What is white fish?
Whitefish is a term used to describe several species of oceanic fish. Examples include cod, haddock, whiting, hake, and saithe. The term white fish does not include oily fish such as salmon or herring.
White fish is very popular for human consumption and is present in traditional dishes like “Fish N Chips” and also in processed foods like Fish Sticks.
While we're usually discouraged from promoting vague dog food ingredients like this, Whitefish has a good reputation and often contains a mix of high-quality fish ingredients. However, this quality is not guaranteed and varies from brand to brand.
Some brands have more information about what fish are present in the Whitefish they use. This transparency is admirable and will help consumers better understand what their dogs are consuming.
White fish in dog food
White fish does not serve a definite purpose in dog food. Some other ingredients, such as rabbit or venison, are used for a specific purpose, such as to help fight allergies and severe sensitivities.
While some dogs with allergies may also react well to Whitefish, it is not its primary use.
Instead, it's featured regularly because it's a reliable and profitable fish ingredient.
Another essential factor worth discussing with white fish is its palatability or flavor. White fish has proven to be an ingredient that the vast majority of dogs like, probably thanks to its protein and fat content.
This palatability is surprising given that some dogs tend not to react well to fish ingredients. While these bad reactions or disinterest are usually not as severe as an allergy, they can discourage many dog owners from feeding their dogs fish-based foods.
However, many dogs react better to white fish compared to other common fish found in dog foods. While it is not clear why this is the case, it could put Whitefish in an advantageous position for these dogs.
white fish nutrition
Protein
As you can imagine, Whitefish is high in protein. Protein is essential for dogs and should be at the center of their diet. It is used to maintain, repair and develop a dog's muscles and tissues.
Additionally, protein from fish ingredients, such as white fish, is considered superior to protein from plant-based ingredients, such as legumes or grains.
This superiority is due to the full range of amino acids that whitefish and other fish ingredients contain, as well as the fact that this fish-based protein is more easily absorbed by a dog's digestive system.
This improved digestibility will result in a dog requiring less protein in his diet than if he eats primarily plant-based protein.
Omega Fatty Acids
Unfortunately, white fish does not contain as many omega fatty acids as other ingredients such as oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring.
However, the level of omega fatty acids found in white fish is still higher than that of most meat ingredients like chicken or beef. This level of omega fatty acids means that dogs eating white fish-based formulas can still benefit somewhat from this higher level.
These omega fatty acids have a variety of proven benefits. These benefits include improved cognitive function, a reduced risk of heart disease, and a noticeable improvement in a dog's skin and coat health.
Vitamins and minerals
Exactly which vitamins and minerals are present in Whitefish depends on which Whitefish is present. While this can make it difficult to spread, here are some micronutrients found in the most common white fish.
Cod, for example, contains high levels of vitamin B3 and B12, as well as phosphorus. These vitamins and minerals can lower cholesterol, improve brain function, and keep bones healthy.
Haddock provides similar micronutrients to cod, but also includes very high levels of selenium. This selenium can act as an antioxidant and help prevent or reduce the risk of heart disease.
Finally, Pollock shares the same characteristic of high levels of vitamin B3 and B12, but also includes a remarkable level of potassium. Potassium is essential for dogs as it helps with muscle contractions and nerve signals.
The best food for dogs with white fish
Ocean Wellness Core Formula Review
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WelfareIt is a renowned brand that has been on the shelves for decades. They are owned by WellPet LLC, which also owns other pet food brands such asEagle PackagemiHolistic selection.
While some premium brands have moved away from big box stores or retail sites, Wellness has stuck and is available at Chewy, Amazon, PetSmart, and more.
Their Core line is one of their most popular, featuring a variety of formulas for adult dogs and puppies.
Regardless of whether it contains Whitefish, Ocean Formula is one of our favorites. It has a variety of fish ingredients, but the standout is white fish. Other fish ingredients present include salmon meal, herring meal, and Menhaden fish meal.
