Is it safe for dogs to consume fish skin? Insights from a veterinarian.

Fish Skins for Canines: A Quick Guide

Have you ever pondered, "Can I give my pup some fish skin?" when whipping up your favorite fish dish? You're not alone! With the plethora of conflicting advice online, it's a mystery to know what's safe and what's not for your beloved pet.

Good news: Fish skin is generally safe for dogs to consume, but it needs to be cooked properly and free of any seasonings or yucky stuff like onions, oil, butter, or salt (these are no-go's for our furry friends).

Dr. Coder and Dr. Pendergrass, our esteemed vet experts, share valuable insights on the pros, cons, and proper methods for feeding fish skins to your dog. They also offer suggestions for the best fish types and daily amount for your four-legged buddy.

Can Dogs Eat Fish Skin?

Fish skin is normally harmless for dogs to gobble up, provided it's been thoroughly cooked without the addition of any not-so-friendly ingredients like those mentioned above.

Get the Nuts and Bolts

Dr. Pendergrass informs us that fish skin, just like fish flesh, is jam-packed with numerous nutrients that can be beneficial for your pet.

"Fish skin is brimming with nutrients that promote good overall health, especially omega-3 fatty acids. It is also high in protein, low in calories, and boasts a variety of minerals (zinc, iron, potassium, calcium) and vitamins," she says.

However, raw or undercooked fish skin can pose potential threats to your dog's health.

Raw fish skin carries bacteria that could potentially make your dog quite unwell. According to Dr. Coder, raw fish skin is home to contaminants such as Salmonella, Listeria, and even Clostridium. Eating raw or undercooked fish skin might lead to some serious trouble for your furry friend, which is why we recommend cooking fish skin thoroughly before feeding it to them.

Pros and Cons of Feeding Fish Skins

BenefitsFish skin is chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for your dog's overall well-being.

"Fish skin is an excellent source of omega fatty acids for your dog. These nutrients play a vital role in hormone regulation, immunity, controlling inflammation, supporting brain and eye function, and skin health," explains Dr. Coder.

DownsidesHigh fat content might lead to digestive issues if overconsumed regularly.

"The high fat content and omega fatty acid combination can alter the absorption of your dog's regular diet, as well as possibly upset their stomach," Dr. Coder points out.

Commercially Available Fish Skin Chews"Most commercially available fish skin chews are safe and digestible for dogs," notes Dr. Coder. Not only are fish skin chews safe for dogs, but they also contribute to their dental health. The chewy and rough texture of fish skin chews helps in breaking down built-up tartar and plaque, enhancing your dog's oral hygiene.

Alas, rawhide chews can't say the same.

Research in the Today's Veterinary Practice journal suggests that rawhide chews are often laden with chemically processed ingredients and artificial additives. Unlike fishskin chews, rawhide chews are not recommended due to their unsafe and indigestible nature for dogs.

Popular Fish Skin Chews for Dogs- Gunni's Cod Skin Shorties: These fish skins have won the hearts of dog owners and are made from sustainably sourced Icelandic cod. They're low in calories, high in protein, and beneficial to your dog's dental health.

Top-Pick Fish Types

When selecting fish skin for your dog, go for fish varieties known to be low in mercury.

"The skin should originate from fish likely to be low in mercury, including salmon, whitefish, cod, and catfish," recommends Dr. Pendergrass.

Avoid rich mercury-containing fish such as shark, swordfish, and albacore tuna, advises Dr. Pendergrass. She also recommends steering clear of fish farm-raised skins as they are typically fed a diet high in synthetic additives and chemicals.

Moreover, long-living fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, and large tuna like bluefin can accumulate a higher amount of toxins like mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls.

Feeding Fish Skin to Your Dog

If you're new to the idea of introducing fish skins to your pup, you have two options: dehydrated or fresh fish skins.

Although dehydrated and fresh fish skins offer similar nutritional advantages to your dog, dehydrated fish skins are a good pick if you're searching for a convenient treat for your pooch. Dehydrated fish skins are fish skins that have been dried to prolong their shelf life, which eliminates any pesky bacteria that could flourish in moisture.

Experts advise that dehydrated fish skins are simply fish skins that have been dried without any extra seasonings or oil. To enjoy dehydrated fish skins at home instead of purchasing them pre-made, Dr. Coder suggests using a food dehydrator or oven.

"Dehydrated fish skins can be prepared using a food dehydrator or cooked in an oven. You can dehydrate in a regular oven at around 150–200°F for 48 hours. The more meat and subcutaneous particles you leave attached to the skin, the longer it may take to thoroughly dry," shares Dr. Coder.

As for fresh fish skins, the process is straightforward.

"You can remove the skin from the fish before or after cooking the fish itself," explains Dr. Coder. "Cook thoroughly without any salt, seasonings, or oil." Freshly cooked fish skins should be served within one or two days following preparation.

How Much Fish Skin Can Dogs Have?

Remember, moderation is key when it comes to feeding your pup fish skin. It should be considered an occasional treat, making up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. If you have any concerns due to your dog's underlying health conditions, consult your vet.

Unleash More Expert Advice

Dr. Lisa Coder, a skilled graduate from the University of Missouri, and Dr. Pendergrass, the founder of JPen Communications, are the pet care heroes behind this packed guide.

Whether you're curious about what humans food can dogs eat or if your dog can eat shrimp, this knowledgeable duo can answer your questions.

(Edited by Megan Milstead. Last update: June 2025 by Milkah Mullanda.())

Fish skin, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, can be safely given to dogs if cooked properly, devoid of any harmful ingredients like onions, oil, butter, or salt.
Dr. Pendergrass asserts that fish skin, like fish flesh, offers numerous health benefits for dogs, including promoting overall health, aiding in hormone regulation, boosting immunity, and enhancing skin health.
However, raw or undercooked fish skin may pose potential health risks to dogs due to the presence of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and Clostridium.
Commercially available fish skin chews are generally safe and beneficial for dogs, contributing to their dental health by breaking down built-up tartar and plaque.
When selecting fish skin for dogs, choose fish varieties low in mercury, such as salmon, whitefish, cod, or catfish, and avoid rich mercury-containing fish like shark, swordfish, albacore tuna, and large tuna like bluefin.
Dehydrated fish skins, offering similar benefits as fresh fish skins, are a convenient treat for dogs and can be prepared at home using a food dehydrator or oven.
Moderation is essential when feeding dogs fish skin, making up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake, and consulting a vet if the dog has any underlying health conditions.