Chicken and beef are probably the two most common proteins used in commercial dog foods, but they aren’t the only options on the market.
Several proteins besides whitefish are utilized in dog food, however, this particular protein is gaining popularity among owners and their furry companions.
Before diving into our top six picks of whitefish dog food, let’s take some time to discuss what whitefish consists of and the benefits it can provide for your furry friend.
- Wellness Core Grain-Free Ocean Formula [Most Fish Protein] This grain-free fish-packed recipe includes whitefish, herring meal, salmon meal, and menhaden fish meal at the top of the ingredient list for an unbeatable protein composition.
- Blue Buffalo BLUE Life Protection [Best for Large Breeds]. This large breed dog food features deboned whitefish as the first listed ingredient along with menhaden fish meal. Plus, this recipe includes chondroitin and glucosamine to help prevent joint problems common in larger dogs.
- Halo Holistic Dog Food [Best Eco-Friendly Recipe]. Halo offers a heart whitefish-based grain-inclusive recipe that’s GMO-free, made in the USA, and contains no meat meals, hormones, antibiotics, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
What Is “Whitefish,” Exactly?
The fisheries industry applies the term “whitefish” in varying contexts. It does not pertain to a specific type of fish but includes a variety of bottom-dwelling fishes that have white flesh. This term is frequently employed to differentiate these fishes from oily species like salmon.
Atlantic cod, whiting, and haddock are among the commonly recognized whitefish species. Nevertheless, additional species such as halibut, hake, and pollock can also be categorized under this term.
Whitefish is frequently smoked or transformed into fish sticks in human cooking. It is additionally the main fish utilized in the creation of imitation crab meat and “fish and chips.”
Best Whitefish Dog Foods
More dog food producers are adding whitefish to their formulas, but not all of them are of the same quality. Here, you can discover six of the finest choices available.
Regrettably, a significant number of high-quality dog foods that contain fish do not include grains.
The discovery by the FDA linking grain-free diets to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cause for concern.
It is our suggestion that owners go through our article regarding the FDA’s discoveries (including our article regarding the related concern of taurine levels in dog foods), talk about their food choices with their vet, and opt for grain-inclusive foods whenever feasible.
1. Zignature Whitefish Dog Food
Zignature Whitefish Formula Dog Food
Limited-ingredient fish-based recipe
The food contains whitefish as the main ingredient and whitefish meal to enhance the protein level, with a formula that is free from grains and has limited ingredients.
Zignature’s Whitefish Formula is a dog food recipe that contains a limited number of ingredients and aims to go beyond your nutritional standards while satisfying your furry friend’s taste buds.
Although not widely recognized, Zignature’s dog foods have received excellent ratings from owners and meet the standards of a top-notch product.
Zignature Whitefish Formula is a food made in the US that doesn’t contain grains and is made with a limited number of ingredients.
2. Wellness Core Grain-Free Ocean
Wellness Core Grain-Free Ocean Formula
Protein-rich, fish-based recipe
This highly protein-rich blend contains whitefish, herring meal, salmon meal, and menhaden fish meal as its top five ingredients.
Wellness Core is widely recognized as a reputable brand in the dog-food industry as a result of consistently creating top-notch recipes such as the Ocean Formula.
This grain-free recipe, crafted using fish-based proteins, is an ideal alternative for numerous pet owners seeking fish-based nourishment for their canines.
Similar to the majority of Wellness Core Recipes, the Ocean Formula is produced within the United States and contains a wealth of wholesome and appetizing components.
3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Fish & Oatmeal
Blue Buffalo BLUE Life Protection
Budget-friendly fish-based kibble for large breed dogs
Omega 3 fatty acids are provided by deboned whitefish and menhaden fish meal as the primary ingredients in this dog food that is inclusive of grains and suitable for large breed dogs.
About : Blue Buffalo is another celebrated manufacturer that has a well-earned reputation for producing really good dog foods. Most Blue Buffalo recipes bear all of the hallmarks of quality, and their Fish and Oatmeal Recipe is no exception.
The ingredient list for Blue Buffalo’s Fish and Oatmeal Recipe is commendable, with deboned whitefish being the primary ingredient. Additionally, menhaden fish meal is included further down, offering not only additional protein but also omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free
Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Recipe
Grain-free dog food that’s USA-made
The recipe is made from salmon and whitefish using ingredients that are not sourced from China and prepared in the United States.
The Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Recipe with Salmon and Whitefish is a dog food made in America using only natural ingredients. This formula is suitable for dogs of all ages.
Despite not being a widely recognized name, Whole Earth Farms offers recipes that are largely deemed top-notch in quality and have garnered rave reviews from customers.
