Best Whitefish Dog Foods
An increasing number of dog food manufacturers are incorporating whitefish into their recipes, but that doesn’t mean they’re all created equally – some are clearly superior to others. Below, you can learn about six of the best options on the market.
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This grain-free, limited ingredient formula has whitefish as the #1 ingredient and whitefish meal to boost the protein content of the food.
About: Zignature’s Whitefish Formula is alimited-ingredient dog food recipe that is designed to exceed your nutritional expectations while pleasing your pup’s palate.
Zignature isn’t one of the best-known brands on the market, but their foods are very well-rated by owners and each one features all of the things you’d expect of a high-quality dog food.
Features: Zignature Whitefish Formula is a grain-free, US-made food that is formulated with a relatively small number of ingredients.
This makes it a good option for dogs who are allergic to beef, chicken, or grains, and it is also appealing to many owners who prefer giving their dog a food that doesn’t have a lot of unnecessary ingredients or additives.
Whitefish is the very first item on Zignature’s ingredient list, and whitefish meal is also included to boost the protein content of the food.
Peas and chickpeas are used in lieu of corn, wheat, or rice, and it is made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Zignature Whitefish Formula meets the AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines for dogs of all ages – including puppies.
Most owners who’ve tried Zignature Whitefish Formula rave about the recipe. Many report improved skin and coat health after feeding it to their dog, while others mentioned that it calmed their dog’s digestive system. Dogs, for their part, seem to find the recipe quite tasty.
Zignature Whitefish Formula has an impressive ingredient list, but it doesn’t include probiotics, so owners who choose this food should consider supplementing with probiotic supplements or treats. Additionally, while it isn’t the most expensive food around, it may be too pricey for some owners.
Whitefish, Whitefish Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Pea Flour…,
Sunflower Oil (preserved with Citric Acid), Flaxseed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavors, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate), Potassium Chloride, Chonine Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12), Lactic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite. Naturally preserved with Mixed Tocopherols
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Features whitefish, herring meal, salmon meal, and menhaden fish meal as the first 5 ingredients for an incredibly protein-packed composition.
About: Wellness Core is one of the most well-respected brands in the dog-food business, and they’ve earned this reputation by producing high-quality recipes like their Ocean Formula.
Made with a combination of fish-based proteins, this grain-free recipe is an excellent choice for many owners whose dogs need or like fish-based foods.
Features: Like most other Wellness Core Recipes, their Ocean Formula is made in the USA and packed with nutritious and delicious ingredients.
Whitefish leads the ingredient list, but herring meal, salmon meal, and menhaden fish meal follow it and serve as supplemental protein sources. Due to the large number of animal proteins topping the ingredient list, it’s no surprise that this recipe’s protein composition is very impressive, clocking in at 37% protein!
Peas and potatoes provide the bulk of the carbohydrate content, but this recipe also includes a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables too.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are included to help support your dog’s joint health, and four different probiotic supplements are mixed in to help promote proper digestion.
Wellness Core’s Ocean Formula is designed for adult dogs, and it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Wellness Core Ocean Formula easily ranks among the best foods on the market, and a quick perusal of the ingredient list will show you why. This food contains high-quality proteins and a number of valuable supplements, and it is made without grains or artificial additives. And importantly, dogs seem to find it delicious.
The only real shortcoming of Wellness Core’s Ocean Formula is its price tag, which may put it out of reach for some owners.
Whitefish, Herring Meal, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal…,
Peas, Potatoes, Dried Ground Potatoes, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Fiber, Tomato Pomace, Natural Fish Flavor, Flaxseed, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Broccoli, Spinach, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Biotin, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Taurine, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract. This is a naturally preserved product.
Many Dogs Love the Taste of Whitefish
Some dogs find whitefish to be particularly tasty, so recipes featuring this protein can be very helpful for feeding finicky dogs.
However, once again, it is important to point out that many whitefish-based recipes also contain other fish species, which may affect the food’s flavor.
Fish Safe For Dogs to Eat?
