Benefits of fish stock for dogs
Fish stock can be a healthy and tasty addition to dog food. It contains many nutrients that are important for dogs' health:
- Protein : fish is a high-quality source of protein, which is needed for muscle building, wound healing and immune defense.
- Omega-3 fatty acids : Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and promote heart, skin and coat health as well as brain function.
- Minerals : Fish stock provides minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iodine and selenium, which are important for bones, teeth, thyroid and cell function.
- Gelatine: Fish stock contains gelatine, which is obtained from the connective tissue of fish. Gelatine can support joint health, digestion and fluid balance.
Fish stock can also help to increase appetite and fluid intake in sick, old or fussy dogs. It can make food more palatable and aid digestion. In addition, fish broth can be a good alternative to meat or bone broth, which can be too greasy or salty for some dogs.
Disadvantages of fish stock for dogs
Fish stock is not suitable for all dogs. There are some potential disadvantages that you should consider before giving it to your dog, such as
- Allergies: some dogs may be allergic to fish or other ingredients in fish stock. Typical symptoms include itching, skin rash, diarrhea or vomiting. If you suspect your dog is allergic to fish, you should consult a vet and discontinue the fish broth.
- Heavy metals: Fish can contain heavy metals such as mercury, which can accumulate in the body and lead to health problems. Large predatory fish such as tuna, swordfish and shark are particularly at risk. For this reason, fish stock should only be made from small, low-fat fish such as sardines, herring or mackerel.
- Salt: Depending on how it is prepared, fish stock can contain a lot of salt. Too much salt can be harmful to dogs and lead to thirst, dehydration, kidney problems or high blood pressure. Therefore, only use unsalted fish stock or cook it yourself from fresh ingredients.
How do I prepare fish stock for dogs?
You can either buy fish stock for dogs ready-made or prepare it yourself. When buying it, you should make sure that it does not contain any artificial additives, flavor enhancers or salt. There are also special products for dogs that are tailored to their needs.
If you want to prepare the fish stock yourself, you will need the following ingredients:
- Fish carcasses and pieces of fish from small, low-fat fish such as sardines, herring or mackerel. You can buy these from fishmongers or supermarkets or gut them yourself. Make sure that the fish is fresh and not smoked or salted.
- Enough water to cover the pieces of fish.
- Vegetables such as carrots, celery, leek or onions. You can also add herbs such as parsley, thyme or bay leaf, but not garlic or onions, as these can be poisonous to dogs.
- A dash of vinegar or lemon juice dissolves the minerals from the fish bones.
Preparation is simple:
- Wash the fish pieces thoroughly and place in a large saucepan. Cover with water and bring to the boil. Skim off the foam that forms on the surface.
- Chop the vegetables and herbs and add to the pan. Add the vinegar or lemon juice and reduce the heat. Simmer the fish stock over a low heat for about two hours until the fish bones are soft.
- Strain the fish stock through a sieve or cheesecloth and pour into clean jars or containers. The fish stock can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. Either throw away the fish parts or leave to cool and remove the meat from the bones. The meat can be used as a treat or added to dog food.
How can fish stock be fed to dogs?
Fish stock can be used as a food supplement or as a snack for dogs. However, there are a few points to bear in mind to avoid overdosing or intolerance:
- Fish broth should only ever be used as a supplement and not as a replacement for normal food. It should not make up more than 10% of the dog's daily calorie intake.
- Fish stock should always be served at room temperature or slightly warmed, but never hot. It should also not be served in a metal bowl as this can alter the taste.
- Fish stock should always be fed fresh or defrosted, but never spoiled or rancid. You should always check the best-before date or the consistency and smell of the fish stock.
- Fish stock should always be introduced into your dog's diet slowly and gradually. Start with a small amount and increase this over several days until you have reached the desired dosage. The dosage depends on the size, age and health of the dog, but a general guideline is about one tablespoon per 5 kg of body weight per day.
