with every individual dog’s requirements, the following fish can also be eaten by dogs:

• Herring
• Flounder
• Catfish
• Carp

Can dogs eat seafood and shellfish? 

The term seafood can refer to lots of different types of fish, but usually encompasses things like clams, oysters and mussels, as well as crab, lobster and shrimp. It is safe for your dog to enjoy these as part of a balanced diet so long as they have been prepared safely and cleaned properly so that it’s free from anything like grit or sand.

It’s important to choose a reputable source when buying shellfish and seafood for your dog. As these types of fish tend to eat things like algae and plankton, you should consider lightly cooking them to ensure any bacteria is killed off. You should also only feed the meat to your cat, not the shells.

Can dogs eat mussels?

Yes. Mussels are a great source of nutrition for your dog. Green lipped muscles in particular are extremely beneficial for dogs due to their naturally high levels of Omega 3s and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, you’ll often find them used in joint support supplements for dogs for this reason. 

When offering mussels to your dog, it’s important to ensure they’ve not been cooked with anything that could be harmful, such as onions or alcohol. We also recommend lightly cooking them to kill off any bacteria that the mussel has eaten as part of their diet.

Can dogs eat prawns? 

Another yes! Prawns can be fed to your dog in moderation, as part of a complete and balanced diet. You should make sure to remove the shells as these can be hard and difficult to digest. And, as with other shellfish, we suggest cooking the prawns first – plainly, free from any additional ingredients that are toxic to dogs –  in order to remove the risk of your dog ingesting bacteria. 

Can dogs eat octopus? 

Dogs can eat octopus as part of a complete and balanced diet, so long as it’s unseasoned and prepared safely. It’s low in fat and high in protein, as well as a good source of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, selenium, iron and zinc. 

Can dogs eat squid? 

Squid are high in zinc, iron, and copper, making them beneficial to dog’s health. Squid are high in certain saturated fats such as cholesterol meaning that squid should be offered as an occasional treat, not as a large percentage of their diet. 

Can dogs eat crab? 

Crab meat contains less mercury than many other types of fish, meaning it can be nutritionally beneficial to occasionally include it in your dog’s diet. 

Like mussels, and prawns, crabs feed off algae from the sea bed and reefs, so it’s best to lightly cook the crab meat before giving it to your dog, to kill off bacteria.

Can dogs eat caviar? 

There are some nutrients in caviar that can make it a beneficial – very occasional – treat for your dog, such as omega 3 fatty acids. However salt is used to cure roe in the preparation of caviar, making it high in sodium and not an ideal food for your dog to eat regularly. 

Can dogs eat lobster? 

Lobster meat is a complete protein source with all the essential amino acids that your dog needs. However, raw lobster can carry parasites such as Paragonimum Westermani (Lung Fluke), as well as bacteria that can be harmful to your dog. 

Any cooked lobster should be prepared without added fats like oils and butter, and free from salt, seasonings and other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. The shell should also be removed as these can be very sharp.   

Can dogs eat oysters? 

Oysters are high in protein, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and calcium while also being low in fat, making them a suitable treat to add to your dog’s meal occasionally. They have many essential vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin A. 

Consider slightly cooking oysters to kill off bacteria they may have acquired through feeding on algae. 

Can dogs eat seafood sticks? 

Seafood sticks, crab sticks, imitation crab, it has lots of names but is ultimately the same product. And while not necessarily bad for your dog, it’s not exactly healthy either. The main ingredient tends to be Surimi (a fish paste usually made of fish like pollock, cod or hake), but it also includes things your dog shouldn’t eat like salts, sugars and other additives. 

What fish can dogs not eat?

There are some types of fish that are not recommended for canine consumption. This is typically due to the long lifespan of these fish meaning they are more likely to be full of contaminants such as mercury. These fish include:

• Shark
• Tilefish
• Swordfish
• King mackerel
• Albacore tuna

If your dog eats something toxic

Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten any of the items above or is exhibiting symptoms such as an elevated heart rate, diarrhoea, tremors or seizures.

It will help if you have the following information to hand

• How much your dog weighs (find out how heavy a dog should be)
• How much of the item your dog has eaten
• What type of food they have eaten
• Your vet may ask you to induce vomiting in your dog or bring them around to the surgery.

Learn more about what foods are toxic to dogs. 

Can dogs eat fish fingers? 

No, we don’t recommend your dog eat fish fingers, as even though the ingredients aren’t toxic, the breading or batter contains grains and glutens which can negatively impact their digestion. 

Can dogs eat all cooked fish? 

Other than the fish listed above, cooked fish can be a great, healthy addition to your dog’s diet. Cooked fish should be prepared without things like oil or butter as these are both high in fat, and free from any seasonings or additional ingredients like onions or alcohol which are toxic to dogs. 

Can dogs eat fried or battered fish? 

No. Your dog should not eat fried or battered fish. 

Can dogs eat fish bones?

We recommend avoiding giving your dog fish that contains bone. This is because they are incredibly small, so they won’t be able to chew them and they will be swallowed whole. Unlike other animal bones, fish bones are also very flexible, so there’s a possibility they will turn sideways and become lodged in the windpipe. 

Can dogs eat raw fish? 

Your dog can eat some fish raw as part of a healthy, complete, balanced diet. However there are some caveats to this. Any raw fish you add to your dog’s diet should be sourced from a reputable retailer, and frozen for at least 3 days before feeding in order stop the growth of any parasites and bacteria. 

Some fish, such as mussels, crabs and prawns – any that feed on algae – should be lightly cooked in order to kill off any bacteria.

References

1. Barrouin-Melo, S.M., Anturaniemi, J., Sankari, S. et al. Evaluating oxidative stress, serological- and haematological status of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, after supplementing their diet with fish or corn oil. Lipids Health Dis 15, 139 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-016-0304-6
2. Zafalon, R. V., Pedreira, R. S., Vendramini, T. H., Rentas, M. F., Pedrinelli, V., Rodrigues, R. B., Risolia, L. W., Perini, M. P., Amaral, A. R., Cesar, J., Pontieri, C. F., & Brunetto, M. A. (2021). Toxic element levels in ingredients and commercial pet foods. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00467-4
3. Baritugo, K. A., Bakhsh, A., Kim, B., & Park, S. (2023). Perspectives on functional foods for improvement of canine health and treatment of diseases. Journal of Functional Foods, 109, 105744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105744