Can dogs eat Mackerel?

What kind of food is this?

Filleted mackerel, meat only. Per 100g: 970mg DHA and 690mg EPA — both on the high side among seafood.

Fat is 16.8g and energy is 211 kcal — a properly rich oily fish.

When used whole with the head and bones, calcium is higher than in the flesh alone.

When using it raw, watch out for Anisakis parasites. Mackerel is one of the fish named in Japan's national advisories as prone to carrying Anisakis.

How to serve

In red-fleshed fish, histamine, a cause of food poisoning, can build up when the fish is left at room temperature. Once histamine forms, grilling or simmering won't get rid of it. After buying, do not leave it at room temperature — put it in the fridge or freezer right away and use it while it is fresh. It is a high-fat fish, so start with small amounts.

When you have these care goals

Skin & coat care — An oily fish rich in EPA and DHA. One of the ingredients that comes up when thinking about skin and coat care.

Joint & mobility care — Contains EPA and DHA, so it can also be a candidate when thinking about mobility in senior dogs.

In food-energetics terms

In traditional food energetics it is classified as "warming" — said to gently warm the body and often chosen when the body tends to feel cold.

(Food energetics is a long-standing idea of supporting the body through everyday meals. Treat it as one extra hint alongside the nutrition numbers.)

Related foods

• Sardine Safe to feedAnother oily fish, higher in EPA›
• Horse mackerel Safe to feedAnother oily fish, with less fat›
• Pacific saury Safe to feedAnother oily fish used bones and all›