Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Raw Fish?

Canines have a penchant for the savory scent of protein, and fish, rich in this vital nutrient, often finds itself at the top of their most beloved food list. But why not serve up some freshly caught fish, after all, freshness counts, right? Hold on, before you start dishing out the raw fish, let's delve into today's article and understand why raw fish might not be the best choice for our furry friends.

Why is it advisable to avoid feeding dogs raw fish?

Safety Concerns

Whether your dog is a fan of raw fish or not, it's crucial for owners to refrain from offering uncooked seafood. This is especially true for younger, older, or immunocompromised dogs, as they are more susceptible to infections from the various bacteria and parasites that raw fish can carry.

Even if some of the bacteria found in raw fish don't affect dogs, they can still act as carriers for crosscontamination. So, for the sake of both your dog's and your own health, think twice before feeding raw fish.

Now, let's address the specific issues with raw fish:

Bacteria

The most common culprits are Salmonella and Listeria. Some bacteria may not survive in a dog's digestive system, but that doesn't mean they can't be transmitted further. The American Veterinary Medical Association has documented cases of cats and dogs contracting various bacteria from uncooked meats, so it's worth looking into for those who are curious.

Remember, if someone boasts about their dog thriving on a diet of raw fish since puppyhood, it's best to keep your distance.

Parasites

Parasites are a notorious concern when it comes to raw fish. In 2001, a disease called "Salmon中毒" surfaced in the United States, with dogs exhibiting symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, dehydration, and lymphadenopathy after consuming or hunting salmon. Yes, that's right—it's a classic case of poisoning.

While the parasites on salmon are generally harmless to dogs, they can become toxic when they encounter a microorganism called Neorickettsia. This is why dogs, and dogs alone, are prone to poisoning from eating raw salmon infected with Neorickettsia, even though cats, bears, and raccoons can eat raw salmon without issue. In fact, these animals often consume it regularly, while a single bite for a dog can lead to the aforementioned symptoms within a week.

It's essential to understand these complexities and not take a gamble with your dog's health when it comes to raw fish. After all, the risks are not to be taken lightly.

Heavy Metals

This is a particularly important point. Both raw and cooked fish can accumulate heavy metals like lead and mercury when consumed in large quantities. Over time, these can lead to a host of health issues and toxicity problems.

Bones

Needless to say, bones from fish can be a hazard, as anyone who's ever had a fish bone stuck in their throat can attest. Dogs are no exception.

Therefore, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that, considering the parasites, bacteria, and heavy metals present in fish, the amount fed should adhere to the 10% rule, and should not be overdone. This applies to cooked fish as well.