Can Dogs Eat Raw Fish?

1. Bacteria: Raw fish can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria. These can cause severe gastrointestinal illness (vomiting and diarrhea) and can also be transmitted from the dog to humans in the household. 2. Parasites: Raw fish, particularly freshwater fish, can contain parasites like tapeworms or roundworms, which can take up residence in your dog's digestive tract. 3. Salmon Poisoning Disease: This is a specific and potentially fatal condition caused by a parasite found in raw salmon and other fish from the Pacific Northwest (like trout and steelhead). The parasite itself isn't the main problem, but it can be infected with a rickettsial organism called Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which is what makes dogs sick. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and can be fatal if not treated. 4. Bones: Small bones in fish can be a choking hazard or cause an internal perforation.

Sushi is also unsafe for dogs. In addition to the risks of raw fish, it often contains other ingredients that are not healthy for dogs, such as rice vinegar and salty soy sauce. Some sushi rolls may even contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like avocado.

• The risks of feeding raw fish are too great. To safely share fish with your dog, it should always be:
• Cooked thoroughly to kill any bacteria or parasites.
• Deboned to prevent choking or internal injury.
• Served plain without any salt, oil, or seasonings.
• Stick to cooked fish to provide the nutritional benefits without the dangerous risks.