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Of all the fish in the sea, salmon is one of the healthiest for dogs. The meat and skin are packed with many vitamins and nutrients that can promote various aspects of your dog’s health. Because of its useful properties, salmon is a staple in many commercial dog foods, treats, and other dietary supplements.
Key Points
“Dogs can safely eat cooked salmon,” confirms Dr. Ashly Smith, Regional Medical Director of Small Door Veterinary. “It’s a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients that support skin, coat, and joint health.”
Salmon can be on the menu in moderation when part of a complete and balanced diet. If you ever have questions regarding any aspect of your dog’s health, such as introducing new foods, consult your veterinarian.
Dogs Can Safely Eat Cooked Salmon
Can you feed your dog cooked salmon or salmon-infused dog food? Absolutely. Can you feed your dog raw salmon fresh off the hook? Think again.
“Raw salmon is not safe for dogs,” says Dr. Smith. “It can carry parasites, such as Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which causes salmon poisoning disease, a potentially fatal condition. Salmon-infused commercial diets are typically safe, as they’re cooked and formulated to eliminate this risk.”
Salmon poisoning disease is a serious matter, with 90% of untreated cases resulting in death. The condition doesn’t specifically target any type of dog, but fish carrying the disease are prevalent in the Puget Sound and off the coast of Northern California. The disease can manifest within seven days of eating infected fish, during which a dog may experience fever, gastrointestinal distress, and generalized lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).
If your dog eats raw salmon, such as salmon that washed up on the beach, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek a professional opinion.
“Owners should contact their veterinarian immediately [if their dog eats raw salmon],” says Dr. Smith. “Even a small amount of raw salmon can cause illness if contaminated.”
How to Feed Your Dog Salmon
Salmon is a core ingredient in many popular dog foods, treats, and toppers. You could also play chef and cook salmon for your dog. When serving salmon to your dog, you should:
- Remove the bones. Salmon (and other types of fish) harbor small, brittle bones that could pose a choking hazard to your dog. Sharp edges could also perforate your dog’s intestine. Choose fresh, boneless filets to prevent any hazards.
- Cook the salmon thoroughly. Regardless of your cooking method, salmon should reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. This process kills any parasites or harmful bacteria that could pose a health risk to your dog.
- Consider canned salmon. If you’re pressed for time, many grocery stores sell canned salmon that’s ready to serve. The best choice is low in sodium and high in water.
“Cook salmon plain (baked, steamed, or grilled) without seasoning, oils, or sauces. Remove all bones before serving,” advises Dr. Smith.
Benefits of a Salmon-Based Diet for Dogs
Salmon can do more than excite your dog’s taste buds. As noted, it can also promote many aspects of your dog’s health. For starters, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats that can strengthen the immune system, improve coat and skin health, and support development during puppyhood.
“Salmon is highly digestible and rich in beneficial fats, which can be especially helpful for dogs with skin allergies or inflammatory conditions,” says Dr. Smith. “However, it may be more calorie-dense than lean proteins like chicken or turkey, so portion control is important.”
Additionally, some breeds are more likely to benefit from salmon than others.
“Breeds prone to skin sensitivities, like Huskies or Retrievers, may particularly benefit from the omega-3s in salmon, though all dogs can gain from its nutritional value,” explains Dr. Smith.
Other Types of Fish Dogs Can Safely Eat
Salmon is just one of the many fish that both humans and dogs can enjoy together. Generally, short-lived fish are less likely to accumulate toxins that can build up over time and pose health risks.
Some choice catches include:
- Ocean whitefish
- Herring
- Walleye
- Flounder
- Arctic char
- Catfish
- Cod
- Low-sodium sardines
- Anchovies
While salmon is often called a superfood because of its many nutritional benefits, the same cannot be said for other types of fish.
“Avoid fish high in mercury (like tuna, swordfish, or king mackerel) and any raw or smoked fish products,” says Dr. Smith. “Always cook fish thoroughly before offering it to dogs to destroy harmful parasites and bacteria.”
How Much Salmon Should My Dog Eat?
Ensuring your dog eats an appropriate amount of salmon can go a long way in maximizing any health benefits. But what constitutes an adequate serving size? It depends on your dog.
Generally, as a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t feed your dog prepared salmon more than once a week. Furthermore, the calorically dense fish shouldn’t be the bulk of your dog’s diet. They still need grains, healthy fats, and other nutrients to thrive. As bland as it may seem, your dog gets all the nutrition they need from any commercially available food that meets Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.
Feeding your dog salmon-infused kibble, however, is more than okay. In fact, it makes a great protein alternative for dogs who are allergic (or sensitive) to chicken or beef. Your dog’s weight will play a critical role in what constitutes a proper serving size. Other factors, such as whether your dog is pregnant, also play a role. A veterinary nutritionist can evaluate your dog and advise you accordingly.
Consult Your Dog’s Veterinarian for More Information
If you’re fishing for ways to enhance your dog’s diet, you can’t go wrong with salmon — both Atlantic and Pacific varieties. Your veterinarian is an excellent resource. Your dog’s weight, age, and whether they have any breed-specific health conditions will play major roles in determining a suitable meal plan.
“Salmon can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet when prepared properly, but moderation is key,” says Dr. Smith. “Stick to cooked, boneless salmon as an occasional treat or a protein source in a complete, balanced dog food.”