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This blog post was originally published in March 2015. It has been updated with new information and republished. Enjoy!
Why is it that the things that offer the most benefit to our dogs have such a strong smell:
- Green beef tripe
- Turmeric (which I kind of like)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Green-lipped mussel (I like this one too)
Now add to the list (to the top of the list) Answer’s Fermented Fish Stock. A potent dog supplement with only 2 ingredients: fish stock and ground, fermented sardines.
It’s Fermented, So Of Course it Smells Bad
Every person I’ve mentioned this supplement too scrunches up their nose in disgust. I didn’t have that reaction initially. All I heard was how amazing this supplement is for dogs (it’s a great substitute for bone broth if you don’t have any on hand) and I picked up four pints at a local pet store and turned around and ordered 10 more pints through our local raw feeding co-op. I was warned about the smell, but I figured that if I could handle green tripe without retching, then fermented fish stock wouldn't be a problem.
I was wrong.
I made the mistake of opening the container, putting my nose to the opening and taking a whiff. Big mistake. Huge!
It smells awful. Worse than green tripe. Over the years, I've gotten used to the smell of both fermented fish stock and green tripe and neither bothers me, which is great because they're both a regular part of my dogs' diet.
Benefits of Fermented Food for Dogs
I began feeding fermented foods to my dogs a few years ago when I was speaking to other raw feeders about the benefits of adding vegetables to a dog's raw food diet. A friend of mine was questioning if vegetables offer enough nutrients to make a difference in a dog's life and while I think they do, I also believe that vegetables provide fiber and food for gut bacteria. Basically, vegetables are great for the gut.
You know what's even better for the gut?
Fermented Vegetables!!!
Benefits of Fermented Fish Stock for Dogs
In 2015, each of our dogs had a health assessment by Pet Beastro and we learned that fermented fish stock would be great for each of them, because this whole food supports…
- Joint health – fermented fish stock is high in glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin) and promotes an anti-inflammatory response in the body
- Thyroid health – fermented fish stock is a great source of iodine
- Digestive health – fermented fish stock adds beneficial bacteria to the gut while protecting the gut and easing symptoms of gut disorders
- Helps with liver detox – fermented fish stock helps the body remove unwanted toxins and may improve liver health
- Skin and coat health – fermented fish stock is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids which boosts skin and coat health
- Brain and cognitive health – those Omega 3 fatty acids also support brain health, making this a great supplement for growing puppies and senior dogs
- Immune system boost – because fermented fish stock boosts gut health, it also boosts immune system health (healthy gut, healthy dog)
- Great for dogs with kidney disease – fermented fish stock offsets the low protein diet and helps to reduce stress on kidneys
- Supports heart health – fermented fish stock is rich in CoQ10
Fermented fish stock is also a great food for dogs with diabetes and seizures.
How Much Fermented Fish Stock Do I Give Our Dogs?
When I was first introduced to fermented fish stock, I gave it to my dogs 3-4x a week. Today, in 2020, my dogs get fermented fish stock at least five days a week and I order it by the case. I do a free pour (approximately 5 tbsp) over each of my dogs' meals once daily, however, there are serving recommendations:
- Up to 20 pounds: 4 tablespoons or ÂĽ cup per day
- 20 – 50 pounds: 8 tablespoons or ½ cup per day
- 50 pounds and up: 12 tablespoons or Âľ cup per day*
* All of our dogs weigh more than 50 pounds, which makes this amount too much for my budget.
How Do We Store Fermented Fish Stock?
I order fermented fish stock by the case and store it on my dog's freezer. And I have two pints in the fridge at a time. I used to transfer the fish stock to a separate container because of the smell, but now our dogs have their own fridge (along with two freezers) in the garage.
How Much Does Fermented Fish Stock Cost?
Fermented fish stock is a little more than $6 per pint retail and you can save a small amount if you order it by the case. I shop through my local raw food co-op, but I have placed an order with a local pet store for a case of 12 pints and it didn't cost much more. What I love about fermented fish stock is that it replaces the salmon oil and digestive supplements I used to buy for my dogs because the fish stock covers joint health, skin and coat health, digestive health, and more.
Can Humans Drink Fermented Fish Stock?
Ummm, yes. But do you want to? I tried it once and I'm not a fan.
Can't Get Fermented Fish Stock? Try Making It
When I originally wrote this blog post, there were no recipes for fermented fish stock online. There were recipes for fish stock, but not how to ferment it. Things have changed and I've found several recipes for fermenting fish. Combine them with a fish stock recipe and we have a version of fermented fish stock that can be made at home.
If you have the stomach for the smell, you can make fermented fish stock in your own kitchen. Check out DIY Fermented Fish Stock Recipe for Dogs (blog post coming soon).
Read More About Raw Feeding
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- The Truth About Raw Feeding
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- Is the Billinghurst Institute Professional Raw Feeding Course Worth It?
I don’t know how to make fermented fish stock, I only know how to make fish stock. I buy fermented fish stock from Answers Pet Food because I don’t want that smell in my home. I’ve heard directly from the folks of Answers that the smell is horrendous.
