Can dogs have fish? From raw to cooked, a guide to what your pet can eat.

High in omega-3 fatty acids and choc full of other nutrients like Vitamin D , fish can be a great source of protein. But, while it may be beneficial for humans, what about pets?

We've all seen images or videos of cats trying to sneak a snack from the family's fish tank. But dogs aren't as willing to go out of their way and eat these under-water creatures.

Still, when you're enjoying a salmon dinner or a tuna sandwich, your pup may beg for a taste. Before you give your dog a bite, here's what to keep in mind:

Can dogs eat fish?

Yes, dogs can eat fish. The nutrients in fish can provide some health benefits to dogs, according to the American Kennel Club . For example, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may decrease inflammation.

There are, however, precautions pet owners should be aware of. Fish bones can be a choking hazard and get stuck in your dog's throat, stomach or intestines, the American Kennel Club reports.

Dogs also should not eat fish cooked in seasonings or oil. If dogs consume too much oil, it can cause build-up in the gastrointestinal tract, according to the American Kennel Club. Certain seasonings, like garlic , can also be toxic to dogs.

What fish can dogs eat?

According to PetMD , the following fish are safe for dogs to eat:

• Whitefish
• Flounder
• Salmon
• Herring
• Catfish
• Cod
• Whiting
• Light tuna fish (canned)

These fish are less likely to have high mercury levels. The longer a fish lives, the more mercury builds up in its system which can lead to heavy metal toxicity, the American Kennel Club reports.

If a dog experiences mercury poisoning, it can lead to blindness, tremors and incoordination, among other symptoms, PetMD reports.

Can dogs eat raw fish?

You might enjoy raw fish in your sashimi or sushi rolls, but it's best to not feed it to your dog. The American Veterinarian Association discourages pet owners from feeding their dogs " any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein ."

Some raw fish may also contain bacteria − such as salmonella − or parasites, according to Purina . If your dog has consumed fish containing a parasite, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, fever and seizures, PetMD reports.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can dogs have fish? From raw to cooked, a guide to what your pet can eat.