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Fish diets for Biewer Terriers are a safe and healthy option. Fish contains protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and is generally well digested by Biewer Terriers. Some fish, such as salmon and white fish, are better options for dogs to eat.
A fish diet is just one of many types of diets you can feed your Biewer Terrier. I’ve discussed whether feeding raw food to your dog is safe before and have also shared with you some of the best fruits that a dog can eat. So, now let’s find out whether Biewer Terriers should be tucking into a fishy meal each day.
Is a fish diet good for dogs?
A fish diet can be a very good diet for dogs, including Biewer Terriers. Fish is great for dogs for many reasons, such as:
- It’s a source of protein for dogs – all dogs need protein to stay fit and healthy. Protein should make up a solid amount of a dog’s diet. 100 grams of salmon contains 22 grams of protein, so it’s a great source of protein for Biewer Terriers.
- It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3 fatty acids are what give your dog a shiny coat and great-looking skin. It’s particularly good for dogs with skin allergies. You can top up your dog’s omega-3 levels by giving him or her a regular supplement. But if you prefer to stick with food sources, feeding your dog fish is the way to go.
- Fish is a good protein source in dogs with allergies – I’ve already spoken about how Biewer Terriers are prone to stomach issues. This is often because of a food allergies. Common dog food allergies from protein include chicken, beef, and dairy. Fish is, therefore, a good alternative protein source for dogs with food allergies.
Is canned fish good for dogs?
Some canned fish is okay for dogs to eat. But you should give it to your Biewer Terrier in moderation.
You must also ensure that the canned fish isn’t preserved in oil and salt as these are not good foods to give to your dog.
There’s a lot of discussion as to whether dogs can eat canned tuna. Some people say it’s safe while others say that it isn’t. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) advises against feeding dogs both fresh tuna and canned tuna due to the mercury it contains.
As Biewer Terriers are pint-sized pooches, just a small amount of mercury could make them really sick, so it’s best not to take the risk.
What is the best fish for Biewer Terriers to eat?
The best fish for a Biewer Terrier to eat is one that their stomachs can tolerate. Many Biewer Terriers need a specialized diet. As a result, some fish does not agree with them and can trigger their GI symptoms.
Some of the best fish to give a dog are typically whitefish, salmon, trout, mackerel, and herring.
Short-lived fish is usually the best type of fish to give to your Biewer Terrier too. I’ll discuss this, as well as the risks of feeding your Biewer Terrier long-lived fish, further on.
Is it OK to feed my dog fish every day?
Yes, there’s no reason why your dog can’t eat fish every day. But fish shouldn’t be the only source of protein that your dog eats. Each protein offers dogs different key nutrients, so it’s best to feed them a variety.
Can fish upset a dog’s stomach?
Fish is not typically a food that’s considered unsafe for dogs to eat. Although this doesn’t mean that it agrees with all dogs.
Fish diets for Biewer Terriers are not always recommended as many Biewer Terriers have sensitive stomachs and/or food allergies.
I don’t give my Biewer Terrier fish anymore as it never went down well with Buddy when he did eat it. I remember one time when he vomited after eating fish and the smell was so unbearable that I haven’t given it to him since.
What fish can dogs not eat?
You should never feed your Biewer Terrier, or any other breed of dog, raw fish. Raw fish contains bacteria, such as salmonella and listeria, that can make a dog seriously ill. Raw fish is also likely to contain parasites, including tape worm which, again, will have serious health consequences for your pooch.
Dogs shouldn’t eat fish that contains bones either as they’re a choking hazard. So, make sure all fish you feed your dog is deboned.
Where possible, offer short-lived fish to your dog in place of long-lived fish. This is because long-lived fish contains higher levels of mercury. Too much mercury can poison a dog and damage their cardiovascular system, nervous system, kidneys, and digestive tract.
Some long-lived fish to minimize giving to your dog are:
- Tuna
- Swordfish
- King mackerel
Instead, opt for short-live fish like salmon, herring, flounder, and sardines.
Is fish or meat better for dogs?
Both fish and meat boast some great benefits for dogs. Firstly, they’re both high in protein. Fish contains lots of omega-3 which dogs need to stay looking healthy on the outside. Meanwhile, amino acids are plentiful in meat and are great for keeping a dog’s joints healthy.
Now, despite the issues my Biewer Terrier has with eating fish, fish is actually less likely to cause an allergic reaction in dogs than meat. Simply Naked Pet Food says that fish is hypoallergenic and is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. So, I guess my Biewer just didn’t want to follow the rules!
How to safely feed fish to your Biewer Terrier
So now you know that fish diets for Biewer Terriers are healthy and nutritious, you need to make sure your feeding it to your dog safely.
Here are some key things to remember when feeding fish to your dog:
- Only feed your dog fish that’s within its use-by date.
- Short-lived fish is a better option than long-lived fish.
- Remove all bones from any fish you give to your dog.
- Store all fish correctly/keep refrigerated or frozen until it’s needed.
- Avoid offering tuna to your dog.