Hey! This is fish stock, but not FERMENTED fish stock. I’m looking for that method.
No, it only comes in a liquid form and we purchase it frozen.
Does the fish stock come in tablet form?
Billy is a nut. I think it’s Roxanne that also drinks a pint of fermented fish stock a day. I tried it once and don’t plan to try it again although I know that I should because of the health benefits.
Hi – I own a pet supply in Portland OR (Green Dog Pet Supply) and we love the answers fish stock for kidney issues and for joint issues! It’s high in glycine which helps to support the tissues of the kidneys, and the proteins are so bioavailable due to the fermentation helping to essentially predigest it. To help with the smell, we recommend thawing the fish stock and then freezing it into ice cube trays. Then you can store the cubes in the freezer, and just put some in a glass jar in the fridge to thaw. The jar keeps the smell out of the fridge, and when you’ve used them, clean the jar and throw more cubes in to thaw in the fridge. This minimizes smell all around and is easier to serve. Or you can throw dogs the cubes outdoors to eat – dogs love ice cubes anyway, and these fishy gems can be enjoyed outside of the house to spare you if you hate the smell. The nutritionist at Answers can answer your questions about how much is too much. (He once told me that he drinks the fish stock for its benefits, and said that strangely it tastes better warm than cold, though I’m certain I’ll never decide to try that myself!) We have seen amazing results with it, and a few customers swear by it for long term maintenance of dogs with ACL tears that are trying to avoid surgeries. It’s really an amazing product for CKD too.
Hi. My two year old standard poodle loves this stuff. i home cook for her from a recipe prescribed for her by a vet nutritionist. I use bulk bought grass fed/finished ground beef meat, liver and heart, ground wild salmon trim, organic sweet potatoes/butternut squash and wheat germ … plus a vitamin/mineral supplement, often add a green lipped mussel or some marine phytoplankton. I’ll give her some raw – bone marrow bone, tripe but not fully raw. She often needs encouragement to eat, so I rotate through adding Raw Paws raw tripe or some freeze dried liver treats and Answers fermented fish stock. I defrost a quart and freeze into ice cubes, then throw the ice cubes into a freezer zip bag, add a few cubes to her meal before heating it in micro. It always gets her interested and gobbles up her food when its on it.
As we buy a whole fish, have it filleted and i grind the trim for her food, I would LOVE to know how to make the fermented fish stock myself. I already make fish stock from heads of fish and freeze into small portions BUT how can i safely ferment it? where does one get ground fermented sardines? or ferment them myself? i’ll consult Chef Google but would hate to make her sick by getting it wrong. Thanks for any advice and for the article. i’ll have to read about adding apple cider vinegar to her diet!
My dog will not eat the answers fish stock. I tried to add it to food etc and he turns his nose up at it. I am hoping he will eat the one that is homemade. I am going to make it hope for the best.
This is a question better suited for your veterinarian. I have found that fermented products don’t impact my dogs like the regular food; for instance, my dogs have a chicken intolerance, however, they can eat Answers Pet Food’s chicken recipes with no issues. However, I don’t know if this is the case for all dogs.
I have a 11 lb Peekinese Maltese mix. He has IVDD, KD, Pancreatic , IBS Flare ups, EPI, Fish makes his mouth and ears turn red. He has food allergies. He loves the milk. Is this going to be safe for him?
There is a very simple recipe on the “Healthy Home Economist” blog. She says to use a few fish heads from cod, rockfish, or or her favorite, Snapper. She states that the stinky broth happens if you use an oily fish like Salmon for your broth. Her recipe contains no onions, FYI. It’s intended for Humans but would be also good for pets because of the simple ingredients – Apple Cider Vinegar, sea salt, water, and fish heads. The information she gives is very informative. There are recipes for other bone broths as well on her site.
https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/video-making-fish-stock/
I just purchased my first container this morning! Excited!
Kimberly,
I never would have thought about fish bone broth before. Would you throw the whole skeleton in, guts? Some chicken bones just disintegrate. I wonder if the fish would too or if you would have to run it through a strainer to get the bones out. I make both broth for the girls all of the time. Depending on the amount of bones I have, I switch it up between the stove and crock pot. I was just thinking that my stove has a “scent” lock on it. It basically shuts off the venting. Maybe that would help with the smell. Has anyone tried using the Instant Pot for broth yet? I wondered if that would speed the process for small batches. You could vent it outside after it was done. Hmm, more options and things to think about.
Thanks for everything you do!
Misty
Hi Misty
I’ve been tempted to make fish stock and just cook it outside. I would just use fish, water, and maybe apple cider vinegar, like with bone broth – definitely no onions, but maybe a small amount of garlic because it has great benefits in the right dosage. But I’m at a loss on fermenting fish. I’m guessing that with what I have at home, I’d do the same as when I ferment vegetables.
Does anyone know how to make it on their own? I’d love to give it a try as we love to go fishing and are usually fairly successful. I’ve seen recipes before, but they are intended for people and have onions. Could I just omit the onions?
Have a great day everyone!
