Choosing a quality food for your dog is often about balancing his nutritional needs with his taste preferences. One important consideration is protein. Often, pet parents choose alternative sources of protein such as fish, because of dietary requirements or allergies and a great source of fish protein is catfish. Catfish is a healthy, lean whitefish rich in omega-3 fatty acids for optimum heart health.
This tasty fish is found in many quality dog foods because it is naturally low in calories and fat, high in protein and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. As always, ensure the food offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats,along with a blend of nutritious fruits or vegetables for your dog’s overall nutritional needs.
Best Dog Food with Catfish
Here are our dog food with catfish reviews.
1. Zignature Catfish Formula
Zignature Catfish Formula is a limited-ingredient dry dog food with catfish as the first ingredient. This formula offers a complete and balanced diet for puppies and adult dogs.
- Potato and grain-free formula
- Also contains legumes, vegetables, fruits and oils
- Tasty formula that dogs love
2. ACANA American Waters Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food
ACANA American Waters Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food is a high-quality food containing catfish and other whole and raw wild-caught fish such as herring, mackerel and perch.
- Balanced formula also contains fiber-rich, gluten-free grains
- Whole fish blend includes fish, organs and bone
- Contains 70% fish ingredients (19% catfish)
3. ACANA Regionals Appalachian Ranch
ACANA Regionals Appalachian Ranch is a great choice for dog owners who do not want to choose between red meat and fish. This blend combines ranch-raised red meats with freshwater catfish for a tasty and nutritious meal.
- Contains ranch-raised beef, pork, lamb and bison
- Free from potato, gluten and tapioca
- Wholeprey animal ratios of meat, organs, cartilage and bone
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Bayou Blend
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Bayou Blend is a high-protein, grain-free natural wet dog food containing an exotic blend of real alligator, catfish and shrimp. Potatoes and peas provide healthy complex carbohydrates for a complete balanced meal.
- Vitamins and minerals added
- No chicken or poultry by-products
- Can be mixed into dry food
5. Essence Ocean & Freshwater Dog Food
Essence Ocean and Freshwater Dog Food contains 85 per cent fish protein ingredients, including catfish meal. This blend provides the health benefits of oily fish with the lean protein from whitefish.
- Includes salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel
- Pumpkin adds dietary fiber and other nutrients
- Balanced for all life stages
Dog Food with Catfish Buyer’s Guide
Choosing a dog food with catfish is a great choice because catfish is a high-quality source of protein that is rich in amino acids and other nutrients. Catfish is a whitefish, which is naturally low in calories and fat. This makes it a perfect ingredient in your dog’s food for keeping your pup slim and trim. Catfish is a nice, lean alternative to red meats and offers many nutritional benefits such as omega-3 fatty acids. A common concern in feeding seafood to dogs is the high level of heavy metals, such as mercury. Since catfish is a short-lived fish, it does not accumulate heavy metals in the same way tuna does, for example. Always ensure the brand of dog food you choose has a balance of fish and other ingredients, for a well-rounded diet.
Our buying guide reviews the best dog foods on the market with catfish so you can choose the right one for your dog. The health benefits of catfish in your dog’s food are included below and will help you to choose the right dog food with catfish for your dog.
Source of Protein and Amino Acids
Not only does catfish taste great, it is a great source of protein. An 85-gram portion of catfish contains 16 grams of protein. Since it is low in calories and fat, it is a healthy alternative to red meat and cheese, thus reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease in your pup. The protein in catfish also provides essential amino acids, which keeps energy up, the immune system strong and your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Omega-3 and Vitamins
Along with protein, catfish has healthy amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have a wide variety of health benefits. Consuming these fatty acids in catfish can protect your dog’s cardiovascular health, along with supporting his immune, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Catfish is also rich in other vitamins including very high levels of vitamin B12, essential in supporting brain development, as well as maintaining energy levels.
Minerals
The minerals in catfish include magnesium and potassium, along with trace amounts of zinc and iron. These minerals are great for the overall health of your pup. Specifically, potassium supports the muscle and nervous system, while magnesium is important for virtually all of your dog’s bodily functions.
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