Can Huskies eat fish? Most dogs go crazy from the smell of fish, and that includes Huskies. After all, it’s chock full of protein and other nutrients that dogs need.
From that alone, it’s easy to conclude that feeding your Huskies fish is okay and even healthy. But that’s not the end of the story. Even if Huskies can eat fish, there are still some factors that must be considered, such as the kind of fish, whether it’s raw or cooked, and the recommended feeding amount.
Knowing the answers to these is vital to keep your beloved Husky healthy and happy. Ready to find out more in this article? Read on!
Can Huskies eat fish?
If you’re asking if Huskies can eat fish in general, then the short answer is yes.
As mentioned, fish is a significant source of protein, a nutrient that your Huskies need to grow strong muscles. It’s also a unique source of other essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and even iodine.
According to studies, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish even help decrease inflammation, making it ideal for older Huskies that are more likely to suffer from inflammation-related illnesses.
Fish is also an ideal substitute protein source for dogs with allergies to the more common meat options, such as chicken. However, keep in mind that fish has lower calories and lacks plenty of other nutrients that Huskies need. If you’re thinking of feeding your Husky a primarily fish-based diet, you should first consult a veterinary nutritionist to make sure that all your Husky’s nutritional needs will be met.
It’s also important to observe your Husky if giving it fish for the first time. Give only a small portion at first, and then wait for 10-30 minutes to see if he’ll experience stomach discomfort or allergic reactions. Only if your Husky’s completely fine should you proceed.
To summarize, yes, Huskies can eat fish, as long as you make sure that they’re not allergic to it and that you’re still meeting their nutritional needs.
Can Huskies eat raw fish?
As a general rule, you should take extreme caution when feeding your Huskies any kind of raw meat, including fish.
Raw fish can contain harmful organisms, such as roundworms, tapeworms, flukes, that can make your dog sick if they catch it. In addition to that, it can also contain toxic heavy metals, which can be very dangerous to your dog when ingested.
Even if your Husky isn’t directly affected by whatever pathogens there were in the fish, the possibility of cross-contamination is still there. Once he’s infected, he could transfer those pathogens to other animals or even people.
In other words, t’s best to stick with cooked fish. Cooking with fire will kill all of the pathogens in the fish, leaving only the beneficial nutrients and vitamins like omega-3.
Can Huskies eat sardines? Salmon? Tuna?
There are many fishes in the sea, but not all of them are good for Huskies.
Large and long-lived fishes, like swordfish and tuna, can have a higher build-up of the heavy metals that can poison your Huskies. It’s best to avoid them, just to be safe.
Instead, only feed your dog short-lived fish, like salmon, whitefish, flounder, and herring. Sardines can also be a decent choice as an occasional treat or food topper.
Can Huskies eat fish bones?
Dogs have a teeth structure that can grind down meat and even large bones but aren’t as good at chewing fine, sharp objects such as fish bones.
Those shards can lodge in their gums, throat, intestines, and stomach. At best, it would hurt your poor Huskies. At worst, their organs could be perforated, resulting in an expensive operation.
How much fish can Huskies eat?
Although fish is indeed a great treat for your Huskies, too much of anything is never good. Keep in mind that commercial dog food already features a balanced nutritional content that should have all of your Husky’s nutrient needs.
Treats, such as table scraps and fish, are not necessary, nutritionally speaking. Make sure that they only comprise about 10% of your dog’s daily food intake.
Final Thoughts
So, can Huskies eat fish? Yes! Fish can be a healthy and delicious treat for your beloved pets, as long as you do it the right way.
In this article, we learned that:
- Fish contains lots of beneficial nutrients and vitamins
- Raw fish is not advisable because of the presence of pathogens
- Smaller, short-lived fish are preferable
- To be safe, avoid feeding Huskies fishbones
- Keep treats, including fish, to a minimum
Do you want to learn more about Huskies’ diets? Feel free to visit our blog here at Husky Habits!
