Can Dogs Eat Seafood Sticks? Expert Reveals Top 5 Pointers
Your Guide To: Can Dogs Eat Seafood Sticks?
Fact checked and reviewed by:
Dr. Joseph Menicucci, DVM, MBA
Can Dogs Eat Seafood Sticks? Sure, they can, but you’re better off not offering them. Although they contain fish and other seafood, which are safe dog food, seafood sticks aren’t a healthy dog treat.
As a devoted dog owner, it’s tempting to share whatever tasty delight you’re munching on with your furry companion.
Although admirable, being generous with your table scraps can be a recipe for disaster.
Some delectable treats you enjoy, including seafood sticks, may harm a dog’s health.
Dig in as we detail why you’re better off not sharing your seafood sticks with your furry companion.
Can Dogs Eat Seafood Sticks? Can Dogs Have Fish Sticks?
Yes, dogs can safely eat seafood sticks and fish sticks, but it’s not recommended. Also known as imitation crab sticks or surimi sticks, seafood sticks are unhealthy for dogs.
Fish sticks are usually made from breaded and pulverized fish fillets.
Seafood and fish sticks are highly processed and contain many artificial ingredients, such as preservatives and additives.
The unnatural additives may overwhelm a dog’s digestive system, leading to stomach upsets or allergic reactions. Additionally, seafood sticks have a higher sodium content, which may lead to dehydration and other health issues.
What Fish Can Dogs Eat?
Most fish are an excellent protein source for your furry companion—but some are not. 3 Some types of fish aren’t safe for dogs because they contain high mercury levels or higher parasite loads.
Here are a few fish options that are safe for dogs:
Salmon:
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Whitefish:
Whitefish such as haddock, cod, and pollock are mild and easy for dogs to digest.
Tuna:
Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and an excellent protein source, but should be fed in moderation. Choose tuna canned in water over a brand canned in oil because the oil can potentially cause stomach upsets in dogs.
Trout:
Trout is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Sardines:
Sardines are packed with omega-3 and are low in mercury. You can feed them whole or as a topping.
These fish are less likely to have a significant parasite burden or high mercury levels in their body tissue. Ideally, you’re better off serving Fido smaller, younger, wild-caught fish.
Unsafe fish for dogs include tilefish, shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. While these species aren’t inherently toxic, they’re often harvested when larger and older. As such, they’re likely to contain unhealthy mercury levels in their tissues. They’re also likely to harbor parasites in their muscle tissues, skin, and internal organs.
Are Fish Sticks Bad For Dogs?
Yes, fish sticks are bad for dogs. While they aren’t toxic, fish sticks are highly processed and contain a slew of unhealthy ingredients. While fish is a healthy and welcome addition to your dog’s diet, fish sticks aren’t a great option. They contain unhealthy fats, high levels of salt, and preservatives.
These additives may lead to stomach upsets and other adverse reactions harmful to your dog’s health. 4 Additionally, the breading on fish sticks is made from wheat and other grains. Your dog may struggle to digest the grains or be allergic to them.
The process of cooking fish sticks adds unnecessary fats and calories that may prove detrimental to your dogs.
The allure of fish sticks is understandable—but they’re a poor protein source for dogs. If you wish to feed your dog fish, stick to freshly cooked fish. It may be a little more involved, but it’s the healthiest treat for your furry companion.
Be mindful to remove the bones, and cook without salt, seasoning, species, and other harmful condiments.
The Ingredients Alone Will Answer The Question – Can Dogs Eat Seafood Sticks?
The ingredients in fish sticks vary wildly between brands and manufacturers. However, typical ingredients in your standard, run-of-the-mill fish sticks will include:
Fish:
White fish such as cod, pollock, or haddock are the primary ingredient in fish sticks. The meat is ground or minced and formed into sticks.
Breading:
Breading is a mixture of corn and wheat flour, breadcrumbs, and other grains. Coating fish sticks with breading gives them their signature crispy texture.
Binders:
As the name suggests, binders hold the fish sticks together. Popular fish stick binders include potato or corn starch, egg whites, or modified food starch.
Seasonings:
Manufacturers use seasonings and flavorings to improve the taste of the fish sticks. Typical condiments include salt, pepper, onion, garlic powder, paprika, and other spices.
Additives and Preservatives:
Like most commercially processed foods, fish sticks contain additives and preservatives. These additives help extend flavor, shelf life, or texture. Popular food additives include sodium benzoate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Are There Any Benefits To My Dog Eating Seafood Sticks?
Fish sticks may offer nutritional benefits to your dog… but it comes down to ingredients.
Typically, fish sticks contain fish as the primary ingredient, making them an excellent protein source. Dogs need protein to build muscle, maintain weight, and overall growth.
Omega-3-fatty acid:
Some fish sticks are made with whitefish or salmon, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Dogs need omega-3 fatty acids to support cardiovascular health, healthy skin and coat, and for their anti-inflammatory properties.
While fish sticks are potentially nutritious—they’re highly processed food. They may contain preservatives, unhealthy fats, and high sodium levels. These ingredients are harmful to your dog’s health. In the end, the risks may far outweigh the potential benefits.
Looking For Some Homemade Dog Food Recipe Inspiration?
So, What’s The Verdict!? Can Dogs Eat Seafood Sticks?
It’s easy to understand the allure of seafood and fish sticks. They’re quick and convenient foods that you can have ready to go in minutes.
Despite the name, these food types aren’t an ideal protein source for dogs. They’re highly processed and contain many unhealthy chemicals that are potentially harmful to your dog.
If you wish to incorporate fish into your dog’s diet, you’re better off with fresh or canned fish from reputable brands.
Be mindful and cook the fish thoroughly to kill parasites on the skin, muscle tissues, or body organs. Young, wild-caught fish are the best choice because they accumulate little to no mercury in their tissue. If you’re looking for more nutritional advice for your pet, The American Canine Club is a great starting point for all things in canine health.
