Do you love sushi? Have you ever thought of sharing your sushi with your dog? If so, you’re not alone. Many pet owners wonder if their dogs can safely have some of their sushi, or if it is safe to give dogs raw fish at all.

In the article below, you’ll find information about whether or not dogs can have raw fish or sushi. You can use this information to make the right decision when you’re trying to figure out which human foods to share with your furry friend. Read on to find out more.

Raw Fish

Raw Fish is Risky Because it Can Contain Bacteria

Raw fish is known to contain listeria and salmonella, both of which can make your dog very sick. It is also possible for dogs to transmit these bacteria to human members of the family, and humans can also catch them from the same raw fish.

The Best Way to Prevent the Risk of Contracting Salmonella or Listeria from Fish is to Cook It

However, many humans choose to eat raw fish in sushi or other meals and take that risk. Dogs, on the other hand, get no benefit from eating raw fish and therefore should not be put at risk.

Raw Fish May Also Sometimes Contain Fish Bones

If you purchase a fish from a local shop or seafood counter at the market, it may still contain bones, depending on the type of fish and the cut in question. If you plan to prepare a fish like this for human consumption, you’ll need to remove the bones before you cook it. The same is true for dogs, who may potentially risk choking on fish bones that are still left intact.

Raw Fish is Unnecessary for Dogs

There isn’t any real reason to give your dog raw fish, so it’s best to skip the risks and avoid this food altogether. All types of fish are equally risky when served raw, so there’s no specific type you can serve raw that is safer than others. Fish that has been smoked raw—such as lox—is also unsafe. Even though it is cooked, it has been cured and seasoned, so it is no longer a good choice for dogs.

Sushi

Sushi Contains a High Sodium Content

There is salt in the sushi rice, and some of the ingredients may also be seasoned with salt depending on the chef’s preferences and the type of sushi in question. Most notably, sushi is usually intended to be dipped in soy sauce, which is served alongside the rolls and is extremely salty.

Dogs do not need to overeat salty foods, and it is dangerous for them to do so. In the long term, eating too much sodium can be detrimental to a dog’s overall health and wellness, so it’s best to avoid salt as much as possible.

Sushi Contains a Lot of Other Unhealthy or Even Toxic Ingredients

Many ingredients included in sushi are unhealthy for dogs for a variety of reasons. Some, like wasabi, could be too spicy and cause stomach upset. Others, like avocado, may be toxic and harmful to your dog, and could cause toxicity if ingested in higher quantities. Since there are so many kinds of sushi, it is difficult to determine what ingredients might be in a given roll.

Many types of sushi rolls are simply high in fat and calories. They can be a nice treat for a human who is enjoying a night out, but a dog doesn’t need these calories and should avoid eating such fatty foods, too.

Sushi Still Poses the Same Risks of Eating Raw Fish

All of the risks outlined in the previous section on raw fish pertain to sushi, and if the sushi contains raw shellfish as well, this poses yet another level of risk for your pet.

There are some types of sushi that have been cooked, such as tempura rolls. In this case, however, these rolls contain too many fatty and salty ingredients and are still not a good choice for your pet.

It’s Not a Good Idea, and We’re Here for Any Questions

Giving your dog sushi really isn’t the best idea, and it’s also not necessary. Raw fish is also not healthy or safe for your dog, so it’s best to make sure you cook any fish you give your pet beforehand. Cooked, plain fish with no seasoning, oils, or fats included is healthy for your dog and can make a great supplement to his diet.

If you have any further questions or concerns about your dog’s diet, health, or wellness, be sure to speak to your vet for more information. Your vet can tell you more about whether or not your dog needs supplemental protein sources like cooked fish regularly.