Fresh wild-caught fish

Quick Summary: Fresh Oily Fish for Dogs – The Ultimate Natural Omega-3 Source

When it comes to boosting your dog’s intake of highly bioavailable omega-3s—specifically EPA and DHA—fresh wild-caught oily fish is unmatched. Unlike plant-based sources, which rely on poor conversion of ALA, fish like sprats, sardines, and mackerel deliver these essential fatty acids in a form dogs can readily use. These small, cold-water fish are also lower in mercury, making them a safer choice than larger species. Whether you’re raw feeding or adding fresh fish to a cooked diet, understanding parasite safety and the thiaminase enzyme is key. Explore why oily fish remains the gold standard for canine omega-3s and how to include them safely and effectively.

The Balanced Canine's Guide: Why Fresh Oily Fish is the Ultimate Omega-3 Source for Your Dog

Omega-3 fatty acids are non-negotiable for optimal canine health, influencing everything from joint mobility to cognitive function. While many sources of omega-3 exist, for dog owners focused on a balanced canine diet and natural health, incorporating fresh oily fish for dogs stands out as a superior strategy. This chapter delves into the science, explaining why feeding fresh oily fish to dogs provides unparalleled benefits, particularly focusing on the crucial EPA and DHA omega-3s.

Marine vs. Plant-Based Omega-3s: Bioavailability is Key

You might encounter plant-based omega-3 sources like flaxseed or chia seeds, which contain Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). While ALA has benefits, a dog's body is inefficient at converting ALA into the readily usable EPA and DHA.

This is where marine sources shine. Fish, particularly oily fish, naturally contain high levels of preformed EPA and DHA because they consume algae and phytoplankton that produce these fatty acids. When you give your dog fresh fish, you're providing these essential fatty acids in a form their body can easily absorb and utilize directly, making marine omega 3 for dogs significantly more bioavailable than plant-based options for delivering EPA and DHA.

Here are some key benefits Of Oily Fish

1. Skin and Coat Health: Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain a healthy, shiny coat and can alleviate conditions like dry, itchy, or flaky skin. Studies show fish oil supplementation is highly effective in controlling skin conditions in dogs, including dermatitis.

2. Joint Health: Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint stiffness and arthritis symptoms. Green Lipped Mussels, which are rich in omega-3s, are particularly beneficial for joint health.

3. Heart Health: Regular consumption of oily fish can support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving blood lipid profiles.

4. Cognitive Function: Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain health and can support cognitive function, particularly in aging dogs.

5. Immune System Support: The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s also help bolster the immune system, making dogs more resilient to infections and diseases.

Given the importance of directly providing EPA and DHA, feeding fresh fish to dogs is an excellent strategy. However, the type of fish matters. Larger, longer-lived fish can accumulate higher levels of heavy metals like mercury. This is why focusing on smaller, cold-water, oily fish is crucial for providing safe and effective omega 3 for dogs.

Consider including:

 Sprats: These tiny fish are packed with omega-3s and are low down the food chain, meaning minimal mercury accumulation.

 Sardines: Another small, oily fish rich in EPA and DHA, widely available and a fantastic natural supplement.

 Mackerel: A slightly larger but still relatively small oily fish, offering a concentrated source of beneficial fatty acids.

Please note that in off season these smaller fish may be referred to as “whitebait” in stores.  

These smaller species are not only rich in EPA and DHA for dogs but also naturally lower in mercury in fish for dogs compared to larger predatory species. Choosing fresh wild-caught fish further ensures a more natural nutrient profile.

Raw Feeding Dogs Fish: Important Considerations

If you are exploring raw feeding dogs fish, or simply adding fresh fish to a cooked diet, there are important safety points:

 Parasites: Fresh, raw fish can sometimes contain parasites. Freezing the fish solid for at least 3 weeks before feeding can effectively kill most parasites. Alternatively, cooking the fish thoroughly will also eliminate this risk.

