Seafood is a popular ingredient in many types of pet food and pet treats in Singapore. Including certain types of fish, shellfish, and marine plants can become a healthy addition to your dog & cat’s diet.

There are many types of seafood available on the market available for dogs & cats, but what are their individual health benefits and nutritional values?

Let us take a look at some commonly available foods from the sea to boost your pet’s nutritional needs!

Can Dogs Eat Fish?

Yes, dogs are able to consume most types of fish in moderation. Fish itself is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Another micronutrient available in fish is Selenium, which is an important mineral for antioxidant protection, thyroid hormone metabolism, and immune function in dogs.

The best types of fish have an optimal selenium to mercury ratio. These are usually fish with a shorter lifespan, which prevents mercury build-up and heavy metal toxicity. Commercial fish like Wild Salmon (farmed salmon are fed antibiotics and contain high levels of contaminants like polychlorinated biphenyls, known to cause cancer), Herring, Sardines, Mackerel, Flounder, Skipjack Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Albacore Tuna, all have optimal lifespans and are best for consumption by dogs and cats. Just remember to remove any large identifiable fish bones before giving them to your pets.

Can Dogs Eat Shellfish?

Yes, dogs can consume a variety of shellfish like mussels, clams, and oysters. Australia & New Zealand Green-lipped Mussels are by far the most sustainably produced type of shellfish as they are farmed without the need for chemicals or antibiotics. New Zealand mussels are filter feeders that consume free-floating organisms such as plankton and sea microorganisms for food. This helps them to develop nutrient-dense qualities without requiring intensive feeding and carbon output. Most mussel farms are known to be carbon sequesters; this means that they remove carbon from the atmosphere throughout their lifecycle and improve our air quality.

Mussels are great treats for dogs as they provide high levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients, like iron, zinc and magnesium. They are also readily available in Singapore as air-dried pet treats.

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?

Yes, Shrimp is a high protein, low calorie seafood that is nutritious and healthy for your dogs. Many dogs love to eat whole shrimp because of its crunchy texture and delicious meat. It also contains a variety of micronutrients such as vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus, and antioxidants.

Moderation is key when feeding shrimp to your pets. A good measure for feeding your dogs & cats are one or two shrimp a day for larger breeds, and half of a shrimp for smaller breeds. 

Many shrimp farms also use antibiotics and chemicals during their farming process to prevent disease. Make sure that the shrimp treats you are getting clearly states that they have a strict antibiotic-free & chemical-free policy before you purchase and feed them to your dogs & cats.

Can Dogs Eat Kelp & Seaweed?

Kelp and many types of seaweed are a rich source of vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. They also contain 17 different amino acids and an abundance of trace minerals.

Kelp promotes a healthy skin & coat, improves blood circulation, and supports the immune system. It is also known to ease osteoarthritis pain and discomfort in dogs and cats. This miracle weed from the sea has gained popularity amongst human consumers in recent years for its wide range of health benefits and low caloric content. The presence of sodium alginate is also said to rid the body of heavy metals like mercury and radioactive elements!

Can Dogs Eat Seafood?

You may have already realised that there are immense health advantages to feeding your dogs fish and other seafood. However, always ensure that you are feeding any type of food in moderation, and consult your vet for recommendations specific to your dog’s requirements and breed.

Want to learn more about the best ways to treat your pet?

Subscribe to our mailing list below!

xo
Nellie