The combination of Whitefish and these oily fish ingredients provides an ample serving of protein and fat. In particular, omega 3 fatty acids are found in abundance in Ocean's formula, which we know can provide a number of health benefits.
Many of you may not be familiar with Menhaden fishmeal. It is a small blue fish from the Atlantic Ocean, inexpensive but high in protein, and is used by manufacturers as an alternative to cheap, low-quality plant by-products such as pea protein.
Menhaden Fish Meal is regularly used by many dog food brands, including some that would be considered premium.
Learn more about this ingredient in our article,Menhaden fishmeal in dog food.
Zignature White Fish Formula
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stampedis a market leader in the limited ingredient space and produces many formulas that can be classified as new meat formulas.
The best-known of these limited-ingredient recipes is hiskangaroo formula, which was the first kangaroo-based dog food recipe to become popular.
While Zignature has other rare or unusual formulas based on meat or fish ingredients, such as goat or guinea fowl, it also produces recipes that use some more common or widespread ingredients.
Examples of the most common ingredients found in proprietary formulas include pork, lamb, turkey, salmon, and white fish.
The Whitefish formula uses the same mold as its sister recipes. A blend of white fish and white fish meal are the only fish ingredients present and provide most of the protein and fat in the formula.
Whitefish Meal is identical to Whitefish, but has had its moisture removed prior to the production process, making it a denser ingredient.
The level of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Zignature's white fish formula is very admirable, considering that the formula contains only white fish and no oily fish such as salmon or herring.
These White Fish ingredients are combined with a blend of legumes that includes Chickpeas and Peas. Pulses are an industry staple thanks to their low price and high nutritional value.
Unfortunately, the formula also uses pea flour, which is a plant by-product. Pea flour is considered inferior to whole peas or other whole plant ingredients.
We advise you to read more about pea flour in our articlePeas, Pea Protein, Pea Meal, and Pea Fiber in Dog Foodif you are worried
Dog Sports Food Whitefish Formula Review
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Sports food for dogsis a brand of dog food that many of you do not know. The brand aims to fill the sporting and working dog food niche. Examples of such dogs include K9 dogs, sled dogs, and tracking dogs.
As a result, many of Sport Dog Food's formulas provide highly satisfying nutrition, which is essential to ensure that working dogs can perform to the best of their abilities.
However, non-working dogs may continue to buy their products, and many will not appreciate them, but they will also stand out for their nutrition and quality.
Finally, it's worth noting that Sport Dog Food recently upgraded their website to display extremely detailed information about their ingredients.
This information includes where the ingredients come from and why they were included. You can check this informationhere.
Some of the Sport Dog Food recipes use Whitefish. An example of one of these is Sporting Dog – Whitefish Formula above.
It contains a minimal number of ingredients, including a central fish ingredient unique to Whitefish Meal. This lack of other fish ingredients can make this formula ideal for dogs with allergies.
Again, the protein and fat portion in this formula is very satisfying and suitable for the vast majority of dogs, including very active ones.
The level of omega fatty acids is also high in this formula and much higher than in other sporting dog food recipes.
Finally, the formula contains a large serving of starchy ingredients like sweet potato and tapioca. These starchy ingredients can provide carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
Tapioca is a lesser known ingredient in the western world, but it is popular in South America. Discover tapioca in our articleTapioca in dog food.
I And Love And You Limited Ingredient Whitefish and Sweet Potato Recipe Review
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me and love and youThey have one of the more unusual brands, but that doesn't stop them, and they are increasing their range of pet food thanks to its popularity.
While the brand is best known for its cat products, it produces traditional dry dog food, limited ingredient dog food, canned dog food, and treats.
The brand produces all its products in the United States, which is a relief for many. Plus, most of their ingredients also come from the United States or Canada, with the rest coming from other trusted countries like Australia and New Zealand.
One of their best dog food formulas is Whitefish & Sweet Potato, which has Whitefish as its first listed ingredient. This large serving of white fish provides a very satisfying ratio of protein to fat.
Unfortunately, compared to other recipes discussed in this article, the omega 3 fatty acid serving is not very impressive.