Salmon is safe to give to your dog, and the fish’s omega-3 fatty acids help with keeping your pooches coat shiny, and healthy. The nutrients in salmon also support your dog’s immune system and help reduce inflammation within its body. 100 grams of salmon per ten pounds of body weight is the recommended amount to give to your dog.
Some dog food companies sell canned salmon, which is already safe to give to dogs. Raw or undercooked salmon is not recommended as it can cause a fatal illness like salmon poisoning, and increase the risk for parasites. Boneless filets are easier and safer to use, as they are less likely to have smaller bones your dog can choke on. When feeding salmon to your dog it is best done plain with no seasoning.
Usually found in shallow, and temperate waters, herring is a good choice for dogs if served properly. Herring is one of the many fish commonly found in dog foods. This fish has around 33 g of protein per 143 grams of meat. Herring is a good substitute for dogs that get allergic to chicken and is cheaper than other fish proteins.
Herring should be fully cooked when served to prevent worms. No seasoning is required, as doing so will put too much sodium for your dog. Serving herring can be done once a week, and is a good source of vitamin D. The vitamin D in herring helps give your pup strong teeth and bones, as it helps retain the calcium and phosphorus in their body.
Flounder is perfect for dogs since it is a good source of lean protein, omega-3s, and vitamin b. The fish has around 20 grams of protein for every 163 grams of meat. Steaming or poaching the flounder in plain water is one of the easiest ways to safely cook it for your pup, and cooking it only takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Checking if the flounder is fully cooked can be done with a fork, and when pulled apart the meat should be white and flakey. While a safe fish to eat for dogs, flounder and other fish are still susceptible to containing large contaminants if they come from a very polluted area.
Cod is a good protein for dogs and is one of the safer fish they can eat. This fish is a very popular fish due to its healthy protein, essential nutrients, and low mercury count when compared with other fish. It is recommended that dogs only eat cod once a week, and eat no more than 10% of their body weight. Cod is much safer for dogs since they are smaller fish, and hold fewer toxins in their body.
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The lake whitefish is one of the best types of fish for dogs to eat. These fish have much less fat than other types of meats and are a good choice of food for overweight pets. Deboned fish is recommended, and like other fish, it is best if your dog consumes no more than 10% of its body weight of white fish daily. Whitefish are extremely dense in protein, with around 38 grams per protein for each 154 g of fish. Lake whitefish are found in and can be caught in freshwater habitats, belonging to the salmon family.
Catfish are one of the most commonly angled fish in the summer and are a safe meal for your dog. Despite being cheap, catfish are packed with nutrients, like omega 3s, protein, Vitamin B12, thiamine, and phosphorus. Dogs should avoid having catfish too often since they are high in fat content. The vitamins in catfish for dogs help prevent obesity and give them the building blocks for a healthy heart.
Sardines are a great fish for helping prevent cancer and gum diseases in dogs. This small fish is a good source of protein, with four fish having around 12 grams of protein in them. Sardines are a good way to get nutrients like calcium, coenzyme Q10, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 into your dog’s diet. Sardines can be served raw or cooked to dogs, but boneless is recommended.
Tins of boneless sardines in oil are ok for dogs to eat, but getting ones with water is best. Sardines in oils can upset your pup’s stomach, and add more fat to an already fatty meat. This small fish is not recommended in high quantities since it can contain lead and arsenic in trace amounts. Still, sardines are known to be so small they have fewer toxins than larger fish species.
Dogs that weigh up to 30 lbs are recommended to have half a sardine a day, up to three times a week. Dogs that weigh between 30 to 60 lbs are recommended a full sardine, and dogs from 60 and up lbs can have two sardines a day, up to 3 times a week.
Best Fish For Dogs
Fish is a food that is dense in nutrients, making it a great addition to your furry friend’s diet. A balanced diet is important for any breed to develop a healthy body, and also helps combat various diseases dogs may be prone to. While fish is a healthy meat for dogs, not all fish types are great for your pup to eat. Always talk to your vet about any diet changes you plan on making with your dog, especially if you are adding new foods to their rotation of meals. While not all fish is recommended for dogs, this article will cover 7 fish that are safe for dogs to eat.