Walleye is an edible fish that can be occasionally shared with dogs. However, it is susceptible to water pollutants and may have moderate to high levels of mercury, so eating it in large quantities or regularly may be dangerous and can lead to mercury poisoning.
Although dogs should not consume walleye as part of their daily diet, it is beneficial for them to do so occasionally. This is because walleye is rich in protein, which is essential for cell development and repair, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.
Due to the fact that walleye are bottom feeders, they are exposed to a greater amount of toxins, pollutants, and heavy metals. Furthermore, raw walleye may contain parasites which can be harmful if consumed, and the fish bones may cause choking and internal damage to dogs.
The safest way to give walleye to your dog is to cook it without seasoning and remove the bones before feeding it as an occasional treat. Dogs should not consume walleye on a regular basis.
Walleye is a fish species also known as pike, pickerel, and wolffish that is native to the Great Lakes region in North America. Although this fish species is edible for humans, occasional consumption as a treat is the best way to safely introduce them to our canine friends. This fish is desirable for its protein and omega-3 fatty acids content which helps with cell development, repair, heart, and brain health. Despite its potential health benefits, walleye can also carry pollutants from their environment and raw walleye may be infected with parasites, making it dangerous if consumed in large quantities or regularly. The safest way to serve it to your pup is to cook it without added seasoning and ensure all the bones are safely removed.
Beside walleye, you can offer your dog other fish species such as salmon, trout, mackerel, and sardines that are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It's also important to note that some fish, such as salmon, can be served raw after freezing them in accordance with FDA guidelines.
Are walleye affordable and accessible? Is it ok to feed walleye directly to my dog instead of grinding it? Walleye can range in price depending on the region, however, they are mostly affordable and can be purchased at many local grocery stores. It’s best to serve walleye to your dog pre-ground as it makes it safer to consume.
If you have encountered walleye, don’t hesitate to share your pet’s experience with us in the comments! Nevertheless, remember to make sure that any fish you buy is safe and treated, free from hazards. Let’s all keep our pup safe, happy, and fish-friendly!
