The Best Fish for Dogs: What & Why

When most people think of dog diets, they go right to meat from beef, pork, and other land animals. However, fish can be a wonderful protein source for your pup!

 

Integrating fish into your dog’s diet – especially when giving a home-cooked meal – can be crucial in keeping their health in tip-top shape. The best fish for dogs are ones with high Omega-3 fatty acids, which support all facets of your dog’s health.

Omega-3 Benefits!

Omega-3 fatty acids benefit your dog’s skin & coat health, soothing dryness, itchiness, and allergies. They also provide an anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body, aiding in joint pain & arthritis.

Furthermore, Omega-3s are wonderful for organ health. Consistent intake can help regulate heart rates and reduce the risk of heart disease. This is especially important in breeds prone to this such as King Charles Cavaliers. 

 

 

The brain benefits greatly from these fatty acids, making them crucial for all dogs but especially for puppies & senior dogs. Puppies benefit from enhanced brain development, while senior dogs show better mental clarity.

Your dog’s immune health will be better off with Omega-3 fatty acids, reducing allergies & fighting off diseases. Pretty much, everything you could want to see your dog thrive can be found in these fatty acids – and in turn, in fish!

But wait, there’s more!

Fish is of course a wonderful source of protein, but many can offer a leaner option for your dog. Pets with sensitive stomachs find most fish easier to digest. While chicken and beef are common allergens, these best fish for dogs provide a safe protein for an allergy-prone pup!

 

This fish is rich in fatty acids and protein – making it a perfect addition to meals for a health boost.

 

 

This whitefish is low in calories and fat, yet high in protein – a great lean option for sensitive dogs.

 

 

Small, but packed with protein, fatty acids, and vitamins. Great source of calcium and phosphorus.

 

 

Low in fat, high in protein! Another great whitefish for sensitive stomachs or allergy-prone dogs.

 

 

Wonderful for joint health, as it is high in fatty acids, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine. It also stimulates production of hyaluronic acid in the body.

 

1. Main Protein in Food

Many brands offer a fish single-protein option for dogs with allergies, however any dog can benefit from this! Companies such as Open Farm and OC Raw encourage switching proteins from bag-to-bag. Fish can be a great one to rotate with!

2. Fish Skins

Cod skins are a great – and crunchy! – way to get the benefits of fish. Cod is one of the best fish for dogs and the skin can offer an added dental benefit. These are available in dried treats or dehydrated chews.

3. Treats

Many of the treats at Barkfield Road contain fish. If your dog tends to eat more land proteins in their diet, this is a perfect way to integrate fish into their day. We know some people are turned off by the fishy smell, but we promise, the benefits are worth it!

4. Fish Oil

We love to use Nordic Naturals fish oils as meal toppers. Their oils are third-party tested for any heavy metals, giving your dog the best quality. Whether you’re feeding raw, gently cooked, or kibble, adding extra fatty acids and protein is never a bad idea. Oils make it easy, just top the meal and feed!

5. Whole Fish

We know – the eyes can get freaky – but feeding your dog a whole fish is one of the best ways to get them the benefits from fish! Oily fish such as sardines and sprat are great to give on top of a meal. Smaller fish such as smelt, anchovies, minnows, & silverside are thin and dried, making for perfect high-value treats.

When you buy from Barkfield Road, you know you’re only getting the best of the best! Choosing quality is important when feeding the best fish for dogs.

We do know that sometimes it’s easier to feed our pups some of the fish we have at home. When doing this, make sure to look out for these factors that can harm your pup:

1. Quality and Sourcing

Make sure the fish you are serving is of high quality, preferably freshly-caught. Avoid feeding your dog large quantities of fish with higher levels of mercury, such as tuna and swordfish.

2. Check for Bones!

Before feeding your pup fish, make sure there are no bones. Fish tend to have tiny bones, so it’s important to dig through the meat first so the bones don’t cause any intestinal damage.

3. Plain & Simple

As with any homemade food, make sure the fish is plain with no seasoning. If you are using canned fish, check that there is no added salt.

The Best Fish for Dogs is at Barkfield Road

We love giving our dogs fish in their bowls, their treats, and their chews.

Every fish product at Barkfield Road has been vetted by us – and our dogs – for quality you can trust.

Shop our fishy selection today and see the benefits!