Sushi is a generic name of different types, combinations of ingredients, and forms of a typical Japanese food. Sushi is usually made from Japanese-type rice and different seafood and vegetables. There are a great many different types of preparations. Outside Japan, as fast food in western society, it is extremely popular. Various sauces and toppings often accompany it.
The dish is considered to be mostly healthy for humans, and if you are wondering, can dogs eat sushi, yes, it can also be eaten by dogs, depending on the ingredients.
Are There Any Benefits For My Dog In Eating Sushi?
Why can dogs eat sushi, since most sushi is made from fish? You are probably asking yourself some questions such as: can a dog eat fish? Is fish good for dogs?
Yes, dogs can eat fish, providing it is cooked and is not seasoned. It contains vitamins, fatty acids, minerals, and protein, all of which are good for your pet.
Salmon is a very popular filling for sushi, and like a lot of fish, it contains a lot of omega 3 fatty acids. These are very good for your dog, including for your dog’s skin, blood pressure, immune system, heart, and eyes, and they are anti-inflammatory. Essential fatty acids are also helpful for dogs with arthritis, allergies, and auto-immune diseases. So sushi made with salmon or other fish is fine, bearing in mind that raw salmon or other raw fish should not be given to dogs.
Also, the nori (kelp seaweed) with which sushi is made contains plenty of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids that are good for your dog’s health. It is easy to digest and helps keep your pet’s skin and coat shiny and healthy.
Can I Give My Dog Sushi Every Day?
It’s not a good idea to let dogs eat it regularly. Sushi should be enjoyed by dogs occasionally as a treat. The Omega 3 in salmon sushi is beneficial for your pet, but he should not eat sushi too often, and it should be proportional to his size. A large dog can eat at least one sushi roll and probably more as a meal, but a small dog, under 10 pounds, should eat only a few slices of sushi roll.
Are There Any Risks Of Feeding My Dog Sushi?
The fish in sushi is usually fine for your dog, but you may be wondering since the dish is often made this way, can a dog eat raw fish? The answer is no; it is not safe for dogs. Raw fish may contain bacteria like salmonella or certain parasites, so make sure there is no raw fish in what you buy. The three most common parasites in raw fish are tapeworms, roundworms, and flukes. Flukes may result in a condition called salmon poisoning, which can kill your dog if not treated. Your dog can suffer fever, vomiting, physical weakness and lethargy, dehydration, diarrhea, and bloody stools.
So make sure your dog only eats sushi with cooked fish or, if you cannot be sure the fish is cooked in any sushi you buy, give your dog only vegetarian sushi. Bear in mind that sushi with avocado in, which is high in fat, can make your dog sick. Also, avocados contain persin, which may cause your pet to have nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and fluid accumulation around his heart.
Carrots, cucumbers, and mangoes often found in sushi are not a problem. If you only give your dog the vegetarian rolls or slices, make sure he has plenty of other protein in his diet that day. And make sure he has plenty of water.
Brown or white rice is safe for dogs in small quantities, and they contain fiber, which dogs need in their diet, but too much rice may give them tummy trouble. There are also many calories in rice, and too many servings of sushi rice, which can contain a lot of sugars, can lead to obesity and possibly diabetes for your pet. If your dog is already overweight, this dish is potentially not a good idea for him. Stick to other options for treats.
Some sushi will have spices in it, which can give your dog stomach ache. Any toppings and dips (for example, mayonnaise, wasabi, and soy sauce) will not be good for your dog either, so avoid giving him those. The sodium content in the soy sauce and the rice will be too much for your dog.
If the sushi you buy is not fresh, it will not be good for your dog - or you either. Never give him leftover sushi.
You may find your dog has diarrhea or vomiting or has a tummy ache after eating sushi for the first time. Make sure he has plenty of water available while he is sick. These upsets will usually settle down by themselves, but if not, take your pet to the vet.
While it is not a dog-related risk, the dish can be quite expensive, so you may want to save yourself the expense of feeding it to your dog.
How Can I Reduce The Risks of Sushi For My Dog?
If you want to give your dog sushi, the best way to play it safe is to make the sushi yourself. There are plenty of recipes on the internet, and it’s fun to make something your dog will love and that you know will be fresh and healthier for him than sushi you bought where you may not be 100% sure of the ingredients. You will avoid the risk of parasites in his sushi as you will not be using raw fish.
