Can dogs eat fish?

Updated 18/04/2024

Fish is a key part of a varied omnivorous diet - packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein and of course, flavor, it's no wonder fish of all kinds have been on our (proverbial) plates for generations. So with all of these health benefits and its easy access in your local stores, you might be wondering - can dogs eat fish? And if so, which ones? Are some fish dangerous to dogs for some reason? Well fortunately for your canine companion, dogs can eat fish - with a few caveats, naturally. Below we'll take a look at the safest ways to share fish with your pining pooch, plus we'll get into some of the most common questions on the topic, so you can rest assured your pup can expand their diet while avoiding stomach upset.   

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Is fish poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat fish of all shapes and sizes? Or are some fish poisonous to dogs? Well like with many 'people foods', you'll need to take fish on a case by case basis when it comes to sharing it with your pooch, with some being safer for canine consumption than others. The safety of the fish for your furry friend depends on a whole number of factors, not just the species. The factors that impact the safety of fish consumption (for both humans and dogs) includes how and whether the fish was farmed, the levels of mercury in the flesh, and whether the fish contains any harmful parasites or toxins. So, while many fish aren't poisonous to dogs, the toxins (and other added compounds) from fish farms, the mercury they absorb from the water and parasites present can make certain fish particularly harmful for consumption. Below, we'll take a look at what to avoid so you can rest in the knowledge your pooch is only consuming fish that are safe. 

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Is fish good for dogs?

So can dogs eat fish and get any of the health benefits we humans can? Certainly - fish is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your furry friend's muscles, tendons, coat and skin (more on the health benefits of fish for dogs later). 

And as we've mentioned some of the risks around feeding fish to your furry friends, you might be wondering - is fish bad for dogs? Should it be avoided altogether? Well there are always more risks involved when adding whole foods to your pup's diet, and we'll get into some of those below. But when it comes to something as nutritious as fish, you can dodge the worry by simply opting for a dog food containing fish as a protein source. That way, you know it's completely safe for canine consumption and has been made alongside other foods great for your pup's health.   

But if you're keen to try your pooch with some of your favorite foods, you'll need to get clued-up on what's safe. Below, we'll explore some of the dangers that come with feeding your dog fish.

Mercury poisoning in dogs

Mercury is a metal that's naturally found in the air and water and by consequence, many of our foods. The fish known to contain high levels of mercury include ray, bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, swordfish, barramundi, shark, and king mackerel. While we imagine you wouldn't be making a habit of feeding your pup shark anyway, below find the symptoms of mercury poisoning in dogs, just so that you're aware of the risks. 

• Lack of coordination.
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Tremors.
• Blindness. 
• Abnormal behavior.
• Loss of control over body movements.
• Convulsions.
• Depression. 
• Paralysis.
• Death.

To experience mercury poisoning, dogs will need to have been exposed to fish containing high levels on a regular basis. If you've recently adopted a new furry friend and they're displaying any of these symptoms, you should contact your vet as a matter of emergency.

Parasites

Unfortunately, many fish contain harmful parasites that can cause a variety of nasty symptoms and even death if ingested. Passed through the food chain, these parasites are present in marine fish particularly, so always be sure to check whether the species of fish you're thinking about feeding to your furry friend is fit for canine consumption. Below, find the symptoms your pooch might display if they've been exposed to a fish containing a harmful parasite, and contact your vet immediately if you suspect anything.

• Reduced appetite.
• Blood in stool.
• Weakness.
• Fever.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Discharge from the nose and eyes.
• Heavy breathing.
• Seizures.

Toxins

Fish farmed are kept in a variety of conditions, and with some better than others, it can be difficult to know whether the fish you're buying is safe, or riddled with various toxins bad for your pup's health. Some of these can include dyes, antibiotics and dioxins, so always be sure to purchase fish from well-regulated farms or industry-regulated fisheries.   

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Health benefits of eating fish for dogs

So, if you're vigilant with the type of fish you feed your pooch and how it was farmed or fished, then there are in fact a whole host of health benefits that your pup could get from eating fish every now and then - find a few below. 

• Protein. Like other animal sources, fish is high in protein which provides amino acids that help to maintain healthy skin, coat, nails, tendons, cartilage and ligaments.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. It's no secret that omega-3 is great for our health, and the same can be said for our furry friends, providing nutrients that help maintain the coat and skin, alongside mobile joints and the body's ability to heal wounds.

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Feeding your dog fish

So as we've mentioned while we've been reviewing the question - can dogs eat fish - one of the most important things you'll need to be clued-up on is the types of fish safe for canine consumption. So below, explore some of the most popular questions pet parents have on feeding dogs fish, as well as info on the species safest for your furry friend to try. And when it comes to feeding your dog fish, just be sure it's always in date, cooked thoroughly and without any seasonings (these can often be toxic to dogs, so always serve your pup's food plain). 

Can dogs eat tilapia?

Feel free to share a deboned, de-skinned and boneless piece of tilapia with your pooch, so long as it's cooked all the way through. If it has lived in good conditions, tilapia can be a great source of vitamin D, potassium, and selenium for your furry friend.

Can dogs eat cod?

Cod is commonly found in dog foods, so rest assured it's a safe option for your pooch - it's high in protein and low in calories, too. 

Can dogs eat catfish?

Catfish is high in fat so should only be served as the occasional treat for dogs, but it's packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, thiamine and phosphorus.

Can dogs have fish sticks?

Fish sticks are a processed food with added salt and other preservatives, so while the odd nibble shouldn't do them any harm, they certainly shouldn't make their way into your dog's diet regularly.

Can dogs eat swordfish?

Swordfish have a long lifespan, which means they have ample time to accumulate high levels of mercury, making it unsafe for dogs.

Can dogs eat trout?

Trout is safe for dogs so long as it's cooked thoroughly and served as a treat. If you'd like to incorporate this omega-3-rich fish into your dog's diet, consider finding a dog food that contains the fish alongside other healthy ingredients for your pooch.  

Can dogs eat mahi mahi?

Mahi mahi is safe for dogs to eat, so long as it's never served raw and is only offered as a treat on occasion.

Can dogs eat flounder?

Flounder is considered a safe fish for dogs to eat due to its low mercury content - just be sure to cook it all the way through and without any seasonings.

Can dogs eat halibut?

Be sure to remove all the bones before serving up halibut to your furry friend, and make sure it's cooked thoroughly.

Can dogs eat fish bones?

When treating your furry friend to a filet of fish, you should be super vigilant about removing all the bones. Fish bones can cause choking in dogs, as well as damage to your dog's insides, which will be both painful and dangerous for your pup. 

Can dogs eat fried shrimp?

If it's prepared properly (i.e. with the shell and vein removed) dogs and shrimp are a great match, at least in the world of infrequent dog treats. Fried shrimp, however, is bad news for your pup as it can be seriously high in fat, depending on what it was fried in. This can cause an upset stomach and weight gain in the long term.

Can dogs eat raw fish?

While raw diets are popular amongst some pet parents, we'd always advise cooking any fish you serve up to your pup thoroughly all the way through. Fish can contain the bacterias salmonella and listeria, which could make your pup seriously ill.

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Other fish products

 As a simple rule of thumb for pet parents to follow when it comes to feeding your pup fish, be sure to always serve it completely plain and cooked thoroughly all the way through. And if you'd like to play it safe (which we can totally understand), simply opt for a dog food containing fish. That way, you can rest assured the species is safe for canine consumption, and that it's been taken from a farm or fishery that's considered dog-safe by the retailer.    

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat fish, why not explore other foods dogs can eat?

• Green beans
• Cashews
• Peanuts

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.