Hake
5 foods contain this ingredient
This is an alphabetical list, not a ranking. Add KL+ to rank foods for your pet in the Food Finder.
About Hake
Hake is a lean white ocean fish included in some dog and cat recipes as one of several fish proteins in multi-fish formulas.
Hake is a lean white fish used in pet foods as a high-quality, digestible animal protein and a source of B vitamins, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, commonly included in wet and dry diets or rendered into fish meal. It can support muscle maintenance and skin/coat health in dogs and cats, but owners should be aware of possible fish allergies, variability in nutrient and contaminant levels depending on sourcing and processing, and that pet-safe products are deboned and properly handled to avoid bones, spoilage or excessive heavy metals.
Related ingredients
- Derived from
- flesh of hake species (genus Merluccius)
- Primary role
- animal protein source, often part of multi-fish blends
Why it's used
Hake appears in pet food largely as part of multi-protein fish blends, contributing complete animal protein, B vitamins, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids alongside other whitefish like flounder or redfish. A complete and balanced formula accounts for the fact that nutrient ratios differ across animal-sourced ingredients, so hake is typically combined with other proteins rather than used alone.
Common concerns
- Fish as a food allergen Fish is documented as one of the more common food allergens in cats specifically, so hake carries the same general consideration as other fish proteins for pets with a suspected fish sensitivity.
- Contaminant and mercury variability Mercury and other contaminant levels in ocean fish vary by species, size, and catch location, and FDA monitoring data shows hake carries a measurably higher mercury reading than some lower-mercury whitefish like haddock, though still within the range FDA characterizes as a better choice category for regular consumption.
- Bones and processing As with other fish ingredients, pet food products need proper deboning and handling since bones and spoilage are hazards distinct from the nutrient profile of the fish itself.
Common Questions
What category is Hake?
Hake is categorized as a protein ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Hake part of an allergen group?
Yes. Hake is grouped under the Fish allergen group in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Hake?
5 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Hake, including Acana, Orijen.
Foods with Hake
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
.png?sw=1200)
Find the right food for your pet
Sign in free to sort and filter by score, and avoid or require Hake in the Food Finder. Add KL+ to see these foods ranked for your pet's breed, age, and health focus.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook