How to Start Incorporating Raw Fish in Your Dog's Diet

Fish is an often overlooked but fantastic way to ensure that your furry friend gets the essential nutrients it needs. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fish is a great source of healthy fat for your pup that helps promote healthy skin and joints – not to mention a glossy coat. Not only is fish significantly less expensive than other protein sources, but it also has lower amounts of environmental contaminants than red meats or poultry. For those looking for a cost-effective and healthful protein source for their dog, fish can’t be beat! 

This is why we at CDK9 include raw fish for dogs in our nutritious meal mixes. We ensure that your canine is being fed with human-grade meat paired with high protein offal as well as fruits and vegetables. Read on to see why you should include fish in your canine diet now! 

Can Dogs Eat Fish?

The answer is yes! Fish can be an excellent source of pet nutrition, providing essential proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have revealed that these are especially beneficial for cardiovascular, neurological and immune system health. Furthermore, fish provides a dietary alternative to red meat, which can sometimes be more difficult to digest in large amounts. 

When picking out fish for your pet, it is important to consider species, as some may contain higher levels of mercury than others. Also, tougher bones should always be removed as they pose a choking hazard.  In conclusion, fish can be a qualified part of any balanced diet with proper research and meal preparation. 

Health Benefits of Feeding Dogs Raw Fish

Feeding your dog raw fish provides numerous health benefits. It is a natural source of lean proteins that can help maintain healthy body weight, muscle mass, and overall energy levels. Raw fish also contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in reducing inflammation, supporting a healthy immune system, and aiding in proper cardiovascular functioning. 

In addition, raw fish is packed with vitamins, minerals and trace elements to help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and looking good. Lastly, including raw fish as part of your pup’s diet can improve dental health; chewing tough food works like toothbrushes to scrub their teeth clean. So if you're looking for an easy way to add nutrient-rich foods to your pup's diet, then raw fish is a perfect choice! 

Types of Fish That Dogs Can Eat

There is an impressive variety of fish types that dogs can — and should — eat for maximum health benefits. These include whitefish such as cod, pollock, haddock, and whiting; oily fish like salmon and sardines; and leaner seafood options such as shrimp and scallops. 

All of these fish varieties provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin and coat. When feeding dogs raw fish, ensure that they are stored at the right temperatures to keep your dog from ingesting harmful bacteria. 

Fish to Avoid

When selecting the perfect food for your dog, it's important to be aware of the potential health risks posed by certain types of fish and seafood. As a rule of thumb, any scavenger species such as catfish, tilapia, carp, rockfish, sturgeon and eel should always be avoided when choosing dog food. 

Shellfish such as clams, mussels and oysters can also cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs and should therefore be left off the menu. Other potentially dangerous options include anchovies and herring, which contain excessive levels of mercury and therefore need to be omitted from a canine diet. To ensure your furry friend's optimal health, make sure you avoid these types of fish and seafood when making your selection. 

Feeding your dog a raw, natural diet could be immensely beneficial for their health compared to the more typical kibble diets. Raw food diets in general are closer to what you would find in nature and are packed with vital nutrients. This is because raw foods contain all essential macronutrients like fats, proteins and carbohydrates that can often be lost in kibble since it is processed whole food.  

Additionally, you can avoid unhealthy additives, fillers and preservatives typically found in commercial dog food products by providing them with a balanced raw diet that is composed of all-natural ingredients that give your pet the vitamins and minerals they need for optimal energy levels and physical condition.

If you’re keen to test out a raw diet with fish on your dog, check out CDK9 special mixes. You can choose between a variety of options to suit your dog's needs. For more information, explore the CDK9 website and subscribe today!