Dogs aren’t picky eaters when it comes to what they eat, especially with proteins, which is why pet owners will feed them anything from chicken to meat and sometimes even fish.
There are many kinds of fish that are good for dogs to eat but for this post, we’ll be focusing on trout.
So, can dogs have trout? Dogs can have trout as long as the fish are properly cleaned and fully cooked. Trout fish are very healthy as they contain various nutrients that add value to a dog’s diet. However, if the trout is under-cooked or raw, you will risk your dog consuming harmful parasites and toxins that can cause fatal diseases.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and risks of feeding your dog trout and how to safely feed your dog.
1. What Are the Benefits of Feeding Trout to Dogs?
Just like humans, dogs need a balanced diet that consists of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Trout fish are packed with all of the nutrients that your dog needs to stay strong and healthy.
Some of the benefits of feeding trout to dogs include:
- Trout is a high-quality source of protein that will help your dog build and maintain muscle mass
- Trout can be a good dietary alternative for dogs who are allergic to other sources of protein
- Trout is a good source of nutrients like vitamin B, niacin, and selenium which will help boost your dog’s metabolism
- Trout also contain essential minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc which will help keep your dog’s bones strong.
2. What Are the Risks of Feeding Dogs Trout?
It’s very important to weigh the benefits and risks before deciding if feeding your dog trout is right for you.
One of the risks of feeding trout to dogs is that they can contain parasites or toxins that can be harmful to consume.
They also contain small and brittle bones which might get lodged in your dog’s throat causing it to choke or cause perforation in its mouth cavity and digestive tract.
3. Can Trout Kill Dogs?
If the dogs consume large amounts of trout that contain any harmful parasites or toxins, they will be at risk of getting Salmon Poisoning Disease (SPD).
Symptoms of this disease include lack of appetite, severe decrease in physical activity, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea accompanied by blood. If SPD is left untreated, it can kill your dog within two weeks.
4. How to Safely Feed Trout to Dogs?
In order to safely feed trout to your dog, you need to make sure the fish is fresh when buying it. Look for ones that are firm in texture with bright scales and red gills.
You also need to make sure the fish is properly cleaned, fully cooked to get rid of all harmful parasites and toxins. Never feed your dog under-cooked or raw trout as it’s more likely to cause Salmon Poisoning Disease.
5. How to Clean Trout?
Here are some simple steps you can follow to properly clean trout fish before cooking It and serving it to your dog:
- Cut the fish’s gills then let it bleed out. This will drain any unpleasant flavors and preserve only the good flavors in the meat.
- Place the fish with its belly facing upwards then use a sharp knife to make a cut from its anal fins towards its head. Try to keep your blade as shallow as possible to avoid damaging the meat.
- Spread its body open using pliers and remove all of the entrails.
- Clean the blood vein that runs along the fish’s spine using a clean toothbrush.
- Wash the fish with cold water to remove any remains of blood or slime on its skin.
Here is a simple video showing how to clean trout:
6. How to Cook Trout for Dogs?
The best way to cook trout for dogs is to skin the fish, cut it into fillets while removing all the bones then bake it in the oven. To fillet trout, you first need to cut the fish’s head off. Next, make a cut across its tail on both sides and another cut across its spine. Make sure to cut through the bones to separate them from the meat.
Try not to use little to no oil as well as no spices as they might cause digestive problems for the dog. It’s also recommended to consult your vet regarding the appropriate serving portions of fish if you plan on including it as a regular part of the dog’s diet.
You can also learn about whether you can feed your dog fish sticks here.
Related Questions
Can Dogs Eat Canned Trout?
Dogs can eat canned trout as long as it’s not packed in oil or has too much seasoning. You can serve your dog about half a can of canned trout with their daily food to add more nutritional value. Be sure to check the label on the can as some brands of canned fish contain high levels of preservatives that can be harmful to dogs. Can
Can Dogs Eat Trout Skin?
Dogs can eat trout skin but they might not like the taste. It’s usually recommended to remove the skin before cooking the fish, however, if you prefer to keep the skin you need to descale the fish. You can do that by holding the fish by its tail and scraping over both sides of its body using a sharp knife.
Helpful Resources
Living with a Retriever: Recommendations and Sources
- Want the best diet for your dog? Check out the best and healthiest foods for golden retrievers at every age here – Dry, Wet, Homemade Recipes, and Treats!
- Looking for new toys? These toys will prove to be fun, engaging, and will stand their heavy chewing.
- Make them look GLAMOROUS with the best shampoos and conditioners and the best brushes here.
- Taking a walk? These are the best leashes, collars, and harnesses for the buck that you can find.
- Find my list of recommendations here.
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