If you're a pet owner, you may not have known that the fish-based food market for your friends was $1.4 billion in 2003, according to a report by Future Market Insights—with the market expected to grow 5% each year, reaching a value of about $16.7 billion by 2033.
The growing demand for new foods, snacks and eating experiences for pets, along with long-term health benefits from food products, are the main reasons for the growth of the food market.
Just as humans are looking for a healthier, higher-quality diet, one based on nutrient-added ingredients, so many are looking for a diet for their dogs that emphasizes healthier, natural and organic ingredients with ingredients similar to those they would like to eat themselves, which can be found in the form of fish-based food, indicating its growing popularity.
A puppy eats, Photo: Getty Images
But what are the benefits of fish-based food for dogs? According to Dr. David Rosenblatt, a veterinarian for Bioft, which distributes Urban Choice products (offering dry fish-based dog food containing fresh salmon and salmon oil), such food is known for its protein and high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, but that's not all. He says that it is true that cats are known to love big fish, but there are quite a few dogs who like to eat them too. In terms of protein, it is well known that fish are an excellent source of protein (which supports muscles, as all exercisers you know will attest), which consists of essential amino acids that play an integral role in the dog's body functions, which help the development of body tissue and carry, among other things, nutrients throughout the body. "The biological value of the protein that comes from fish is very high, very adapted to the biological needs of dogs and even easy to digest from other proteins," added Dr. Rosenblatt.
And what about fat? According to Dr. Rosenblatt, "Fish is a source, sometimes exclusive, of essential fatty acids from the omega-3 family, a monounsaturated fat that helps regulate blood circulation and in cases of inflammation. This is an important addition to a dog's diet, as it does not develop naturally in your dog's body. "It is very important to combine food that balances essential fatty acids from the omega-6 family with essential fatty acids from the omega-3 family," he added. "Both acids play key roles in your dog's development, they are essential for the skin and coat, helping to keep them clean, free of redness, with a shiny coat and more, and also help reduce inflammation."
Dogs with fish-based food, photo: Or Shmueli
He added that fish are fortified with EPA and DHA acids that help with brain and visual development, while in adult dogs they also support joint health, relieve arthritis symptoms and may boost cognitive function. He also said that although some dogs react to certain proteins with an allergic reaction, proteins derived from the sea and fish are statistically less prone to allergy.
But this is not where the benefits of fish-based food end: it helps the digestive system, and therefore can be very suitable for small breed dogs such as Pomeranian, Shih Tzu and others, whose metabolism is faster. However, it is important to remember that fish-based food is not suitable for all dogs, so if you are considering giving this type of food to your dog, check if they are allergic to it or if there are certain other restrictions.
Dr. David Rosenblatt // Photo: Courtesy of Bioft
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us