Fish and seafood have various benefits to your health, such as high protein levels and omega-3 fatty acids.
However, are they healthy for your dog?
If you have ever been tempted to offer your dog some of your seafood, here is what you need to know.
Read more to find out if your dog can eat Ceviche.
Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Ceviche?
As Ceviche is mainly made up of fish and shellfish, the more important question is whether it is safe for dogs to consume marine food such as fish and shrimp.
While dogs are able to eat certain types of seafood, it also depends on the species and how it is prepared.
Dogs are generally able to eat most fish, however not all seafood.
If you are considering feeding dogs seafood, there are some things to take note of when picking certain seafood.
There are some general guidelines you can follow including:
- Picking fish that are short-lived. These fish have lower levels of heavy metals and toxins.
- Pick smaller fish. Smaller fish tend to have less mercury and do not accumulate as much, as compared to bigger fish.
- When picking fish, choose one with bones that are easy to clean. Brittle bones may be a safety risk for dogs, resulting in tears within intestine walls and choking.
If you do decide to feed your dog fish and shellfish, it is ideal to do it in moderation.
These foods should not make up the bulk of their diet.
Benefits of Feeding Them Seafood
While they can be fed these foods in moderation, seafood also provides your dog with multiple benefits.
Some benefits include:
- High protein
- Low fat
- Omega-3
- Alternative for dogs with meat allergies
Risks of Feeding Them Seafood
However, there are also risks that you should be aware of before feeding your dog seafood.
As some seafood may be harmful to your dog, more than providing them with benefits, it is important that you consult a vet before feeding them.
Some risks include:
- Too many toxins in seafood
- Harmful preservatives, especially in commercial seafood pet food
- Risk of bacteria if not well cooked
Learn More:
Seafood Which Dogs Can Eat
As mentioned, seafood is not harmful to dogs, if done right.
If you would still like to feed your dog some seafood, here are some which they can eat.
It is also advisable that you consult your vet before doing so.
1. Cooked Fish
In general, fish that are cleaned and cooked properly is safe for dog.
However, you should not be feeding them high amounts at a time, as it could lead to thiamine deficiency.
Cooked salmon is known as a premium meal for dogs, providing them with healthy fatty acids and proteins with no long-term side effects.
2. Raw Fish
While uncooked fish is also rich in nutrients, it may contain parasites such as tapeworms if not prepared well.
To prepare it well, remember to freeze raw fish for a few weeks before letting your dog consume it, to remove any potential parasites.
3. Anchovies
Similar to salmon, anchovies provide omega-3 acids, beneficial for your dog’s health.
However, do note that they should only be fed anchovies that are raw or cooked — rather than smoked, pickled, or salted.
4. Seaweed
Seaweed is known as a superfood to humans and dogs alike.
Sprinkle some in your dog’s food for some benefits.
Seafood To Avoid
While the seafood mentioned above can be beneficial to your dog’s health, there are also others which you should avoid feeding them.
1. Tuna
While this fish is tasty, it may contain high levels of mercury which may result in mercury poisoning.
It is recommended to not give them tuna on a regular basis.
This also goes for canned tuna, which may have added preservatives and additives that will harm your dog.
2. Some Shellfish
Similar to other seafood, shellfish can be fed if properly prepared and cooked.
While a few bites are fine, you should not be serving this to them as a meal.
This is as shellfish contain sodium and fat that are not beneficial to your dog.
3. Farmed Fish
These are fish that are kept in poor and despicable conditions, at times, and should be avoided in general.
This is as these fish are often fed low-quality foods that may contain pesticides and hormones.
4. Shrimp
Shrimp, especially its tails and shells, can be a choking hazard for your dog and should be avoided.
The same goes for any other shellfish that has shells and tails.
5. Fish Bones
Similar to seafood shells and tails, fish bones are brittle, sharp, and hard to spot at times.
Thus, it is very dangerous for dogs — these bones can cause tears in their organs and may result in fatal injuries.
Final Thoughts
While dogs can benefit from eating seafood in moderation, too much or the wrong kind of seafood may result in risks.
Thus, it is important that you know which seafood is beneficial for your dog and how to prepare it properly before feeding it to them.
If you are unsure, do consult your vet for more advice.