Despite having Sweet Potato in its name, Sweet Potato is not the main carbohydrate ingredient, which is somewhat confusing. Instead, the recipe uses peas and chickpeas, and then a smaller serving of sweet potatoes.
Unfortunately, the formula includes a small portion of pea starch and pea protein, which are lower-quality pea by-products.
We mentioned this earlier, but we recommend checking out our articlePeas, Pea Protein, Pea Meal, and Pea Fiber in Dog Foodfor more information on these ingredients.
Oatmeal and Whitefish Recipe Review for Large Breeds Blackwood
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Blackwood describes itself as a super premium pet food brand. One of Blackwood's unique features is that they slow cook their dog food recipes, something most dog food brands don't.
They claim that this slow cooking process retains more nutrients in the ingredients than traditional cooking, although others dispute this or to what extent it is true.
Blackwood has a small variety of recipes, but they do have a grain-free recipe that focuses on white fish. The only other meat or fish ingredients present are a small amount of chicken fat and duck meal.
Chicken fat is a regular addition to dog food and is often used to add flavor and increase the level of animal fat in a recipe. Learn more about the use of chicken fat in our article,Chicken fat in dog food.
Most of the plant matter in the recipe comes in the form of whole grains like oats, brown rice, and pearl barley.
While we're generally discouraged from grain-rich formulas, these particular grains are some of the best. They can provide additional nutrition beyond the carbohydrate content in the form of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
However, there are smaller amounts of some less common vegetables like celery, carrots, and lettuce.
While the serving size of these ingredients means they will provide little nutrition, they may provide some vitamins and minerals that grain ingredients do not.
Diamond Naturals Whitefish and Sweet Potato Recipe Review
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diamanteis a well-known brand and a popular choice for those with little money to spend. One reason for this is that Diamond formulas are sold in bulk, such as 35lb or 40lb bags.
Buying in bulk is most cost-effective as long as your dog(s) consumes all of the food within a reasonable amount of time so the food doesn't spoil or go bad.
Diamond is also best known for being the maker of several other brands of dog food. Examples includeI like the nature,4 Health, misolid gold.
Diamond Naturals is the secondary brand of Diamond and contains a recipe that uses Whitefish. All formulas in this range use named meat or fish ingredients, which are then combined with vegetables, starches or grains.
The present fish ingredients are white fish and fishmeal. While we find the vagueness of white fish generally acceptable, the phrase fishmeal is a bit of a concern since it's unclear what type of fish it contains. Despite this, it is likely that this ingredient still provides beneficial nutrition to the recipe.
Many Diamond formulas use grains such as brown rice. However, this particular formula does not, instead using sweet potatoes and legumes like peas and lentils.
The formula is completed with some minor ingredients like tomato pulp and canola oil. Tomato pomace is added for its soluble fiber and canola oil to add additional fatty acids.
Learn more about these two ingredients in our articlesTomato pomace as an ingredient in pet food?micanola oil in dog food.
Reseña de Canned Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
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I like the natureis an extremely popular brand that many of you will be familiar with. It's present on the shelves of popular brick-and-mortar stores like PetSmart, as well as big online retailers like Chewy and Amazon.
The brand has come under fire in recent years, especially with revelations about legume use and canine heart disease. However, Taste of the Wild has adapted and recently launched a new line of products with recipes that include grains.
While most people tend to buy their dry dog food recipes, they do have a respectable range of canned dog food.
One such recipe is the canned equivalent of Pacific Stream, and its main ingredient is white fish. Whitefish's serving size is much larger than any other ingredient and makes up the majority of the recipe.
Some other ingredients in small quantities complete the recipe; this includes turkey, egg whites, salmon, and more. These further increase the protein and fat levels to make the formula incredibly nutritious.
Purina Beyond Ocean Canned Whitefish, Salmon & Sweet Potato Review
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Beyond is one of Purina's sub-brands. It focuses on being an economical and nutritious solution. We have discussed them before in some of our other articles, such asbest cheap dog foodmiThe best dog food at PetSmart.
