Can Dogs Eat Tilapia? Should I Serve My Dog Tilapia?

Among other things, you’ll find that you are not the only one who loves tilapia. Besides being affordable, this mild-flavored fish is richly nutritious and delicious. Your dog could be among those that want a taste of it!

Tilapia is a perfect choice for your pet. It is safe, healthy, and nutritious, guaranteeing multiple health benefits.

While it is safe for your dog, you must understand a few aspects regarding its preparation and serving.

This article explores these elements comprehensively.

Why Tilapia is Beneficial to your Dog?

Tilapia is packed with multiple minerals, proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins to boost your dog’s health. Each element has a role to play. The following is a breakdown.

Heart Health

Tilapia is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, providing enough energy to body cells and facilitating the functioning of the dog’s heart, blood vessels, immune system, and lungs. These unsaturated fats help lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting, address arrhythmia, and decrease the risk of heart failure.

In addition, tilapia has selenium, an antioxidant associated with excellent heart and nervous system health. Selenium will help lower the risk of neurological diseases in your dog. Moreover, this antioxidant can help prevent cancer, cognitive decline, and thyroid, making it a perfect choice for senior dogs.

Related: Best Senior Dog Food Reviews – 2022

Improved Bone Density

You want a strong dog. Fortunately, tilapia is a rich source of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which help maintain healthy bones. These elements also contribute to better dental health.

Nerve and Muscle Function

Improved nerve and muscle function depend on how adequate vitamin D and folate are in the body. Eating tilapia offers your pet enough vitamin D to enhance nerve and muscular function. It also regulates calcium and phosphorus synthesis in the dog’s body.

Metabolism and Weight Control

Tilapia has lean proteins that do not irritate the stomach or result in weight gain. Eating lean proteins enhances metabolism, boosting immunity, blood circulation, and waste removal.

Related: Best Weight Loss Dog Food 2022

Can Tilapia Be Bad for Dogs?

Despite offering multiple health benefits, tilapia can be harmful to your dog. Here are a few insights into how.

Bones

Fish has brittle bones that could splinter and injure your dog’s mouth and gastrointestinal tract. The bones could also get lodged in the throat, posing a choking hazard. You can avoid this problem by removing bones from the tilapia before feeding the fish to your pet.

Bacteria and Parasites

Raw fish could contain salmonella, listeria, or anisakid nematodes, among other bacteria and parasites. These bacteria and parasites cause food poisoning, meaning your dog can experience diarrhea and vomiting.

Related: Is Raw Meat Good Or Bad For Dogs?

Oils and Seasoning

Various spices and seasonings can cause stomach upsets, contributing to vomiting and diarrhea. Excess oils and fats can trigger nausea and pancreatitis, while too much salt exposes your pet to sodium poisoning. Do not give your dog tilapia prepared with toxic ingredients, including onion and garlic.

How Do I Pick and Feed Tilapia to My Dog?

Always prioritize healthy fish for your pet. The chosen tilapia must have been farmed in an environment with minimal environmental impact.

You’ll also need to prepare tilapia for your dog. Usually, it would be best to avoid seasonings, spices, and excess salt when preparing this meal. It cushions your pet against gastrointestinal irritation, stomach upsets, sodium poisoning, and pancreatitis.

Calculate the number of calories your dog requires. According to Pet Obesity Prevention, your pet needs about 30 calories per pound of its weight. Further, tilapia should not constitute more than 10% of the day’s dietary requirements since it is a treat.

Final Thoughts

Easy! Tilapia is safe and healthy for your pet. Yet, its preparation determines how much it could affect your dog. Avoid tilapia with spices or seasoning, as it could affect your dog’s health.