Contrary to pop culture depictions, cats are not the only house pets that absolutely adore cod fish. Actually, dogs really love cod fish, whether it is a full meal of cod fillet or plain cod skin dog treats.
Cod, in particular, is one of the best types of fish that you can feed your dog. It has a rich nutritional profile and is much safer than many other fish alternatives on the market.
In the sections below, we shall take a closer look at the nutritional perks of cod fish for dogs, how to prepare it, and all you need to know about cod in general as a part of your dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Cod?
Dogs can absolutely eat cod, and it is actually very good for them. The rich nutritional profile that this fish is known for is by far the biggest benefit your dog has to look forward to, whether you have a young pup or a geriatric doggy.
Here are some of these nutritional benefits as well as other perks of feeding your pooch cod fish.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Cod liver oil, in particular, is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These oils are known to help with improving cognitive functions, skin, and coat health.
They also come in particularly handy for dogs that frequently suffer from skin allergies, infections, or pest infestation.
Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids help with the development of the dog’s brain, as well as improved cognitive function. This benefit is especially useful when the cod fish and its oils are consumed by growing puppies or pregnant dogs.
Minerals
Cod fish is also a rich source of minerals that it gets naturally from its environment. These include selenium, phosphorus, and potassium.
The minerals are used all over the body, from potassium’s application in nerve conduction to the use of phosphorus in making energy molecules for the dog.
This recognition is the reason why cod fish skin treats are backed by popular demand and widely available in major grocery stores for dog owners in America. Hence, we are recommending Hundur’s Crunch Cod Skin Dog Treats for their natural goodness and high mineral content.
Vitamins
Another nutritional benefit of cod fish for your dog is the supply of a wide range of vitamins. These include vitamins A and C, which are both very useful when it comes to supporting the dog’s immunity, as well as tissue and cellular health.
Cod fish is also rich in vitamin E, which, together with the omega-3 oils, helps to give your dog a beautiful and healthy coat.
Other important vitamins that your dog will be getting from the cod fish include vitamins D, B6, and B12.
Proteins
Cod fish is rich in proteins and offers a much healthier alternative to red meat for your dog. The proteins contain all 20 important amino acids that your dog needs to make both structural and functional proteins.
The rich protein content is especially useful for puppies as they grow and develop muscle bulk. It is also extra handy for adult dogs, especially those that have very active and athletic lifestyles.
Tasty But Not Overpowering
The other benefit of cod fish in your dog’s diet is not about nutritional value but instead about the flavor profile. If your dog is a picky eater, the mild but tasty flavors of cod fish make it the ideal way to switch things up for your pooch.
Can I Feed My Dog Raw Cod?
You should never feed your dog raw cod fish. There are so many things that could go wrong in this case, from parasite infestation to food poisoning. Instead, take the time to carefully prepare and cook the fish, in which case here are a few tips that should come in handy.
Carefully Remove All The Bones
Injuries from ingesting fish bones are all too common, which is why you need to take extra care to remove all the bones before preparing cod for your dog. Fortunately, you can easily purchase fillets where all the hard and dirty work has been done for you.
However, even with cod fillets, it is always best to quickly inspect the fish by running a fork or knife up and down the cut to ensure that there are no rogue bones left behind.
Air Fry Or Bake
Air frying or baking are the healthiest and most convenient ways to prepare the cod for your dog. These cooking methods reduce the use of oil, or use no oil at all.
Deep frying cod fish for your dog is a bad idea. It causes the fish to absorb a lot of oil that your dog will then consume and may cause issues like diarrhea.
Stewing is also a bad idea, especially if you intend on using ingredients like onions, garlic, and spices which are very toxic for the dog.
Finally, simply steaming or boiling the cod leaves you with a bland serving of fish that your dog will most likely not enjoy.
Serve The Fish Well-Done
As earlier mentioned, you should never serve your dog raw cod. Furthermore, make sure that the fish is actually well-done before you feed the pooch.
That way, you will be sure that any parasites, eggs, or bacteria on the fish or in the muscle are killed before your dog feeds on the cod.
Season The Fish Minimally If Needed
A little salt goes a long way when preparing cod fish for your dog. In fact, all you need is a pinch of salt and some oil, and the cod’s natural flavors will shine through on their own for a very tasty meal.
Just avoid adding sauces and spices by going all out like a Michelin star chef to concoct the perfect flavor. These toppings will almost inevitably irritate your dog’s digestive tract.
Use Healthy Cooking Oils
Finally, when preparing cod fish for your dog, use only healthy cooking oils. Olive oil is by far the best option, as it is not only low in cholesterol but also free from toxins that may adversely affect your dog.
In addition to choosing the right cooking oil, try and use as little oil as possible. About a teaspoon of oil per serving of cod fish should be more than enough, especially when baking or air frying.
