It is noticeable that many pet owners continue to hesitate to offer their loyal companions fish on a regular basis - whether as part of a raw diet or as wet food . However, they should be aware that fish for dogs not only offers high-quality meat, but also contains a variety of valuable ingredients for a balanced dog diet. From omega-3 fatty acids to vitamins and minerals - the nutrient density of fish can significantly support the health and well-being of our furry companions. Therefore, it is time to recognize the importance of regularly feeding our dogs fish and integrate it into daily nutritional planning.
Content: Fish for Dogs
- Which fish is good for your dog?
- Fish is rich in special nutrients
- Fish with a high content of vitamin D
- Fish is a source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Iodine in fish
- Can dogs eat fish bones?
- Conclusion
Which fish is good for your dog?
As already mentioned, fish is known for its high-quality and easily digestible muscle meat content. Some types of fish are particularly rich in nutrients and can be ideally integrated into your dog's diet. Each type of fish has its own advantages, from high-fat to low-fat varieties, which you can choose according to your dog's needs. Are you looking for a source of vitamin D? Then high-fat fish is the right choice. High-fat fish are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Find out more below. Many raw feeders feed their dogs fish on average once a week. You can find out whether your dog likes fish simply by trying it out.
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Fish is rich in special nutrients
Among the different types of fish, there are three main groups that are important for nutritional supply: those that are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, those that are rich in vitamin D, and those that are rich in iodine. In general, fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Marine fish are often rich in iodine, while freshwater fish tend to be poor in iodine. It is important to consider the variety of fish species to ensure the optimal nutrient intake for your dog.
Fish with a high content of vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the body as it regulates bone metabolism and supports the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It is stored mainly in the liver and fatty tissue and is one of the fat-soluble vitamins.
Although few foods are rich in vitamin D, certain types of fish such as herring, anchovies, sardines, salmon, tuna and mackerel, as well as cod liver oil, are among them. Although egg yolks and dairy products also contain vitamin D, they are often not enough to meet the dog's needs.
Unlike humans, dogs cannot synthesize sufficient vitamin D through their skin from sun exposure, so it is important that they get vitamin D from their diet.
A daily intake of about 10 IU of vitamin D per kilogram of body weight is recommended for dogs. This corresponds to approximately 0.25 µg of vitamin D. During growth, pregnancy, lactation or certain illnesses, the dog's needs may be higher.
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Since vitamin D is stored in the liver and fatty tissue, it is sufficient to give the dog once a week. A daily dose is not necessary.
Fish species that are particularly rich in vitamin D are:
Fish is a source of omega-3 fatty acids
In addition to the vitamin D content, fatty fish in particular provide valuable omega-3 fatty acids. In general, the fattier the fish and the colder its habitat, the more omega-3 fatty acids it contains.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that must be obtained through food. While dogs receive sufficient amounts of omega-6 fatty acids from meaty components, it is important to supplement their diet with fish oil, linseed oil or fish to ensure sufficient omega-3 fatty acids.
The most important omega-3 fatty acids are α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Linseed oil contains mainly ALA, while fish and fish oils contain mainly EPA and DHA.
Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in the body and have important functions such as anti-inflammatory, brain development and promoting learning ability.
Most omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are found in:
Iodine in fish
Now let's look at the types of fish that are rich in iodine. Fish is an excellent natural source of iodine, but levels vary greatly depending on the type of fish. In general, marine fish have significantly higher iodine levels than freshwater fish because marine fish consume iodine-rich algae in their diet. Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid gland and plays an important role in its function as well as in energy balance. Most foods do not contain enough iodine to meet the dog's needs! Therefore, iodine must be added, whether through seaweed meal, iodine tablets or by eating marine fish. An adult dog needs about 15 µg of iodine per kg of body weight per day. Growing dogs, pregnant or lactating bitches need significantly more iodine.
Iodine intake should be regular, but not necessarily daily. It is sufficient to feed iodine-rich fish 1-2 times a week, provided that it contains enough iodine to cover the weekly requirement.
Fish rich in iodine are:
- coalfish
- Haddock
- cod
Can dogs eat fish bones?
You can ultimately offer your dog raw or cooked fish, depending on his preferences. In smaller fish, the bones are flexible and can be fed to dogs in raw fish without causing any problems. In larger fish, it is advisable to remove the bones to avoid possible injuries.
Beware of thiaminases
Not all fish is suitable for eating raw, as some (such as herring, anchovies and sprats) contain an enzyme called thiaminase. This enzyme breaks down thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, and can lead to a deficiency. Therefore, fish for dogs that contains thiaminase should be frozen before feeding to deactivate the enzyme. Alternatively, the fish can be cooked to ensure adequate thiamine supply.
Conclusion
Adding fish to your dog's diet can be a healthy and nutritious option to meet their needs for important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and iodine. By choosing different types of fish, you can ensure that your dog is getting a varied and balanced diet. However, it is important to make sure that the fish is fresh and does not contain any harmful additives such as salt or spices. With the right preparation and dosage, fish for dogs can be a valuable addition to your dog's diet and help maintain their health and vitality.
