Fatty Fish

Fat in general has been vilified in society. Many people are conditioned to believe feeding fatty foods to their pet is dangerous. The importance of fat should go without saying considering dog’s and cat’s brains (and humans, too!) are roughly 60% fat. Marine-sourced fats contain essential fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) which are essential for optimal canine health.

EPA plays a critical role in regulating cellular inflammation while DHA is important for maintaining nerve cell structure and function. Essential fatty acids, specifically DHA, have been scientifically proven as necessary for cognitive development and function. Research proves children (and developing puppies) who receive a diet rich in DHA will have higher cognitive function and learn better!

Ensuring a raw diet provides sufficient levels of EPA and DHA can be achieved by including fatty fish and shellfish in the diet. Certain species of Fatty fish also fulfill Vitamin D requirements.

Fatty fish should only be a small portion of the overall diet in comparison to other ingredients. It is important to avoid larger fish species with higher concentrations of mercury. Overall, selecting small fatty fish lower on the food chain reduces the risk of mercury.

Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic mackerel provides the most EPA and DHA in comparison to other fatty fish. Additionally, mackerel has high levels of Vitamin D which makes it a useful ingredient when formulating a raw diet. Raw mackerel is common in ethnic markets. Canned mackerel in water is an alternative option if raw cannot be sourced.

Atlantic Herring

Atlantic herring also provides high levels of EPA and DHA. However, herring is significantly lower in Vitamin D in comparison to mackerel. Herring is a small fish found at local ethnic markets and fish markets.

Sardines

Sardines are one of the most common fatty fish options available to purchase. They are high in EPA and DHA with a moderate level of Vitamin D. Raw sardines are common in ethnic markets. Canned sardines in water are an alternative option if raw cannot be sourced.

Pink Salmon

Salmon is another commonly available fatty fish option and it is moderately high in EPA and DHA fatty acids. Although slightly lower than mackerel, salmon still has a high level of Vitamin D compared to other fish species. Raw salmon is easily accessible in many regions, but may be costly. Canned salmon is cheaper in comparison to raw salmon and is a more budget-friendly alternative.

Salmon from the Pacific Northwest should be frozen solid to an internal temperature of −4°F (−20°C) for at least 24 hours prior to feeding raw or thoroughly cooked to eliminate the risk of salmon poisoning. Canned salmon is already cooked, therefore it is safe to feed immediately.

Blue Mussels

Blue/black mussels are a beneficial ingredient to include in raw diets to provide manganese in addition to small amounts of EPA and DHA. Blue/black mussels are high in manganese and B vitamins. However, blue/black mussels will not fulfill Vitamin D requirements in reasonable amounts.

Raw mussels should be cooked prior to feeding due to the risk of toxoplasma gondii infection. Cooking mussels eliminates this risk. However, mussels sold on the half shell or without any shell have been pre-steamed and do not need any further cooking.

Canned Eastern Oysters

Oysters are a shellfish that provides low amounts of EPA and DHA. Oysters should only be fed in small amounts due to their high concentration of zinc. They do prove useful for completing zinc requirements. Other sources of EPA and DHA are typically needed in addition to oysters.

Raw oysters are expensive and like mussels, oysters should be cooked prior to feeding due to the risk of toxoplasma gondii infection. Cooking oysters eliminates this risk. Alternatively, canned oysters in water can be used as a more affordable option.

Canned Eastern Oysters Nutritional Data