Most dogs love eating fish, so it’s no surprise that they would enjoy eating fish sticks as well.
However, although most dogs will happily gobble down these bites of battered and fried fish, many veterinarians and animal nutritionists advise against feeding them to your dog on a regular basis.
But why is that? Can dogs safely eat fish sticks? Yes, dogs can eat fish sticks, however, fish sticks can be high in sodium and low in some essential nutrients that your dog needs, making them an unhealthy choice to include in your dog’s diet most of the time. Some varieties of fish sticks can even pose health risks to your dog due to the excess fat and spices that they contain.
Even though they are not toxic to dogs, it is not recommended to feed fish sticks to your dog on a regular basis.
Healthier Types Of Fish For Your Dog
Ok, so now that we’ve established that fish sticks are not the best choice for your furry friend, let’s have a look at healthier types of fish that you can feed him instead.
1. Salmon
Salmon is a very healthy kind of fish to feed your dog. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Salmon also provides your dog with a good amount of vitamin B6, niacin, vitamin B12, and selenium.
2. Tuna
Just like salmon, tuna is rich in omega-3s and other vitamins and minerals. Although dogs can eat tuna (assuming that they don’t have a seafood or tuna allergy), tuna has less nutritional benefits than salmon does because it lacks protein.
3. Mackerel
Mackerel is a unique kind of fish that should be fed to your pup in moderation. It contains substances that can decrease blood clotting, as well as other nutrients. In fact, mackerel contains the highest concentration of vitamin B12 out of all the fishy foods on this list.
4. Herring
Herring is also packed with essential fatty acids and other nutrients. It makes for a good substitute for your dog’s regular food, though it will probably only be given as an occasional treat.
5. Sardines
Sardines contain a lot of vitamin B12, which is why they should only be given in moderation due to their high mercury content. You should also avoid feeding your dog sardines if he has an existing enzyme deficiency or liver problem since the fish can make his condition worse.
Risks of Feeding Fish to Dogs
There are some potential risks associated with feeding fish to dogs. Be sure to talk to your vet before you add fish to your Jack Russell’s diet so that he can determine the best kind of fish for your pup and how much he should be eating each day.
He will also ensure that your dog does not have any allergies to this type of food or any other ingredient or food that you are feeding him.
You do not want him to become overweight, and you should feed your pup the right amount so that he can stay healthy and full of energy.
You will know if you are feeding him too much or too little by the way that he acts, his energy level, his coat, and his weight in general. So if you notice any of these signs or symptoms, make changes as needed. If you see improvements, then you should continue with those changes for the best results possible.
Raw fish is something you should never feed your dog because it can cause him to become sick with diseases like salmonella. While dogs are far less susceptible to salmonella than humans, they can still become sick from it.
Conclusion
Fish sticks are a popular food choice among humans, but can dogs eat fish sticks?
Yes, they can, but fish sticks don’t offer any nutritional value to your dog. Some might even pose health risks if they contain fat and spices. The better option is to feed your furry friend other types of fish instead.
Salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines are healthier types of fish that your dog will love, and, they will be much healthier for him than fish sticks.
Be careful though not to feed your furry friend too much fish., and never feed him any raw fish because fish can cause your dog to become sick with diseases like salmonella.
