Fish cakes made from fish, potatoes, eggs and breadcrumbs are a tasty treat for humans. With their protein-packed punch, it’s natural to wonder if dogs can benefit from fish cakes, too. However, some seasonings and preparation methods may make this people food risky for canine consumption.

Fish cakes have surged in popularity recently, becoming a staple appetizer on pub menus and a convenient frozen meal. Their versatility makes them an enticing snack for pet owners looking to share a bite with their dogs. But are fish cakes safe and healthy for dogs to eat?

𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬?

 Yes, dogs can eat fish cakes, but only with certain precautions. The fish, potato and egg ingredients are all safe and nutritious for dogs. Fish provides high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals that dogs need. Potatoes add carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C and potassium. Eggs supply additional protein for energy.

However, some preparation methods and added ingredients may make fish cakes risky to feed dogs. Owners should be aware of these issues before sharing a fish cake treat.

𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐤𝐞

While fish cakes sound nutritious, there are some hazards owners should keep in mind:

• Sodium – Fish cakes often contain very high sodium levels, which can cause excessive thirst and urination if overconsumed.
• Seasonings – Onions, garlic, chives and spices used in some recipes can upset a dog’s stomach. Onions and garlic are toxic.
• Allergies – Some dogs are allergic to fish, wheat, eggs or other ingredients. An allergic reaction could occur with itching, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Bones – Fish cakes made from fish with bones, like salmon, may pose a choking or internal injury risk.
• Cooking Method – Frying adds a lot of unhealthy fat, while undercooked fish may contain parasites.

Being aware of these risks allows owners to take steps to find or make safe fish cakes for dogs to enjoy.

You May Like:  Can Dogs Eat Fruit Cake?

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥

Moderation and proper portion size are key when feeding any human food to dogs. Here are some tips:

• Start with tiny servings, like a tablespoon or two, to see if your dog tolerates the new treat.
• Limit fish cakes to an occasional snack, no more than once or twice a week.
• Avoid excessive fat and calories by sticking to a small serving size.
• Monitor your dog carefully for signs of digestive upset or allergic reaction.

By controlling portions, fish cakes can occasionally be rewarded without disrupting your dog’s regular nutritious diet.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬

Homemade fish cakes are ideal for dogs to maximize health benefits and avoid risks. Here are some tips:

• Use fish fillets without bones, like cod, tilapia or pollock. Remove any small bones.
• Mash potatoes and bind ingredients with egg instead of breadcrumbs to reduce allergens.
• Skip onion, garlic, spices, salt and other seasonings.
• Bake or broil fish cakes instead of frying for less fat.
• Allow fish to cook thoroughly to kill bacteria and parasites.

With the proper ingredients and preparation, homemade fish cakes can provide protein, carbs and healthy fats for dogs without nasty additives.

𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬

While the occasional fish cake treat is fine for many dogs, there are healthier day-to-day options:

• Fresh fish fillets or dehydrated fish treats offer fish protein without additives.
• Carrots, green beans or apple slices give pets fiber and vitamins.
• Peanut butter or plain yogurt provides protein without the fat of fried fish cakes.
• Commercial dog food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition.

Rotate a variety of wholesome snacks to give your dog variety while avoiding overconsumption of fatty human foods.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

In moderation, fish cakes can provide the protein and nutrients dogs need. However, owners should safely buy or make fish cakes without unhealthy additives and prepare them properly. Consult your vet about any dietary concerns specific to your dog. With some precautions, the occasional fish cake can be a special snack for pups!

Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Angel Food Cake?

𝐅𝐀𝐐𝐬

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬?

Fish is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and omega fatty acids for dogs. The FDA recommends cooking fish thoroughly and removing bones to avoid risks.

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡?

Signs of a food allergy include itching, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea and gas. If these occur after eating fish, consult a vet.

𝐐: 𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐎𝐊 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲?

In small amounts, store bought or homemade fish cakes are delicate for most dogs occasionally. Avoid fatty, salty versions.

𝐐: 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬?

Raw salmon, trout, shad, pike and related fish may contain parasites. Always cook fish thoroughly before feeding.

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐠?

A tablespoon or two is plenty for small dogs. Large breeds can have 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup fish broken into small pieces with their regular food.