Many expect these low-cost formulas to include poor nutrition or ingredients, but Purina Beyond bucks the trend.
The formula above uses ocean whitefish, chicken, liver, turkey, salmon, and sweet potato as key ingredients, all of which are respectable additions.
This combination of meat and fish ingredients, especially White Fish, results in satisfying nutrition, rich in protein and fat.
Ultimately, since Purina makes the recipe, you can be confident in its nutrition, safety, and suitability for dogs. Purina has a tremendous amount of technical resources and knowledge behind its foods.
FAQs
Is whitefish a good dog food? ›
Many dogs are allergic to chicken, beef, and other common proteins, so they require foods comprised of other meats. Whitefish is a great choice for such dogs, as it is not only healthy, but it rarely triggers allergies.
Is ocean whitefish good for dogs? ›Best Types of Fish for Dogs
There are many fish in the sea, but the most common types of fish used in commercial dog food are shorter-lived species like salmon, ocean whitefish, lake whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char.
The B-group vitamins improve the condition of skin, coat and nervous system. Moreover, white fish is also high in selenium. It acts in the body as an antioxidant and strengthens the immune system. White fish is a great choice for overweight pets.
Is whitefish easy for dogs to digest? ›Because white fish is naturally low in saturated fats, this diet is easy to digest, taking some pressure off the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. With the lowest fat content in our lineup, it's a good choice for pets affected by pancreatitis or other digestion disorders.
What is the healthiest dog food in America? ›- Wellness - Best Brand Overall.
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection - Best Dry Dog Food.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet - Best Prescription Dog Food.
- Castor and Pollux Organix - Best Grain-Free Dog Food.
- Purina Pro Plan - Best Budget Dog Food.
Cod. It's a British classic in meals such as fish & chips, but cod is also one of the healthiest white fish around. Cod is high in protein, low in fat and a good source of vitamin B12, which is needed for energy and nervous system support and may be important in helping prevent depression.
Can dogs eat white fish everyday? ›Absolutely. There are many varieties of fish that are good for dogs. “Tuna, salmon, whitefish, cod and whiting (also known as hank) are all good fish for dogs to eat,” says Dempsey. “Purina uses fish in our foods because it is a good source of many of the nutrients dogs need,” Dempsey explains.
Can dogs be allergic to whitefish? ›It's rare, but can happen. Some symptoms of seafood allergies in dogs include gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea or itchy skin. Take your pup to the vet immediately if you suspect your dog has a seafood allergy.
Is whitefish good for dogs with sensitive stomachs? ›Sensitive stomach dog food tends to be bland — but it doesn't have to be boring. Here are some of the easiest foods for a dog to digest: Whitefish.
What is the best fish diet for dogs? ›Safe Fish for Dogs
From our observations, small fatty fish types are usually the best to choose, such as trout, mackerel, smelt, sardines, anchovies, and herring. The fish mentioned above are all oily fish that are low in the food chain and therefore low in mercury and other environmental contaminants.
Is chicken or salmon better for dogs? ›
Just like lamb, salmon can be a great alternative if your dog can't or won't eat chicken. Fish allergies are not that common in dogs, so salmon might be worth a try!
What is the best fish to feed dogs? ›- Whitefish.
- Flounder.
- Salmon.
- Herring.
- Catfish.
- Cod.
- Whiting.
- Light tuna fish (canned)
Among the various types of meat, lamb and chicken provide the most digestible forms of protein for your dog, with beef coming in after that. When looking at a dog food's ingredients label, high-quality dog food will list these protein sources first—lamb, chicken, beef, and some of the by-products of these animals.
Can white fish cause diarrhea in dogs? ›First of all, only ever serve properly cooked whitefish to your dog. In general, raw fish may be fine for some dogs in certain circumstances, but it's smart to avoid the chance that raw fish could cause your dog to suffer from stomach issues, vomiting and diarrhea.
