Scabbardfish

What is scabbardfish?

The scabbardfish is a marine fish that lives in tropical and subtropical waters. It can grow up to three meters long and weigh 200 kilograms. Its most striking feature is its long beak, which makes up around a third of its body length. It can spear or stun other fish with this beak. The scabbardfish is a fast swimmer that can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. It feeds mainly on smaller fish such as mackerel and sardines.

The scabbardfish is a popular edible fish for humans as it is very lean and rich in protein. It has firm, white meat that is ideal for grilling or frying. It also contains many important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, selenium and iodine. These nutrients can boost the immune system, promote heart health and support thyroid function.

Benefits of swordfish for dogs

Swordfish can also be a healthy food supplement for dogs. It provides high-quality protein, which is important for muscle building and cell regeneration. Protein is also an important component of skin, hair, nails and cartilage. Some dogs cannot tolerate other types of meat such as beef or chicken. Fish can be a good alternative for these dogs.

Scabbardfish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and can improve the health of the skin and coat. Omega-3 fatty acids can also improve brain function and learning ability in dogs. In addition, scabbardfish can provide vitamin B12, which is important for red blood cell formation and nerve function. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia or neurological problems.

Disadvantages of swordfish for dogs

However, swordfish also has some disadvantages for dogs that should be considered. Firstly, swordfish can contain heavy metals such as mercury, which can accumulate in the dog's body over the course of its life. Mercury can be toxic to dogs and cause kidney or liver damage. Therefore, you should not feed your dog swordfish too often or too much. As a rule of thumb: no more than once a week and no more than 10 percent of the total food ration.

Secondly, swordfish can contain bones that can harm your dog. Bones can get caught or injured in your dog's mouth, throat or gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to bleeding, infections or intestinal obstruction. You should therefore only feed your dog well deboned scabbardfish or puree or chop it up beforehand.