Fish has been shown to provide great benefits for dogs and cats, particularly oily fish such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, and herring. These fish are protein-rich and contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support optimal skin and coat condition through anti-inflammatory properties, making them an ideal option for pets suffering from skin allergies. These fatty acids also provide joint support and enhance cognitive function in growing and older animals.
However, it is advisable in fresh diets to offer fish in moderation, due to the potential for heavy metal contamination in their tissues. An organic form of mercury called methylmercury is often found in aquatic ecosystems which bioaccumulates in tissues, particularly in long-lived and predatory fish. Sourcing of the fish can also impact methylmercury accumulation due to farming practices.
Concerns with daily fish consumption
Tuna may contribute to chronic methylmercury exposure in both dogs and cats, when included in high quantities in pet food. This may be a concern in pets fed the same food daily, where protein rotation is not implemented, as there is consistent exposure. In recipes which do not explicitly state the type of fish used (labelled: fish or fish derivatives), it can be harder to analyse and limit intake of certain fish.
Excessive consumption of tuna in both humans and cats has been associated with chronic mercury poisoning, and limiting consumption of these products will reduce exposure. Whilst this is less of a concern in highly processed dry diets due to a lower percentage of the formula containing meat and typically higher proportions of carbohydrates, fresh diets are more of a concern for fish-based food due to a lack of processing.
Safe fish consumption
Feeding smaller oily fish as a treat or topper to complement a complete meal is a great option to include fish in the diet, which provide an abundance of vitamins such as B12, D, E and K, as well as taurine to support cardiac health. These fish are also lower in the food chain, with a diet consisting of plankton, giving them a lower mercury content than other fish such as tuna, which are predatory and consume smaller fish. Therefore, this lower mercury content makes them more suitable for regular consumption in dogs with allergies to other proteins.
Salmon oil is a popular alternative to feeding fish, as these contain the same antiatherogenic and skin supportive properties of fish, and typically have negligible or no amounts of mercury, making them a safer option for regular fish consumption. It contains an abundance of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Additionally, fish skin can be offered as a tasty treat, it is an excellent source of collagen, providing support for the skin and bone health of pets.
Fish may be given as the main protein in a meal on occasion as part of a solid protein rotation, but in high quantities in fresh food it is not advisable to be given every day. As with all types of meat, it is important to provide a protein rotation to avoid nutritional gaps and ensure a dietary balance.
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