What is the number 1 vet recommended dog food? ›Of the 14 veterinarians we spoke to, ten said Royal Canin dog food is their top pick for their own pets and the dogs they treat at work.
What are the top 3 brands of dog food? ›- Blue Buffalo. ...
- Wellness. ...
- Taste of the Wild. ...
- Canidae. ...
- Instinct. ...
- Orijen. ...
- Nulo. With Nulo dog food, your pup will enjoy nutrition and love in every bite. ...
- Nature's Logic. Nature's Logic provides 100% natural nutrition for your dog using high quality ingredients.
- Acana. ...
- Annamaet Petfoods. ...
- Blackwood Slow Cooked Pet Nutrition. ...
- Canine Caviar. ...
- Eagle Pack. ...
- Holistic Select. ...
- Jinx. ...
- Nature's Logic.
Whitefish is generally a mild-flavored, often slightly sweet fish, which can be interchangeable in recipes. These include wild Alaska pollock, bass, cod, grouper, haddock, and halibut. These are great for pan-frying, pan-searing, using soups and chowders, and baking.
What is the most toxic fish to eat? ›The Japanese delicacy fugu, or blowfish, is so poisonous that the smallest mistake in its preparation could be fatal.
Is canned tuna OK for dogs? ›Tuna is not inherently toxic to dogs, and a tiny amount will not cause mercury poisoning. If you own both a dog and a cat, make sure your pup isn't eating the feline's food, as wet cat food often contains tuna.
Can dogs eat bananas? ›
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.
What meat are dogs most allergic to? ›The most common proteins dogs are allergic to are beef, chicken, lamb, and wheat. Other less common causes of dog food allergies include soy, eggs, corn, and nuts. Dogs cannot be tested for food allergies like people can.
What foods should dogs with skin allergies avoid? ›Beef, corn, dairy, and wheat are some of the most problematic ingredients. It may seem counterintuitive, but it can take a long time for symptoms of food allergies to become apparent.
What dog food is best for dogs with gastrointestinal problems? ›- Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula for Adult Dogs.
- Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Adult Dog Food.
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach.
- Wellness Core Digestive Health.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Kibble.
Eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your canine companion. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out. Remember that eggs are only as good as the chicken they come from.
What white fish is good for dogs with pancreatitis? ›However, it is recommended to feed fish which is low in fat. For example, Salmon may not be a good choice since it is an oily fish and has a higher fat content in comparison to others. We recommend feeding Whitefish such as Cod and Haddock.
Is chicken beef or fish better for dogs? ›The most balanced meat is chicken, which is high in protein and low in fat at the same time. To prepare a healthy meal for your pup, cook it plain, without salt and spices. Cooking fresh meat for your dog is always better than offering them processed options like sausages, ham, or bacon.
Do dogs prefer fish or meat? ›Cats prefer fish and commercial cat food to rats. Dogs prefer beef, pork and lamb to chicken, liver and horsemeat and strongly prefer meat to cereal diets.
Can dogs eat popcorn? ›Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won't hurt them.
Is Sweet Potato good for dogs? ›Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good for Dogs. Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively. Eating fiber on a regular basis lowers the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.
Why can't dogs eat salmon? ›
Do not ever give your dog raw or undercooked salmon. It can contain the Neorickettsia helminthoeca parasite, which causes salmon poisoning disease. This disease can be fatal. In addition, raw salmon contains lots of small bones, which are brittle and can choke your dog or lodge in their stomach or intestines.
Why is pumpkin good for dogs? ›Pumpkin is a natural source of fibre. Cooked and mashed pumpkin with no added salt can help settle down an upset stomach , improve digestion, reduce anal gland problems, prevent hairball build up and help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhoea.
Can dogs eat potatoes? ›White potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which includes tomatoes; like tomatoes, raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to some dogs. However, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine. If you do feed your dog a potato, it should be baked or boiled, with nothing added to it.
Is canned salmon good for dogs? ›Yes, your dog can eat tinned salmon but only in small amounts. Tinned salmon contains a lot of salt so you must limit the amount they eat. You might find some canned salmon that has no added salt, and this would make a much better choice for your pooch. Tinned salmon preserved in water is the best option for your pup.
