Anchovies are small saltwater fish usually packed in salt or oil to preserve freshness. Because anchovies offer an umami flavor, households use them to add complexity to basic dishes. Adding anchovies is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to boost saltiness and flavor to any dish.
And because anchovies have a strong flavor, it’s common for your dogs to get attracted to them easily. Open a tin or pouch of anchovies at home, and your dogs will likely come running to you.
Fortunately, anchovies are one of those human foods you can share with your dogs. Anchovies actually provide tons of health benefits to canines, such as:
Helps With Inflammation
Common health issues in dogs, namely allergies, itching, and joint pain, are caused by inflammation. When their bodies detect intruders (aka germs and bacteria), their immune system sends out cells to trap the bacteria or heal the injured tissue. This results in pain, swelling, and bruising, which can eventually lead to many health conditions.
Anchovies are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Add anchovies to your dogs’ diet, so their bodies can easily fight off stressors that trigger chronic inflammation.
Improves Your Dogs’ Memory
Dogs’ memory can also decline over time. When this happens, they might begin to soil in different areas around the house, triggering anxiety. Dogs with dementia will also stop performing tricks or responding to commands.
Anchovies contain high amounts of DHA that help support brain function and memory in dogs. This can be very beneficial for puppies as their brains are constantly developing and require additional support to ensure proper growth and development.
High In Nutrients
Aside from omega-3 fatty acids, anchovies are rich in different nutrients that are essential for your dogs’ health. These bountiful fish also contain calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B12, and E. These nutrients work together to support your dogs’ immune system, heart, and brain.
Supports Healthy Skin And Coat
Feeding your dogs with anchovies can help maintain or improve their skin and coat health. The omega-3 fatty acids present in anchovies can provide additional moisture to dry and itchy skin. As a result, your dog’s coat will be thicker and shinier.
Improves Heart Health
The vitamin B12 found in anchovies can help promote overall cardiovascular functions in dogs. This vitamin can keep your dogs’ hearts healthy even during their senior years and reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, and valvular degeneration.
Supports Stronger Joints And Bones
The fish oil from anchovies is packed with vitamin D that can strengthen bones and improve joint health in dogs. A diet rich in fish oil can also alleviate pain and swelling caused by arthritis.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Anchovies?
Yes, you can feed your dogs dried anchovies as long as they’re not salted or spiced. Also called dehydrated anchovies or freeze-dried anchovies, dried anchovies offer several health benefits to your dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Anchovies In Oil Or Canned Anchovies?
No, you should never feed your dogs anchovies in oil or canned anchovies. These varieties are harmful to your furry friends due to their high sodium content. Excessive salt intake in dogs can cause several symptoms, such as incoordination, diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures.
How About Fresh Anchovies?
Yes, you can feed your dogs fresh anchovies! In fact, freshly caught anchovies are the best forms of anchovies to give to your dogs. You can also visit the fish department of your local supermarket or fishery and look for thawed or frozen anchovies for your furry friends.
Can Dogs Eat Boiled Anchovies?
Yes, your dogs can eat boiled anchovies. Just make sure that you boil them without seasonings or spices, as these can be toxic for your dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Anchovy Paste?
No, you should never give your dogs anchovy paste. This variety uses a mixture of ground anchovies, small amounts of sugar, spices, vinegar, and water. The ingredients of anchovy paste can be dangerous for your furry friends when eaten in large quantities, so it’s best to avoid them completely.
Can Dogs Eat Anchovies With Bones?
Yes, you can feed anchovies with bones to your dogs. The whole of anchovies — including the bones, head, and tail — are actually safe and healthy for your dogs. The bones in the anchovies are small and can be easily digested by your dogs.
How Many Anchovies Can Your Dogs Eat?
The answer to this question depends on the size of your dogs. Bigger dogs can eat up to five pieces of anchovies in a day, while smaller pups can have no more than three.
Even though anchovies are healthy, they should only be given as occasional snacks or treats to your furry friends and never as a replacement for their regular meals.
Can Dogs Have Anchovies Every Day?
It’s best to limit your dogs’ intake of anchovies to just two every week. If you plan on making anchovies a regular part of your dogs’ diet, ask for pieces of advice from a vet.
Talk to Your Vet
Anchovies are safe and healthy for your dogs. But before you give them any, it’s best if you talk with your vet first. Dogs have sensitive digestive tracts, and abruptly changing their diets might cause more harm than good.
By consulting a vet, you’ll know what you should do (or shouldn’t do) when incorporating anchovies into your dogs’ diets. In this way, you can ensure that your dogs get all the health benefits from anchovies minus without compromising their health and safety.