Why Raw Feeders Are Dehydrating Whole Smelt (And You Should Too)

Before we get to the ‘how,’ let’s talk about the ‘why.’ Smelt aren’t just a tasty snack; they are a nutritional powerhouse packed into a tiny, shiny package. Unlike many processed treats, whole smelt offer a complete nutritional profile that supports your dog’s overall health from nose to tail.

A Wave of Omega-3s

Smelt are brimming with Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These aren’t just buzzwords; they are essential fats that provide incredible benefits:

• Skin & Coat Health: Omega-3s help moisturize the skin from the inside out, reducing itchiness and creating a soft, glossy coat.
• Joint Support: Their powerful anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe achy joints, making them fantastic for active pups and senior dogs alike.
• Brain Function: DHA is a major structural component of the brain and retina, supporting cognitive function and eye health.

More Than Just Fish

Because you’re feeding the whole fish, your dog gets more than just the meat. They consume the bones, organs, and skin, which provides a natural, balanced source of essential nutrients:

• Lean Protein: Perfect for building and maintaining strong muscles.
• Calcium & Phosphorus: The tiny, soft bones are a fantastic source of these minerals, crucial for skeletal health.
• Vitamin D: An essential vitamin that helps regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption.

A Safer Seafood Choice: One of the best things about smelt is their small size and short lifespan. This means they don’t accumulate heavy metals like mercury to the same extent as larger, longer-living fish such as tuna, making them a much safer seafood option for regular treating.

So, you’re sold on smelt. But why dehydrate them instead of serving them fresh or frozen? Dehydration offers a unique set of advantages that make these fish an even better addition to your dog’s diet.

Natural Preservation Without Nasty Additives

The primary function of dehydration is to remove moisture, which is what bacteria, yeast, and mold need to grow. This process creates a perfectly preserved, shelf-stable treat without a single chemical or artificial preservative. You get a snack that can last for weeks (or even months if stored properly) with nothing but pure, fishy goodness.

Locks in Nutrients and Flavor

High-heat cooking can degrade sensitive vitamins and alter the structure of fats. Dehydrating uses low, gentle heat over a long period. This method preserves the integrity of the delicate Omega-3s and other vital nutrients, ensuring your dog gets the maximum health benefit. Plus, it concentrates that fishy flavor dogs find irresistible!

A Natural Toothbrush

Forget boring dental chews. The crunchy texture of dehydrated smelt is fantastic for your dog’s teeth. As your dog chews, the abrasive action helps scrape away plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthier gums and fresher breath. It’s a treat with a purpose!

The Convenience Factor

Let’s be honest: handling raw fish can be a bit messy and smelly. Dehydrated smelt are dry, non-greasy, and relatively low-odor (at least to us humans!). They are perfect for grabbing on the go, using as high-value training rewards, or simply giving a quick snack without needing to wash your hands immediately after.

Ready to make your own batch of fishy gold? The process is surprisingly simple. You don’t need to be a chef to create perfect dehydrated smelt your dog will love.

What You’ll Need:

• 1-2 lbs of whole, fresh or frozen-thawed smelt
• A food dehydrator
• Paper towels
• An airtight container for storage (e.g., a glass mason jar)

The Process:

1. Step 1: Prep the Fish. Rinse your smelt under cold running water. There’s no need to gut or descale them; all that goodness is part of the treat! After rinsing, lay them on paper towels and pat them as dry as possible. The drier they are to start, the faster they’ll dehydrate.
2. Step 2: Arrange on Trays. Place the smelt in a single layer on your dehydrator trays. Make sure they aren’t touching each other. This is crucial for ensuring even airflow and consistent drying.
3. Step 3: Set It and Forget It. Set your dehydrator to a fish-safe temperature, which is typically around 155°F (or 70°C). This temperature is high enough to ensure any potential surface bacteria are eliminated. The total time will depend on the size of your smelt and the efficiency of your dehydrator, but plan for anywhere between 8 to 12 hours.
4. Step 4: Check for Doneness. You’ll know the smelt are perfectly done when they are brittle and snap cleanly in half. If they bend or feel leathery, they need more time in the dehydrator. Any remaining moisture can lead to spoilage, so it’s better to over-dry them than under-dry them.
5. Step 5: Cool and Store. Turn off the dehydrator and let the smelt cool completely on the trays. This prevents condensation from forming inside your storage container. Once cool, transfer them to an airtight jar or bag and store them in a cool, dark place. For longer-term storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.

While dehydrated smelt are an incredibly healthy treat, it’s important to feed them responsibly. As with any food, moderation and awareness are key.

How Much is Too Much?

Remember, treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Dehydrated smelt are nutrient-dense, so a little goes a long way. A good general guideline is:

• Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 smelt per day
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 smelt per day
• Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): 3-5 smelt per day

If your dog is new to fish treats, start with just one and monitor them for any signs of digestive upset.

A Note on Thiaminase

You may have heard that certain raw fish, including smelt, contain an enzyme called thiaminase, which can break down thiamine (Vitamin B1). While this is a valid concern for dogs who eat a diet composed heavily of raw, thiaminase-containing fish, it’s virtually a non-issue with dehydrated treats. The heating process involved in dehydration deactivates the enzyme, and when fed in moderation as a treat, they pose no risk of causing a thiamine deficiency.

Expert Tip: Always source your smelt from a reputable supplier that sells human-grade fish. This ensures the fish are fresh and have been handled safely, minimizing the risk of contaminants.

And of course, always supervise your dog with any new chew or treat. The bones in smelt are tiny, soft, and digestible, but it’s always best practice to keep an eye on your pup.