Seafood sticks, also known as surimi or fish paste products, are commonly made from pollock or hake fish that has been pulverized and formed into a paste. This fish paste is then seasoned, colored and shaped into sticks or other shapes. Seafood sticks provide protein and other nutrients, but there are some concerns about their quality and safety for dogs. This article will explore whether seafood sticks are a healthy, nutritious treat for dogs or if pet owners should avoid feeding them to their pups. We’ll look at the nutritional breakdown, benefits, risks and overall safety of giving seafood sticks to dogs.
Are seafood sticks just fish?
While seafood sticks start from a fish base, the finished product contains other ingredients as well. The main ingredients in most seafood sticks for human consumption are:
- Fish (pollock or hake) – provides protein
- Starch – helps bind the mixture
- Salt – adds flavor
- Sugar – improves texture
- Colorings – gives the sticks an appealing look
- Flavors – enhances the taste
- MSG – boosts umami flavor
- Surimi – fish paste that has been washed and pulverized
The ratio of actual fish to other ingredients can vary widely between brands. Some seafood sticks contain a high percentage of added starch, salt, sugar and artificial ingredients. When choosing seafood sticks for dogs, look for products with higher amounts of fish vs fillers and artificial additives.
Nutritional value
The nutrition in seafood sticks depends on the ratio of fish to other ingredients. In general, seafood sticks offer these nutritional benefits:
- Protein – from fish meat, supports strong muscles
- Omega-3 fatty acids – support skin/coat health
- Vitamin B12 – essential for metabolism
- Selenium – antioxidant that supports the immune system
- Niacin – aids digestion
- Phosphorus – helps strengthen bones and teeth
- Magnesium – regulates nerve and muscle function
However, seafood sticks may also contain:
- Added salt – can be unhealthy in large amounts
- Sugar – provides empty calories
- Preservatives – artificial chemicals added to prolong shelf life
- Flavor enhancers – MSG, yeast extract, etc
- Food colorings – associated with allergies and reactions in some dogs
When giving seafood sticks to dogs, look for low or no salt options with no added sugar. Avoid seafood sticks with artificial preservatives and colorings as well.
Benefits of seafood sticks for dogs
In moderation, seafood sticks can provide some benefits for dogs:
- Excellent source of protein – helps maintain lean muscle mass
- Omega-3 fatty acids – supports healthy skin and coat
- Low calorie treat – can aid weight control
- Convenient texture – easy to break into small pieces for training treats
- Provides mental stimulation – appealing taste and aroma can aid enrichment
- Poultry-free option – suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
The biggest advantage of seafood sticks is providing a concentrated source of high quality, animal-based protein for dogs. The amino acids in fish protein gives dogs the building blocks for maintaining muscles, organs, hormones, enzymes, etc. Many seafood sticks also contain beneficial omega-3s from fish oils.
Risks and downsides
While seafood sticks can make an occasional healthy treat, there are some risks and downsides to consider:
- High sodium – excess salt can cause excessive thirst and urination
- Allergies – some dogs may be allergic to fish or additives
- Gastrointestinal upset – poor quality ingredients may cause diarrhea
- Fat content – fattier varieties can lead to weight gain
- Choking hazard – sticky texture could pose a choking risk for large chunks
- Mercury exposure – controversial topic but some risk may exist
- Sustainability concerns – commercial fishing impacts the ocean ecosystem
- Lack of supervision – dogs may get into the entire package and eat many sticks
To reduce risks, inspect labels carefully and supervise your dog when feeding seafood sticks. Only offer seafood sticks occasionally, not daily. Choose low salt, low fat options to prevent overconsumption of sodium and calories. Monitor your dog for signs of allergies or gastrointestinal upset.
Are seafood sticks safe for dogs?
Seafood sticks made for human consumption may contain additives like sugar, salt, MSG and preservatives that can be unhealthy for dogs. However, seafood sticks produced specifically as dog treats are generally safe if given in moderation. Here are some tips for choosing safe seafood sticks for dogs:
- Made in the USA – better quality control regulations
- Production process – avoids bacterial risks from raw fish
- Low sodium or no salt added
- No added sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol
- No onions, garlic or chives – toxic for dogs
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives like BHA or BHT
- No wheat, corn or soy – common dog allergens
- Natural smoke flavoring – not artificial smoke flavor
- Low fat – avoids obesity risk
Carefully reading the ingredient label is crucial when choosing any dog treats, including seafood sticks. Avoid any products with harmful additives and quality issues. Prioritize choices with high percentages of fish vs fillers.
Best practices when feeding seafood sticks
If you choose to give your dog seafood sticks, follow these tips:
- Supervise your dog – don’t leave sticks unattended where they could be gulped down
- Cut up into small pieces to reduce choking risk
- Rinse off excess salt, MSG or seasonings if needed
- Give in moderation – treats should comprise
- Avoid other salty foods on days when seafood sticks are given
- Watch for signs of allergies or GI upset
- Brush teeth or rinse mouth after eating to prevent plaque buildup
- Store uneaten portion in refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days
- Don’t microwave sticks as this alters the texture
Being careful when preparing and serving seafood sticks will help reduce risks and ensure your dog gains nutritional benefits. Monitoring your dog’s health and behavior will allow you to determine if seafood sticks agree with your dog or not.
Can puppies eat seafood sticks?
Seafood sticks are not recommended for puppies under 1 year old. Young puppies have developing digestive systems that are vulnerable to upset from rich treats. Puppies also need balanced nutrition from high quality puppy food rather than relying on snacks for calories.
Once puppies reach adulthood around 12 months old, small amounts of seafood sticks can be introduced after transitioning to adult dog food. Start with tiny pieces and only give 1-2 times per week. Closely supervise puppies when feeding any new treat.
Homemade fish sticks recipe
For dogs that have sensitivities to additives, homemade seafood sticks provide a healthier option. Here is a simple recipe to make fish sticks safely at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wild caught pollock, halibut or salmon fillet
- 1 cup whole wheat or brown rice flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut fish fillets into long 1-inch wide strips. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Place flour in shallow bowl. Beat egg with 1 tbsp water in another shallow bowl. Place breadcrumbs in third bowl.
- Roll fish strips in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange breaded strips on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with oil.
- Bake 15 minutes until golden brown and fish is cooked through. Cool before serving.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This homemade recipe gives your dog all the benefits of seafood without any of the questionable additives found in many commercial sticks. Adjust the ingredients as needed to suit your dog’s health requirements.
Conclusion
Seafood sticks made for human consumption may not be the healthiest choice for dogs due to high sodium and other additives. However, high quality seafood sticks produced specifically as dog treats can make a nutritious occasional snack. Focus on options with high fish content and minimal additives. Supervise your dog when feeding seafood sticks and start slowly with small amounts to avoid digestive upset. Seek homemade recipes or reputable commercial brands that focus on dog health. With some care in selection and portion sizes, seafood sticks can provide a tasty source of protein, omega-3s and enrichment for your dog.