Can Dogs Eat Smelts? (Raw, Dried & Cooked)

Can Dogs Eat Smelts

Smelts are little fish that are jam-packed with essential fatty acids with an addition of a variety of vitamins and minerals.

 

The supplements in smelts ensure that they provide your dog with the best health benefits.

 

Smelts can also be eaten by people but, we do not think humans would like them if they were prepared the same way the dog smelts are prepared.

 

You have to prepare them with a different recipe.

 

Yes. Dogs can eat smelts whether raw, dried, or cooked. Many dog owners, after not being sure whether smelts are the way to go, were shocked to see their dogs enjoy the meal.

When purchasing smelts in the shop, make sure it is free of chemicals, additives, and preservatives if you want your dog not to fall sick.

 

Smelts are normally crunchy dehydrated fish treats that are easy to break.

 

They have a low odor.

 

Smelts are small in size hence enable your dog to chew them properly without the fear of choking.

 

Especially if you have a smaller breed of dogs.

 

They work so well as toppings on most dishes.

 

What Are The Nutritional Values Of Smelts?

smelts for dogs

 

Smelts have very nutritious value to both dogs and humans.

 

So, what good do smelts have?

 

1. Smelts contain several vitamin B family nutrients including:

 

  • Vitamin B12 – is vital for the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
  • Vitamin B6 – is essential for amino acids utilization in the body.
  • Riboflavin and Thiamin – help with the growth, development, and functioning of the muscles and a healthy coat.
  • Niacin is needed for generating proper enzymes in the body.

 

2. Potassium — is an electrolyte, potassium is vital for the functioning of the muscles, nerves, and enzymes.

 

3. Calcium — is important in the growth and development of strong bones and muscles.

 

It also supports the contraction and expansion of the heart muscles.

 

4. Omega 3 fatty acids — are essential to your pup, it helps reduce inflammation, prevent heart problems (the possibility of developing a stroke), maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Enhances cognitive function, promotes behavioral performance and memory.

Also helps improve the coat and skin of the canine.

 

5. Improve the coat to be shiny, reduce shedding of fur, and irritations.

 

6. It promotes the healthy development of the brain in puppies.

 

7. Reduces inflammation around the arthritic joints

 

8. Boosts the immune system and stamina of the dog.

 

 

Learn More:

 

 

What Are The Downsides Of Eating Smelts?

Smelt among other fish contains thiaminase.

 

Thiaminase is an enzyme that splits vitamin B1 and Thiamin in the body and makes the vitamin inactive.

 

It is very important to the body of the pup.

 

It is used to convert glucose into energy which is essential for normal body functioning for both nerves and muscles.

 

So when enzymes decide to destroy this vitamin, it causes a glitch in the body system.

 

It is important to note that thiamin deficiency is caused by feeding your dog a large number of raw fish.

 

Herring and catfish also contain thiaminase and could cause the deficiency of thiamin in the body of a dog if they are fed when it’s raw a lot of times.

 

Cooking destroys the thiaminase enzyme, so you do not have to worry.

 

It is still possible that you feed the smelts to the dog while they are still raw as long as it is not fed in bulk and it does not recur in the dog’s diet.

 

Other Types Of Seafood You Can Feed Your Dog?

seafood variety

 

Other than smelts you could also feed your dog the following types of seafood;

 

1. Shrimp 

this is a protein with very low calories.

 

If you cook fresh shrimp, it is safe to share it with your dog. Most dogs love eating tails.

 

The only problem would be, most grocery shops do not indicate where the shrimp is from and whether it is farm-raised.

 

This is disadvantageous because most farmers use antibiotics, pesticides, and disinfectants to protect shrimps from diseases.

 

Therefore, it is unsafe to feed your dog with imported shrimp because it contains too many chemicals.

 

2. Squid oil 

other than buying omega 3 essential fatty acids you can try squid oil.

 

Squid oil contains high levels of EPA that are essential for the skin and coat and helps the cognitive function and the nervous system and DHA which has enough anti-inflammatory effects.

 

Squids are very advantageous because they do not contain any bones that absorb radioactive minerals like strontium which is very harmful to your dog’s health, and they are low on the food chain.

 

When tests are done on them, they are free of contaminants, especially the ones sourced from Scandinavian water.

 

Give your dog about a quarter tablespoon per 20lbs body weight.

 

3. Salmon

salmons give your dog omega-3s together with vitamin D. It is rich in proteins, magnesium, Potassium, and iron which Is very important for their growth and development.

 

Many dogs enjoy salmon and you can feed them raw.

 

Salmon benefits the skin and coat of your pup.

 

It stabilizes the immune system of your dog, promotes the cognitive function of your dog, and reduces inflammation.

 

It is always important to be careful when feeding salmon to your dog.

 

Consider the following factors:

 

1. Do not feed your dog farmed salmon because they are given a lot of antibiotics to prevent diseases.

 

They are highly contaminated with contaminants like PCBs that are the chemicals that cause cancer.

 

 

2. There are genetically modified salmon being produced.

 

Even though the US Food and Drug Administration claims that GMO salmon is safe; we should not entirely believe this because there are studies that prove this.

 

Conclusion

Yes, dogs can eat smelts when cooked, dried, or raw.

 

You should avoid feeding them often when they are raw because they have enzyme thiaminase that eliminates essential vitamins.

 

Smelts are rich in nutrients such as omega-3 Fatty acids, potassium, and calcium that help with the growth of muscles, nerves, and bones.

 

These nutrients also help to protect your pup’s health from diseases.

 

Other than smelts, you can feed your dog shrimps, salmon, and squid oil.

 

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Russel

A pet owner who loves to share useful facts and information about a variety of animals.