 Thiaminase: Some fish contain an enzyme called thiaminase, which can break down thiamine (Vitamin B1). While occasional feeding of thiaminase-containing fish is generally fine, feeding large quantities exclusively could potentially lead to a thiamine deficiency. Offering a varied diet with different protein sources helps prevent this.

Feeding Fish

Feeding fish to dogs can be a highly beneficial addition to their diet, but there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure their safety and health.

1. Whole Fish: Whole fish can be a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients for dogs. However, it's crucial to choose the right type of fish. Small fish such as krill, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel are excellent options. These smaller fish are generally lower in toxins like mercury and other heavy metals compared to larger fish.

2. Avoid Pacific Fish: It's advisable to avoid feeding fish from the Pacific Ocean due to concerns about radiation, heavy metals, and other toxins. This precaution helps ensure that the fish you are feeding your dog is as safe and healthy as possible.

3. Fish Oil: We do not recommend the use of Fish oil as a supplement for dogs, whilst it is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and overall health. Fish oil is very unstable and often goes rancid before end of use. Most fish oils come in transparent plastic bottles which are quickly effected by sunlight. This is why we recommend more portent sources of omega 3, like green lipped mussels or algae oil. All oils should not be kept for longer than three months and must be stored in a cool, refrigerated place to prevent them from going rancid. Learn more about finding the right omega supplement here.

4. Variety and Balance: As with any aspect of a dog's diet, variety is key. Feeding a range of different fish can help provide a more balanced array of nutrients. Additionally, ensuring that fish is not the sole protein source is important to avoid nutritional imbalances.

5. Preparation: When feeding fish, it’s best to serve it raw or lightly cooked. Avoid feeding fish that has been heavily processed, salted, or smoked, as these can contain harmful additives. Always remove bones from larger fish to prevent choking or internal injuries.

6. Supplementation: For those who prefer not to feed whole fish, omega 3 supplements can be an alternative. These should be chosen carefully, ensuring they are of high quality and free from contaminants. Learn more about finding the right omega supplement here.

Feeding green lipped mussels is another way of feeding a potent whole food source of omega 3.  Learn more about green lipped mussels here.

For optimal benefits, it's recommended to feed fresh oily fish rather than relying solely on fish oil supplements. As little as 100g of fresh oily fish per week for a 15kg dog can be sufficient For dry-fed dogs, incorporating oily fish into their diet as often as possible is particularly important.

The risks of mercury poisoning

Feeding dogs fish with high mercury levels can pose several health risks. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the tissues of fish, particularly those that live longer and are higher up the food chain, such as tuna. Here are some potential risks:

1. Neurological Damage: Mercury can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as tremors, lack of coordination, and behavioural changes.

2. Kidney Damage: High levels of mercury can impair kidney function, potentially leading to kidney failure.

3. Digestive Issues: Mercury toxicity can cause gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and diarrhea.

4. Immune System Suppression: Chronic exposure to mercury can weaken the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to infections.

5. Reproductive Issues: Mercury can also affect reproductive health, potentially leading to infertility or developmental issues in offspring.

To minimise these risks, it's advisable to always ensure the fish is fresh and sourced from clean waters.

What fish to feed

Here are some oily fish that are suitable for dogs:

1. Sardines

2. Mackerel

3. Anchovies

4. Herring

5. Sprats

6. Salmon (preferably fresh Atlantic salmon, but be cautious of toxicity risks)

7. Krill

These fish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your dog's skin, coat, joints, and overall health. Smaller species like sardines, mackerel, and anchovies are particularly recommended as they accumulate fewer pollutants compared to larger fish. Always ensure that the fish is fresh and, if using tinned options, choose those in spring water or olive oil.

Conclusion

In summary, incorporating fish into your dog's diet can offer numerous health benefits, provided you choose the right types of fish, store and prepare them properly, and maintain a balanced diet. For more detailed guidance on feeding fish and other aspects have a look at our more informative article on this by clicking here.