You only want to feed your pup the very best. We’ve all been there, you’re not sure if your dog can eat certain foods and certainly don’t want them to get sick. This begs the question:
Can dogs eat sardines? Or can dogs eat seafood?
Although seafood is a great source of nutrients for humans, dogs naturally have different digestive systems, and their stomachs can and cannot tolerate certain foods. Read below to find out if your dog can eat seafood.
Are Sardines and Other Seafood Safe for Dogs to Eat?
The short answer is yes! Dogs are safely allowed to eat most of the seafood, including sardines, within moderation. Seafood provides your dog a healthy balanced diet rich in healthy fats and other nutrients that are great for your dog.
Sardines are a type of finfish that are perfectly safe for your dog to eat as they have small bones that are easy to eat. Like other seafood that will be discussed later in this article, moderation is key. Sardines are great for your dog to eat, but make sure to avoid seasonings and oils as this may cause digestive issues.
Consider feeding your dog canned, tinned or raw sardines in tiny amounts to first see how your dog’s body reacts to eating sardines, and to ensure your dog does not gain unnecessary weight from eating too many sardines!
Sardines for dogs are a great source of protein, fatty acids, and essential vitamins and nutrients that would be a great addition to your dog’s well-balanced diet.
What Types of Seafood Can Dogs Eat?
Fish can be divided into two categories: shellfish and finfish. Shellfish include shrimp, crab, lobster, oysters, etc. Meanwhile, finfish consists of salmon, tuna, sardines, and other larger fish that you can think of that have fins.
We’ll explore the different types of seafood in each of the two categories that are safe for your dog to eat.
Different Types of Shellfish that are safe for your dog to eat
As mentioned earlier, shellfish are just how the term presents, any type of seafood that has a shell. The majority of shellfish are safe for your dog to eat, considering it is cooked properly. Ensure all legs, shell, and tail of the seafood is removed.
Certain shellfish such as shrimp, crab, and lobster are safe for your dog to eat. However, start only feeding small amounts of this to your dog to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a potential allergic reaction.
Certain shellfish options you should avoid giving your pet are clams and oysters. This is because these two types of shellfish have rather high levels of bacteria, viruses, and algae. This is not good because this can lead to your dog getting sick.
Different Types of Finfish that are safe for your dog to eat
As discussed above, finfish are simply a group of typically larger fish that have fins. Most finfish are safe for your dog to eat as long as it is cleaned properly and fresh. Just like with shellfish, consider giving only small portions of finfish to your dog to start to see how they react to trying this new diet.
Certain types of finfish that are great for your dog to try include:
– Salmon
– Sardines
– Flounder
Salmon is one popular type of fish that many owners give to their dogs. As long as you make sure there are no excess oils or seasonings, consider giving your dog a boneless salmon fillet as a special treat once a week. Canned salmon is also a great and easy option to give your dog.
The extra protein and fatty acids in the fish will be a nutritiously complete treat for your pooch to indulge in!
Always be cautious with larger fish as this also means larger bones and can sometimes pose a choking risk for some dogs that eat carelessly.
Is Seafood Good for Dogs?
Yes, definitely! Seafood provides your dog a healthy balanced diet with lots of nutrients they may not be getting in their ordinary diet. Consider feeding your dog the various safe shellfish and finfish options listed above like shrimp, crab, sardines, and salmon.
Some seafood that you should avoid feeding your dog is bigger fish with longer lifespans. This includes tuna and swordfish. The reason these fish may be harmful to feeding your dog is that, over time, these fish collect large portions of heavy metal which is not good for your dog. And again, moderation is key when it comes to feeding your dog seafood!
Some primary nutritional benefits seafood can provide your dog include:
– High-quality protein
– Omega-3 fatty acids
– Helps with weight management (great for weight loss)
– A tasty alternative to your dog’s traditional diet
Remember, moderation is essential when feeding your dog seafood. Although many seafood options listed above are perfectly safe for your pet to eat, you never want to “overdo” your dog’s diet by only feeding them salmon or shrimp, as this would not be a nutritionally complete diet. So, mix it up, and add some safe seafood options into your dog’s diet today!
BIO: Melissa Smith is a passionate dog lover, part time pet-sitter and writes for Raw and Fresh on all things pet-related. A former dog trainer and walker, she’s spent over a decade professionally learning a thing or two about our canine buddies.
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