What is the one meat that dogs should avoid? ›Common meats to avoid are any processed meats like sausage, bologna, hot dogs etc. Also avoid giving your dog any rib bones as they are extremely brittle and can damage your dog's stomach and throat.
What meat can dogs eat everyday? ›Chicken, turkey, lean ground beef, and chuck steak or roast are animal-based proteins, which help dogs grow strong. A few rules apply: Always cook meat well. Never serve it raw or undercooked.
What are the three toxic meats for dogs? ›Bacon, Ham and Fat Trimmings
These foods can also cause pancreatitis, a serious, potentially deadly inflammation of the pancreas.
New research from the University of Illinois (UI) indicates that commercially available dog food made with human-grade ingredients results in less fecal output than kibble-based dog food.
What is easier for dogs to digest white or brown rice? ›White rice is more commonly used to treat an upset stomach because it's easier to digest, includes starch, is low in fiber and helps harden the stool for dogs experiencing diarrhea. It has a higher glycemic index compared to brown rice, though.
Is Whitefish good for dogs? ›Nevertheless, whitefish is a very important ingredient of feed for cats and dogs. The white fish is particularly nutritious because of its essential fatty acids, which can help to repair a sore, scaly, damaged or itchy skin.
What is the best fish for sensitive dogs? ›
Canned Salmon or Tuna
Fish is very easy to digest even for dogs with sensitive stomachs and is also nutrient-dense. It is important, however, to choose fish that has been canned in water and not oil and that it is salt-free as seasonings are a prime cause of upset stomachs.
These proteins also help their stool to be formed without much effort which helps allow your dog's gut to rest. Scrambled eggs are a good option when dealing with moderate diarrhea in dogs because they contain easily-digestible proteins.
Is Great Lakes whitefish healthy? ›Lake whitefish is an excellent source of protein. Protein is needed to build and repair all parts of the body. It is also a source of healthy fats, called omega-3 fatty acids, and provides more than most other fish species in the North. These fats help to keep the heart healthy and are good for brain development.
Is whitefish or salmon better? ›Salmon is richer in Vitamin B12, Selenium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B2, Copper, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B1, and Iron, yet Whitefish is richer in Phosphorus. Salmon's daily need coverage for Vitamin B12 is 91% higher. Salmon has 3 times more Copper than Whitefish.
What is the healthiest fish for dogs? ›Safe Fish for Dogs
From our observations, small fatty fish types are usually the best to choose, such as trout, mackerel, smelt, sardines, anchovies, and herring. The fish mentioned above are all oily fish that are low in the food chain and therefore low in mercury and other environmental contaminants.
First of all, only ever serve properly cooked whitefish to your dog. In general, raw fish may be fine for some dogs in certain circumstances, but it's smart to avoid the chance that raw fish could cause your dog to suffer from stomach issues, vomiting and diarrhea.
Is whitefish high in mercury? ›Whitefish, like most other fish species, often contains some mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal contaminant that can build up in the organs and in the meat. Whitefish eat plankton, snails and insects.
Is lake whitefish high in mercury? ›According to FDA research, the mercury levels of whitefish averaged out at about 0.089 PPM (parts per million). This means that whitefish has low to moderate amounts of mercury, and it shouldn't be a concern in pregnancy if it's part of a varied, healthy diet.
What is whitefish alternative? ›For regular (or gentile) fishmongers, the term “white fish” usually refers to a broad swath of mild, white-fleshed fish like flounder, halibut, hake, or sole. If you can't get your hands on any Coregonus clupeaformis, you can substitute “white fish” for whitefish, and use hake, sole, flounder, whiting, or halibut.
What meat or fish is best for dogs? ›Dogs thrive on high meat diets full of quality proteins that are the building blocks of life. All types of meat protein are great but generally leaner meats with greater nutrients like kangaroo and salmon are slightly preferable and a small proportion of organ meat is a great nutritional boost.