Can Dogs Eat Raw Fish?

No, dogs should not eat raw fish. Raw fish can contain parasites that could be harmful to your pet’s health. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so it’s best to avoid giving your dog raw fish altogether

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises not to feed raw or undercooked fish, to dogs, regardless of their age or life stage. Raw fish can harbor parasites, which can be found in various parts of the fish, including the skin, muscle tissues, and internal organs. These parasites pose a significant health risk to dogs and can cause severe health complications. Therefore, it is essential to cook fish thoroughly before feeding it to your furry friend.

Is raw fish safe for dogs?

Feeding raw fish to dogs is not recommended as it poses a risk of transmitting parasites and bacteria that can be harmful to both dogs and humans. While some types of raw fish that are safe for humans may also be safe for dogs, it is safer to cook fish thoroughly before feeding it to your pet.

What are the risks of feeding raw fish to your Dogs?

Feeding raw fish to dogs can pose several risks to their health. Here are the list of issues:

• Raw fish can contain harmful parasites, such as tapeworms, roundworms, and flukes, which can cause serious health complications in dogs.
• Consumption of undercooked or raw fish can lead to digestive issues in dogs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
• Raw fish may contain bacterial organisms like Salmonella, Listeria, and Clostridium, which can be harmful to dogs and pose a risk to human health.
• Feeding raw fish to dogs can increase the risk of bacterial infections, which can lead to further health complications and illnesses.
• Raw fish can contain high levels of thiaminase. Thiaminase is an enzyme that can break down thiamine. Thiamine is a vitamin essential for proper nerve and muscle function. If thiamine is broken down, it can lead to deficiency and other health issues.
• Eating raw fish bones can cause choking, blockages, or damage to the gastrointestinal tract of dogs.
• Raw fish may also contain high levels of heavy metals like mercury, which can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts.
• Pregnant dogs should not be fed raw fish, as it can harm the developing fetuses and cause health complications.

What should you do if your dog gets sick from eating raw fish?

Some dogs are unable to tolerate raw fish and fall sick. If your dog accidentally eats raw fish, take the following steps:

• Monitor your dog for any signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
• Contact your veterinarian and inform them of what happened.
• Keep your dog hydrated by providing plenty of fresh water.

What kinds of raw fish are not harmful to dogs?

While it is generally not recommended to feed dogs raw fish due to the potential for parasites and bacterial contamination, there are some types of raw fish that may be safe for dogs to eat. These include:

• Freshwater fish that have been frozen for at least 2 weeks to kill parasites, such as salmon, trout, and pike.
• High-quality sushi-grade fish that has been sourced from a reputable supplier and frozen for at least 2 weeks, such as tuna and salmon, can be fed to your dog. For example, you can feed salmon skin to your dog. Here is an article we wrote about whether dogs can eat salmon skin, its advantages, and how much they can eat.

However, it is important to note that the safety of feeding raw fish to dogs depends on a variety of factors, including the quality and source of the fish, as well as the age, size, and medical history of your pet. It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog’s diet.

What did we learn from all this?

Raw fish can harm your pet due to the presence of bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, and bones. All of these are harmful to your pet and can lead to severe diseases. Therefore, you must give your pet cooked fish in limited quantities and that too with no added spice and seasonings.

If your dog is already suffering from any disease or allergies, then it’s better to avoid adding new food to his diet without consulting your vet.