Yes, Fish can be eaten by Labradors. A healthy, home-cooked diet that includes Fish can provide your Labrador with a nutritionally balanced diet. Although it contains a lot of protein, Fish contains a relatively low amount of saturated fat when cooked.
Commercial prescription diets containing Fish may benefit dogs with food allergies or intolerances since Fish is regarded as a novel protein. Fish is not only a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, but it’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for your Labrador’s health.
What Benefits Does Eating Fish Have For Labradors?
For dogs, the smell of Fish is irresistible, and there is a good reason for it in this case. Fish is often included in commercial dog food as an alternative source of protein because of its high protein content. As a result of their omega-3 fatty acid content, veterinarians believe that Fish may provide health benefits such as reducing inflammation. If your Labrador is allergic to chicken or other common ingredients, he can also enjoy Fish.
Suppose you are giving your Labrador fish for the first time. In that case, it may cause an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal upset, so start with a small portion until you are sure it will tolerate that type of Fish.
What Risks Are There Feeding Fish To Your Labrador?
The actual fish doesn’t harm dogs, but the way it’s prepared may. A dog’s gastrointestinal tract can be upset by cooking fish in too much oil, leading to serious illnesses like pancreatitis. In addition, seasonings can seriously harm your Labrador, especially if they contain toxic ingredients such as garlic. However, the greatest risk to your Lab comes from bones. Fish also pose the following risks:
- Presence of toxins, heavy metals, and other pollutants
- Commercial pet foods with fish can contain harmful preservatives
Can Labradors Eat Raw Fish?
Raw Fish can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and listeria. According to the FDA, this can make your Labrador sick and you and other family members.
Children, especially those with weak immune systems and those more exposed to your dog’s saliva, are at risk. The FDA recommends washing your hands after handling a raw diet containing Fish after handling all surfaces and bowls.
Can Labradors Eat Fried Fish?
Fish that has been fried should not be given to Labradors. You are less likely to transmit parasites or bacteria to your Labrador if you fry the fish in oil, butter, or seasonings. However, oils, butter, and seasonings can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or pancreatitis in your pup.
Can Labradors Eat Canned Fish?
You can give your dog canned Fish like tuna or salmon as healthy treats. As an easy and delicious way to provide Fish to your pet, you can include a quarter tin of Fish in your dog’s food. When buying tinned Fish, make sure that it has been packed in water without any salt added.
Furthermore, you can feed your dog smelt, anchovies, herring, and mackerel. In contrast to other Fish, they possess a higher concentration of omega-3 fats, which makes the distinction between being fatty Fish.
| Shark | Swordfish |
| King mackerel | Tilefish |
Most of the time, the fish harvested for these species are larger and older when they are caught. Therefore, they are also more likely to accumulate toxic amounts of mercury in their tissues, as well as parasites in their skin, muscles, and internal organs.
Can Labradors Eat Fish Bones?
While fish bones are small and fragile, they are extremely dangerous. Your Labrador’s mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines can become infested with them, sometimes even perforating organ walls. Additionally to being painful, this can also result in a large vet bill. It is not uncommon for Labradors to eat fishbones without harm, but heed veterinarians’ advice and be careful in this situation.
Conclusion
Providing that the fish is fully cooked, free of oils or spices, does not contain bones, and is not a species prone to high mercury levels, like tuna, can be part of a healthy diet for your Labrador. If you would like more information about feeding fish to your Lab, or dog nutrition in general, please contact your veterinarian.