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Can dogs eat Fish skin?

can dogs eat fish skinYes

Overview

dog-food-safety-information

Yes. Fish skin is beneficial to dogs as it provides omega-3 fatty acids that help improve skin and coat health. When used as chews, fish skin can scrape away plaques and prevent tartar buildup. Avoid raw fish skin and fish with high mercury content.

Benefits

health-benefits
  • Fish skin is rich in protein and contains minerals, such as iron, potassium, and zinc, which are essential for canine health.
  • Fish skin is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat in dogs.
  • As fish skin is low in calories and saturated fats, it can be used as an occasional treat for dogs that need to lose weight
  • Fish skin chews promote canine dental health by removing plaques and preventing tartar buildup.

Risks

health-risks
  • Giving raw fish skin to dogs is not recommended as it may contain parasites and harmful bacteria that cause food-borne diseases in dogs.
  • Avoid giving fish skin from types of fish that are known to be high in mercury content, such as shark and swordfish, which can cause mercury poisoning when consumed in large quantities. Fish skin from fish with long life are more prone to contamination, which can be passed on to dogs.
health-risks-dog

Servings

serving-suggestions
  • Fish skin should be thoroughly cooked to eliminate any potential parasites or bacteria. Instead of deep-frying, bake the fish skin at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes until it becomes crispy. Avoid adding oil, butter, salt, or seasonings to the fish skin.
  • Commercial freeze dried fish skin chews are also available for dogs as an occasional treat.
  • Do not feed raw fish skin to dogs.
  • Give a small piece of cooked fish skin as an occasional treat and not as part of your dog's regular diet.

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