Asian Carp – 5 Facts You Should Know About This Sustainable Fish

At Dope Dog, we’re constantly researching and innovating to create the highest quality pet products so you can feel good about choosing Dope Dog for you pups. Asian Carp is our most recent addition to the Dope Dog collection, and for good reason. If you’re unfamiliar with this often unknown fish, or curious why we chose it, continue reading to learn 5 interesting facts about Asian Carp.

1. Asian Carp are a non-native species in the United States.

You can think of Asian Carp as that uninvited guest to your dinner party. Sadly, it’s true. In the early 1960s, Asian Carp were brought to the United States from Southern China, Eastern Russia, and northern Vietnam. The truth is, they were not always a problem. When Asian Carp were brought to the United States in the early 60s, there was a goal in mind. Many species of the Asian Carp were released into the Southeast United States by a group of scientists from Arkansas to help control weeds and parasites in certain aquaculture operations. The fish quickly spread up the Mississippi River and the surrounding river systems to do their job.

2. Asian Carp are negatively affecting our ecosystem.

In the 1970s, the scientists continued monitoring the Asian Carp to determine if they were effective in keeping the algae growing in local fish ponds under control. They were. Unfortunately, as soon as the funding for this particular project ran out, they released the Asian Carp to roam free in the Mississippi river. Naturally, when an influx of a species that is non-native to the environment is released, it can cause damage to the existing ecosystem. This is exactly what happened with the Asian Carp roaming the Mississippi.

Asian Carp now make up almost 90% of the bio mass in the Mississippi river. Naturally they are outcompeting the other species for resources. Asian Carp eat a lot, and not much is off limits. The native fish populations are not able to compete with these aggressive invaders. In fact, Asian Carp can eat up to 40% of their body weight in a single day. Some carp can weigh up to 110 pounds!

3. The overpopulation of Asian Carp is a risk to locals.

These large fish are affecting more than just their fellow swimmers. Carp are known to jump up out of the river and have often run into boaters and fisherman. The fisherman are not a fan of this behavior because it damages their boating equipment and can injure boaters on board. Another downside is that the heavy-feeding carp restrict the overall supply of other fish available in the river.

4. The consumption of Asian Carp is sustainable and conscious-minded choice.

Based off its history, this non-native fish is unsurprisingly getting a bad wrap in the United States. Using Asian Carp in our food and dog treats will help clean them out of the waterways that they are disrupting. This effect will reduce the effects that the over-population is having on competing species, the ecosystem, the locals. In addition, the carp have an unusual bone structure that makes it difficult for them to be processed into filets for human consumption. For these reasons, Asian Carp is one of the most sustainable protein options on the market.

5. Asian Carp is a rich in dietary minerals and vitamins.

There’s good news!

Asian Carp is higher in protein than most popular meats such as beef and lamb. It is naturally high in antioxidants, beneficial fatty acids, and low in fat. Asian Carp is also rich in minerals and vitamins like phosphorus and vitamin B12. For these reasons, and its great flavor, we chose Asian Carp as the main ingredient in our new Calming Crunchies. Rest assured as your pups enjoy this sustainable protein.

Shop Asian Carp dog treats by Dope Dog.

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