[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As a loving dog parent, keeping your pup's tail wagging with joy is always a high priority. That's why you're eager to "fish" for new products and ingredients that can support your furry fave. That deserves a paw-five!
But speaking of fish, many dog parents are interested in adding fish to their pup's diet, and that makes sense! Fish can be a healthy option for many of us "hoomans."
The question is, does fish live up to the hype for dogs? And if so, how?
That's where we come in! We're here to lend you a helping paw by fetching you the scoop about fish, its benefits and the easiest ways to add it to your pup's diet. Let's get started.
Can Dogs Eat Fish?
You might have seen this answer coming, but yes! Dogs can have fish!
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, it's always important to consider your reasons for wanting to add fish to Fido's diet. That way, you'll know the best way to proceed.
For some dog parents, it's as simple as adding fish to their dog's meals to add a flavorful new food item to the menu. But for others, it's all about supporting specific areas of their dog's wellness. What about you?
Regardless of your reasons, we recommend consulting a veterinarian before introducing fish into your doggy's diet. It might seem unnecessary, but your veterinarian's insight about your dog's health history will help you understand whether fish is the best plan for your pup.
Fish health benefits for dogs
While it's true that most dogs absolutely love its mouthwatering taste, there's a lot more to fish than its yummy flavor.
Many fish (such as salmon, tuna and herring) contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in polyunsaturated fats that the canine body can't produce on its own. That means that dogs need to get their omegas by way of their diet.
The two omega-3 fatty acids most commonly found in fish are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Although those names are a mouthful, their benefits are much more straightforward.
Omega-3 fatty acids can help support skin moisture content, along with helping dogs with sensitive skin. Plus, omegas also supply nutrients that help pets achieve a soft, silky, shiny and healthy coat.
As if those benefits aren't paw-some enough, there's the protein content. Protein provides amino acids that support Fido's skin, coat, muscles and immune system function. Nice!
Best ways to add fish to your dog's diet
With benefits like those, it's hard not to be excited about giving fish a try to support your dog's diet. But where's the best (and easiest) place to start?
The good news is, you don't have to become a seafood chef in order to treat your pup to fish. If you do want to prepare homemade fish meals for your dog, just be sure the fish is cooked thoroughly, cut in easy-to-chew pieces and that the bones are fully removed before serving.
Thankfully, your pup can also get their omegas by way of functional supplements, which cuts down all the cook/prep time in favor of an easier (and equally tasty) alternative.
Fish supplements to try
As you may have noticed, dog supplements have come a long way from the days of yucky pills, tablets and capsules. Soft chews make it easier than ever to support your dog's well-being – especially if you're looking for omegas.
Zesty Paws® Salmon Bites feature 120 mg of salmon oil per chew, along with kelp, vitamins and a premium form of DHA called DHAgold®. Together, these ingredients help support skin health, moisture and immune system function for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes. Oh, and they also taste amazing!
Soft chews are just one option, though. You can also try liquid fish oils such as
Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. This is a great choice for dog parents that want to add fish oil to their pup's wet or dry food. Simply add the suggested amount to your dog's food and they'll be licking their bowl clean.
Regardless of which choice you try, we're sure you and your four-legged friend will be pleased with these tasty new ways to get in on all the omega action.
"Sea" the difference yet?
Whether it's the tail-waggingly good taste, the awesome benefits or the nifty options at your disposal, there's never been a better time to look into adding fish to your doggy's diet. If you decide you're ready to reel in those omegas for your pup, just don't forget what we said earlier about consulting a vet first.
We also suggest starting off slow and steady to help your dog's tummy adjust to having fish in their diet – even if they use those sad puppy dog eyes to beg for more. Don't fall for it! In the meantime, we hope this article has helped you understand more about what fish can do for your canine companion. Until next time, thanks for reading! Oh, and give your pup a pat on the head for us. Tell 'em it's from their pet-pals at Zesty Paws®.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/12"][vc_single_image image="163410" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://www.vitacost.com/zesty-paws-wild-alaskan-salmon-oil-32-oz"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/12"][vc_single_image image="163409" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://www.vitacost.com/zesty-paws-salmon-bites-dog-chews-with-wild-alaskan-omega-3-fish-oil"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]