August issue out July 8th

Thursday 10 December 2009

Can a dog have too much fish?

I'm cross posting this from our Think Tank blog...

My Lab cross loves white fish cooked with rice or pasta and has it every night for tea. She is a faddy eater at the best of times and doesn't like her food all at the same time. She has a complete meal with either chicken or beef at lunch, and although she eats the meat, she sometimes leaves the meal. She seems healthy enough but I am worried that fish every day could do some harm (too much of a good thing).
Joan Hardaker, by email

comments so far...
Crazy Dog Blog said...
As long as she's getting some variety then fish every day shouldn't be a problem. It would actually be good for her, fish oil is very good for the coat. If she's eating the meat happily then have you thought about switching her over to a completely raw diet? It's not as expensive or as time consuming as a lot of people seem to think it is!
Christine Bailey said...
Vets often suggest white fish and rice short-term for a bad tum, or eg after surgery, but I wouldn't think just this would constitute a balanced diet long-term - it's probably short of calcium at the least. But if she's so keen on fish why not try her on a feed that is just fish and rice - but with added ingredients to make it a complete meal? Naturediet do a fish recipe, so do Wainwrights - Pets at Home own brand - the can, not the flat pack which, I found out to my annoyance, also contains chicken! She might also like a fish-based dry feed - there are several around - Orijen is very good, Burns do one which I think contains rice, and there are several 'salmon and rice" or "salmon and potato" varieties on the shop shelves.
Claire M said...
I think you would have to feed "oily" fish for your dog to receive beneficial oils (as in humans)?

1 comment:

Rockenrobin said...

Feeding a diet of just fish to a dog long term can cause problems as the dog is not getting all the vitamins and minerals needed for dog to reach its full genetic potential. You can feed added vitamins and minerals but it is far better to feed in addition to the fish a really good dog food like Applaws Complete food for dogs. This contains all the important trace elements that you dog needs and my dog loves it. You can even get a sample free of charge by calling them on 0800 083 0599.