Can Dogs Eat Raw Fish? How Raw Fish Affects Dogs

It is not safe to incorporate any raw fish into your dog’s diet. Raw meat—especially fish—may contain parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, and flukes that can lead to a host of health problems for your dog.

On the other hand, it is safe and potentially beneficial for dogs to eat small amounts of cooked fish, provided that you prepare it plain without any seasoning or oil. In addition to being a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, certain types of fish (like sardines, whitefish, and cod) and their byproducts (like fish oil) have anti-inflammatory properties and may help boost your dog’s immune system. Cooked fish skin, a good source of protein and vitamin E, even makes a healthy dog treat.

Always consult a veterinarian before incorporating human food into your pet’s diet. Aim to serve your dog a tiny amount of vet-approved human food as the bulk of their nutrition and calories should come from dedicated dog food.

Additionally, some types of fish—including albacore tuna, tilefish, king mackerel, and swordfish—are best to avoid because they contain high levels of mercury and heavy metals.

Though cooked fish is safe for dogs to consume, feeding raw fish to your furry friend can be disastrous to their health. Here are some hazards to consider:

1. 1. Choking hazard: Small fish bones, which humans are unlikely to be able to detect in raw fish, present a choking hazard for dogs, and can even cause damage to their internal organs.
2. 2. Harmful bacteria: Dogs can contract harmful bacteria (like listeria or salmonella) by eating raw fish, which may cause vomiting, a distended stomach, and diarrhea.
3. 3. Parasites: The largest risk of feeding your dog raw fish is intestinal parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes. They may cause vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea.
4. 4. Salmon poisoning disease: Within ten days of ingesting the harmful bacterium Neorickettsia helminthoeca, often present in raw salmon, your dog can contract “salmon poisoning disease,” a potentially fatal infection.

Follow these steps if your dog eats raw fish.

1. 1. Contact your veterinarian. If you know your dog has eaten raw fish—or even suspect that they did—call your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to provide the safest action plan.
2. 2. Check your dog for side effects. Monitor your pooch for an adverse reaction immediately after they ingest raw fish, which you can report back to your vet. Negative side effects could indicate parasites, bacteria, or even food allergies. It is possible— especially if your dog ate sushi-grade raw fish—that they may not have a negative reaction. However, it’s important to watch them in case.
3. 3. Test and treat. With proper medical attention, your dog will likely fully recover from the negative side effects of eating raw fish. The vet will be able to perform tests to assess what, if anything, is wrong. Common treatments include antibiotics and intravenous fluids.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your dog’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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