That is such an amazing testimonial, Brian. I just ordered 5 pints for my dogs and I have 5 in the freezer already 🙂
My dog tore his ACL in December. I don’t have the $9,500 to pay for surgery. I have had my dog on glucosamine, chondroitin, multiple medications from vet and anti-inflamatories. He was making no progress and it seemed as though we were about to make a decision I wasn’t wanting to make. I couldn’t watch him in pain any longer.
I was introduced to fermented fish stock Saturday, it is now Wednesday and my dog just ran across the backyard! I can not believe my eyes! If I could post the video I would show you all. I was very skeptical as nothing else had even allowed him to use his back leg. I am simply in awe that this not only helped but, it was a completely different dog in 3 days!
I am giving him 6 oz’s /day, 4 in morning and 2 at night.
You should consider speaking with the people at Answers Pet Food – they are a wealth of knowledge. I don’t know the science behind the fermented fish stock, but I have learned that it reduces the body’s need for protein while also reducing stress on the kidneys, which is why it’s recommended for dogs on a low protein diet.
It also keeps the blood pressure at a healthy level and assists the body in metabolizing protein waste.
The fish stock is great for joint health, gives a boost to the immune system, and provides nutrients that are easy for a dog’s system to absorb.
This is an interesting product. However, most dogs with kidney failure must have phosphorus reduced in the diet. Sardines have a high content of phosphorus.
Hi David…
I don’t follow any veterinarian’s recommendations except the ones that see my dogs. With regard to the fermented fish stock, I split a container between four dogs every other month. They share one container over three to five days because I only add 2-3 tablespoons to each of their meals. They have never had a problem.
I’m presently feeding my 13-year old, male 25-lb Spaniel 5 oz of Answers Detailed Chicken or Pork and 5 tablespoons of Answers Goat’s Milk and I start off each day when he wakes up with 5 tablespoons of either Beef, Chicken or Turkey Broth.
I feed my 3-year old, 6-lb female deer-legged chihuahua 2oz of Answers Detailed Chicken or Pork and 1 tablespoon of Answers Goat’s Milk and I start off each day when she wakes up with 1 tablespoons of either Beef, Chicken or Turkey Broth.
I am scared to introduce the answers fermented fish stock since Holistic YouTube Vet, Dr. Karen Becker and that guy from MIT (Steve Brown of See Spot Live Longer) stated that sardines should be given no more than twice per week… I do not want to overdose my dogs on sardines.
Answers does not provide feeding guidelines for the Raw Fermented Goat’s Milk nor Fermented Sardines.
I am thankful that you have provided some guidelines on the sardines but before I ceased giving them the sardine stock before, I was giving them both DRASTICALLY LESS (1/4 tsp for the chihuahua daily) and 1 tsp for the spaniel daily.
Now it looks like I was underfeeding them on the fish stock.
Are your feeding recommendations consistent with what Steve Brown would recommend?
Thank you
The lady we bought it from has used it two weeks after thaw…not sure after that time period. It does stink…just breath through your mouth…get a few spoons and close it up…there’s no need to have to smell it
I wouldn’t feel comfortable feeding it to my dogs, but to be sure, you can always contact Answers directly to ask them about the shelf life of their fermented fish stock. I didn’t see anything on their site; their number is 1-800-431-8480.
I’ve been so nervous of the smell lately, that I’ve had the fish stock thawed out in my mini-fridge that I keep separate just for this reason, but haven’t gotten around to taking it out. I cannot stand the smell at all. But it has been in there for several months. Does it go bad after some time? I imagine it does like all things left in the fridge.
I’ve gotten used to it now and what cracks me up is when I open a container, the dogs come running. My boyfriend isn’t a fan so I feed the dogs earlier on the days when I’ll be bringing out the fish stock.
Funny – the smell does not bother me at all! It reminds me of beaches in my childhood, where there often were a few old dried rotten fish scattered around – just the familiar smell of the sea, good memories.
It is a big hit with my dog – I give her 3 tablespoons a day, a TB added to her meal or just to plain water to get her to drink more – she dehydrates easily because she has IBD and loses water. I defrost a pint, freeze it in ice cube trays (2 TB fills one cavity) and store it in plastic bags in the freezer – I just take one or two out daily and let them defrost on the counter or in hot water that I add to her meal.
I love seafood so fish doesn’t bother me. I gave our dogs fish stock yesterday and they love it. I’m finishing up a case; which is a great reminder to schedule an order for another case.
I have two Rotties and have been raw feeding for more than 12 years – I have added the fermented fish stock in the last few months – my girls love it. My big girl also loves raw fish so no surprise with her. I’m used to raw green tripe and myself do like canned sardines so the fish smell doesn’t bother me.
The smell is pretty awful, but the dogs love it and I love what it does for them so I suck it up. J can’t stand it so I wash the dog dishes immediately after they’re done.
I have heard of this product. There is a somewhat local to me store that carries Answers products, I will have to look and see if they have this.
I honestly didn’t think it was possible for anything to smell worse than tripe. I guess I was wrong. : )