Dogs as pets are awesome and easy going when it comes to food and diet. They don’t fuss about what they eat. They just love it. Anything that’s delicious on their tongue is a good meal. And this is especially true when it comes to protein. Be it in any form.
And trout fish is something that they won’t deny for sure. But how do you offer this matters?
But is it safe for your pet dog to eat trout? Yes, dogs can eat trout, but only in moderation and if you cook it well.
While trout can offer good nutrition to your dog, it may also cause health concerns if not fed correctly. Dive right in and find out everything about trout fish and the benefits and risks associated with giving it to dogs!
Is Trout Safe For Your Dog?
Trout is one fish that is safe for dogs, and it contains an abundance of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Canines need these nutrients, as it can help them build lean muscle.
When it comes to giving fish to dogs, there is always a risk of mercury exposure. Mercury is a heavy metal that can be linked to birth defects and many other health concerns as well.
While the metal naturally occurs in our environment, pollution has led to increased mercury concentrations in water bodies. With exposure to it over a long time, fish build up a high mercury level in their tissues, which can be toxic to dogs.
However, trout has low levels of mercury, making it safe for both humans and dogs. The omega-3 fatty acids present in it can prove beneficial in decreasing inflammation and improving your dog’s skin and coat health.
Doctors also recommend it for dogs who are suffering from arthritis and many other chronic diseases. Being low in fat and containing high levels of essential vitamins and minerals, trout is not just safe but beneficial for your dog.
You can keep reading to learn more about the advantages.
Benefits That Trout Can Offer To Dogs
Trout is a popular canine diet addition and an essential ingredient in many packed dog foods. It is due to the numerous advantages that the fish can offer.
1. Contains Proteins
Trout is a source of protein, with a 100-gram serving of the fish offering around 20.5 grams of the nutrient. It can be a good option for your furry friend, especially if you want to give them a protein-rich diet that includes fish.
The high protein level can prove advantageous for canines that have food allergies or any other food intolerances.
2. Offers Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Your dog also gets a high amount of fatty acid omega-3 by consuming trout. A 100-gram serving of this fish can contain about 812 mg of omega-3.
A great anti-inflammatory supplement, omega-3, can not only improve your dog’s skin and coat but also improve their mobility as it supports stiff joints. Trout also contains many more vitamins and minerals, which can ensure your pet’s overall well-being.
3. Low Mercury Level
You can find trout more commonly in freshwater ponds in the US, ensuring they stay protected from chemical contaminants and get the proper diet.
Risks Associated with Dogs Eating Trout
Although trout can offer a series of nutrients and health benefits, there are still risks associated with them. It becomes essential for you to carefully assess the risks as well as the side effects that come with consuming trout.
- Trout may contain parasites and toxins that are harmful to dogs.
- The fish also contains brittle and small bones; getting lodged in a dog’s throat will lead to choking or perforation of the mouth cavity or digestive tract.
Things to Remember When Feeding Trout to Dogs
After going through the benefits and risks of dogs eating trout, it’s time to learn more about how to give it to them correctly. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Never Give Raw Trout Fish
Uncooked food contains dangerous bacteria, and feeding it to dogs can be risky. However, fish that belong to the salmon family, such as trout, can be dangerous for your dog, as eating raw trout can increase the risk of salmon poisoning.
Salmon poisoning is a bacterial infection that trout and salmon from the Pacific Northwest infected with a parasitic intestinal worm can cause. If dogs eat these raw fish with the bacteria, they may catch the parasites, as these worms attach to the intestines and feed themselves on them.
When the bacteria spreads through the bloodstream of a dog’s body, it can lead to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, weight loss, and even an increased heart rate.
It is imperative to give anti-parasite drugs and antibiotics to treat this condition, as failure to do so can prove fatal for a canine.
2. Cook Trout The Right Way
To make trout safe and bacteria-free, you must cook it well. Ensure you avoid frying it or adding more fat and seasonings to it.
Another essential thing to remember is that you must not give your dog the skin, bones, tail, or even head of the trout. The raw skin of the fish and the scales contain harmful bacteria, while the bones can harm the canine’s mouth, throat, and digestive tract.
3. Give The Right Quantity
Lastly, it would be best to determine the correct serving portion of trout, depending on your dog’s health and nutritional needs. Trout can be a part of their daily diet if your furry friend needs a new protein source to treat health issues, but it must be a complete and balanced diet.
You can serve trout as a treat or a primary protein when preparing a meal at home. Suppose you plan to give trout to your dog on a homemade diet. In that case, you can seek advice from a veterinarian to ensure you are giving nutritionally balanced meals.
While commercial dog food tends to contain the right amount of nutrients needed by a dog, homemade recipes may fall short. It would be best if you played safe by working with a vet or dog nutrition expert.
Start by feeding only a small amount of trout if you are just introducing your dog to this fish. It will help you check whether it suits them and if they don’t have an upset stomach or an allergic reaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe For Dogs With Allergies To Have Trout?
Yes, since very few dogs have allergies to fish, trout is relatively safer for dogs.
Can You Put Trout In Dog Food?
As long as you cook it well and remove the bones, you can add trout to your dog’s food.
Is Trout A Source Of Proteins?
Trout contains a good amount of protein and can benefit dogs who require more of this nutrient for overall health and well-being.
Final Thoughts
Trout is safe for consumption by dogs, like a few other fishes. However, preparing the fish correctly before offering it to your furry friend would be best.
It is an excellent addition to a dog’s protein-rich diet because it is rich in protein and many other essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
You can gradually add it to your dog’s daily diet and let them benefit from this fish. In case you are worried about its safety or the right serving potion, you must consult a veterinarian and seek expert advice.
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
