If you share your home with a dog or cat, you may have wondered whether seafood or other aquatic food is a good addition to their diet. The short answer is — yes, some aquatic food can be a healthy choice! But not all is equal. Here’s what you need to know before you start serving up a seafood feast or aquatic cuisine for your furry family member.
Why Aquatic Food Can Be a Great Choice
Aquatic food is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are long-chain fatty acids that offer some impressive health benefits for both dogs and cats, including:
- Supporting healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Reducing inflammation
- Helping with joint health and mobility
- Supporting brain and heart health
These benefits make aquatic food a genuinely valuable addition to your animal’s diet when used appropriately.
Dogs are facultative omnivores (can eat varied diets), while cats are obligate carnivores (require taurine and animal protein). This means aquatic food that is taurine-rich is especially beneficial for cats, while omega‑3 fish are excellent for both species.
Aquatic Food Options for Dogs and Cats
Here are some choices that are generally considered safe:
Sardines
Sardines (packed in water, not oil or sauce) are a fantastic option. They are small fish, which means they carry lower levels of heavy metals like mercury. They are also soft-boned, making them easy to digest. They are rich in omega-3 and taurine.
Whitefish
Fish like cod, flounder, and tilapia are mild, low-fat options that are easy on the digestive system. These are good choices for animals with sensitive stomachs.
Atlantic Mackerel
Generally safe and beneficial when fed properly. Great choice for cats!
Herring
Safe and healthy for most dogs. Excellent option for cats
What to be Cautious About
Salmon
Cooked salmon is generally considered safer. Raw or undercooked salmon carries significant risk, especially for dogs. Raw or undercooked freshwater salmon can carry a tiny parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola. This parasite can carry a harmful bacteria called Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which causes Salmon Poisoning Disease. This risk is most common along the Pacific Coast of North America. Cats appear to be less commonly affected, but caution is still advised.
Shellfish
Shrimp, crab, clams, lobsters, scallops, and oysters can be high in copper and may cause digestive upset. They should be avoided for dogs with liver conditions.
Green lipped mussel is a shellfish quite popular in veterinary medicine because of the benefits it offers. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help support joint health and reduce inflammation. They contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which are great for supporting healthy joints. They are commonly used as a natural supplement for pets with arthritis or joint problems. They also contain vitamins and minerals that can support overall health. They do contain some copper, so pets with copper storage issues (like certain dog breeds such as Bedlington Terriers or Dalmatians) should be given this with caution.
Sea Plants
Example of edible plants from the sea are marine algae and seaweeds. Some sea plants that are commonly thought to be beneficial and safe for dogs and cats in small amounts include:
- Nori (dried seaweed used in sushi). However, seasoned varieties (with salt, soy sauce, garlic, or onion) and raw beach seaweed are unsafe and can cause toxicity or illness.
- Kelp (sometimes used as a supplement). but excess iodine poses serious thyroid risks. Plain, food‑grade kelp supplements are sometimes used for dental health and trace minerals, but wild or beach‑washed kelp should never be fed due to contamination and expansion hazards.
- Spirulina (a type of blue-green algae sometimes used as a supplement). Spirulina (blue‑green algae) can be safe for dogs and cats in controlled, supplement form — but wild or contaminated spirulina is dangerous. It’s often used as a superfood supplement because of its protein and antioxidant content, but moderation and source quality are critical.
What to Avoid
Here are some types to steer clear of:
- Raw fish — Can contain harmful bacteria and parasites.
- Smoked or salted fish — The high sodium content can be harmful.
- Seasoned fish — Garlic, onions, and other common seasonings are toxic to both dogs and cats.
- Fish with small, sharp bones — These can be a choking hazard or cause internal injury.
How to Serve Aquatic food Safely
- Always serve aquatic food plain and fully cooked
- Offer it in small amounts as a treat or food topper
- Follow the 10% rule — treats and extras should make up no more than 10% of your animal’s daily calorie intake
- If adding fish oil as a supplement, make sure the product is free of heavy metal contamination and follow label directions carefully
While aquatic food can offer real nutritional benefits, every dog and cat is different. Some animals may have food sensitivities or allergies or other health conditions that make certain foods off-limits. Always check with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your animal’s diet. They can help you figure out what works best for your individual companion.
