10 Benefits of Fish-First Food For Dogs

As a pet parent, you want to feed your furry family only the best. After all, your dog’s diet plays a huge role in helping them thrive.

But with so many different diets and proteins to choose from, how do you know which is best for your dog?

Fish-first food can be the best type of balanced diet for your dog. Not only is it safe for dogs to eat, but it’s an amazing source of protein with a multitude of benefits. Read on to learn more about the benefits of feeding your dog fish.

Is Fish Good for Dogs to Eat?

If you have ever wondered “should dogs eat fish?”, the answer is a resounding yes!

While we often think of our feline friends loving seafood, dogs also instinctively crave fish. Fish is a stellar source of protein and is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids that support your dog's overall wellness, from nose to toes! 

However, it’s important to know which fish are good for dogs and which you should avoid.

What Fish is Good For Dogs? 

There are lots of fish in the sea, and not all of them are suitable for your pet. When you decide to feed fish to your dog, you should stick to those with the most nutritional value. According to the experts at The Dodo, some safe fish for dogs include:

• Arctic char
• Catfish
• Cod
• Flounder
• Herring
• Salmon
• Walleye
• Whitefish
• Haddock
• Acadian Redfish

There are also some types of fish to avoid. These include species that live longer lives, such as tuna and swordfish, that may contain heavy metals or higher levels of mercury.

10 Reasons Why Fish is Good for Dogs

We’re not just saying fish is good for dogs without backing it up. Here are some of the benefits of a fish-first diet for your pet.

1. Fish is Hypoallergenic

Food allergies and intolerances are more common in dogs than you may think. Many dogs have allergies to common proteins like beef and chicken since they’re frequently found in common dog food. Fish, on the other hand, is far less likely to cause an allergic reaction. That’s why fish is a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.

2. Fish Can Reduce Inflammation and Hip & Joint Pain

Fish oil has long been known to help reduce inflammation and joint pain in humans. That’s because the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can block sources of inflammation, explains Verywell Health. 

These fatty acids help reduce inflammation which promotes healthy hips and joints. If your dog has joint pain or is getting older, fish oil (which is found naturally in fish) may help keep them more comfortable and active.

3. Fish Promotes a Healthy Skin and Coat

The same Omega-3 fatty acids that promote hip and joint health can also do wonders for your dog’s skin and coat. Many dogs experience dry or itchy skin due to environmental factors and allergies to food. In other words, the wrong diet can have a major negative impact on your dog’s skin!

Fish promotes healthy skin and a silky, soft coat. A fish-first diet can truly help your pup look and feel their best at any age.

4. Fish is Easy to Digest

Some proteins like beef and pork can be more difficult for your dog to digest, leading to an upset stomach. Fish, on the other hand, is much easier for your dog to digest and absorb the most nutrients from.

5. Fish is Low in Fat and Calories

Fish is one of the leanest proteins available. For example, Wild Cod includes 25 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, and 110 calories in a 5-ounce portion. It’s low in fat and calories but packed with tons of valuable micronutrients and protein to fuel your pup’s playtime.

Salmon is higher in fat than other fish, but it’s important to note that fat content in salmon primarily consists of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, including Omega-3 fatty acids, which are highly beneficial for human and pet health.

6. Fish Promotes Heart Health

Surprise! We’re not done talking about the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also great for supporting a healthy heart. Fish contains heart-healthy fats that simply cannot be replicated in other supplements. 

7. Fish is a High-Quality Protein

As you can see by now, fish is a high-quality source of protein that is essential for your dog’s growth. Protein plays an important role in building, repairing, and maintaining body tissue. For puppies, this supports growth, and in adult and senior dogs it helps maintain their strength. 

8. Fish Supports Brain Health

Is there anything that Omega-3 fatty acids can’t improve? At this point, you know that these fatty acids can support your pet’s immune system and organs like their heart, liver, and kidneys, and now we can add one more to the list. Omega-3s can contribute to healthy brain development, especially for puppies.

9. Fish is a Source of Additional Vitamins and Minerals

Fish also contains a bunch of micronutrients that play an important role in the body’s ability to function and thrive. This includes Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Selenium, Calcium, and Magnesium, among others, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

10. Fish Make Mealtime Exciting

Finally, we can’t ignore how tasty fish-first food is for dogs! Fish is a delicious and new source of protein your dog will appreciate. You can practice rotational feeding by incorporating different fish into your dog’s diet.

For instance, when you purchase Simply Naked, just choose a different protein than your last bag. If you've been feeding our Wild Alaskan Salmon recipe for a few months, you can switch things up with our Wild Select Seafood recipe next to keep mealtime exciting.

Find Fish-First Food For Your Dog

Ready to boost your dog's health and wellness with a natural, fish-first diet?

All Simply Naked Dog & Cat Food Dinners are crafted with pet-safe fish from Marine Stewardship Council Certified Sustainable fisheries, the gold standard for wild seafood sustainability.

Each of our recipes is free from artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, wheat, corn, soy, chicken, or other animal by-products.

Browse both of our fish-first dinners for dogs today.

Not ready to commit to a full bag? Our trial packs include both of our fish-first recipes for dogs and are just $4.99.