Frying up some catfish for dinner tonight? Or maybe preparing some traditional catfish stew? If you’ve gone fishing and ended up with a bunch of these easy-to-catch whiskered fish, you may be wondering if you can share some of the spoils with your pets. Can dogs eat catfish? And if so, how should you prepare it to ensure it’s safe? Let’s find out!

Can dogs eat catfish?

Your dog can’t eat fried catfish, catfish stew, or other dishes made for humans that contain catfish meat. Human food is much too high in salt and fat, and it may contain ingredients such as garlic and onion that are unsafe for dogs. If your furry friend had snagged a catfish nugget off the table and eaten it, there’s no need to worry, but it’s best to avoid purposely feeding it treats off your plate to prevent obesity and other issues.

This being said, dogs can actually eat catfish if it’s prepared plain. In fact, whether caught fresh or bought farmed, this freshwater fish is pretty healthy! There are several reasons for this. First off, unlike something like tuna, catfish usually barely contains any mercury. Additionally, it’s much leaner than fatty fish like salmon and mackerel and therefore lower in calories. Lastly, despite being relatively low in fat, it still contains a good amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.

Any catfish that humans can eat is fine. Common wild-caught and cultured species include:

• Channel catfish: commonly wild-caught and farmed.
• Blue catfish: commonly wild-caught and farmed.
• Flathead catfish: commonly wild-caught.
• Bullhead catfish: commonly wild-caught.

If you buy farmed catfish, you may also come across hybrids, especially between channel x blue catfish.

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Tip: If you’re catching your own catfish for dinner, remember to check the pollution level in the spot you’re planning on going to. Unlike what some people think, catfish isn’t a “dirty” or “contaminated” fish. However, as with other fish species, their bodies can accumulate harmful substances if they live in polluted waters. These can cause health issues in both dogs and humans.

How to prepare catfish for your dog

Variety is the spice of life, so your dog will probably be happy to try something new! If you’d like to share some catfish with your pet, the best way to do it is to separate a nice-sized fillet before you start cooking your own meal. Make sure your furry friend’s portion is completely free of bones and spines to prevent a nice doggy dinner from turning into a choking hazard.

Don’t feed the catfish raw, as this can increase the risk of health hazards like salmonella, listeria, and parasites. Instead, try grilling it plain, without any added oil or salt. Let the fish cool and then flake it apart with your fingers or a fork. Serve alongside other healthy foods like cooked brown rice and veggies for a fresh and balanced meal. You can even consider serving catfish with other healthy fish and seafood, like octopus, mussels, squid, crawfish, and more.

Conclusion

So, can dogs eat catfish? In conclusion, the answer is a resounding yes—as long as it’s just catfish. No bones, no seasoning, no batter, and no frying oil, please! If you’re making southern fried catfish, just separate some of the fish to cook plain and share with your furry friend.

PS: Wondering which other foods you can share with your pooch? Have a look at our other dog food safety guides.