Whole Raw Fish.

[Joypod]

Hi everyone,

I feed Gus whole sardines once a week but just this weekend got some bigger whole fish (called pinkies...???) from the market for something different to give him. They're about 20-25cm long and probably equate to about 4-5 sardines.

I was just reading on this website: www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/foodsavoid.htm that "Raw fish can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly." and that "Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. NEVER, EVER feed COOKED bones!".

Now, I know about not feeding cooked bones but it got me thinking about the bones from the larger fish. Gus hasn't had any problems scoffing down the sardines but I'm now wondering if these larger fish are going to be ok for him to eat whole. Any thoughts?

Ta

Vic

Edited March 27, 2008 by Joypod

[Guest Tess32]

They are all fine to eat whole but I wouldn't feed fish anymore than twice a week max. Plenty of people on RAW lists feed a whole fish once a week regularly, no probs with the bones

That site has a few "debatable" things on that avoid list. Plenty of people give kelp for eg.

[Aly]

Hi everyone,

I feed Gus whole sardines once a week but just this weekend got some bigger whole fish (called pinkies...???) from the market for something different to give him. They're about 20-25cm long and probably equate to about 4-5 sardines.

I was just reading on this website: www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/foodsavoid.htm that "Raw fish can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly." and that "Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. NEVER, EVER feed COOKED bones!".

Now, I know about not feeding cooked bones but it got me thinking about the bones from the larger fish. Gus hasn't had any problems scoffing down the sardines but I'm now wondering if these larger fish are going to be ok for him to eat whole. Any thoughts?

Ta

Vic

Hi Im no expert, but we take Aly fishing and she loves to taste the fish we catch she hasnt ever had problems with the bones, but these where king george whiting.I'm thinking raw fish bones are not like cooked fish. Like I said I'm no expert.

Aly just loves a trip to the beach she loves to follow the kids out in the water and gets dumps,,,, such a funny sight.

[Joypod]

Thanks Tess. :D

Edited to add a thanks to Aly too.

Edited March 27, 2008 by Joypod

[Aly]

Thanks Tess. :D

Edited to add a thanks to Aly too.

Gus is just soooooooo cute!!!! :D

[DeltaCharlie]

Should be fine. Fish only becomes a problem if it is all you feed, I feed fish to mine once a week and have no problems. Just make sure he is getting red meat for most of the week and the diet will be fine. Ive never fed whole fish to mine (except sardines) but I feed them salmon heads which are full of pointy bones. They seem fine with them (although I listen rather than watch, I can't watch them eating the eyes etc).

[rose of tralee]

I feed raw fish from time to time and in fact keep a bag of whole small bait fish for emergiencies in the freezer. Last time I bought a whole fish for the humans, I asked the very obliging young assistant to save me the left overs after filleting for the dog. Fed these leftovers with a meat to complement.

I would cut off any sharp bony external bits that some particular fish sport.

[Joypod]

Thanks Tess. :D

Edited to add a thanks to Aly too.

Gus is just soooooooo cute!!!! :D

Thanks Aly :D . I think so too. :D

Should be fine. Fish only becomes a problem if it is all you feed, I feed fish to mine once a week and have no problems. Just make sure he is getting red meat for most of the week and the diet will be fine. Ive never fed whole fish to mine (except sardines) but I feed them salmon heads which are full of pointy bones. They seem fine with them (although I listen rather than watch, I can't watch them eating the eyes etc).

Gus actually gets probably 50:50 chicken:red meat (as well as his offal, rmb's, etc) during the rest of the week. I don't feed him any beef so rely on chicken, roo and lamb. The majority of his RMBs are chicken too. Should I try and increase the amount of red meat overall do you think?

I feed raw fish from time to time and in fact keep a bag of whole small bait fish for emergiencies in the freezer. Last time I bought a whole fish for the humans, I asked the very obliging young assistant to save me the left overs after filleting for the dog. Fed these leftovers with a meat to complement.

I would cut off any sharp bony external bits that some particular fish sport.

Thanks RoT. :D

[DeltaCharlie]

Should be fine. Fish only becomes a problem if it is all you feed, I feed fish to mine once a week and have no problems. Just make sure he is getting red meat for most of the week and the diet will be fine. Ive never fed whole fish to mine (except sardines) but I feed them salmon heads which are full of pointy bones. They seem fine with them (although I listen rather than watch, I can't watch them eating the eyes etc).

Gus actually gets probably 50:50 chicken:red meat (as well as his offal, rmb's, etc) during the rest of the week. I don't feed him any beef so rely on chicken, roo and lamb. The majority of his RMBs are chicken too. Should I try and increase the amount of red meat overall do you think?

Mine get a lot of chicken too. Red meat is a better source of protein which means more energy so if mine seem less energetic than usual I make sure I feed a little more red meat the next week. If they have a big flyball/ agility day coming up then I feed alot of lamb flaps etc the week or 2 before. I try to avoid any sort of lean meat if I want them to have lots of energy. Roo and chicken are both quite lean.

[skwo2]

I feed Chelsea fish everyday, but cooked fish. I usually give her lamb in the morning, and a small piece of fish at night.

Any problem to feed cooked fish?

[Guest Tess32]

I don't think just fish and lamb is that balanced, to be honest.

I think it is safer to feed a variety of meat/bone so you know all required nutrients are covered. I feed every week - Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Duck, Beef, Goat (new addition!), Ox Tongue, Heart and Fish. Offal as well, plus one egg, one lot of yoghurt, vegetables, and omega oils.