Can dogs eat Triggerfish?

Overview

Can dogs eat triggerfish? Yes, dogs can eat triggerfish. But be careful since this fish is prone to ciguatera contamination, which can cause ciguatera poisoning in dogs. Limiting triggerfish consumption of dogs is one of the best ways to avoid this health risk.

Benefits

There are around 40 species of triggerfish. Apart from the clown triggerfish which is considered unsafe to eat, the rest are generally safe for consumption.
Triggerfish is rich in omega-3 fatty acid, which is good for a dog's heart.
Triggerfish are high in protein which helps in cell development and repair.

Risks

Triggerfish are susceptible to ciguatera, which is a food-borne illness. This condition can cause diarrhea, head shaking, vomiting, and paralysis in dogs. Cooking, freezing, or marinating the triggerfish does not destroy the toxins in the contaminated fish.
Triggerfish bones may cause choking, internal damage, and impaction in dogs.
Raw triggerfish may contain bacteria and parasites.

Servings

Source the triggerfish from a reliable supplier, always go for smaller fish, and do not eat triggerfish with a weight of over 5lbs to avoid ciguatera.
Clean the fish thoroughly by removing the guts and entrails. Cook the triggerfish without seasoning.
Remove the bones and give the fillet to your dog occasionally in small amounts.