Can Dogs Eat Catfish? What are the Health Benefits and Risk?

I’d want to delve deeply into a subject that has been on my mind recently: Can dogs eat catfish?

It is something I’ve found myself thinking about as someone who enjoys both their dogs and a delicious seafood platter.

I find it difficult to picture holding a fishing rod by the lake side on a warm day.

And my dog giving me that beseeching look as I pull up the catfish I just reeled in.

I believe we’ve all been there.

So, should you give your dog some of your catch of the day?

Can Dogs Eat Catfish?

Catfish are a great source of proteins like many other types of fish, and it is a crucial part of a dog’s diet, helping to maintain their muscle mass and support their overall health.

But how the catfish is prepared makes all the difference.

If you’ve ever had catfish yourself, you know they can be quite bony. Dogs don’t have the ability to deal with bones like us hoomans. Any small bone can pose a choking danger and can cause internal injuries to our dogs, which we would like to avoid.

We need to remember that dogs can’t handle many of the seasonings as we humans enjoy. Like garlic, onions, and more salts can be harmful to dogs.

So let’s dive straight in. Can dogs eat catfish? YES!

They can eat catfish and it may even be a common ingredient in some dog foods. However, it’s more complex than just tossing them a fish from your catch.

There are a certain things you need to know before you let your dog feed on catfish.

How Safe is It for Dogs?

Absolutely! I can confirm that our furry friends can indeed relish catfish without worry. Packed with protein, fish generally forms an important part of a dog’s diet, and catfish is no exception. Rich in those highly beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, it provides a health boost for your dog’s coat, skin, joints, and even their little puppy’s brain.

However, let’s take a moment to remember that not all fish wear the same scales of safety. Certain species, including king mackerel and albacore tuna, or even farm-raised fish from areas where regulatory standards are less than satisfactory, can contain alarming levels of mercury or other harmful toxins. 

These are the fishy fellows best left off your dog’s menu, as they can accumulate these contaminants in their tissues, potentially posing a health risk to your pup.

Yet, my friend, the catfish, swims comfortably in safer waters. With low levels of mercury and only trace amounts of impurities such as PCBs, it’s a relatively clean choice for your dog. It even trumps other meat sources by offering fewer calories and lower fat content.

However, this isn’t to say catfish come without any risks. Like any freshwater fish, it may harbor unwelcome guests in the form of parasites, like roundworms. These can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting if they end up in your dog’s tummy. Then there’s also the chance of your dog encountering a stray bone or scale, which could cause choking or internal injury.

Remember, when it comes to feeding your puppies, ensuring their meal is safe and suitable is always paramount. And yes, that can indeed include a tasty portion of catfish!

A Safe Guide to Preparing Catfish for Dogs

So now we are aware that while dogs can eat catfish, it must be properly prepared. However, how do you approach that?

So this is my process of feeding them catfish.

Obtain a fresh catfish to begin. It’s okay to use frozen food as long as it’s thoroughly defrosted. Making sure all of the bones are gone is the first step. You need to be patience because it takes a little effort, doing this is crucial for the security of your dog. It’s time to start cooking once you’re certain that there are no bones remaining.

When I cook catfish for my dogs, I usually just boil it. Boiling is a simple, safe method that doesn’t require any potentially harmful seasonings.

Once the catfish is thoroughly cooked, I let it cool before giving it to my dogs. They absolutely love it, and I can enjoy my meal knowing they’re safe.

How Much Can Dogs Eat?

Like hoomans, our dogs can have individual food allergies or sensitivities, so it’s important we monitor them for any unusual reactions after they’ve tried catfish for the first time. Some of their symptoms could be vomiting, diarrhea, or itching. 

Should in case you notice any of those reactions, contact your vet for advice.

While catfish can be a healthy source of protein, it shouldn’t replace the balanced nutrition our dogs get from their regular food. 

I always consider catfish as a treat or supplement rather than a stack in dog’s diet.

I hope these helps!

Please don’t forget to share with friends and families.