Can dogs have fish? From raw to cooked, here's a guide for what your pup can eat.

High in omega-3 fatty acids and choc full of other nutrients, including Vitamin D, fish is a great source of protein.

Eating fish may be beneficial for humans, but 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 to eat these sea 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 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 must consider before feeding fish to their dog. Fish bones can be a choking hazard and get stuck in your dog's throat, stomach or intestines, the American Kennel Club reports.

Additionally, dogs should not eat fish that was cooked in seasonings or oil since this can lead to health issues. If dogs consume too much oil, this can cause build-up in the gastrointestinal tract, according to the American Kennel Club. Certain seasonings, such as garlic, can be toxic to dogs.

What human foods can dogs eat?Here's what is and isn't safe for your pet.

What fish can dogs eat?

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

• Whitefish
• Flounder
• Salmon
• Herring
• Catfish
• Cod
• Whiting

These fish are less likely to have high mercury levels. The longer a fish lives, the more mercury builds up in its system. This 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, according to PetMD.

When feeding your dog fish, make sure it is plain without any additives.

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 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.

Is raw meat good for dogs?What to know before putting your pup on a raw food diet.

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "How often should you walk your dog?" to "How many dog breeds are there?" to "What should I give my dog for pain relief?" − we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.