It’s not unusual to see your Pug sniffing the air when they see you smoking some salmon in the backyard. It can make you wonder about the toxicity of various human foods to dogs. In this article, we’re going to answer the question “can Pugs eat fish and are there any benefits?”
Can Pugs Eat Fish?
Yes, Pugs can eat fish and it is actually good for them. Feeding your dog the shorter-lived species like salmon, walleye, trout, herring, flounder, whitefish, and Atlantic char as the most beneficial kinds to feed a dog.
Steer clear of the longer-lived species such as swordfish and tuna as they contain heavy metals like mercury; which can lead to heavy metal toxicity over time.
Related: What Do Pugs Like To Eat?
Symptoms Of Mercury Poisoning In Dogs
If your dog consumes too much mercury, it can damage their cardiovascular system, digestive tract, nervous system, and kidneys.
The symptoms occur gradually and may go unnoticed for a while. According to Wag, some of the most obvious symptoms can be:
- Vomiting blood
- Death
- Blindness
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Kidney Damage
- Anxiety
- Convulsions
- Death
- Loss of Coordination
- Tremors
If you believe that your pooch has mercury poisoning, you need to take them to the vet or the emergency clinic immediately.
Benefits Of Feeding Fish To Pugs?
Even if you have a picky eater, there is no doubt they will find it a delicious treat!
You’ll love the fact that it contains a ton of omega-3 fatty acids. This nutrient acts as a natural anti-inflammatory which is great for dogs that suffer from allergies and decreasing inflammation in joints.
Related: Best Dog Food For Pugs With Skin Allergies
Fish also contains other healthy minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, iodine, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and iron for dogs.
Is Fish Safe For Pugs?
If properly prepared and you only feed your dog the shorter-lived fish species, it can definitely be safe for your Pug. In fact, many dog owners use fish as one of the main ingredients in their homemade diets.
Best Fish For Pugs
I’ve listed some of the best short-lived fish that are safe for your pooch. Use it as a reference if you decide to feed your pooch fish.
These are the most commonly used fish that are used in high-quality dog foods and have fewer traces of mercury.
Always consult with your veterinary before adding freshly cooked fish or any other new foods to your dog’s diet.
| Short-Lived Fish Species | Safe For Your Dog |
| Salmon | Yes |
| Ocean Whitefish | Yes |
| Lake Whitefish | Yes |
| Trout | Yes |
| Walleye | Yes |
| Herring | Yes |
| Arctic Char 2 | Yes |
How to Prepare Fish for Pugs
Buying Fish
As I mentioned above, opt for the short-lived fish as it will be safer and doesn’t contain any mercury. Look for fish that has been deboned, so your dog won’t accidentally swallow a fishbone.
Buying Fish
As I mentioned above, opt for the short-lived fish as it will be safer and doesn’t contain any mercury. Look for fish that has been deboned, so your dog won’t accidentally swallow a fishbone.
Cooking Fish
Fish can be prepared by broiling, grilling, roasting, sauteing, pan-frying and deep-fat frying. In fact, there’s no shortage of different ways to prepare a good fish meal.
When it comes to feeding fido fish, stick with simple and plain. Don’t add any salt, pepper or any other spices as it can lead to an upset tummy.
Always inspect the fish before and after cooking to make sure you didn’t accidentally miss any bones.
You don’t want to put your Pug at risk of pain or even the potential for fatality.
What About Fish Sticks?
Fish sticks are made from white fish, but they contain a lot of starch. While they are not toxic to your pooch if eaten in small amounts.
It doesn’t provide any nutritional value. You should avoid giving your dog any unhealthy foods such as fish sticks, fish and chips as they contain ingredients that could cause your pooch to gain weight or give them an upset tummy.
What About Fish Oil?
Yes, you can add fish oil supplements to your Pug’s diet. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids and can support your canine’s silky coat, heart-healthy, and help alleviate joint pain, allergies, and dry itchy skin.
When buying fish oil for dogs, make sure that it is specially formulated for pets, like Nutri-Vet soft gels for dogs.
Risks Of Feeding Fish To Pugs
When feeding your Pug any type of human food, there are always risks involved. When it comes to feeding your dog fish, you need to be careful with the bones.
The bones are small, brittle, and sharp and if swallowed can cause your dog to choke, and it may even cause damage to the internal organs.
If your dog swallows a bone, you will need to contact your veterinarian as it will be excruciatingly painful for your pooch and can lead to bigger health problems.
It’s perfectly fine for your Put to eat the skin, and it is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Just know that it has a higher fat content than the rest of the fish and may even contain parasites if it isn’t properly cooked.
If you don’t feel safe feeding fish to your Pug, then opt for some other safe food to give them. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and end up with an expensive visit to the vet.
Do Pugs Need Fish?
Dogs do NOT need to eat human food, veggies, or fruits to get a complete well-balanced diet.
Many high-quality dog foods including several grain-free dog foods contain fish as their primary ingredient and these types of foods are recommended for dogs that are allergic to beef or chicken.
Learn everything you need to know about nutrition in Pugs by reading my article on What To Feed A Pug.
How Much Fish Can Pugs Have?
Fish is one of the human foods that dogs can eat on a daily basis. It can be the basis of a healthy nutritious diet for your four-legged friend.
As a healthy occasional snack, then it should only make up 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet.
If you’ve decided to prepare home-cooked meals for your Pug, then you should discuss the right portion sizes with your veterinarian. This will ensure that you’re not overfeeding or underfeeding your pooch.
Safer Alternatives To Feeding Pugs Fish
If you want to feed your Pug fresh human food, but not sure about feeding them fish because of the risks. You may want to consider PetPlace for Pugs. They provide fresh cooked dog food that is made with real dog food.
The best part is you don’t have to go to the grocery store to buy the ingredients or prepare it. It’s already done for you. Find out more about the best fresh cooked dog food for Pugs.
Related: Can Pugs Eat Shrimp
Final Word On Pugs Eating Fish
Pugs have a lot to gain by adding freshly cooked fish to the menu. If you decide to treat them to a home-cooked meal, it’s important to prepare it the right way.
Always clean, debone the and cook the fish thoroughly before serving it to your pooch.
Don’t forget to start out with small portions, especially, if your dog has never eaten any human food. This will help reduce the risk of any type of allergies or side effects that can come from eating new food.
References And Further Reading
NRDC – Mercury In Fish Wallet Card – A Guide To Protecting