Can dogs have sushi the beloved Japanese delicacy, sushi, has garnered a global fan base with its vinegared rice and an array of seafood options like squid, eel, yellowtail, salmon, tuna, or imitation crab meat. It sits atop the favorites list for many. Yet, for dog owners, the temptation may arise to share this delight with their beloved pups. But the looming question remains: is sushi safe for dogs ?
Do Dogs like Sushi ?
The components of sushi offer a tantalizing mix of juiciness and crunch, which often appeal to dogs. From crunchy vegetables like cucumbers and carrots to the subtly sweet taste of vinegared rice, there are elements that might seem tempting to your furry friend. However, should you actually feed your dog sushi? The answer, interestingly, falls into both the affirmative and negative camps.
Is Sushi good for your dog ?
Consider the ingredients within sushi.
- Both brown and white rice offer a nutritional punch for dogs, boasting easy digestibility and fiber content beneficial for digestion.
- Cooked fish, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, presents a healthful option for our canine companions.
- Shrimp brings to the table a bounty of Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, and phosphorous.
- Seaweed emerges as yet another nutritious inclusion for dogs.
- Mangoes, abundant in fiber and vitamins A, C, E, and B6, add a fruity flair to the mix.
- And let’s not overlook carrots, known for their dental benefits and overall healthfulness.
Let’s explore the unique benefits of each of these nutrients:
Let’s spin through the individual benefits of these nutrients:
Vitamins – Vital for maintaining eyesight, particularly as dogs age, vitamins aid in preventing cataracts and addressing issues like night blindness and dry eyes. They play essential roles in bone growth, reproduction, cellular differentiation, and immune response. Additionally, they bolster energy metabolism and support skin tissue maintenance, crucial for overall growth in young pups.
Omega 3 – Fatty Acids: These contribute to the brain development of young puppies, akin to their benefits for humans. With anti-inflammatory properties, they can alleviate conditions like arthritis, thereby enhancing a dog’s resilience against cancer. Moreover, Omega-3s promote heart and kidney health.
Dietary Fiber –Serving as a catalyst for your pup’s gastrointestinal system, dietary fiber facilitates smooth digestion and can mitigate symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.
While sushi offers these and other nutrients, it’s important to remember moderation. Feeding excessive amounts of sushi to dogs isn’t recommended for maintaining their health.
How much Sushi is good for your Dog ?
People have a penchant for sushi due to its bite-sized servings, especially when paired with soy sauce, making them nearly irresistible. Fortunately, our human digestive systems handle these indulgences well, allowing for enjoyment in quantities like 10-12 rolls per sitting, offering a deeply satisfying experience. However, it’s crucial not to extend this indulgence to our furry friends. Moderation is paramount when it comes to sharing sushi with dogs—limiting intake to 1-2 rolls, and no more than once a week is advisable. Besides, most wallets wouldn’t permit more frequent indulgences.
Now, let’s tailor this advice according to the breeds and sizes of our canine companions.
Tailoring sushi servings according to the breeds and sizes of dogs:
Extra-small dogs (2-20 lbs.): Offer a small piece of sushi per week.
- Example breeds: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
Small dogs (21-30 lbs.): Allow half a roll of sushi per week.
- Example breeds: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
Medium dogs (31-50 lbs.): Provide one sushi roll per week.
- Example breeds: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Siberian Huskies
Large dogs (51-90 lbs.): Offer 1-2 sushi rolls per week.
- Example breeds: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
Extra-large dogs (91+ lbs.): Allow 1-2 sushi rolls per week.
- Example breeds: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees
How to feed Sushi to your dog ?
While humans can easily devour an entire sushi roll in one bite, dogs aren’t built for such feats. When offering sushi to your furry companions, it’s best to break it into small, bite-sized pieces according to the recommended servings. Avoid overfeeding and opt for smaller, more frequent servings rather than one large portion. This ensures easier digestion and minimizes the risk of any gastrointestinal discomfort.
Potential health risks of Sushi for dogs
Now that we’ve acknowledged the nutritional benefits of sushi ingredients for dogs, it’s essential to recognize the potential risks associated with certain components:
Avocados: Despite being nutrient-rich for humans, avocados can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.
- Tempura: Deep-fried foods like tempura may pose digestion challenges for dogs and are best avoided.
- Raw Fish: Raw fish can harbor bacteria like salmonella and parasites, leading to skin and stomach issues in dogs. Additionally, it carries the risk of transferring fish diseases to dogs.
- Sauces: Spicy sauces like wasabi, spicy mayo, and soy sauce are not suitable for dogs and should be avoided.
- Cream Cheese: High in fat, cream cheese can contribute to obesity, heart problems, and pancreatitis in dogs. It’s best to steer clear of it.
- Salmon: Raw seafood, including salmon, can carry bacteria such as salmonella and listeria, which can be deadly for dogs. It’s crucial to avoid sushi-grade raw foods for dogs’ safety.
What can happen if your dog eats an unusual amount of Sushi ?
If your dog happens to indulge in sushi beyond the recommended quantity, keep a vigilant eye for the following symptoms:
- Constipation
- A distended belly or swollen abdomen
- Signs of discomfort or pain when the abdomen is touched or lifted
- Loose stools
- Vomiting
- Unintentional weight loss
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Fever
- Increased heart rate, among others.
Should you notice any of these symptoms in your furry friend, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately for proper evaluation and treatment.