One of the noteworthy aspects of Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Recipe with Salmon and Whitefish is that, just like all other products offered by the brand, it is crafted utilizing only the finest ingredients obtainable.
5. Fromm Four-Star Dog Food
Fromm Four-Star Dog Food
Packed with nutritious ingredients
The ingredient list of this dog food is highly impressive, as it boasts whitefish as its main source of protein, accompanied by carbohydrates such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and brown rice.
About: Fromm is a small-scale producer of high-quality pet food offering an assortment of super-premium dog foods. Despite being less popular than renowned brands, most pet owners who taste their products, especially the Whitefish & Potato Formula, develop a liking for them right away.
Characteristics: The Fromm Four-Star Whitefish & Potato Formula boasts a remarkable list of ingredients that are chock-full of nutrients from start to finish.
6. Halo Holistic Dog Food
Halo Holistic Natural Dry Dog Food
Holistic GMO-free formula
The initial components of this environmentally conscious product are salmon and whitefish, complemented by robust grains such as oatmeal and pearled barley. Furthermore, it is crafted in the United States and does not feature meat meal.
Halo, a pet food producer, upholds their mission of revolutionizing “the feeding of companion animals and the raising of farm animals.”
One way they achieve this is by creating a range of comprehensive formulas using non-genetically modified organisms. Although they are not the leading producer of dog food, their majority of products have earned impressive feedback and their environmentally aware principles have gained favor with conscientious pet owners.
Halo’s Holistic Wild Salmon & Whitefish Recipe boasts desirable features and a well-crafted list of ingredients for dog food.
BONUS: Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Recipe
With news of recalls and information about commercial dog foods constantly shifting, more and more dog owners are opting to prepare their own dog food at home. Dogs love home-cooked food, but making homemade dog food is not the same as cooking a meal for yourself or your human family members. There are some important rules to follow in order to keep your dog healthy .
Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?
The popularity of homemade diets is on the rise due to the ability to control the ingredients, thereby eradicating any concerns about dog food recalls. Furthermore, there is a growing preference among dog owners for nutritious diets, which is reflective in their own dietary choices. Homemade diets are viewed by many as a healthier alternative to processed dog food since they comprise of whole food ingredients.
Before transitioning your dog to a homemade diet, there are certain factors that need to be taken into account, as home-cooked dog food may not be suitable for every pet owner.
- Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
- It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
- Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
- If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.
How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs
Following a complete and balanced recipe is crucial when creating a home-cooked diet for your dog. Once an appropriate recipe has been selected with the guidance of a veterinarian, it’s time to begin cooking.
- Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
- Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
- Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
- Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
- Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
- Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
- Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.
Preparing food in advance and storing it in pre-measured containers is a common practice among pet owners to save costs and time. However, it is recommended to start with smaller portions initially to assess your dog’s response to the new diet.
Sample Dog Food Recipes
Northwest Holistic Pet Care: Cooked Meal for a 20 lb. Dog
It is essential to seek advice from your holistic veterinarian before altering your dog’s diet to ensure it does not conflict with their current health status. Before initiating any change, you should weigh your pet to establish a baseline. This will aid in regulating their food portions if they gain or lose excessive weight. The quantity of food necessary for a dog will depend on their age, activity level, and overall health condition.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ground organic turkey thigh (boneless)
- 2 tbsp ground organic turkey organ meat (liver, gizzards, hearts)
- ¼ c finely grated organic veggies
- 1 tsp ground raw sunflower seeds
- ½ tsp organic coconut oil
- ½ tsp salmon oil
- 500 mg Calcium Citrate (*must include this!)
Modify the measurements of ingredients according to your dog’s weight and level of physical activity. The measurements provided above are intended for a 20-pound dog with infrequent exercise. If your dog engages in strenuous exercise, their calorie needs may increase fourfold. Regularly monitor your dog’s weight and modify food quantities as necessary to meet their calorie demands.
- 40 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 2
- 60 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 3
- 80 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 4
Directions:
After blanching the vegetables, cook the ground turkey thigh and organ meat over medium-low heat. When most of the meat turns white with a few pinkish portions left, remove it from the burner. Use a food processor or clean coffee grinder to finely grate the blanched vegetables. Combine all ingredients and serve once the mixture has cooled to a safe temperature.
During the cooking process, the vitality of food diminishes due to the heat. Cooking it partially and gently will help maintain more of the food’s vitality while still providing a meal that’s less demanding for certain pets to digest compared to raw food. Grating and blanching vegetables make them easier to digest and intensify nutrient absorption.
