Dogs will eat the strangest thing! Whether it’s something from the garbage or food meant for another pet, dogs will eat it if given a chance! And it’s not always that they’re given a chance. Some dogs make their own chance when it comes to obtaining the food they want!
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Has your dog eaten koi fish food? If so, you’re not alone. This is a very common problem. But what happens when a dog eats koi fish food? Will the koi fish food make him sick?
What is Koi Fish Food?
Koi fish food is a type of food meant to feed koi, which are special goldfish. These beautiful fish are popular to keep in outdoor or indoor ponds, where they’re appreciated for their fancy fins and beautiful colors. The food may come in pellet or flake form.
Koi food contains all the nutrients to keep koi healthy and colorful. In general, koi food contains:
- Fish meal (made from fish)
- Wheat flour
- Wheat germ meal
- Spirulina
- Dry brewers yeast
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Sodium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Preservatives
The ingredients are all pretty safe for a dog. However, it is possible the food could still make your dog sick. Whether your dog becomes sick or not may depend on the amount of food he’s eaten, too.
Symptoms of Eating Koi Food in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog eats koi food:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
These symptoms shouldn’t last long—no more than 12-24 hours. If they last longer or become worse, then it’s a good idea to call the vet.
Another problem, which is rare in dogs, is that some dogs could be allergic to the fish ingredients in the koi food. In that case, you may notice the symptoms above combined with the following:
- Itchy, red, irritated skin
- Eyes itching
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling around the face
If your dog is showing signs of an allergic reaction, then call the vet right away, especially if your dog is having breathing problems. This is a sign that your dog may be having an anaphylactic reaction, which can be deadly if not treated promptly.
In most cases, a dog that eats koi fish food should be OK. If your dog seems to have a penchant for eating fish food, it’s a good idea to store the food where the dog can’t get it. You and your dog will be much better off when you don’t have to worry about him eating fish food again!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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